There’s been a royal birth! Like, OH EM GEE guys! In all seriousness, congratulations to the happy couple.  In more serious seriousness…there seemed to be more interest in the name than the actual baby. In case you thought Queen Elizabeth II might actually allow a celeb worthy name along the lines of ‘Moxy Crime Fighter’ (no, that REALLY happened) the third in line for the throne has been dubbed “His Royal Highness Prince George of Cambridge”.  Your interesting trivia of the month : royal families in England don’t have last names.  In fact, should the placement of a surname become an issue (legal documents, etc) the ‘Royal House’ they are from has always been used in its place.

Care to read up ole' chap?

Speaking of the (false) importance of names…Leather and Weiners are probably the most appropriate (or dare we say, inappropriate...) names for the 2nd scandal involving the Democratic Mayoral candidate from New York City.

(Statue of Liberty jokes not allowed..)
(Empire State Building jokes will be considered.) 

Attempting to avoid said scandal by renaming yourself “Carlos Danger”, Mr. Weiners, does NOT make you a dark and mysterious bad boy.

Finally, something the New York Post and TMZ can agree on..

Finally, something Politico and TMZ can agree on...with the New York Post.

A NY fisherman off the coast of Long Island survived 12 hours lost at sea, all because of his boots?  John Aldridge was able to turn over his boots and use them as an improvised flotation devise while rescue workers hurried to find him.  Moral of the story?  When your wife says she needs a new pair of shoes or she’ll die…she might be right.

Click here to read the story your wife will hold over your head for 7+ years

In other New York news, the city has now banned the sale and procurement of shark fins due to what has been dubbed “inhumane practice” and a depleting population.

The outlaw takes effect July 1, 2014.

A seal in England proves to have a preference for Malibu Kayaks. (Hey, we can say what we want when we’re reporting the media!)  A fisherman off the coast of Hartlepool was admiring his net full of 20+ mackerel when a seal bumped the kayak, tipping the man and his fish over, and swam back home to the kids with a Costco worthy bag of fresh food.

NOPE, we're not actually kidding.

ICast 2013 was this month, and that means tons of new gadgets to play around with for all of you who enjoy a little kayak fishing action.  This year you could see everything from waterproof iPhone and Galaxy S3 cases to accessory extenders to tshirts that do the bragging for you.  

Check out Rapid Media’s list of cool stuff here: 

With that, we leave you with a Grandma whose coolness level we will never attain.

That's your July gossip roundup!  Be sure to invite your friends and family to like us on Facebook and/or Instagram.(@MalibuKayaks) ..where we are much cooler than our even our Mom's admit to.

A sweet neighborly looking gentleman in Virginia recently hauled in a 3 foot,17.6 pound Northern Snakehead that might possibly make a world record.  Something else he caught on his reel?  A bucket full of nightmares.  The Snakehead is so named for its large, toothy, ‘snake’ like head, and ability to secret copious amounts of goo across its entire body.  It’s also nick-named the Frankenfish, because it has the freakish ability to walk on land.  So basically, it’s a 3 foot long (but some species can grow up to 6 feet!) zombie snake monster from hell, and it’s coming to a river near you.  Running for the mountains yet? 

Frankenfish are native to the waters of Russia, China, and North and South Korea – 3 of which were allies in the Korean war (evil coincidence? We think not).  After first being discovered in American waters in 2002, Frankenfish have had a more than steady population increase.  Why you might ask?  Because they have no natural predators.  The only thing that kill Frankenfish are humans…and other Frankenfish.  That’s right, it’s a CANNIBAL-snake-zombie-monster-fish.  

The real question here is, what else are they eating? (aside from possibly children, puppies, and your dreams)  According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the 'Channa Argus', as it is scientifically classified, feeds voraciously on other fish, crustaceans, frogs, and insects.  So...everything, making it a not-so-nice neighbor in our serene environment.

Now, we’ve seen plenty of non-native, invasive fish make their home in the Land of the Free (we did a blog on the LionFish earlier this year), but few can rival the attitude of the Snakefish.  As a species that is capable of spawning up to 5 times a year, you'd think mom and pop would be a bit exhausted.  Nope!  Very territorial and protective of their young, some Frankenfish have been known to KILL, yes we said kill, humans that got too close to their nest.  John Odenkirk, a Virginia fisheries biologist, caught a wounded Snakehead near Mount Vernon earlier this year.  The fish had a large gash in its belly, presumably from a Tekken style run-in with another fisherman (may he rest in peace), and its entrails were protruding from the 5” cut.   While the fish continued to breathe and move normally, Odenkirk was able to estimate the cut as being a few days old.  Oh, now isn't that just FANTASTIC.   Apparently, Frankenfish get their gang-like toughness through random acts of violence, aka killing fish for fun.  No, not food, just fun.

