The Docksider


Our Dock Mounted Kayak Lift Rack

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Kayaking vs Canoeing: 4 Important Differences

canoe on the water

We’re right in the middle of summer and that means there is still plenty of sunny days on the way. You’ll have all winter to spend relaxing inside so start making some plans to get outside, get active, and get out on the open water.

That begs the question: should I use a canoe or a kayak?

That is a tough one. Firstly, you really can’t go wrong with either. Both are comfortable, are relaxing, and can get you exactly where you need to go. There are, however, a few key differences between the two that you should be aware of.

1. Seating Design and Comfort

Kayaks, typically, are closed design and canoes have a much more open layout. Keep in mind, if you’re a much bigger kayaking fan but enjoy having plenty of open space, you’ll be better suited for one of the sit-on-top kayaks — it all depends on your personal preference. Conversely, canoes are much larger, designed for an even more comfortable trip, and great for paddling with a friend.

2. Amount of Paddlers

Speaking of paddling with a friend, the amount of people you’re taking out on the water with you matters, as well. If your group of friends is more of a kayaking bunch, that’s a great option. But if you don’t have enough kayaks for everyone to take their own, you’re better off with a canoe or two — maybe even a nice mix of kayaks and canoes! Canoes are specifically designed for tandem purposes and the bigger one you get, the more people you’ll be able to spend the day with.

3. Canoe and Kayak Storage

If you’re planning on spending hours on the water on a hot summer day, you’re going to need quite a few items. No paddling trip is complete without some cold beverages, snacks, and a big bottle of sunscreen. Plus, you’ll need to keep your cell phone, wallet, and any safety items you’re bringing along dry and secure during the day. Certain kayaks have compartments that are perfect for storing all those items you want to safely keep from the water and canoes are often big enough to keep everything – even coolers and travel bags – with you in the seat.

4. Mobility in Water

Again, it depends on what type of day you’re hoping to have. Both are great for relaxing and slowly floating across the water. But if you’re hoping for a more calming trip, canoes are a little more stable. Kayaks are great for quick movements, turns, and maneuvering around trees, other paddlers, and other obstacles. As far as speed is concerned, both kayaks and canoes can reach the same speed – it just depends on paddle technique and how hard you’re paddling.

Hopefully, you have a better idea of which to choose. But rest assured, you’re going to have a lot of fun either way. And what about when you’re done paddling for the day? Luckily, both canoes and kayaks can be easily stored while not in use and during the offseason. There are canoe and kayak racks that are perfect for safe and convenient storage.

If you’re thinking about purchasing some of the best kayak storage racks and canoe lifts around, contact DockCraft to learn more about The Docksider — a dock rack and lift for both kayaks and canoes, as well as paddleboards and SUPs.

Free shipping in the Continental United States — call today: 585-734-7374

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2022 Kayak, Canoe, and Paddle Board Season!

2022 kayak season

We’re back to beautiful weather! That means it’s time to get back outside and spend as much of your Spring and Summer as possible out on the water!

Don’t rush out to the nearest lake just yet. From using kayak launch dock systems to planning you’re your first trip out, here are a few important things to remember:

1. Make sure you’re in kayak, canoe, and/or paddle board shape

Before you lift your board off your paddle board rack, you might want to take stock of your current physical abilities. You certainly don’t need to be in Olympic athlete shape, but if you haven’t had much physical activity over the last few months, you need to be extra careful to avoid muscle strains and other injuries early on.

Start by stretching for a good 15 minutes or so before and after you hit the water. Whether you’re taking a kayak or paddle board by yourself or a canoe with a friend, prepping your muscles for repeated paddling will help prevent health problems. Also, never overdo it! If you’re tired after an hour or so out on the water, head back in and take a break.

2. Take excellent care of your equipment

After every use of your equipment, make sure you’re taking excellent care of everything. You spent good money on these boards and your gear, don’t ruin them by leaving them outside all night or resting against a tree or your shed.

