What is kayaking?
Kayaking is a recreational sport,that can be practiced in practically any body of water. This popular water sport involves travelling in a small narrow boat and paddling it by means of a double blade oar. The boat is specially designed to sit ĺow on the water, like a canoe, in which the paddler is seated facing in the forward direction with legs in front, which are covered in an enclosed water-tight deck. Kayaks come in various shapes and sizes, depending on their specific conditions, and usually accommodate one paddler. With advancement in technology, tandem kayaks have been designed to hold two people, while some kayaks have been known to hold up to three people.
The word kayak, comes from the word “qajaq” meaning a “man’s boat” or “hunter’s boat.” This watercraft has a long history, especially in America with the Native Americans. They were known to be widely used by people of the Arctic region of Alaska and Greenland. They were in earlier times used for hunting and fishing on the lakes, rivers and waters of North America. Kayaks were originally made of animal skins, which were stretched over a wooden frame. The native paddlers adopted a special jacket to make a waterproof seal at the edge of their kayaks. These days a waterproof synthetic fabric, which fits around the rim, is used to wrap the paddler’s body.
Due to the versatility of the kayak, the sport can be taken up by people of almost any age, especially if you are doing flat water kayaking. The learning curve on the first day itself is so manageable, that most persons start having fun almost immediately. An important feature of the kayak still today is the covered watertight deck and cockpit, small enough to just fit the paddler. Some models now have foot powered flippers, while some even have electric motors.
How to choose a kayak
Choosing the ideal kayak can become an overwhelming problem because of the wide variety and brands available on the market. Having said that, keeping a rational budget in mind and being aware of the different kayak types will help you choose the right watercraft. If you intend to ride the waves, then go for a whitewater kayak. On the other hand, if extended kayaking is your sport then opt for a touring kayak. There are kayaks designed for fishing, and ones which can easily be steered in strong currents, such as sea kayaks.
The shape of the hull plays an important factor in choosing a kayak. A flat hull makes a kayak slow and difficult to paddle. A round hull makes a kayak move relatively faster than a flat one. A V-shaped hull is easier to paddle and the fastest. The budget is the next step, as the prices of a kayak can vary from a few hundred to thousands of dollars, depending on the brand and quality. Kayaks made of plastic are cheap — the ones most popularly used are the polyethylene ones.
At the end of the day the seat comfort matters most on the kayak you choose. Visit a kayak rental store and rent a kayak that meets your requirements. Test drive it for a day or two or and see how the kayak rides, and if you are comfortable sitting in it. Check if the kayak you have chosen will be able to handle the waters on which you want to travel. The time and effort spent initially will go a long way in helping you to make the right decision when selecting your kayak.
How to use a kayak paddle
Choosing the correct kayak paddle as is important as choosing the kayak itself, after all that stick with two wide ends is your engine. Issues ranging from kayak size, the weight of the paddle and the material it is made of, all go into picking up your right paddle. How you are using the kayak is another aspect to be considered, as paddles for different types of kayaks are all designed differently. For example, a touring kayak paddle should preferably have deep scoops to allow for higher speed, while a stand up kayak may have a longer paddle with thin blades to allow you to manoeuvre your kayak from an upright position.
When fishing from a kayak, it requires long hours in a stationary or drifting position. A heavy paddle is best for this. Paddles for touring kayaks should be durable to withstand long and continuous use. Choice of paddle material should also be taken into consideration when selecting one. Paddles are made of either fiberglass, plastic and carbon fiber. While the last one is an excellent option for touring and sport kayaks, the fiberglass paddle is the strongest and the plastic paddle the weakest.
The paddle blades are shaped in two different ways. Blades can either be feathered or unfeathered. Feathered blades rest at an angle of 45 degrees, while the unfeathered ones are straight. Feathered blades are good for tour and sport kayaks as they provide more speed. Non feathered blades are good for small streams and river kayaking, especially kayak fishing. Finally the kayak poles come in one piece or a fold up two piece rod which can be broken down and reassembled whenever needed.
How not to capsize your kayak
Kayaking is fun and can be enjoyed by every person, provided of course you follow the basics. Just like any other outdoor activity which demands physical effort, it is essential to practice enough, not only as a safety precaution, but also to make your trip a memorable one. If you are seriously considering to take up kayaking as a hobby, keep these basics in mind in order to keep your kayak upright.
Proper balance
Designed as they are with their narrow shape, kayaks are more prone to overturning than other boats which have wider bodies. It is therefore important to grasp the basic technique of kayaking before attempting to race your fellow kayakers To avoid capsizing, paddle slowly and gently to move your kayak forward using deep strokes. Once you have mastered this move, try different types of strokes to check your maneuverability. Remember, your balance on the boat depends entirely on the way you paddle. All these experiments must be carried out in flat, safe and calm waters.
Start slowly
Locate a nice smooth lake where you can practice at ease. Once you have used to your kayak a few times, then only try out additional features like fishing etc.
Kayak in moving water
A river with a reasonable current is the best place to hone your kayaking skills, once you are comfortable with your paddling and balancing.
A kayak park is another place for aspiring paddlers to experience the simulated moderate and rough rapids. Once you have overcome these difficulty levels, then get on the moving river for your first big adventure!
Where to kayak in Florida
The best way to explore the Florida waterways and bays is by kayak. From gentle paddling trails to diverse wildlife excursions, the opportunities for a kayak tour in the sunshine state are endless. With more than a 1000 miles of coastline and 1711 miles of rivers, kayaking trails for every level of enthusiast are available in Florida. We recommend you try one of these locations for your first trip:
Coldwater Creek
Coldwater Creek is said to be one of the fastest rapids in Florida, with steep gradients and narrow waterways along its 20 mile length. However it does had easier paddling areas, suitable for all ages.
Blackwater River
This kayaking trail near Milton, is 31 miles long with plenty of spots on the sand bars for rest and picnics. Paddling on the river is easy, and you can get up close to Florida’s natural wildlife.
St. Joseph Bay
This bay is 15 miles wide and a popular paddling destination. The winds, however, need to be factored in when choosing a time to go kayaking.
Chipola River
This 51 mile kayak trail starts at Marianna and passes through swamps and hardwood forests. The caves and limestone formations can be seen from the water, adding to the uniqueness of this place.
Have a question? Call us at 1.844.GOT.TREK or go to itrekkers.com/
