Category Archives for Kayaking

Expert level, extreme, kayaking is not for everybody – you have to go into knowing there may be a situation where your years of practice and preparation will be all you can rely on. Rough waters sometimes hold the best experiences. So dig in, gear up, and get ready for our top 5 list of the best places to kayak for experts in 2018.

5. Donegal Island, Ireland

The Umfin Island is along the coastline of Donegal. The water flows from under the island into the sea. This rushing of water and high currents require an expert kayaker to dive into the waters and experience the most astonishing and spectacular tides. The tunnel is 300m long which opens up at the coast of Donegal. During the kayaking journey you may come across dolphins swimming in the water, which may stun you as they are very close. The tunnel is 40m wide, which allows the kayak to fit.

This kayaking trip may need a lot of light and steady water. This kayaking experience is for people who are an expert in kayaking as this trip consists of high currents resulting is random rushing of water through big rocks which may cause danger if the kayak is not handled carefully. Best adventure in the summers.

4. Lions Bay, Canada

Canada is a striking country with many natural and man-made wonders and tranquility. The Lions Bay is a man-made drainage ditch made of a concrete channel which is constructed to provide an area of thrills for the professional kayaker. It has a great tendency to push the kayak more than 72 mph. This tremendous speed of the kayak is exciting but is also dangerous if not handled carefully. The drift lasts about 800m down the drain.

This experience will be great for the professionals as it can only be performed with high tide, which takes courage of the one experiencing it. While in the drain the kayak may slide up the banks of the river and back down, making one get chills. The top speed calculated until now is 72 mph which may increase with the weather conditions. Summer is the best time to go on this kayak adventure.

3. Dawsonville, Georgia, USA

Dawsonville is a gorgeous place with many different adventures available, including kayaking. The rivers flowing through Dawsonville are filled with fresh and warm water. The Etowah River is filled with every kind of kayaking level from extreme to beginner level. It is best known for the fast flow of the river that makes it the best place for expert kayakers.

The Etowah River stretches   300m, creating a long ride to the end with splashing waters and rocks. It is 2m wide which only allows one kayak at a time. It gives one a tingle of joy and thirst for adventure. Many camps are set up to make your journey easy and enjoyable. The best time to visit the Etowah River is year round as it’s always running and always filled with adventurous people.

2. Baffin Island, Greenland

Greenland is famous for it is not so green beauty. Greenland is filled with beautiful lakes and rivers which are freezing and there of great icebergs. In the spring and summer, these icebergs start to melt which causes the rivers to start flowing with great intensity and speed. The kayaks on this high current rivers work perfectly, giving the chance to experience the extreme rush the water and waterfalls in a kayak.

The Baffin Island has gigantic icebergs in lakes and rivers that start melting and gives rise to new rivers. The Baffin Island in Greenland can be reached by snowkiting and trekking as it falls under a snowy area where not many options of commuting are available. It is best for experts as the rivers have great current flow which can only be handled by professionals. The falling and breaking of ice can be better dodged by skillful people that is an adventure of its own.

1. Tree Trunk Gorge, North Island, New Zealand

To experience a drop from a waterfall that is beautiful and dangerous, then Tree Trunk Gorge is the one to go for. It is surrounded by a forest in New Zealand with great wildflowers and trees. The waterfall is gorgeous. The water flows through the carved rocks down to the lake. It has an 8m fall into the pool with high rocks pointing out. The whole waterfall is 13m high with strong currents.

However, this kayaking area is quite dangerous. The kayakers who have a lot of experience and are willing to take the risk are welcomed in this area. It has gigantic rocks and only 1m wide space to start from. This little area can be entered by a direct drop or a tight zigzag. If you have the guts to take life threatening risks, then this is the place, especially when the sun is shining.

Conclusion

Everyone who loves to experience adventure, some take greater risks than others.  Some people love taking risks and love nature and wildlife. Before kayaking started as a sport, it was a canoe used hunt animals in the water but soon turned into a thrill of adventure. The kayak was specially designed to dodge the tides and the rocks with ease and to go with the flow.

Gear up and go kayaking!

Kayaking is one of the most popular sports that is enjoyed all around the world. Michigan is no different. There are so many bodies of water in the state which is why kayaking is a popular sport in the area. This article will tell you about the top places in Michigan where you can enjoy kayaking.