There are quality kayak mounts for garages that allow you to store your equipment safely and securely without risking any damage. Also, it just looks so much better when you’re utilizing canoe racks and kayak storage racks the way they were intended – and not just lazily tossing your equipment to the side.

3. It’s better with friends!

Most importantly, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, and just about any water-related activity is better and more fun with friends and family! Our paddle board dock racks can be converted and used as SUP Holders, as well. They’re great for storing paddle boards for you and your friends and family members! Sure, taking a kayak trip across the lake by yourself can be relaxing. But there isn’t anything better than exploring waters with a friend or two. Start stretching a little bit, grab your gear off your canoe or kayak launchers, grab a friend, and enjoy spending a day out on the water! Give us a call if you want to pick up some hangers for your DockSider rack and secure your equipment correctly!

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3 Benefits of Properly Storing Your Kayak Over the Winter

a lake during winter

It’s been another successful season of kayaking – we hope you enjoyed being out on the water!

Now, it’s time to reinforce the importance of correctly storing your kayak over the winter. Neglecting to properly store your equipment can result in some costly issues, frustrating moments, and even a few bad looks from your neighbors…

The best way to store your equipment is to use a kayak wall storage rack. You can purchase a Wall Mount Conversion Kit for your “DockSider” Rack to hang your kayak inside your garage, in a shed, or in your basement. Rather than just tossing your kayak to the side and leaving it susceptible to all kinds of problems, this is the best way to protect your equipment.

Here are the main reasons why you should get a wall mount conversion kit in order to keep your kayak secured all winter:

Prevent Weather-Related Damage

One of the main reasons to properly store your kayak during the colder months is to avoid seriously damaging your equipment. Severe winter weather can ruin your kayak, causing you to spend a lot of money on repairs or a replacement. It could hail every day for the next few months, but if your kayak is safely secured to your kayak wall hanger inside your garage or shed, you’ll rest easy all winter long. Then, as soon as the ice melts and it’s paddling season once again, bring it back outside and enjoy!

Avoid Kayak Theft

Another benefit of using a quality kayak wall storage rack is to prevent theft. If someone really wants to be an awful person and steal a kayak, they’ll have much better luck with someone who lazily keeps their equipment outside all year-round. Not only is a kayak lying next to the garage an eyesore, but it’s also a beacon of light for thieves to take your favorite outdoor item for their own.

Improve Your Home’s Look

Again, having a bulky, tarp-covered kayak outdoors all winter does not look great. It looks bad. Your neighbors are going to stare and probably roll their eyes. The same goes for just resting the kayak on your garage floor. It’s going to bother you and probably drive your spouse mad. A kayak wall hanger is great for reducing clutter and boosting your home’s appearance.

For safely securing your kayak or paddleboard this winter, check out our Wall Mount Conversion Kit for your lift and storage rack — lift and rack sold separately. If you currently own a “DockSider” Rack, these wall mount brackets are great for anyone who wants to keep their kayak protected this winter.

Don’t leave your kayak unprotected all winter. Contact DockCraft today and ask about our kayak wall mount conversion kit hangers.

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Mounting Your “DockSider” with the Wall Mount Rack Kit

Wall Mount Conversion Kit

There aren’t too many things that are more fun or more relaxing than kayaking and paddle boarding. A calming, sunny afternoon, good friends, and plenty of peace and quiet. Kayaking and paddle boarding are perfect hobbies for those who enjoy mixing relaxation with some physical activity.

These outdoor activities are great but the equipment can be difficult to store if you’re not well equipped. You can’t just leave a kayak in your truck bed for months on end and just tossing it in the garage or shed can look terrible and potentially ruin it.  

For storing your kayak or paddle board over the winter, your best bet is to purchase a Wall Mount Conversion Kit for your lift and storage rack (lift and rack sold separately). As long as you already have a “DockSider” Rack, these wall mount brackets are great for anyone who owns their own kayak and/or paddle board.