While the Center for Disease Control and Protection has yet to respond with comment, the unofficial response to the eminent zombie takeover is to fight fire with fire.  Should you summon up your inner Chuck Norris enough to catch one of these bad boys and live to tell, they make a pretty tasty catch.  In fact, they are an integral part of Asian cuisine (duh, they're all ninjas).  Be cautious though, and only attempt to reel one in with the proper equipment, sticking to shallow water, and preferably with a buddy.   

Well folks, hide your kids, hide your wife, ‘cause Frankenfish killing everything up in here.  Not just a horrible character in an equally bad movie, Frankenfish is real, and it could be swimming up from the depths of hell near you (if by depths of hell, you mean the Potomac River).  

If you thought Chuck Norris was bad, you haven’t met Tyler Bradt.  Just 27 years old, Tyler has been kayaking rapids since the age of 12 (but don’t worry, he was already kayaking at age 6…they start ‘em young in Montana).  By the tender age of 15 he was invited to kayak the rapids in Norway, and had his first near-death experience when his kayak flipped and pinned against a rock.  Despite calling this his “closest experience yet”, he still holds the record for most death-defying, crazy, and all around scary-as-hell 186ft drop while kayaking Palouse Falls in Washington. Says the extreme kayaker of the experience, “There was a stillness, then an acceleration, speed, and impact unlike anything I’ve ever felt before.”  (You don't say??)  The previous record was held by someone just as justifiably insane, Pedro Oliva, who ran the 127 ft Salto Belo in Brazil.

Standing over 17ft taller than Niagra Falls, Bradt’s drop earned him world recognition and a spot in the May 2009 issue of Sports Illustrated (not the swimsuit issue, sorry dude).  The footage of his descent was later used in his collaborative film effort with friend Rush Sturges (pro-kayaker, play rapper, and all around nice guy Facebook.com/TheAdrenalineRush), “Dream Result”.

Check out the first 4 Minutes of the movie on youtube.

(We don’t recommend following the link on the YouTube page unless you can read Japanese…probably better to just rent it on iTunes or Amazon, or purchasing here : River-Roots.com)

Rapid, death-defying, waterfall kayaking isn’t all fun and games and angry mothers – it can be quite dangerous (shocked..we know.)  In March of 2011, Bradt was visiting Oregon with friends and attempted to jump the 95ft (that’s nothing right?) Abiqua Falls.  Misjudging the entry, he took the water too flat and broke the L1 vertebrae in his back, leading to a 4 hour surgery, 4 screws, and a super fun sounding bone graft to replace the crushed bone.  Most importantly, Bradt wasn’t cleared to kayak for more than 3 months post surgery.  He’s kept busy since getting back on the water though, and in January of 2012 started a 258 mile, 1 month long kayak trip into the Sea of Cortez, Baja California, Mexico, along with friends Sarah McNair-Landry and Erik Boomer.  Sponsors for the trip included KAVO, TRIAK, NRS, Adventure Technology, La Paz, and VOKE.

Want to get in touch with our Kayaking Ninja? Reach out on his Facebook fan page here and let him know we sent you!

What is the craziest adventure you’ve had while kayaking? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook.  Personally, we plan on sticking to fishing.  Or cave exploring.  Or watching really, REALLY ridiculously bad summer reality television on Fox.  Waterfall plunging is best left to the experts.

References below:

http://adventure.nationalgeographic.com/kayak-waterfall-record 

http://atpaddles.com/

http://www.triaksports.com/

http://www.nrsweb.com/

http://community.nrsweb.com/duct-tape/2013/02/09/tyler-bradts-excellent-adventure/

http://www.canoekayak.com/canoe/tyler-bradt-graces-sports-illustrated/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNXh9gXDd2Y

Many communities here in the US and around the world are close to bodies of water open to the public for recreation. If you own a boat, you already know this. What you might not realize is you may not be able to enjoy all the aspects of your local aquatic playground. In other words, you’re not experiencing the water “up-close.”

NONE SHALL PASS?

If there is a stream littered with rocks that runs across a valley between mountains, would you navigate your motorboat through it? Or what about a fishing hole at the end of a very narrow river? Would you put a large boat or even a very long, heavy canoe through the task? Of course not!

If you own a kayak, you can access these hard-to-reach places like dental floss to a back molar. Plus, there’s no need to worry about fuel, hauling a large boat, finding a launch, paying launch fees, and other secondary costs associated with boat ownership, such as watercraft insurance.