Aside from listing the top places to kayak, you can also read about the training centers that are dedicated to this water activity. Michigan offers a variety of kayaking, and probably some of the best kayak fishing lakes.  All about kayaking in Michigan is compiled into this article keeping in mind the interest of the users. Continue reading to learn about Kayaking in Michigan.

History of Kayaking in Michigan

Kayaking has been around for a long time. Any place where there is a body of water, it seems plausible to have the option to go kayaking.

Michigan is great spots for this water sport. The various lakes and rivers introduced kayaking in the late 1970s when the bodies of water had access through the shorelines and the trails that followed the rivers. Even though it initially was only for sports and competitions, it soon became popular for tourists to enjoy and for locals to have fun too.

Early on people rented out kayaks and gear that would help the enthusiasts but now many people have their own which is why the rent prices have reduced over time.

The laws developed with time to ensure that nature is as preserved as possible in the water. Most people like to fish while kayaking, which can be done in most bodies of water in Michigan but some places have laws against that.

As the population started growing and the state became more developed, the parks and the beaches started to be more accessible. Most of the access to these bodies of water are now a short city distance from the cities while some are also entirely in the city to enjoy.

10 Best Places to Kayak in Michigan

Michigan is filled with places that attract tourists and locals that love to go kayaking. A few of these locations are mentioned below.

1. Lansing River

The Lansing River runs parallel to the Grand River and to the Red Cedar River. The river trail hosts a number of events, including big international music festivals, making it one of the most popular destinations for local and tourist destinations.

The trail of the river allows users to enjoy by the riverside and have many different activity options to make it a great day with their loved ones. People can use the place to walk and go on their morning jog as it is one of the most refreshing and safe sites. You can easily rent a boat or kayak there and have a competition with your friends or you can enjoy some leisure time.

There are several other trail activities that you can do, like fishing that you will often see people doing early in the morning. Fishing has a few laws which you need to follow in order to enjoy it properly. Trail activities include bike riding and skating as the most popular ones. In winter, cross-country skiing is also considered a great activity. With wheelchair accommodations too, this park has something to give to almost everybody.

2. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is truly a photogenic place with endless activities to enjoy with your loved ones.  This lakeshore has beaches that you can enjoy your tanning session at or enjoy a beach picnic. You can also get your kayak and enjoy some leisure time without a problem. Or if you want a more intimate session, you can go kayaking during sunsets. The view is great with sandstone cliffs that go up to 100 miles. You can easily go for a hike and enjoy the view from up there.

Spring adds a touch of beauty to the place with wildflowers and fresh air. In summers, you can enjoy the warm days by the beach. Autumn looks beautiful with the orange and the different colors to show that nature is changing. And in winter the snowy and windy days make for amazing sunlight. This lakeshore will give you something in every season and for everyone.

9. Backwaters of Tippy Dam

The Tippy Dam backwaters are great for an adventurous trip on the water. There is a great deal of water activities to do in these backwaters including fishing. You will have to take your boat and your own gear over there because there is a very slim chance that you can rent them. It gets very warm in the summers and makes it almost impossible for people to enjoy because it is so hot.

The fish seem to be only in small schools when there is such warm weather. However, kayaking is great way to cool down these summer days where you can enjoy them on the water. Many people like to have an overnight kayaking trip which is one of the greatest ways to go out on these waters.

Camping on the water is one of the most popular activities here which make it a perfect weekend trip together. There are great sights to enjoy and you can even enjoy other water sports in these backwaters. Of course, there are a few laws to be followed which ensure safety in everything that you do.

10. Beulah

Beulah in Michigan is a place surrounded by many different things to do in terms of water sports. The beach there allows you to enjoy a day tanning under the sun and enjoy kayaking and a swim in the water. You will find the crowd during sunsets because of the breathtaking views. Besides enjoying water sports, you can stay in the beach house, enjoy the tennis court, have fun on the playground with the little ones, and enjoy easy accessible parking around the area. The beach is located on the shore of the Crystal Lake.