With the brackets included in the conversion kit, you can mount your lift and rack right on your garage wall and safely store your equipment 20 inches off the floor, allowing you to keep other items underneath and maximize your storage space. Designed for easy installation and secure winter wall storage, when kayak season is over, you can mount your rack to the wall of your shed, garage, or spare room and keep your kayak or paddle board safe.

This wall mount conversion kit comes with aluminum wall mount brackets and stainless-steel hardware. Simply secure these brackets onto the wall – either inside or outside –making sure they’re 32 inches apart, preferably on wall studs. Then mount your “DockSider” lift and storage rack to the wall and you’re all set. Don’t be unprepared at the end of this kayak season. Keep your equipment protected all winter long! Pick up some mounted kayak wall hangers for your “DockSider” Rack today.

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First Time Kayaking? Here Are Some Tips to Help!

first time kayaking tips

There is nothing more relaxing than spending an afternoon on the water. Kayaking is the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors, spend some quality time with friends, and even get a healthy workout in!

Before you grab your paddle and start navigating the open water, there are a few things you should keep in mind. A day of kayaking should be peaceful and fun, but things can go south quickly if you’re not careful or you’re unprepared.

Here are some helpful kayaking tips for your first time out on the water:

Go with someone experienced – In order to ensure you have a great day and a successful first kayaking trip, it’s best to go with a friend or family member that has been out on the water before. They’ll be able to show you the basics, like how to stay balanced, how to access the items inside your kayak, and how to actually get your kayak in and out of the water.

Bring the right kayak – For sit-in kayaks, there are two types: recreational and touring. Touring kayaks are for more experienced paddlers since they are narrower and faster. Recreational kayaks are much more stable, maneuverable, and suitable for your first time out. However, the most user-friendly style of kayak is the sit-on-top model.

Dress comfortably – This entirely depends on the weather, the time of year, and the water. If you’re looking for a relaxing day in early spring, it might be pretty chilly out there – and even colder in the water. On those hot summer days, however, you’re not going to want to wear multiple layers because things can get uncomfortable, hot, and sweaty fast. For the most part, it’s best to dress for the water, not the weather.

Pack the essentials – You can bring snacks, a camera, and a beer or two. But first, make sure you’re packing all the essentials. You should always have a personal flotation device, sunscreen, a first-aid kit, whistle, a water bottle, towline, paddle float, and a dry bag for your phone, keys, and wallet.

Stretch beforehand – Again, kayaking can and should be relaxing. But it also is a pretty good workout – especially if you’re not used to paddling. Before you hit the water, spend some time and really get a good stretch in. Your body will thank you afterward.

Kayak on calm waters – Unless you have plenty of experience – and a kayak suitable for whitewater kayaking, you should stick with those calm and relaxing waters. If you tip your kayak over in a calm lake, you can simply flip it back over and hop on. If you tip in a strong current, however, that can get extremely dangerous.

Paddle correctly – It all starts with practice. Before you get into the water, actually sit down in (or on) your kayak and practice your paddling motion. When you’re reading to get on the water, start with your back straight and supported as much as you can and keep your toes pointed outward. After each stroke, lift the blade of the paddle completely out of the water by leading with your elbow and following with your wrist. Also, try to avoid lifting your elbow above your shoulder level. If you’re not paddling correctly, you won’t be able to find your balance, you’ll end up wasting too much energy, and you could injure your back. 

If you’re excited to get out on the water as much as possible this year, you can pick up some kayak wall hangers for your DockSider Rack. Simply mount the brackets on your wall and your kayak will be safe and on display at all times. Then all you’ll need to do each day is grab your kayak and enjoy the day!

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5 Lake Kayaking Tips for a Fun (and Safe) Afternoon!

Lake kayaking

It’s been a stressful year for us all. And the cold weather certainly isn’t helping. Thankfully, these freezing temperatures will soon pass and you’ll be able to get outside and enjoy some fresh air, nature, and adventure!

We’ve found that one of the best ways to relieve stress, enjoy the outdoors, and even get a little physical activity in is to spend a few hours kayaking on a lake. To us, there is nothing more enjoyable and peaceful than grabbing everything off your kayak wall storage rack, packing up everything, and paddling through the calm waters of our local lake.