EXPERIENCE YOUR WORLD UP-CLOSE

Sit on top kayaks and sit-ins get you through the tight spots and closer to the water than motorboats, canoes, or rafts. They’re lightweight and most models are easy to maneuver even for beginners. From our fish & dive models for hardcore enthusiasts to our recreational packages for weekend warriors and standard packages for curious beginners, there is a kayak for your desired outings. You’ll have all the conveniences of storage space for food, water, and fishing gear. And almost anyone can carry a kayak to and from the water alone or with the aid of a fellow paddler.

LAKES, RIVERS, OCEANS – WHAT’S YOUR AQUA DU JOUR?

Malibu Kayaks provides kayak models for nearly every type of recreational or fishing activity you can handle for just about every body of water. Need a wading caddy for skinny waters? The Mini-X is light and easy to handle and transport. Want to conquer the waves? Consider one of our longer, more robust models, like the X-13, the Stealth-14, or the X-Factor. Are you a lake or calm river person? One of our mid-sized models may work for you.

THE NEXT STEP

You know your waters. You want a kayak. You’ve checked out our models, talked to friends, and want to experience a Malibu Kayak for yourself. What’s the next step? Have one of our local dealers guide you through the process and fit you into a kayak that’s just right for you. Get started by contacting your nearest Malibu Kayaks dealer. Or, call us and we can help you find the dealer nearest you.

“Dads are quite obviously a very large part of our core audience,” said a representative of Malibu Kayaks. “Our customers love snapping photos when they are out on the water, and we want to show our appreciation for all the dads out there and all the photos we receive. What better way than a photo contest?”

To enter the contest, a contestant would take a photo of himself, or of a father or grandfather they are representing. Alternatively, contestants are able to submit a photo of their whole family or of their children kayaking. Contestants would then upload their photo to the Malibu Kayaks Facebook and Instagram pages with the hashtag #mkcooldad. Once upload is complete, the contestant is entered and a judging team from Malibu Kayaks will select five finalists for a random drawing.

2013 marks the first year Malibu Kayaks has ran a Father’s Day photo contest for its customer base. Before this, the company ran two contests in 2012 announcing the launch of their newest kayak lines, the eXpress, a surf ski/fishing kayak hybrid that replaced Malibu Kayaks’ 4.4 model, and the Ranger-15 series, a canoe/kayak hybrid. The company also ran an Amazon sweepstakes in 2011, offering a Mini-X, their mini recreational and fishing kayak platform, as the grand prize.

“We believe this is the start of a tradition,” said the Malibu Kayaks representative. “We hope to offer a Father’s Day contest every year, possibly with bigger and better prize packages. This is merely the tip of the iceberg for Father’s Day promotion.”

For official details on the Father’s Day photo contest, read the official Fathers Day sweepstakes rules. Malibu Kayaks are available through various dealers nationally and worldwide.

About Malibu Kayaks:

Malibu Kayaks is a manufacturer of sit-on-top kayaks, sit-inside kayaks, and kayak accessories headquartered in Paramount, CA. Founded in 1999, Malibu Kayaks began with the creation of their Pro 2 Tandem two-seat kayak moving on to their best-selling fishing kayaks, including the Stealth series, the X-Factor, and its little brother the Mini-X. The company also makes kayaks specific for recreational paddlers, professional paddlers, and water fitness enthusiasts.

Media Contact:
Public Relations Department
Malibu Kayaks
562-630-6282
https://malibukayaks.com

###

2013 Father’s Day Photo Contest Rules

The Malibu Kayaks Father’s Day Photo Contest will be conducted on Instagram @MalibuKayaks through the dates of June 1st, 2013 to June 18th, 2013.

No purchase is necessary to participate.  Entries may also be mailed to info@malibukayaks.com

Malibu Kayaks reserves the right to delete and disqualify photos posted on our Social Media accounts or linked with the hashtag “ #mkcooldad “ that do not adhere to legal, safe and ethical guidelines for kayaking, contain vulgar language, or are violent and/or sexual in nature.

Participants may enter as many photos as they wish; however, an entrant will only have one photo considered for finalist position.

For a photograph to be eligible for finalist consideration, it must:

• Be uploaded to instagram

• Contain a photo of a father/grandfather with his Malibu Kayak, a father/grandfather and his family with a Malibu Kayak, a child with their Malibu Kayak.

• Write a caption explaining what makes the dad in the pic (or taking the pic) a ‘Malibu Kayaks Cool Dad!’

