Get to know the waters of your area by kayak
The sport of kayaking is fun for those who are outdoor enthusiasts and water lovers, dating back to Native American fishermen who built theirs out of wood. Don’t worry, I’m not going to suggest you make your own wooden kayak, although these are the most beautiful, they require a lot of maintenance and care to keep them in good working order.
There are many different types of kayaks on the market today made from materials from lightweight fiberglass to plastic. The plastic ones are very durable and you can drag them over rocks and oyster shells without fear of easily hitting and puncturing them. These kayaks come in one and two person versions, as well as specific models made for the ocean.
If you like the lonely feeling of being one with nature, then you’ll probably want to go with a single-seater. These models are small and light enough that almost anyone can load and unload them in the back of a pickup truck. If you are a beginner, you should go for a kayak that is very wide and stable to reduce the chance of capsizing. If you’re a more experienced user, you’ll probably want to choose one that has a higher performance shape that allows you to ride waves more efficiently.
The sport isn’t really that hard to learn, especially if you take my advice and go with a wider kayak to start with. If there is a course available in your area, you may want to consider taking one to at least give you more confidence in your ability. If you are inexperienced, stay close to the coast until you are more skilled. I have seen people where I live on the Gulf Coast of Florida paddle over a half mile offshore and then get caught in headwinds on the way back making it difficult to get back to shore.
If you live in areas of the Pacific Northwest, such as Oregon, Washington, or the coast of Canada, there are tours available that will allow you to paddle alongside killer whales. Here in Northwest Florida there are many options for kayaking from rivers and streams to bays and even the Gulf of Mexico.
As with any new endeavor, you should take precautions and go with a friend when you’re first learning and be sure to wear a life jacket for safety. Take a small first aid kit with you in case of accidents and have fun in the water.
