One of the most common questions we hear in the shop is: “What’s the difference between plastic and composite boats—and which one should I choose?” With so many materials on the market, it can feel overwhelming. The good news is that there’s no single “best” option—only what’s best for the kind of paddling you do and your budget.

Cold water doesn’t care how experienced you are — it demands respect. But not everyone wants, needs, or can afford a full drysuit, and the good news is: there are several safe, proven ways to stay warm on the water.

When most people are stowing away their kayaks for the year, Vancouver Island’s whitewater paddlers are just getting started. The fall and winter months mark the true beginning of whitewater season here — a time when rain-swollen rivers, misty forests, and a tight-knit community of paddlers come together for some of the best boating in the Pacific Northwest.