• Include the hashtag “MKcooldad” (written #MKcooldad )

A Malibu Kayaks judging team will select five of the most creative photos as finalists, of which a random draw will be completed to announce the Grand Prize Winner and Secondary Winner.  Malibu Kayaks will announce and repost the winner’s photos via Facebook, MalibuKayaks.com, and Instagram on June 24th 2013.  The deadline for entry is June 18th 2013, at midnight PST.

The Grand Prize winner will receive one Navigator Paddle valued at $129.95, one Spider Seat valued at $89.95, one small Heavy Duty Clear Dry Bag valued at $15.95, and one Malibu Kayaks baseball cap valued at $15.95, with a total prize value equaling $251.80.

The Secondary winner will receive one Explorer Seat valued at $59.95, one small Heavy Duty Clear Dry Bag valued at $15.95, and one Malibu Kayaks baseball cap valued at $15.95, with a total prize value equaling $91.85.

Each winner is required to submit his/her mailing address to info@malibukayaks.com by 5 p.m., PST *July 1st, 2013.

*Winners who do not submit their mailing addresses as required by July 1st, 2013, after being announced as winners via Facebook.com/MalibuKayaks, MalibuKayaks.com, and Instagram @ MalibuKayaks, forfeits his/her prize.

Malibu Kayaks staff and their immediate family members are not eligible to win.  The contest is open for entry to residents 18 years of age and older in the contiguous United States only.

Malibu Kayaks will be allowed to use the images in any and all media formats without consent from the photographer or models and without expectation of compensation and will not be held liable for any damages resulting from such use.

Malibu Kayaks reserves the right to alter contest rules as necessary.

Sometimes convenience is king: and a 12 or 14 foot plastic boat that needs little maintenance and is easier to store is going to work better for a lot of anglers than a 26 foot boat that requires both body and motor maintenance -- not to mention a boat slip or storage location, which could set an angler back a hefty month fee.

A Typical Day for a Boater

Consider this scenario: you get up early to start your day on the water. You head out to the side of the garage to start manipulating your trailer so that you can attach it to your vehicle. You may need some help making sure that you don’t hit anything and so that you can line everything up properly. You attach the trailer, fasten it and then pull out enough to pack the boat.

You head to the nearest landing area and wait your turn to put your boat in the water. You need some help with this as well so that nothing goes wrong, like your vehicle getting stuck in the water or your motorboat hull getting scratched at the bottom. You get the boat into the water, you park your vehicle and you head out. But wait... did you remember to put fuel in your motorboat's fuel tank? If not, you may need to get that done at a nearby marina, likely costing you much more than your local gasoline station. At that point, you can enjoy your day until it’s time to deal with this entire process in reverse when the day is over.

A Typical Day for a Kayak Angler

Now here's another scenario: you grab your kayak, strap it carefully to the roof of your vehicle, put your rods and milkcrate chock full of fishing supplies in your car, and you head to the water. You don’t need to use a landing, only a place to park your vehicle, and you walk into the water to get moving. You spend your day paddling, even getting some exercise, and you enjoy fishing, reaching some of the hottest spots without worrying about getting grounded.

When your day is complete, you row to shore, pack your supplies back into your car and strap the kayak to your roof. You drive home, empty the supplies and perhaps the fish that you’ve caught (the cunning kayak angler, providing dinner for his family), unstrap your kayak and put it away. You’ve just finished a day on the water doing what you wanted to do without incurring any real expense and without encountering any real delays.

More than Convenience: Passion

Doesn't the second scenario sound like a more pleasant day on the water? Even so, the kayak anglers and paddlers we speak to every day have a variety of other reasons as to why they paddle. Why do you choose to fish out of a kayak as opposed to a motorboat? Comment and let us know!

Spotted off the coast of Dania, FL as early as fall 1985 and the Biscayne Bay after Hurricane Andrew in 1992, the lionfish has created an impact on a variety of species, most notably the grouper and snapper. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), lionfish spawn multiple times during mating season, producing as much as 15,000 to 30,000 eggs per spawn. With sexual maturity at two years, it’s clear that the Lionfish numbers are alarming.

So what exactly does this mean for kayaking and fishing in Florida and other parts affected? Put it this way – lionfish may get to your catches before you do. And they don’t get the concept of overfishing.

Lionfish prey include small fish and crustaceans normally reserved for food of prized catches. In short, lionfish affect the availability of prize fish, which, if continued long term, could affect fishing quality for the State of Florida and elsewhere.

Photo credit: Mark Albins, Oregon State University.

The lionfish is a salt-water fish, preferring coral or rocky areas as habitat, so fresh water lake, river and swamp kayak anglers will be thankfully unaffected. Hardcore sea anglers may already notice a difference in their fishing results. Kayak divers may easily spot this fish, as it’s quite colorful with long, protruding spines (which are venomous, so handle with care). Florida divers are encouraged to catch and kill any confirmed Lionfish they find. Check with your state and local fishing game wardens for details.