The Crystal Lake is another place to enjoy if beaches are not your first choice. You can enjoy freshwater kayaking and water sports there which are perfect for family time. The park next to it allows a great view and a place to enjoy as well. People come to barbecue and enjoy boating in this area the most. From the lake you can see the cold creek which is another body of water for leisure time. Fishing is not very popular out here since the laws are pretty strict, but they are always open for water activities and even other activities.

Best season/ time to kayak in Michigan

Most places in Michigan have kayaking open during all seasons as long as it is not used for fishing or disturbing the marine life. The best time to kayak is between the middle of May and the end of September.

The spring water turns colder which is why it is not very ideal, but people do it anyway. However, it is important to take more care against hypothermia. Wetsuits are not necessarily needed in the summers, but there are separate precautions to be taken in the heat.

The water in the lakes and beaches tend to be very cold, which is why wetsuits and gear need to be taken care of in September as well. Early fall does not change the temperature but the wind may create a nuisance especially for the amateur paddlers, the water may seem to be out of control.

In the summer it is very hot but it still is perfect and a great part of Michigan. Hence, it is ideal to kayak from July to August in Michigan. Though the weather may not be predictable, it is still a much better time. The other times there is a high chance that it may not be ideal and it should be thoroughly checked if the weather is good for kayaking or not.

Training centers in Michigan

If you are interested in kayaking and want to be a coach or you want to kayak often, you can join the many different kayak training centers in Michigan. A few of them are mentioned below.

1. Riverside Kayak Connection

The Riverside Kayak connection is a great connection to the waters of Michigan. It provides kayaking tours around the Detroit lakes and helps you enjoy the city.  You can get rentals and plan events with the company. They also offer many training classes to help provide a safe environment during kayaking. There are professionals who teach several different ways of kayaking. You can also get personal sessions with a trainer. Additionally, you will have to take tests to ensure that you are certified.

1. Uncommon Adventures

Uncommon Adventures is another Kayaking rentals and institute that allows you to have plenty of trips under their supervision or even independently with their rentals. You can enjoy learning about plenty of different kayaking styles on the coastal shores among the greatest professionals form the area. Plenty of workshops are conducted during the season to help interested people learn about kayaking and to practice in coasts and lakesides.

1. Quiet World Sports LLC

Quiet World Sports in Michigan is available daily for rentals and for helping you plan your kayaking trips. They also have classes which help you to make your kayaking trips more fun. The professionals help you learn different stages of kayaking and allow you to enjoy the season.

Camping sites in Michigan

Michigan is also known for its campgrounds and parks that allow you to have a direct connection with nature for some time. It is a great way to bond with your friends and family and have a relaxing time. The following are a few camping sites.

1. Tahquamenon Falls State Park

The Tahquamenon state park has the most wonderful sites of the Tahquamenon falls that are on the east of the Mississippi. There are up to 40 miles high with hiking trails and 13 different islands for campers to enjoy. The 20,000 acres of natural landscape allows you to enjoy the view of nature and find more than just the waterfall.

1. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

This lakeshore has beaches as well as hiking trails on the sand dunes. You can enjoy an entirely different style of camping here and make it a once in a lifetime experience for you. There are several different activities to do here while you enjoy your stay in one of the most scenic places in Michigan.

1. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

The Sleeping Bear Dunes lakeshore is a park with very high natural sand dunes. You can take a guided tour around this place or simply wander around with this natural view. You will find this place to be very enjoyable for camping as you will always have something to do. You can take a swim or enjoy the maple syrup forests. There is also a maritime museum to learn about the history of the place.

Conclusion

Michigan is a great place with plenty of parks and bodies of water that allow kayaking. It allows people to bond with their friends and families without distraction from technology. These bodies of water additionally, hold water sports competitions for the locals and tourists to enjoy.

Kayaking gear is mostly available in places like these so that if you do not own any, you can still take advantage of the sport by renting.  However, make sure you are following all the safety requirements when kayaking so that your life is not at risk while you have fun. Make sure to take preventative measures for better safety.

Gear up and go kayaking!

Kayaking is one of the top water sports in the world. It involves the paddling on a small boat also known as ‘kayak’. There are different varieties of kayaks depending on where you are in the world. You can kayak everywhere whether it is on a lake, river, sea; the thrill of the sport is what entices people around the world to do this sport, even in Georgia.

