Free tools

Free tools from Paddling Hubs

Scout the map, time the seasons, and plan your route. Every tool here is free, works on the web and in the Paddling Hubs app, and needs no account to get started.

River Explorer
Explore named rivers from USGS data. Filter by water type, with live flow where a gauge sits.
Open River Explorer
Boat Launches
Find public boat ramps on a map, with the water each one sits on.
Open Boat Launches
Paddling Campgrounds
Federal campgrounds for canoe, kayak and raft trips, with waterfront sites, boat-in sites and water access marked.
Open Paddling Campgrounds
Route Planner
Drop stops on a map and watch distance and drive time add up. Export a GPX or share the link.
Open Route Planner
Everything Map
Listings, trails, spots, clubs and public land on a single full-screen map. Switch layers on and off, then tap any point for the details.
Open Everything Map
Paddling Clubs
Browse local clubs with meeting info and how to join, or start your own for free.
Open Paddling Clubs
Gear Checklists
Printable, save-as-you-go packing lists. Tick items off and pull them up on your phone.
Open Gear Checklists
Skill Drills
Interactive 3D drills, one decision at a time. Pick wrong and you watch it fail, then learn why.
Open Skill Drills
Maintenance Schedules
Pick your equipment and get its full service schedule. Add your usage to turn intervals into dates.
Open Maintenance Schedules
Ask the Guide
Ask anything about where to go, gear, or conditions and get a straight answer. Free, no signup.
Open Ask the Guide
Do I Need a License?
Whether your state's boater education rule covers a kayak, canoe or paddleboard, and the months you must wear a life jacket.
Open Do I Need a License?

Free to use, no paywall
No signup to get started
Built into the free Paddling Hubs app

Paddling Clubs

Your crew deserves a home base

A free paddling club page in the directory, plus real member tools in the app. Set up in about a minute.

Roster & link invites
Group chat
Events & RSVPs
Live outing map

Start your paddling club Find your paddling club

Already in the directory

26 paddling clubs

Common questions

Free tools, answered.

Yes. Every tool listed here is free to use. There's no subscription and no paywall. They're part of how Paddling Hubs stays useful whether or not you ever sign up.

No account is needed to start using the tools. A free account only adds syncing, so your saved spots and plans follow you across the web and the app.

Yes, every tool works in a mobile browser, and they're all built into the free Paddling Hubs app too, so you can pull them up in the field.

Many of the tools are community-sourced, so the more locals add, the better they get. Look for the "add" option inside a tool, or get the app to contribute from the field.

Resources

More to explore

Hand-picked videos and free guides from the community to help you plan your next trip.

Videos worth watching

Hand-picked clips, sorted by what you do.

All videos

YouTube
Golden Rules of Kayaking for Beginners
PaddleTV
YouTube
Kayaking | Learn How to Kayak || REI
REI
YouTube
How To Get Into a Kayak
L.L.Bean
YouTube
Kayaking 101: How to Forward Stroke, Sweep Stroke, and Edge
Headwaters Kayak
YouTube
How to Paddle a Kayak - Forward Stroke
Paddling.com
YouTube
5 Mistakes Every New Kayaker Makes... And How To Avoid Them
Headwaters Kayak