Anglers in their rigged fishing kayaks can do their part in alleviating the resource-consuming Lionfish. If you happen to catch a Lionfish, alert the nearest fishing or wildlife official, if possible. Do not release it unless directed to do so.

The Society of Environmental Journalists has recommended catching, cooking and eating the Lionfish! Turns out Lionfish are quite delicious and any venom is removed during the cooking process. Additionally, anglers must take care in catching native Lionfish predators, namely very large grouper. Best to catch, photo and release (CPR). Of course, adhere to all local fishing laws and regulations first and foremost.

Have you seen a Lionfish on your sea kayak line? Maybe you’ve had a close and personal encounter with the dreaded sea predator. Be sure to share your Lionfish experiences with us below.

The company will keep the same site URL, malibukayaks.com, so kayakers will have no issues finding the new site. What they will find is a completely new layout, with a white and aqua blue color scheme and beach theme, complete with new flash images, blog content, quick links to a photos and video, a dealer locator, manuals, and links to the company’s social media pages.

“To say we’re excited about the new website would be an understatement,” said a representative from Malibu Kayaks. “We’ve been working on the new site for quite some time and we’re pleased with the outcome. The website represents a new, refreshed Malibu Kayaks company, and we will continue to provide high quality kayaks and accessories to our dealers and their customers.”

New to the site from previous versions is an enhanced product view with zoom-in features, along with accompanying product photos and video. Additionally, the company is now providing certain replacement parts directly to the public, something they have not done previously.

To better address customer issues, the company is also providing online manuals, brochures, and instructional videos to answer common questions and concerns. “We view our website as an extension of our customer service,” continued the Malibu Kayaks representative. “Any customer who has a question about one of our models or a simple accessory installation will likely find the answer on our site.”

For additional information on Malibu Kayaks, contact Mark Adams or visit malibukayaks.com. Malibu Kayaks are available through various dealers nationally and worldwide.

About Malibu Kayaks:

Malibu Kayaks is a manufacturer of sit-on-top kayaks, sit-inside kayaks, and kayak accessories headquartered in Paramount, CA. Founded in 1999, Malibu Kayaks began with the creation of their Pro 2 Tandem two-seat kayak moving on to their best-selling fishing kayak Stealth series, X-Factor and its little brother the Mini-X. The company also makes kayaks focused on recreational paddlers, professional paddlers, and water fitness enthusiasts.

Media Contact:
Mark Adams, director of public relations
Malibu Kayaks
562-630-6282 ext. 109
https://malibukayaks.com

###

Malibu Kayaks is unveiling a surf ski that fisherman are paying attention to: the Express.  The company’s new 2012 model is attracting attention due to its ability to function as a fishing kayak in addition to being used to ride waves.  Combining both fishing and surfing attributes is a first in the kayak and canoe markets.

The Express is an update to the 4.4, a now discontinued Malibu Kayaks model.  While the 4.4 was designed strictly as the company’s best surf ski option, the Express contains important modifications making it suitable for recreational angling, including the addition of fishing rod holders, bungee storage, and dry storage.

“Fishing is the dominant sport in the US and the rest of the world when it comes to kayaks, but kayak surfing is starting to catch on,” said a representative from Malibu Kayaks.  “With the Express, we can introduce this exciting water sport to active fisherman who may be looking for other ways to have fun out on the sea.  Now, staying closer to shore and riding the waves can be one of those options.”

Malibu Kayaks models are offered in three different packages: Standard, Recreational, and Fish & Dive. Serious surfers can stick to kayak surfing by opting for the Standard or Recreational packages, which offer fewer fishing accessories.  Hardcore anglers turning surfers can opt for the Fish & Dive option and even turn their surf kayak into more a fishing vessel with additional accessories, provided by Crack of Dawn Paddle Sports, the sister company of Malibu Kayaks.

The company also offers a smaller lightweight kayak strictly built for surfing and paddling: the 3.4.  At a strict weight capacity of 140 pounds, this boat accommodates the lightest and fittest riders.  The Express is more forgiving, with a weight capacity of 240 pounds.

With the canoe kayak debate raging on among paddlers, Malibu Kayaks has released hybrid boats: the Ranger 15 series.  Based in Southern California, Malibu Kayaks has always been known for their sit-on-top kayak models, a favorite among avid fishermen.  Now with the Ranger 15 series, Malibu Kayaks is hoping to sway some of canoe market over to the kayak world with a model series that has the advantages of both a canoe and a sit-inside kayak.

