A guide to kayaking

A guide to the basics of kayaking. As a sport, kayaking involves skill, the right equipment, and patience. Recreationally, kayaking can be a great way to spend a day, paddling down a serene lake or river.

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A guide to kayaking

Kayaking is a sport for everyone to enjoy. For those who thrive on competition your thrill will be attained navigating through tumultuous white water currents. For the more recreational-minded, you have also found a sport that is both scenic and refreshing. Kayaking can provide for a wonderfully relaxing experience, as you and your loved ones enjoy the serenity of a favorite lake or pond.

There is no right or wrong way to kayak. But, choosing a vessel is imperative to attaining the type of kayaking experience to suit your needs.

Recreational kayaks are used primarily in calm, protected waters. These boats have minimal features and are usually no longer than 12 feet. These kayaks are great to paddle down a slow-moving river in order to view wildlife, use off a large boat, and to ride solo.

Recreational kayaks are usually sit-on-top and extra boyant to prevent the possibility of tipping. These boats are also available to seat two. These boats often come in a wide array of bright colors and can run as low in price as $300.

Touring kayaks are for the more adventurous. Unlike sit-on-tops, these boats have a hole carved out in the center, for you to climb on in. These boats are usually no longer than 15 feet and are designed with features such as hatches, deck rigging, bulkheads and sometimes rudders. Touring boats are designed for maximum efficiency through the water.

Sit-on-top boats are more boyant and are principly used for pleasure paddling, while touring boats are better to cruise down a river or glide through whitewater.

When paddling out to a favorite body of water, it will also be necessary for you to bring a life jacket, paddles, and a bottle of water. Even kayaking recreationally can be tiring, as paddling will give the upper body a work out.

There is one paddle for each boat. The paddles are slightly angled. To save energy, the paddle should be dipped half-way into water. Emerging the whole paddle will just tire you out more quickly. Also, while riding on a sit-on-top kayak or a touring kayak you should be prepared to get a little wet.

When riding a touring kayak, you can really learn the tricks of the trade, like rolling. Most experienced kayakers roll too stay cool, as a refresher. However, this is a learned skill which is taught at classes and by skilled kayak instructers. Touring kayaks are quick and are primarily designed for river and white water riding. Steering is imperative to learn on a touring vessel, and paddles must learned to be used as rudders to quickly escape fallen branches and make quick turns.

For the even more adventurous, there is always the ocean. Wave riding in a kayak has become a popular sport, as kayaks are competing for waves with surfers and boogie borders on the coast.

As a kayaker in a lake or river, you must also stay extremely mindful of boat traffic. While riding it is best to stay out of the markers and towards the more shallow water. As a kayaker, you must always remember that boats have right of way and may not always be looking out for the little guy.

Kayaking clinics and classes are popping up all over the country, as kayaking is rapidly becoming a popular sport in the eyes of many. But even for the person out to enjoy a day in the sun, or a nice scenic view of the landscape, kayaking is a great way to spend the day. Not only can you get a little exercise, but you will enjoy doing so.

Whatever your pleasure, kayaking is a sport to be enjoyed by all. Being on the water in your craft will open up a whole new world, and possibly the breath of fresh air you need.'sports

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