It seems like just yesterday that we were watching the Beijing Games.  Who can believe that's 4 years ago!  Well, technically it has been 3 and a half, but who's counting?  Well, this summer promises to bring lots of spectator enjoyment.  Hopefully this year they'll televise more of the Olympic Canoe events.  Here are some articles to get you to start thinking about the Summer Games.

• How to tell the Difference Between the Olympic Canoe and Kayak Events
• The 2012 London Olympic Canoe Events

It's quite common for non paddlers and rowers to get the sports mixed up.  I even know a canoe owner that called their canoe paddle an oar!  I guess it's an innocent mistake.  Knowing that doesn't make it any easier on our ears.   Can I see a show of hands if you agree?  Thank you.

So, if you're reading this and you're not quite sure what I'm talking about, here's a little guide for you.  Canoes and kayaks are paddled not rowed.  Row boats, sweep-oar boats, and sculls are rowed or sculled.  Canoes and kayaks require paddles to propel them while rowing utilizes an oar.  If it just sounds like semantics to you, please read How to tell the Difference Between Rowing and Paddling.

I've spent the last month providing you with insight and tips on how to put on different articles of whitewater kayaking gear.  Well, let's put it all together.  From start to finish, there is an order on how a kayaker should put their gear on.  For instance, you wouldn't want to put your helmet on before putting your PFD on.  A spray skirt can't go on before a dry top.

How many times have we seen a newbie put on and take off kayaking gear because of getting this order mixed up? Help your new whitewater kayaking friends out.  Direct them to How to Put on Kayaking Gear.  Do it, if for no other reason to speed up their prep so you get on the water a whole lot quicker.

Spray skirts are those ingenious inventions that allow kayakers to roll their boats without sinking them.  They keep water out of the kayak and enable whitewater kayakers to brave the rapids and come out the other side while still in their kayaks.  But, as every whitewater kayaker has experienced, either in person or in witness, its not always easy to get that darn spray skirt attached to the kayak.  If you know someone who habitually has this issue and you're always waiting for this individual to get their skirt on so you can start your day forward them this article on how to put on and attach a kayak spray skirt.