Beginner's Guide to Kayaking

Introduction--Kayak Trips vs. Canoe Trips

Wed, 15 Mar 2006 18:58:36 +0000

Kayaking and canoeing are both great best ways to immerse yourself in the great outdoors. Both boats allow you to escape from the highways and travel the way our ancestors did: on the water. In addition, kayak and canoe trips are great opportunities to experience the outdoors with your friends and family. Children and adults alike will love floating down the river, as well as fishing and swimming. But which one do you pick, kayak or canoe?

Kayak: The main advantage of a kayak trip is that you can do it by yourself. The small size and weight of a kayak allow you to maneuver the craft more easily (and drag it much less) than you could a canoe. Most kayaks also only seat one person, so you can travel whenever you want and enjoy some solitude on the river. In addition, some kayaks allow you to escape the rivers and go sea kayaking, which you would not want to do in a canoe.

Canoe: On the other hand, since you are alone in the kayak, you cannot depend on your paddling partner, so canoeing is generally a better idea for the novice paddler. In addition, canoes have extra space for people and supplies, so you can put either a third person or extra supplies in a canoe. The extra space also makes canoes easier to enter and exit than are kayaks.

Most river outfitters will rent both canoes and kayaks, but ask canoeing and kayaking friends (or contact your state’s tourism office) for suggestions on where to take your trip and what outfitter to use. Pick an outfitter that provides clear directions and all your equipment, and don’t avoid asking questions. If you want to go sea kayaking, use the same process, but make sure the kayak you receive is sturdy enough to handle the waves you will face.

Kayaking is one of those skills that takes a few minutes to learn but a lifetime to master. Changing locations, water currents, and weather will ensure that no two trips will be identical. Even if your first trip is a failure, keep at it; with each trip, you will have to think less about the details and you will get to enjoy the trip more.

Planning a Kayak Trip: Introduction

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Planning a kayak trip can be a lot of work, but for many people it is a labor of love. Contact outfitters or friends for advice, but be prepared to answer some of the below questions regarding your plans:

• Day trip or overnight trip? Day trips are usually either half-day or full-day, and they are much easier to plan than are overnight trips because you don’t need to think about camping or cooking. Overnight trips, however, have the added appeal of combining kayaking and camping.
• Hire a guide or go it alone? A guide takes away from the solitude of a kayak trip, but if it is your first overnight trip or if you are traveling in a group, you may want to pay the added expense to hire a guide. Many rivers, however, are easily navigable, and outfitters do not offer guides.
• Who is traveling? Simply make sure that everyone has a seat. Most kayaks seat one person, but you can also rent or purchase two-person crafts.
• Time and Money? How much are you willing to pay and how long do you want to be on the river? A day trip might cost only twenty to forty dollars per kayak, but a multi-day guided trip could cost several hundred dollars per person. If you plan on taking a long trip or multiple trips, look into purchasing your own kayak.

Finally, don’t forget to think about your goals for the trip. Tell the outfitter if you are interested in fishing or hiking; they can tell you the best spots. If you are just going for the solitude or the scenery, plan your trips for “unpopular” times of year.

Planning a Kayak Trip: When and Where to Go

Wed, 15 Mar 2006 19:01:53 +0000

After answering some of the basic questions regarding what type of kayak trip you want, you can move on to deciding exactly when and where you want to go.

When to go: Kayak trips are especially popular during the summer because of the warm weather and summer vacations. On the other hand, the spring rains and the melting snow means that the water level is often at its peak during March and April. With a wet suit kayak, however, you might even be willing to brave the cold water months.

Where to go: First of all, choose between whitewater kayaking and sea kayaking. For whitewater kayaking, look for rivers that you could also canoe (check out the “Canoe Trips” article on this website), particularly rivers near your home or, if you are willing to travel, in the Great Lakes area. Sea kayaking, on the other hand, is especially popular in whale-populated regions off the Pacific Coast, such as Puget Sound in Washington and California’s Big Sur. On the Atlantic coast, check out Maine’s Acadia National Park or Key West, Florida.

If you are planning a day trip, make sure you allow yourself plenty of time. For a multi-day trip, plan a relaxed first day to get your muscles used to paddling, and expect your soreness to decrease with each successive day on the river.

For a multi-day trip, it’s a good idea to get a map of the area and to plan your camping spots. Contact the U.S. Forest Service to see if there are any marked campsites, and if there are none, look for a clean site that is not in a depression.

Planning a Kayak Trip: Packing

Wed, 15 Mar 2006 19:02:42 +0000

The final step of preparing for a kayak trip is packing your supplies. The right supplies will make the difference between a great experience and a kayaking nightmare.