If you’re an experienced kayaker, then hit the water as soon as the ice melts! But if you’re gearing up to go kayaking for the first time, you might want to check out some lake kayaking tips beforehand:

Find a comfortable kayak

Don’t make the mistake of buying an expensive whitewater kayak if you’re just going to be lake kayaking. There are a few different types of kayaks and it’s important to understand your needs and where you’ll be kayaking. There are sit-on-top kayaks, sit-ins, SUP/kayak hybrids, canoe hybrids, sea kayaks, and more.

If you’re looking for a nice, relaxing afternoon of kayaking with plenty of stability, a wider, sit-on-top kayak might be your best option. You can talk to someone about which kayak will be comfortable and right for you – learn more here: What Type of Kayak Should I Buy?

Prioritize safety at all times

Kayaking is supposed to be fun, relaxing, and adventurous. But if you’re not careful, it can be very dangerous. You need to stay alert at all times and prioritize safety from the moment you get in your kayak.

It’s recommended to always kayak with at least one other person and maintain contact with them throughout the entire trip. Be sure to constantly be on the lookout for nearby boats, jet skis, and other paddlers/swimmers. Also, it’s best to pay attention to the weather forecast before any kayaking trip. Paddling on the lake through a little rainfall won’t be much of an issue, but kayaking through a heavy rainstorm can cause serious problems and render it unstable.

Also, always, always, ALWAYS wear a suitable personal flotation device (PFD)!

Focus on your posture

Lake kayaking with bad posture will make for a rough afternoon. You’ll be sore, you’ll be exhausted, and you’ll probably be soaking wet because you lost balance. To avoid these issues, sit straight, tight, and with your back supported as much as you can. The balls of your feet should be in the foot guides and your toes should be pointed outward. Your knees should have an upward and outward bend, as well.

It’s recommended to get a feel for your posture and your paddle-stroke before hitting the water. You can just grab a broom and straddle an armless chair, then simply practice paddling from side to side. 

Also, be sure to stretch before and after lake kayaking because make no mistake, it’s a serious workout! Kayaking strengthens your core, arms, back, shoulders, and chest muscles – and it even increases your cardiovascular fitness.

Keep everything dry

First, you have to at least understand there is a possibility that all your gear will get wet. It can always happen. But there are things you can do to seriously minimize those risks. But it’s generally wise to keep an extra change of clothes in the car and avoid bringing too many tech devices.

A dry bag can be a great tool for keeping valuables safe. But many new paddlers don’t use these bags correctly. The correct way to use a dry sack and keep everything dry is to pack the sack about two-thirds full, press the air out, fold the top down, and buckle it. Try not to pack to leave while things are still wet, or be sure to air things out when back home.

If you do this, mold, rust, and other issues will be all over your gear for next time.

Have all the proper kayaking gear and equipment

Being prepared is key. You have to ensure that you have plenty of safety gear, including the following:

  • Life jacket
  • Sunscreen
  • Whistle
  • Towline
  • Dry bag
  • Paddle float
  • Water bottle
  • Snacks
  • First-aid kit

If you’re planning on kayaking for more than just one time (which you absolutely should because it’s awesome!), it’s best to take a look at some Kayak Lift and Storage Racks for docks and wall hangers so you don’t have to worry about getting everything set up on the day of your next lake adventure!

The warm weather will be here soon. Make sure you’re prepared for a fun-filled and relaxing kayaking day on the lake!

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We are Open and Fulfilling Orders

DockCraft Industries LLC

April 6, 2020

Our Response to COVID-19

To our Valued DockCraft Industries Customers, Followers, and Friends,

In these unprecedented and difficult times, we hope this message finds you safe and healthy.  We at DockCraft, like you, are adjusting to this new way of life and are learning methods to be more responsible in our everyday activities.

