For the outdoors enthusiast, the ideal activity is one that engages the senses while fulfilling the yearnings of mind, body and spirit. Kayaking is tops for all three. Paddling in a kayak is the ideal activity for a moving meditation. It’s a symphony of sky, land and water that lends itself to experiencing that elusive “be in the moment” state. Or, you can go for the adrenaline rush of rapids. Kayaking provides flexibility in getting you to either state of being. And all you need for your moving meditation or rousing ride are just a few key pieces. You can…
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It’s time to try something new – get a workout on the water. Yes, ON the water! Kayaking can give a great workout. Tired of racing to the gym to get to class on time? Can’t find a class or a gym that you like? Bored with the same old weight lifting routines? It’s time to try something new – get a workout on the water. Yes, ON the water! Kayaking can give a great workout. Types of Kayaks A kayak is a light-weight boat that has single or double seating and is propelled through the water by a double-bladed…
The right rack system makes transporting a boat easy and safe. Here’s how to match the carrier to the boat, vehicle, and paddler. Kayakers need a way to transport their boats, and the right rack can make the least fun part of paddling easier. Thule and Yakima make a variety of excellent products for this purpose. Anatomy of Thule and Yakima Roof Racks Thule and Yakima are well known manufacturers of rack systems, and their roof racks are made up of at least three components that are purchased “ala carte.” Their basic racks are made up of the following: Mechanical…
Kayak paddles come in a variety of sizes, shapes and prices. Here’s how to choose the one that’s right for you and your kayak. Selecting the Proper Kayak Paddle Choosing the right kayak paddle is as important as selecting the right boat. Both are designed for specific conditions and tasks, and while any paddle will move any kayak, they work most effectively when properly matched. When selecting your paddle, you will want to consider the following three issues: the type of paddling you do, the size that’s right for you and your kayak, and the amount you wish to spend.…
Whether you’re out for a mid-summer paddle on a sluggish river or a winter sea kayak expedition, safety equipment makes today’s trip enjoyable and tomorrow’s possible! The right equipment can make or break a paddling trip. Here are some tips for beginning kayakers on what to look for in paddling gear. PFD (Personal Floatation Device) Sometimes called life vests or life jackets, the PFD is your most important piece of safety equipment. In most parts of the world, law requires that there be an approved PFD on board for every occupant of a boat. In the U.S., children under twelve…
Learn to make the four perfect canoe strokes: Forward, Back, Draw or Pry. Mastering these strokes is required before advancing to use of combination strokes. Making a perfect canoe stroke doesn’t signify some form of flawless technique, it simply describes the basic canoe strokes used to move a canoe left, right, forward and back. Learning to make the forward, back, draw, and pry strokes is a prerequisite for mastering the combination strokes regularly used by proficient canoeists. These combination strokes utilize both perfect strokes and braces. Effective paddling does not depend on brute force, but accurate technique and practice. Even the strongest…
Photo credit: Image by Photographer Stefan Schmitz via Flickr.com Creative Commons Do you enjoy seeing skaters, surfers and snowboarders doing cool trips, flips, spins and turns? What about something like the skateboarding half-pipe freestyle event? If any of those things spark an interest in you, then you are going to love freestyle kayaking. This type of extreme whitewater kayaking definitely takes the sport to an eleven. And if that is not your thing, then maybe something like stand up paddle boarding is more your style. With freestyle kayaking, which is also known as playboating, the kayakers do all different types of cool…
Kayaking across the Eastern Coast of the United States is definitely challenging due to the fact that you have the opportunity to go through new experiences. Thankfully, you will be able to find many great places for kayaking, all of them providing wonderful scenery and memorable moments to carry with you afterwards. If you strive to find the best locations for your kayaking experience, then you should definitely consider the following options. 1. Down East Islands, Maine Down East Islands in Maine are considered the most thrilling places for kayaking, where adventure awaits to be discovered. The islands are extremely…
Freestyle kayaking is not definitely for the faint-hearted. It does have some elements of dangers and therefore, it is not suitable for the beginners. Designed for the advanced paddlers, Freestyle kayaking involves things like performing crazy tricks and flips while paddling a kayak. It might looks insane but there is a science behind it. Just like any other adventure sports, Freestyle kayaking demands regular rigorous practice. You can do different moves in Freestyle kayaking but each of these moves has its own level of difficulty. To help you out, here we have listed some common freestyle kayaking moves – WAVE…
Miami is a beautiful city with plenty of things to do, including kayaking. There are many great places to kayak in Miami, both on the ocean and in the bay. Here are some of the best places to kayak in Miami. Fort Pierce, FL Not every kayaking lover prefers paddling during the daytime. There is a distinct charm in paddling in darkness. If you like evening paddling sessions, a good destination near Miami is Fort Pierce. The experience of watching bioluminescent comb jellies beneath the water is amazing. You will need to carry lights to paddle through the mangroves though.…