The Ranger series is actually two boats: the Ranger 15.1 and the Ranger 15.2.  The Ranger 15.1 is a single-rider vessel, while the 15.2 converts to fit two riders.  At 15 and a half feet long, the new Ranger 15 series currently stands at the manufacturer’s longest boats.  Conventionally, length equals speed, so Malibu Kayaks hopes the boats will serve as a high-end placement in the paddling market, serving to meet the needs of consumers who demand comfort, stability, and performance.

“We designed the Ranger to be two boats in one,” said a representative from Malibu Kayaks.  “People can get cheap canoes and low end kayaks anywhere, and with paddlers debating about which is better, we say why argue?  We say paddlers should get maneuverability, comfort and precision.  Hence, we created the Ranger 15.”

Ask any recreational paddler why they choose canoe or kayak and you are likely to get a wide variety of responses.  This heated debate has fueled demand and manufacturer design in creating more comfortable, easy to maneuver vehicles.  Despite this, most paddlers stick to their vessel type of choice.  Malibu Kayaks hopes to make hybrids, like the Ranger series, that will end the debate.

It’s a scenario most of us are familiar with: you and your partner work hours and hours each week in an office, you spend your free time caring for the house and kids, who are in school during the day.  All the while, any down time is spent in front of the TV, the Internet, or maybe with the kids playing video games.

Sound like your family?  Well it’s time to get everyone in a kayak!

Kayaking with your whole family is a great way to spend a day or a whole weekend outdoors.  Take a look at Malibu Kayaks’ top three reasons to kayak with your family.

Benefit #1: Kayaking lets you and family escape the modern world

In a day and age where everyone is connected, sometimes it’s best to disconnect and get back to nature.  If you love the water, kayaking is best way to experience it.  You’re about a foot above the water as you paddle, taking in the sights and sighing as the cool breeze hits your face.  In fact, some researchers claim that the therapeutic good feelings we get from kayaking in the wilderness helps us recover from the mental fatigue of the typical work week. Sounds good to us!

Benefit #2: Kayaking is great bonding for your entire family

Looking for a way to get closer to your loved ones?  Kayaking is the solution – both literally and figuratively!  Two tandem kayaks for a family of four, for example, is a great way to be physically close to your partner and children.  Meanwhile, your family will enjoy a close bond through adventure, relaxation, and stress-free enjoyment, not to mention the great stories you’ll all have to share together later.

Benefit #3: Kayaking is healthy and fun

While you’re out having fun, you and your family are getting much needed exercise, a win-win! How much exercise?  Well, the average person can burn up to 400 calories in an hour by paddling.  A family that works out together stays together.  So why not enjoy the outdoors and have a blast while doing it?

Family Fun Kayaks

Tandem kayaks are an obvious recommendation, but our recreational models also make great options.  Take a look at our recommended family fun kayaks:

Pro 2 Tandem (paddling for two) 

Ranger 15 series (paddling for one or two) 

3.4 (great for kids)

Mini-X (for beginning and intermediate paddlers) 

Using a dive kayak to explore certain parts of fresh or salt water was very popular in the mid-1990s.  Then kayak angling essentially took over as the dominant sport.  Well the adventuring spirit still dwells within us, so we say kayak diving is back!  And in fact, more dedicated scuba divers are looking into kayaks for exploring areas beyond their diving points.  Plus let’s not forget that kayak divers can get to places that most boats cannot reach.

Kayaks and Diving – Like Cake and Ice-cream

When you stop and think, kayaking and diving have a lot more in common than you might realize.  Like cake and ice cream, Laurel and Hardy, peanuts and cracker jacks, kayaks and diving just belong together.  Here’s why:

• Exploration – A dive kayak lets you explore above water in areas otherwise not accessible by other means.  When you arrive at your destination you can dive and explore uncharted areas underwater.
• Love of the sea – What better way is there to enjoy every aspect of the sea than with scuba gear and a kayak?  From the top of the ocean to near the bottom, you’ll experience it all.
• Fitness – Want a complete workout?  Build your upper body strength with paddling then finish off with a cardio swim several feet below.
• Good ol’ fashioned fun – We’ve touched upon this already, but if you’re looking for a new and exciting way to have fun, kayak diving might be for you!

Kayak Diving Basics

Ready to get into the water?  Hold on, kayak diver.  Here are some important basics to keep in mind:

• If you’re going to be kayaking in the ocean, you’ll need to get past the shore breaks first, which will require some aggressive paddling.  If this isn’t something you think you can handle, start with calmer waters first.
• Make sure you’re geared up: Scuba suit, two full oxygen tanks, scuba mask, dive flag, anchor, and (if applicable) spear gun or gear for fishing.
• Just like swimming, make sure you dive with a buddy.  Don’t dive alone!
• First timer?  Make sure you are scuba certified before diving!  In addition to learning safety tips, you’ll learn a lot about the sport of diving.