DockCraft is a small online business in Western New York and we want to assure you that we will maintain operations in support of our customers,  The safety and well-being of our Staff is of utmost importance to us. We have implemented and continue to follow the CDC guidelines.

Probably, the most significant bond we all share is the love of being on the water!  What better way to get our exercise and practice social distancing!!  Our goal is to make that love easier and more convenient.

Happy Paddling!!  Be Safe

Cindy & Ed Wrobbel
Owners of DockCraft Industries LLC

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Sit-On-Top vs. Sit Inside Kayaks

June 14, 2019 | Ed Wrobbel | DockCraft Industries LLC

Sit On Top Kayak Picture
Sit On Top Kayak
Sit Inside Kayak Picture
Sit Inside Kayak

Sit On Top (SOT) vs. Sit Inside (SI) have several “parts” that have the identical name.
The top of the kayak is called the deck. The bottom is the hull. The front is the bow and the back is the stern.

At the bow and the stern of the kayak, you should find some grab loops or handles to assist in carrying the kayak from your garage / car to a body of water and between navigable waters on your adventure. Some kayaks have rudders that assist in the steering of your kayak.

Both sit-on-top and sit-inside kayaks have seats and some form of foot support.

That’s the end of the commonality!

A Sit-on-Top (SOT) Kayak differs from the Sit – In in that the boat is a completely sealed compartment, and the paddler sits on top of it – called an Open Cockpit / Deck. Since the boat itself is sealed, SOT kayaks are “unsinkable”, and they often have drainage holes (Scupper Holes) to allow any water that collects on top of the boat to drain out.

Sit – In Kayaks can be broken down into two further categories; Recreational and Touring.  Touring Kayaks are narrower and faster, whereas; recreational Kayaks are more stable and maneuverable.

Sit-on-Top Kayak:

Pros :

  • Sit-on-tops are the most user-friendly.
  • Stable, easy to get in and out of.
  • Self-bailing, which means they have small holes (called “scupper holes”) that allow the water to drain right through them.
  • You can slip on and off them as you please.
  • Best for warm environments and for paddling with kids who love to swim.
  • Ideal for multi-person use
  • Easy customization – can be modified to suit your wants and needs, with accessory mounts for fishing poles, GPS devices or cameras, rudders
  • Great for fishing 
  • Easy to board – With a sit-on-top kayak, there’s no cockpit to lower down into.

Cons :

  • You are guaranteed to get wet while paddling.
  • Heavier to carry out of the water
  • Not great in rough water conditions
  • Slow moving
  • More susceptible to wind and the possibility of getting wet
  • Less insulation in colder seasons

Sit-Inside Kayaks:

Pros :

  • Tends to shelter your lower body from the wind, which makes them warmer.
  • Are great for paddlers who’ll be on cooler water and who want to stay dry while paddling.
  • Great for distance travel
  • Easy to maneuver
  • Lightweight construction
  • More Speed
  • Less susceptible to wind and waves
  • More insulating in colder months
  • Ability to use a spray skirt and roll your kayak (Less wet exits)

Cons:

  • You don’t have the same freedom to move in and out of the water.
  • If you do flip for some reason, recovery is more complicated process because your kayak will likely be filled with water.
  • More difficult to re-enter after capsize/ wet-exit
  • More difficult to exit and enter cockpit

Keeping these factors in mind, will make your choice in deciding the type of Kayak you purchase easier.

Regardless of your choice, you are bound to have a great kayaking experience!

For those who have waterfront property consider Summer storage of your Kayak right at the water.

DockCraft Industries – “The DockSider” Kayak Lift and Dock Storage Rack offers you Neat, Convenient, and Affordable options whether you enter your Kayak from the Dock or from the Water.

Lift and store using only a fraction of the kayak weight!

Check us out NOW, www.DockCraft.com

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The Many Health Benefits of Kayaking and Paddle Boarding

By Ed Wrobbel, www.DockCraft.com

paddle boarder and kayakers

I was perusing the internet and came across numerous articles associated with the health benefits of kayaking and paddle boarding. Actually, any paddle sport.

