I’m Mark, the person behind Kayak Mad. I’m an everyday paddler who enjoys getting out on the water, not a qualified instructor or a professional equipment tester. This is how I put my guides together and where the information comes from.
Places I’ve visited, paddles I’ve done
Every destination I write about is somewhere I’ve visited and had some exposure to kayaking. That doesn’t mean I’ve personally paddled every spot or route I cover. I want that difference to be clear.
When I describe my own time on the water, it comes from my experience. For places I haven’t paddled myself, I put the information together from local conversations, friends, contacts, forums and further research. Seeing somewhere from the bank is not the same as paddling it, and I don’t present someone else’s experience as my own.
Checking the practical details
Before writing or publishing, I check the most current, relevant sources I can find. Practical details such as access, permissions and facilities need checking, rather than relying on an old forum comment. Where a source helps you plan your own visit, I link to it.
My guides are a starting point for planning a paddle. Conditions and access can change, so check the local information and forecast before you go. My opinion is one paddler’s view, not the final word on what will suit you.
Keeping guides up to date
I aim to review each guide once a year, or sooner if I return to a destination and have something useful to add. I also welcome updates from readers. A guide can still become outdated between checks, so please let me know if you spot a change.
If you find an error, send me a message with the article link and what needs checking. I’ll look into it and correct anything that’s wrong. For an important factual correction, I’ll add a short note explaining what changed.
Where AI helps
I use AI tools to help organise, edit and improve the clarity of some articles. The personal experiences are mine, and I review the finished content before publication. AI assistance doesn’t turn research into a paddle I’ve personally done. I’m responsible for what appears on Kayak Mad.
How I choose gear
I choose products for their usefulness to the people reading Kayak Mad and the sort of kit I might need myself. Some I own or have used in the past; others are researched suggestions. The shop labels these as “Personally used by Mark” or “Researched pick”, so you can tell them apart.
I’m a hobby paddler, not a professional product tester. What works for me won’t suit everyone. I’ll mention drawbacks honestly, and a product doesn’t need an affiliate programme for me to recommend it. Read my affiliate disclosure for how commissions work.
One person behind the blog
I manage Kayak Mad myself and review everything before it is published. Most writing is my own; any guest contribution is clearly credited to its author. There isn’t an editorial team behind the scenes. You can read more about me or get in touch. I’m always happy to hear another paddler’s take.
Fancy contributing to Kayak Mad?
I welcome original, human-written contributions that fit Kayak Mad closely: kayaking destinations, personal paddling experiences and useful advice for fellow hobby paddlers. Write naturally, in your own voice, and be clear about what you’ve personally done and what you’ve researched. I’m interested in a useful story from a real person, not generic filler or copied content.
Send me a short outline through the contact page, along with a little about yourself and your connection to the subject. Please flag any commercial connections and only supply words and images you have permission to share.
I review and edit contributions before publication and clearly credit the contributor. Acceptance isn’t automatic. Contributor articles will include my own relevant affiliate links, with a clear disclosure for readers. If you’re comfortable with that, I’d love to hear your idea.