Day Trip: Because of space limitations, you should pack less for a kayak trip than you would for a canoe trip. Still, make sure you bring plenty of water, as well as some snacks. Stick your camera in a waterproof bag (if you have one), and leave a towel and a change of clothes in your car.

Overnight Trips: Basically, pack everything that you take on the day trip, just bring more of it in proportion to the length of your trip. In addition, however, you will want to bring some camping supplies, including a tent, sleeping bag, and cooking utensils. You’re also likely to use items such as a map, compass, knife, duct tape, rope, raincoat, trash sack, and hiking boots.

The best food to take on a canoe trip is high-energy food, such as peanut butter crackers or trail mix. For overnight trips, consider purchasing dehydrated food (be warned; it’s expensive) or pasta or rice.

As for clothing, you may want to invest in a wet suit, which will keep you dry and comfortable in the kayak. In addition, wear a life vest, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Dress in layers (including a jacket) while you are at camp and, if you don’t have a wet suit, in the boat.

The limited space in kayaks make packing a challenge, so eliminate as much as possible from your packing list. Basically, you will be stuffing everything into the bow and stern of your canoe, so make sure you balance the weight and place frequently used items near the front. It’s a good idea to purchase a dry bag and fill it with everything from clothes and cooking supplies to your wallet and keys.

Kayak Trip Safety

Wed, 15 Mar 2006 19:03:28 +0000

The first step to having a safe kayak trip is to pack items that will help keep you safe, namely a life vest and a first aid kit. In addition, prepare yourself by making sure you can both swim well and recognize and self-treat medical issues (such as hypothermia).

The best way to learn paddling is by doing it, but as a basic rule, don’t hit whitewater or waves sideways; avoid it altogether or head directly into it. Practice paddling in gentle water, though, and use common sense: empty water that enters the kayak and only enter or exit your kayak in shallow water. Never mix alcohol and kayaking; alcohol impairs your senses and you will have even more difficulty than usual escaping from a flipped kayak. Do some research (including browsing the other kayaking articles on this website) regarding how to escape from a flipped kayak, and before you depart, make sure that you could safely escape from a flip.

If you are taking an overnight trip and camp on the shore, use normal camping safety practices. Don’t leave out food (it will attract animals) and don’t light your fire near leaves, sticks, or brush, which will all ignite. Fnally, both in kayaking and camping, watch out for snakes, which often rest on low-hanging tree branches over the water.

Canoeing Vacations Overview

Tue, 11 Apr 2006 21:32:24 +0000

Whether you are into fishing, camping, or just sailing along, a canoeing vacation will offer you an exciting experience that you will not soon forget. A canoe is an open boat that is pointed at each end and is propelled with single-blade paddles. It may or may not have seating inside.

Canoeing Equipment

Tue, 11 Apr 2006 21:33:29 +0000

· Canoes- The most important piece of equipment you’re your

canoe trip is, of course, the canoe. There are several different types of canoes to choose from depending on the type of trip you are taking.

1. Recreational Canoes- These canoes aremade for flatwater paddling and are relatively easy to paddle. They are easy to manage and are very useful for fishing, birding, or photography.

2. Versatile Canoes- Like their name implies, these canoes are made to handle calm water, whitewater, and everything in between. They offer more capacity than recreational canoes making them ideal for camping trips. They also offer great maneuverability.

3. River Canoes- These canoes are made specifically for whitewater and rapids. They have an increased upward curvature at the ends to allow for maximum maneuverability, a necessity when avoiding river obstacles. They have high sides to keep out water and are impact- and abrasion-resistant.

· Paddles- The second most important piece of equipment

is the paddles. Paddles vary based on the materials they are made out of, the shafts, and the grips.

1.Materials-

o Wood- Wood paddles are the most popular type of paddle, given their beautiful appearance. They offer a smooth stroke and retain the heat of your hands in cold temperatures. Wood paddles do require some maintenance, but many manufacturers have equipped them with overlays to avoid this.

o Fiberglass- Fiberglass paddles are a great choice for whitewater canoeing since they are extremely durable. The weight of the paddle varies greatly and is proportional to the price, with the heavier ones being the most expensive.

o Polyethylene/aluminum-These types of paddles are typically used for beginning canoers. They are very durable and make a great spare paddle since they are fairly inexpensive. They are not suited for long trips since the aluminum is uncomfortable to hold and can become quite cold.

2. Shafts

o Straight- This is the most traditionally used type of shaft since it works for all paddling conditions. They can be used for a variety of maneuvering strokes.

o Bent- This type of shaft is most efficient on flatwater. The bend in the shaft helps position the paddle most efficiently in the water.

3. Grips

o Palm- The palm grip is a tear-drop shaped grip that fits comfortably in your hand, giving you great control and longevity.

o T-Grip- This is a great grip for whitewater canoeing since it’s shape gives you the best control over your paddle.