Fish & Dive Kayaks

We recommend our fish and dive packages for the serious kayak diver.  Our best kayaks for diving include:

Extreme

Pro Explorer

X-13

When you think of fishing, you may not think of fitness, but guess what?  Kayak fishing is different, thanks to kayaking for exercise!  Many anglers and outdoorsmen and women forget that exercise is a common side effect of their kayaking efforts.  In fact, we’re calling it the ultimate side effect! 

Truth be told, we wish more yakers would use their kayaks chiefly for fitness.  But with all the fish biting and the great coves, fjords, rivers, and whitewater to explore, there’s plenty of fun to be had with kayaking without thinking about fitness.  But like it or not kayakers, you’re getting exercise.  So if you stop and consider kayaking for exercise, you’ll take advantage of the ultimate side effect in the form of three core benefits.

Benefit #1: Kayaking for exercise helps weight loss

It’s a simple fact: burn more calories than you take in and you’ll lose weight. Kayak paddling is a great way to burn away that stubborn fat.  In fact, an average person paddling at a moderate pace for one hour will burn about 400 calories.  With this in mind, consider paddling for an additional 15 minutes or so before you drop anchor for fishing or diving. Your body will thank you.

Benefit #2: Kayaking for exercise lowers stress

Movement of any type is great for you because it pumps up your endorphins.  And pumped-up endorphins help boost your mood, which helps lower your stress levels.  Meanwhile, as you move through the countryside, enjoying the sights, sounds, the feel of the breeze, and the scent of fresh air, you’re essentially practicing the art of meditation.  While in motion, no less!  Continue paddling while enjoying the scenery and watch the stress melt away.

Benefit #3: Kayaking for exercise builds strength

And not just by paddling either, kayakers.  Think about all the gear hauling you do, plus tying up your yak to your car’s roof, and getting into and out of your kayak.  All these activities can help build muscles in your upper and lower body.  So while you’re burning calories, enjoying the sights and sounds of nature, you’re also helping build lean muscle mass.  So flex proudly yakers!  You’ve earned it.

Kayaks for Fitness

While all our kayaks are great for getting exercise, here are a few recommendations to get you started:

3.4 (for kayak surfing)

Express (for kayak surfing) 

Pro Explorer (for paddling)

Pro 2 Tandem (paddling for two)

Ranger 15 series (paddling for one or two)

Extreme (for diving)

Who says the only thing you can do with your dog is go for a walk or play fetch?  Kayaking and paddling are fun activities for a hot day with your dog, especially if your dog enjoys being out on the open sea or going for a swim.  But before you take the plunge, make sure both you and your dog are ready for such a voyage.  Go through our checklist to make sure you and your best friend are prepared for your kayak expedition.

Is your dog well-behaved?  Above all else, this is rule one.  A well-disciplined hound will be a better kayaker than an unruly one.  Plus, if your dog is not the biggest fan of water, they may become anxious or rambunctious.  Still, even if your dog is not nautical by nature, a well-trained dog in their owner’s company can find peace and relaxation during kayaking and paddling.

Are you an experienced paddler?  Malibu Kayaks does not recommend paddlers with little to no experience attempt kayaking with a dog.  This is due to the potential distractions a dog can create while on the water.  If you’re still not 100-percent used to paddling and maneuvering your yak, attending to Fido is not going to help.  Make sure you’ve paddled and angled numerous times before bringing your dog onboard.

Are you prepared for the trip?  Make sure you have safety covered, with life vests for both you and your dog.  Bring a treat, toy, or something you can use to reward your dog for good behavior.  You may even wish to consider keeping the trip close to shore.

Which Malibu Kayaks are great for kayaking and paddling with your dog?

Your best bet is a longer kayak equipped with a gator hatch or plenty of space for your dog to occupy.  Recommended kayaks include:

Pro 2 Tandem

X-13

Extreme

Stealth-14

X-Factor

Ranger 15.1 and 15.2

If you love kayaking and have little ones, it’s never too early to introduce them to your passion for kayaking.  With careful planning, supervision, and adherence to our guidelines, your love for kayaking may very likely pass on to your kids.

Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about how young you can introduce your children to kayaking.  In the early infant and toddlers years, just having your child interact with the kayak and paddles while safely on land may be sufficient.  As they get older, are walking, and can confidently grasp and hold a paddle, this is the time where the real lessons begin.

