Buffalo Paddles

10/08/2026

10/08/2026

Wear it.

Boat? Kayak? Paddleboard? Jetski? Dinghy?

If it's a recreational craft 6 metres or less, the new national lifejacket rule could apply to you.
From 9 October 2026, everyone aboard recreational craft 6 metres or less must wear a lifejacket while underway, unless a specific exclusion applies.

So what counts as “underway”? What happens with boats over 6 metres? And are there exceptions?

We've answered the big questions in one straightforward guide for Kiwi boaties.
Read our blog 👉 www.boatingandoutdoors.co.nz/new-lifejacket-rules-october-2026/
Or check out our safety gear range here - https://boatingandoutdoors.co.nz/category/safety/

Then, if you're unsure whether your current lifejackets are the right size or type for your crew, call into your local Boating & Outdoors store and talk to people who know the gear - and use it themselves.

10/08/2026

09/23/2026

This could be an... Interesting event!

A river that is home to about 500 saltwater crocodiles is given the OK to host Olympic and Paralympic rowing and canoeing events at the 2032 Brisbane Games.

08/21/2026

Front tie downs for your kayak or canoe.
If your vehicle doesn't have a metal loop under the front for securing a line, or if you don't want a rope or strap coming up in front of the bumper, you can put a nylon strap under the hood and attach it to a fender bolt.

You can buy ready made straps, but they might be too short, depending on the hood contours.

Buy 3 or 4 feet of 1" nylon webbing. Determine how long it needs to be for a good fit, and cut to that length - Note that you'll need to fold each strap in half to form a 6" loop, so each strap length should be approx. 12 inches, or longer, depending on your vehicle.

Punch or drill holes at each end of both straps Remove a fender bolt, thread it through both holes on one of the straps, and reinstall the bolt.

Fold the new strap and tuck it inside/under the hood when not needed. Fold it outside and close the hood to use the loops for securing your boat. See photos

08/20/2026

Decided to pretty up my 30+ year old faded Boreal sea kayak ahead of a Georgian Bay trip I'm doing next week. Did the same treatment in June for an 8 day trip on the Rideau Canal in Ontario. This product is temporary; it wears off, but the temporary shine is worth the little bit of work involved.
"MAXIGLIDE Boat Guard SPF-50". A little bit goes a very long way; one 16 oz. bottle will probably last you several years.
You can buy it from Wenonah, or on Amazon and a couple other places. $29.95 most places, but shipping charges vary wildly. - Bob Van Hise

08/20/2026

08/19/2026

Prepping this week for an upcoming kayak trip around Phillip Edward Island in Georgian Bay, Ontario. Adjacent to Killarney Provincial Park. Probably 3 nights of primitive camping on those rocky shores.

08/17/2026

And... wear your life jacket! Every time.

https://www.richentertainmentgroup.com/where-to-find-a-kayak-launch-in-buffalo-this-summer/?fbclid=IwVERDUATwO-VwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtATAAYWRpZAGrM5cSVJBDc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMzUwNjg1NTMxNzI4AAEe2HllfTUUel_moNDfI-WjS4-kPsq6gad5IT8DilhUx_gmhZ36-nIMpNzxcfQ_aem_buduY4Czq9Ecyn6GHauYgw&utm_source=fb&utm_medium=paid&utm_campaign=120246538981140227&utm_term=120246538982020227&utm_content=120246538984020227&utm_id=120246538981140227

Buffalo kayak launch locations offer easy access to the Buffalo River, Lake Erie and the Erie Canal.