Canoeing Vacation Destinations

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There are thousands of places to go canoeing all over the world, but some of the favorites are as follows:

• Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Minnesota, U.S
• Bonaventure River, Quebec, Canada
• Ten Thousand Islands, Florida, U.S.
• Hood River, Northwest Territories, Canada
• Dordoqne River, France
• Na Pali Coast, Kauai, Hawaii
• Lower Zambezi River, Zimbabwe
• Maine Island Trail, Maine, U.S.
• Bowron Lakes Provincial Park, British Columbia, Canada
• Lake Baikal, Russia

Supplies for Canoeing

Tue, 11 Apr 2006 21:34:54 +0000

Here is a list of supplies to bring for a weekend canoe trip:

1. Boat Supplies

· Map and map case

· Compass

· Bow and stern ropes

· Carabiners

· Bailers with attachment clips

· Throw bags

· Paddles and spare paddles

· Ties for spare paddles

· Tiedown rope for gear

2. Containers for Gear

· Drybag for tent and sleeping bag

· Water proof fanny packs for easy access to survival items

· Waterproof duffel for food

3. Emergency Equipment

· First Aid kit

· Saw

· Rescue ropes, pulleys, carabiners, and slings

· Firestarter

· Personal floatation devices

· Emergency Kit- flares, signal mirror, notebook, etc.

4. Boat Repair

· Wire or strong cord

· Awl

· Wetsuit repair adhesive

· Five-minute epoxy

· Fine sandpaper

· Duct Tape

5. Personal Supplies

· Life jacket with knife, whistle, and firestarter attached

· Footwear that will stay on in water

· Helmet (if necessary)

· Proper clothing for your conditions

6. Camping Gear

· Tent

· Sleeping bags

· Cooking utensils

· Stove and fuel

· Garbage bags

· Water carrier

· Dishwashing supplies

Canoeing Safety

Tue, 11 Apr 2006 21:35:47 +0000

Although canoeing can be an exciting and exhilarating activity, failure to take the proper safety precautions could be disastrous. Here are some things to remember when canoeing to keep you and your fellow travelers safe:

• Always canoe with at least three people and two canoes when attempting whitewater canoeing. Recreational canoeing on calm water can be done solo or with a partner.
• Be sure you are familiar with the basics of canoeing before setting out. You should know how the handle the boat, choose the appropriate gear, and be able to recognize common river dangers. Classes are offered nationwide to help prepare you for your canoeing vacation.
• Always make sure you are familiar with the body of water that you are canoeing. Knowing what lies ahead can protect you from unnecessary accidents.
• Don’t attempt to canoe above your skill level. When moving to the next level in canoeing, you should do so gradually and in waters you are familiar with.
• Don’t panic if you get “dunked.” If rough waters, stay upstream so that you don’t get pinned between a rock and the boat. In calm waters, angle your way to the shore and hold onto the boat for floatation.
• Always wear your life jacket!

Canoeing with Children

Tue, 11 Apr 2006 21:36:26 +0000

Canoeing can be a fun and affordable family vacation no matter how young or old your children are. Here are some tips for canoeing with your kids:

· Families with young children- If everyone can fit in one boat, your best bet is to find a high-sided, stable expedition boat. These boats accommodate large volumes, which is extremely necessary with several people on board. The high-sides on this type of boat will keep the kids from falling overboard and the stability is crucial with the shifting bodies of kids!

· Families with older children- If you kids can manage paddling, this may be a great time to break off into parent-child teams in two boats. This will allow more room for storage and give the kids a chance to participate. You may want to opt for a smaller, touring class boat so smaller paddlers won’t have to reach as far when stroking.

· Families with Lots of Children- If you have a larger brood, it may be time to break out the kid-sized kayaks. A larger canoe can carry the food, supplies, and small children while the older children can canoe alongside in their own kayaks.

· Extra supplies to bring for kids: For kids to enjoy canoeing, they have to be made comfortable. Here are some things to help ease the trip for them:

· Kid-sized folding chairs for inside the boat- keeps kids off the wet floor and up high enough to see what’s going on

· Kid-sized life vests- get them in the habit of wearing them from day one

· Bucket and shovel for playing on the shore

· Sippy cups with spill-proof lids

· Picnic blanket- very useful for infants and crawlers

· Kid-carrier backpack for tired toddlers

· Water shoes

· Rain gear

· Hats with visors

References

http://paddling.about.com

www.canoetexas.com/tips3html.

www.africa.com/activities/canoeing_top10.jhtml?activity=Canoeing

www.nsc.org/library/facts/canoesas.htm

http://gorp.away.com