The reason why people love coming to Georgia is that of its variety of different kinds of waterfalls and lakes that give ample amount of space for enthusiasts to go kayaking. Here are some guidelines on where to go kayaking in Georgia.

History of Kayaking in Georgia

You may be wondering where kayaking started. Thousands of years ago tribes such as the Inuits and Aleut from North America were the ones who invented the kayak. The kayaks at that time were either made from driftwood or by stretching animal skins. In order to accommodate their large families, they used umiaqs which had ample space to allow easier transport of people and possessions. The kayaks were mostly used for hunting and fishing, where the hunters would go on the water and hunt the desired animals for food. In the 1800s, Europeans started using the kayak and used it mostly for recreational purposes such as sports.

The kayak then soon turned into the recreational sport when Adolf Anderle, in 1931, became known as the first man to kayak at the Salzachofen Gorge falls. After this, many saw it as a good competitive sport and it was not far until in 1936 when the Olympic Games introduced kayaking, thus making it more global. Two years later with the United States made it more mainstream in the 1970s when it became one of the most popular sports in the world.

The texture and material used to make the kayaks have changed over time; from using fiberglass in the 1950s, to polyethylene plastic kayaks in the 1980s all due to changing times and which material was most able to tolerate the heavy currents of the rivers.

Recently, people have started using the carbon fiber material which can tolerate very heavy currents. In 2010, the GRN (Georgia River Network) started the Georgia Water Trails Program in order to provide a concise information to kayaking enthusiasts as well as newcomers so that they knew which trail to follow. The main idea of the GRN is to provide safe clean waters for people to easily enjoy.

10 Best Places to Kayak in Georgia

1. Altamaha River, Near Brunswick

Altamaha River has recently been called by the Nature Conservancy as one of the ‘must visit’ places in the whole world on a list of 75 places! Having a variety of 29 different hotels nearby for your own convenience, this river extends for more than 138 miles, thereby providing you with ample amount of space for your kayaking activities. It is also the second largest watershed in the whole of the United States, housing around 130 endangered species.

2. Augusta Canal/Savannah Rapids

Augusta Canal also known as the Savannah Rapids is located in the Savannah River. While it is mostly enjoyed by experienced enthusiasts, many other people of different skill levels also enjoy it.

The atmosphere provides a serene and calm environment to kayak freely amongst the old historic sites as well as the preserved wildlife, an area not to be missed on our list! One particular area to visit would be the Midway Jones Creek Park which is located on the tidal creek, you will only have to be aware of the tides.

9. George Smith State Park, Twin City

Looking for more parks? There is one for you at the George Smith State Park at Twin City providing you with amazing southern scenery at its best. This park includes beautiful jaw-dropping landscapes and it is also full of wildlife including species you may have never heard of.

Hire a guide and make sure to look at all the amazing things that you can see. It is a great family vacation where you can easily bring your visit this park and have the time of your life. What’s more, the ample amounts of moss and trees give the vibe of being in a jungle where you feel as if you are kayaking in a wild, mysterious jungle.

One of the most visited places in this park is the Mill Pond where there is an abundance of greenery due to moss, along with frogs and tadpoles that are seen jumping around in this serene environment. The kayakers here have always praised this place and it is a must to visit for any kayaking enthusiast.

10. Lake Blackshear, Cordele

Lake Blackshear is an 8,700-acre lake situated in Cordele, Georgia at the Georgia Veterans State Park. This park is known for its serene and peaceful atmosphere including jaw-dropping sunsets and seeing wildlife species including different breeds of alligators, turtles and many different types of birds. You get to observe these animals at a close distance while at the same time safe in your kayak.

People can easily bring their own kayaks and kayak in this lake in a very calm atmosphere. Visitors have always applauded the Lake Blackshear Resort and Golf Club. Now, the resort itself is a place to visit with its luxurious rooms, restaurants along with sports outdoor activities that include a golf course and other recreational activities such as museum visits. This location also provides you with swimming pools and a variety of shops.

You can also go fishing in one of those lakes or even hire a guide to give you fishing tours in the area if you want to save time or even take fishing lessons if you are new at fishing. This area is thus perfect for people of all ages as there are ample amounts of activities in this location offering you a great experience.