Safety First

Before either you and your child step into a kayak, be sure to lay out all rules and safety guidelines.  This includes knowing how to put on and properly wear safety gear like life vests, sunscreen and water shoes.  Additionally, you should go over water safety with your child.  This includes what to do in the unlikely event that your kayak should capsize – a very scary moment for a child who has barely set foot in the water.  As always, lead by example by putting safety first.

Start on Land

Before getting out on the water, introduce your child to your kayak while safe and sound in your backyard.  Let your child sit with you in the kayak, getting comfortable with the seating and also with the paddle.  Here you can teach basic safety rules such as remaining seated while in the kayak.

Build Kayak Confidence While in Calm Waters

When you feel your child is ready, have them sit with you in your kayak as you gently paddle through very calm waters.  Also, don’t plan on a long voyage – a small, quiet and safe area of a lake should do.  This is where your child can get comfortable with the experience.  From here, teach your child how to do the forward stroke.  Eventually, when the safety rules and techniques become second nature, your child can then graduate to their own kayak.  At this time, it’s best to stick to the same calm waters so they can further develop their paddling skills.

Kayaks for You and Your Kids

Whether you’re paddling with your child as a passenger or you’re ready for your child to paddle their own kayak with your supervision, here are our recommendations for kid-friendly kayaks:

Pro 2 Tandem (paddling for two) 

3.4 (great for kids)

Mini-X (for beginning and intermediate paddlers) 

X-13 (includes Gator Hatch)

Stealth-14 (includes Gator Hatch, great for fishing trips with the kids) 

The Best Warranty in the Industry

LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY

To register your kayak online please fill out the form, print a copy for yourself, then hit submit.

Malibu Kayaks LLC warrants as a limited lifetime warranty, this kayak purchased is to be free of manufacturing defects in workmanship and materials from the original date of consumer purchase. This warranty is effective upon receipt of registration card, post-dated within 90 days along with proof of purchase from an authorized Malibu Kayaks dealer and only applies to the original owner. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state. Malibu Kayaks reserves the right to choose the final warranty resolution. Option to repair or replace parts of a given kayak is determined against damages and in the discretion of Malibu Kayaks. Some exclusions may apply. This warranty is valid only in the U.S.A.

Malibu Kayaks is not liable for any injury or damage to person or property sustained as a result of the use of kayaks manufactured by Malibu Kayaks. The user of any such kayak acknowledges and assumes any and all risk associated with the use of such kayak including death, waives any and all claims against Malibu Kayaks LLC., its agents and assigns.

Malibu Kayaks reserves the right to change its products without notice while not incorporating those changes into completed and purchased products in the possession of dealers or consumers.

STEPS TO EXPEDITE CLAIM

In the unlikely event that your kayak has any manufacturing defects, photos and description of your claim are required. All warranty claims are subject to any exclusion and in lieu of provided evidence decided upon the discretion of Malibu Kayaks.

For all kayak warranty claims:

Malibu Kayaks LLC
Local: 562-630-6282
toll free: (877) 9-KAYAKS
International: 00-1-562-630-6282
fax: (562) 630-4311

After receiving above items, Malibu Kayaks may request to have your kayak returned to the original dealer for inspection. Malibu Kayaks will warrant the right to either exchange or repair your kayak, free of charge to customer excluding shipping charges. If you are unable to get a replacement kayak from an authorized dealer, Malibu Kayaks will ship the warranty replacement kayak, (shipping fees will apply). Kayak Serial # must be cut and mailed to Malibu Kayaks to finalize all kayak replacement claims.

THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER THE FOLLOWING:

01. Normal wear and tear or as a result of abuse or failure to maintain kayak.
02. Discoloration due to excessive sun exposure.
03. Damage caused by alterations, modifications, storage or mooring to kayak.
04. Transportation of kayaks; significant or incidental damage to kayak and/or personal property.
05. Damage due to failure of following procedures and instructions provided.
06. Kayaks not registered with manufacturer at time of warranty claim.
07. Factory 2nds (Kayaks purchased as a blem).

EXCLUSIONS

Warranty is considered void after 3 months if kayak is used commercially or for rental fleets. Kayaks structurally altered or subjected to stress beyond the physical limits of the materials used in hull or components, or damaged as a result of abnormal use are considered as damage done by the user and void of Malibu Kayaks warranty. Warranty does not cover un-recommended/unauthorized alterations or unauthorized repair.

WARRANTY AND REPLACEMENT PARTS

Any part or parts replaced or repaired hereafter shall be warranted as an original part or parts purchased by the consumer.