The many articles claim 8 to 20 “top” benefits which I found very interesting.

Kayaking and Paddle Boarding skills can easily be learned in a day. And can be improved upon with each trip you take, all while benefiting your physical and mental health.  Of course, the more often you paddle, the greater benefit you’ll receive.

Physical Benefits of Kayaking and Paddle Boarding:

A low impact activity  – Even if your joints are weak, paddling will help you benefit from aerobic fitness, strength building, and greater flexibility. Don’t risk wear and tear on your joints and tissues, go paddling.

Burn those Calories    – Paddling along at 5 miles per hour, without wind and heavy currents, will burn approximately 400 calories per hour.

Fitness – While paddling, every mile you travel it will require approximately 500 strokes.

Core Strength – Every time you complete a stroke, your abdominal muscles contract and do a fair amount of work. Stronger core muscles will help you in all activities, increasing your endurance and changing the way your body looks.

Arm Strength – During a kayaking session the two main by-products of the work is exercising the biceps and triceps. As you are taking a paddle stroke, the bicep in one arm is pulling the lower part of the paddle and the tri-cep in the other arm is pushing the top of the paddle forward thus putting torque on the paddle which creates work for both muscles. Each session will build your upper body strength overall.

Leg Strength – Your legs are an important part of balance within the kayak and the rocking of your board as you paddle. As you learn a better paddling technique you learn to work the legs with the hips to help turn, stabilize or brace the kayak or board.

Cardiovascular – Low impact exercises like kayaking and paddle boarding certainly support heart health. Paddling, even just fifteen minutes per day, will improve your cardiovascular system. You can alter your kayaking or paddle boarding sessions to be as easy or challenging as you want. The faster you paddle, the harder your heart pumps to get moving.

Balance – I recently had an ankle injury and my Physical Therapist had me doing balance exercises while standing on a semi hard foam pad. Similarly, the more you practice paddle boarding, the better your balance will be both on and off the water. Paddle boarding develops your sense of stability which helps in daily life as well as in other sports.

Vitamin D – is something that our bodies need to function properly. Those who don’t have a healthy amount in their system are prone to fatigue, depression, bone weakness, chronic pain and more. Being outside in the sun helps your body get that special vitamin it needs to function properly. Just remember to bring sun screen!

Mental Benefits:

Stress Reduction – It’s a long day at the office, you are thinking of all those emails you have to send and the demands of your deadlines. Well forget all of that stuff and jump into a kayak after a long day of work! Truth is there are lots of ways to de-stress … going to the gym, going for a walk …but none of them can compare with the tranquility of floating on the calm water and being in the great outdoors. Spending a few hours under the sky, on the water watching the colors of the blues, the greens, the grays, and the browns is enjoyable. When you add the physical activity of paddling it can greatly reduce stress allowing you to think clearer and giving you a better night’s sleep.

Emotional – The time spent in nature is probably one of the most surreal things you can experience!  If you are a couple kayaking with a favorite activity such as fishing or touring then it increases your positivity tenfold! It also provides the opportunity to bring people closer together such as families, couples or friends!

Mental Clarity – It has been proven time after time that doing some sort of physical activity then returning back to work helps you get through the day with more focus and determination. This is no different when kayaking! Being out in the open water is very meditative and allows your brain to release those thousands of thoughts that are racing through your brain and instead, enjoy the moment. In fact, many people make it a routine to do some kayak exercise after work as it helps them de-stress and enjoy being in the moment. When you’re paddling over the lake or the sea, you might find that your daily stress and worries are left ashore. While paddle boarding, your brain is focused on the physical movements and environment of paddle boarding, leading to mental clarity and a chance to disconnect from the world of social media, work, and other everyday details.

For those waterfront owners, spend your energy on your paddling journey.

Use the DockCraft Industries Kayak / Paddle Board Lift and Dock Storage Rack

Stow your gear until your next journey.

It’s Neat / Convenient / Affordable

Just Load, Lift, and Store!

www. DockCraft.com