canoe Archives - The Docksider

February 3, 2023 by Ed Wrobbel 2 Comments

Get Your “DockSider” Canoe Rack for the 2023 Season

Canoe season is only a few months away and we can’t wait.

The open water, no technology, and beautiful scenery make canoeing one of the greatest activities for people of all ages and levels of experience.

Get ready for a wonderful canoe season with the “DockSider” Canoe Lift & Storage Rack.

Here are some of the reasons we love our canoe rack:

Durability.

Constructed of architectural marine aluminum with stainless steel hardware, this canoe rack is rustproof and can withstand any kind of freshwater marine environment.

Ease of use.

Designed with the user in mind, the DockSider canoe rack is operated in three easy steps: Load, Lift, and Store. Simply rotate the canoe cradle handle toward the water by extending the pulley rope, float your canoe to the center for loading, and then lift the canoe directly from the water using the pulley system for durable canoe storage and improved dock space.

Easy access.

Enter your canoe right from your dock or the water!

The “DockSider” Canoe Lift and Storage Rack is designed for users who want to enter their canoe from the dock or the water. The Canoe Lift and Storage rack just comes in the Dockside Model. However; if the body of water you’re canoeing in is shallow enough at the outskirts, you could enter the water after the canoe is lowered and then board your canoe. If you normally enter your canoe from the dock, you can simply release the canoe directly into the water and hop right in.

Versatile.

And all models of our canoe rack offer four mounting options: Bolt-On and Clamp-On Universal Mounts, ShoreMaster, and Beach King Dock Specific Mounts. And can be used on docks constructed of wood, composite, aluminum, and vinyl.

American-made.

Lastly, we love our canoe lift & storage racks because they are made right here in the USA!

Backed by our 90-day money-back guarantee, head to DockCraft.com to learn more about our DockSider canoe rack and have an awesome 2023 canoe season!

July 26, 2022 by Ed Wrobbel Leave a Comment

Kayaking vs Canoeing: 4 Important Differences

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

June 1, 2022 by Ed Wrobbel Leave a Comment

2022 Kayak, Canoe, and Paddle Board 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!