Best season/ time to kayak in Georgia

North Georgia is the ideal place for a kayaking excursion. The North Georgia Mountains provide you with an array of different river capacities, from slow currents to very fast tides, it will give a whole new experience. It is in fact known to be the center of recreational activities during summer due to its ability to cater to people of all ages whether they are beginners or experts and at the same time providing them with tours and guides so that they can improve.

According to people who have done these trips, the best time of the year would be either during early summer or spring if you want to get the best experience. At this time, the place will be covered with greenery such as wildflowers full of colors and the water level will also be the highest. During mid- to late summer, the water level may be too high and so it is best to check the water’s levels before embarking on this trip.

The first thing to do would be to manage your trip properly. If, for example, you are considering bringing your whole family, don’t bring them when the tides are too high or when everything is frozen in winter.

Training centers in Georgia

The mountains in Northern Georgia have just the right climate for kayaking over lakes and rivers as they have the perfect amount of cold air. All of the sites provide you with centers where you can easily learn how to kayak your way through rivers and lakes.

• White Water Learning Center of Georgia

The White Water learning center provides you the opportunity for not only kayaking but also canoeing and paddle boarding. You can easily choose your trips according to your preference from either 2:00 to 4:00 pm or 4:00 to 6:00 pm. These tours also provide shuttles to the desired location to save time and also for other activities like hiking and biking.

They teach from Class I to Class IV after assessing your level correctly so that you may become a better kayaker. The point of their program is to provide a safe and secure environment for enthusiasts.

• Chattahoochee Nature Center

The Chattahoochee Nature Center takes place in the Chattahoochee River which is one of the most visited places for kayaking. This center provides kayaking as well as canoeing lessons along with other workshops. Furthermore, other services such as nature tours, wildlife tours, boat, camping and hiking tours are also provided.

This place is best for people of all ages where they are offered hands-on wildlife experiences with wildlife species, to giving canoeing as well as kayaking lessons, this place is the total package. It is a calm, peaceful and clean environment with very eager guides who love their job.

• Southeastern Expeditions

Southeastern Expeditions is a training center in the Chattooga River at Clayton, Georgia. This center has been a favorite with its customers as it provides kayaking lessons as well as tours of the wildlife along with activities at the amusement park for people of all ages. The guides here are full of humor and positivity thereby making your trip one to remember.

Camping sites in Georgia

The best time to go camping in Georgia would in summer, spring or fall if you are an outdoor person and want an escape from the crowded city. Many people prefer camping near the water so that they can enjoy other outdoor activities such as kayaking, canoeing, swimming, fishing and paddle boarding. Here is a list of the best locations:

Skidaway Island, Savannah

Skidaway Island Park in Savannah, Georgia is one to visit if you are planning to camp. Savannah is full of old historic monuments, museums, variety of shops and amazing food. If you camp at the Skidaway Island State Park, you will be not far away from the Savannah River providing you a perfect place where you can easily go for kayaking and all the other outdoor activities that you wish to do.

Oconee River Campground, Greensboro

For a more secluded camping area, go to the Oconee River Campground where you can only get five tents at the camping sites that are also near the river. It is a cheaper alternative than the others and if you would like privacy then this is the place to go. The campground is also near town, only 13 miles away, where you can get all of your supplies. Drinking water may be an issue here so make sure to bring your own bottled water.

High Falls State Park, Macon

This campsite is more spacious where there are over 100 campsites along with a large swimming pool during summer time. It is the nearest to the waterfall of Atlanta, keeping you nearer to your kayaking activities in the river. Along with kayaking, it is also one of the most famous fishing spots in the Southeast. This park also provides other outdoor activities such as canoeing, paddle boarding and even hiking for a full-fledged outdoor experience. The visitors here were not disappointed.

Conclusion

Many kayaking experts are astonished when they visit the lakes and rivers of Georgia. If you are looking for an adventure filled with fun and risk then Georgia is the place to go. Whether you are new at kayaking or not, the experts and guides are here to make your experience worthwhile and to make amazing memories. You do not even have to own kayaking gear because you can easily buy and rent from the shops around the city.

