About Kayaklaunchguide
The Real Reason This Site Exists
I've watched too many people show up at the launch with gear that was doomed from the start. The $20 dry bag that leaks before you hit the first wave. The "universal" roof rack that leaves scratches down the side of their Subaru. The paddle leash that snaps the minute you drop your carbon fiber paddle into current.
I started Kayaklaunchguide because I was tired of seeing good people waste money on bad equipment. When you're standing on a rocky shoreline at 5 AM, ready to chase smallmouth bass, or staring down a Class IV rapid, your gear isn't just an accessory—it's what keeps you safe and comfortable. Most review sites feel written by people who've never left their basement. This is written by someone who's had ice water in their waders and knows exactly what happens when gear fails in real conditions.
About Sam Kowalski
I've been a kayak fishing guide and whitewater instructor in the Great Lakes region for over a decade. My office spans from the glassy dawn waters of Lake Superior to the granite-choked rapids of the Peshtigo River. I've guided clients through flatwater serenity and pulled swimmers out of hydraulics when their rolls failed.
My expertise comes from specific, hard-won moments. Like the time a client's bargain-bin PFD rode up over his ears when he went for a swim in 50-degree water. Or the afternoon I watched a kayak cart collapse under a fully-loaded fishing rig on a quarter-mile portage to a remote lake. These aren't theoretical failures—they're incidents that shape how I evaluate every piece of equipment that crosses my path.
I don't just unbox gear and take photos. I run it. I abuse it. I leave dry bags in the sun for weeks to test UV degradation. I submerge roof rack components through freeze-thaw cycles. When I recommend a product, it's because I've seen it survive conditions that send lesser gear to the landfill.
What We Cover
This site is for anyone who's tired of guessing whether a $150 paddle is actually better than a $50 one, or if that "fishing specific" kayak is worth the premium. I focus on:
- Recreational and fishing kayaks that track straight and handle wind
- Paddles that won't destroy your shoulders on a six-hour mission
- Kayak fishing gear—rod holders, tackle storage, anchor systems
- Carts and carriers that actually work on sand, gravel, and forest trails
- PFDs that fit correctly when you're seated and casting
- Dry bags, paddle leashes, seats, and roof racks that survive real seasons
If you're a weekend warrior, a hardcore angler, or a family just trying to get on the water without breaking the bank, this is for you. I write for people who use their gear, not just own it.
How We Test & Review
Everything here gets on-water time. A review isn't based on manufacturer specs or press releases. I spend minimum 20-30 hours with any piece of critical gear—kayaks get multiple trips in varying conditions; dry bags get submerged and dragged; roof racks endure highway speeds and sudden stops.
I score based on three criteria: on-water performance, long-term durability, and honest value. If a budget paddle outperforms a premium one, I'll say it. If an accessory fails after two weeks, I document it. This site runs on affiliate commissions, but that never influences scores. I only link to products I'd use myself—or have used myself. If I wouldn't trust it on the Manistee River at dusk, it doesn't get a recommendation, period.
Get In Touch
Questions about gear? Want to argue about paddle length theory? Or just want to share a photo of your rig? I read every email. Reach me at info@kayaklaunchguide.com—I usually respond within a day or two, unless I'm out on the water (which is often).
Questions? Reach us at info@kayaklaunchguide.com