The abundance of rivers, lakes, and waterfalls helps you enjoy other outdoor activities such as camping and fishing or activities that you were too scared to attempt. However, in order to have the best experience, plan your vacation properly by expecting to have the best time, planning the worst scenario in your mind and allowing yourself to be amazed by nature’s wonders. Kayaking is not only a hobby but also a way to completely be swept away by nature’s currents.

Time to Gear up and go kayaking!

Kayaking brings you closer to nature. It is a great recreational activity that connects you to the water, the sky and the surrounding vegetation.

You can explore the world around you in a different way. You are able to catch a glimpse of fish swimming in the water, listen to the birds sing, and see small animals scurrying under bushes. Nothing beats the calmness and serenity you get with the paddles in your hands.

Colorado has some of the best kayaking destinations in the world. If you are someone who seeks whitewater thrills, Colorado is the best place for you to visit. You will have a remarkable experience in the waterway of the state while paddling. There are a number of bodies of water that give you spectacular views of the surrounding area while you kayak.

History of kayaking in Colorado:

Whether you are an experienced kayaker or are a beginner, you might be curious about the origin of kayaking. What is the story behind this adventurous sporting experience? How did it become popular in Colorado? Just like many other activities, kayaking also has a story to tell.

Kayaking has a rich history. It is the Inuit who invented the first kayak for transportation purposes. The ancient minds created this vessel to travel from one place to another by sea to feed their families.

Traditionally a kayak was used only for transportation but found its way as a form of fitness and an adventurous paddling sport. In 1936 kayaking officially became an Olympic sport. After becoming a part of the Olympics, kayaking became popular a recreational activity among people of all ages.

With the abundance of rivers, seas and lakes, Colorado has a rich history involving kayaking. There is no other state that can offer endless waterways like Colorado. It offers excellent spots to kayak with your friends and family. There are more than 20 rivers in the state that offer rafting and kayaking adventures.  It is a go-to place for kayaking among tourists who love to explore new places.

After you have chosen the right kayak and geared up, check out any of these top 10 Best Places to Kayak in Colorado and have a great time!

1. The Arkansas River

The Arkansas River is one of the largest tributaries of the Mississippi River. It originates from the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and flows for 1460 miles through Kansas, Oklahoma and Arkansas before meeting the longest river in North America, the Mississippi River.

The Arkansas River is one of the most popular destinations for water sports in Colorado. If you are looking to kayak in the high waters of the Arkansas River, there are a vast variety of kayaking trips for you to have an exciting experience. The trips are available for one, two or three days. It is a great option for families with children.

If you are the adventurous sort, and you want to have fun on a kayak with your friends, the Arkansas River has a lot to offer.

The Arkansas River offers rafting, canoeing, and kayaking for whitewater enthusiasts. You can experience the thrills of whitewater kayaking at any time of the year. There are different difficulty levels and you can choose according to your skills and expertise.

The Arkansas River gives you an ideal combination of water adventures and views of the beautiful surrounding scenery. You can see the massive mountains of Colorado on a kayak and have an ultimate water rafting experience. You can also have a look at the wildlife on the banks of the sixth largest river in the United States.

The Arkansas River has everything for everyone. Whether you want to enjoy a relaxing vacation with your family, or are looking for a little adrenaline pumping, it’s the place which will provide you with unforgettable memories.

2. Pueblo Lake

Pueblo Lake is a magnificent lake in Colorado which offers a variety of water sports like canoeing, jet-skiing, and kayaking.

It’s a favorite spot for kayakers because of the convenience it provides because it is not very crowded. The lake is large, and even though it is a busy place to kayak, you will never see it overcrowded. The crystal clear water and beautiful sceneries draw the attention of many kayakers.

Not only can you enjoy a stress- free and relaxing holiday with your family, but you can also enjoy the adventurous thrill of paddling a kayak on the waters of Pueblo Lake.

You don’t need to be an experienced kayaker to enjoy the pleasures of kayaking on Pueblo Lake. There are proper guides and trainers for you to get an understanding of the thrilling water sport.

You can easily hire a kayak from Pueblo Lake and paddle and explore the most alluring corners of the lake. While you enjoy the water thrills, your children can play on the banks of the lake.

Pueblo Lake flows through the Pueblo Lake Park which is a famous state park in Colorado. It offers beautiful mountain views and endless outdoor activities. It has a huge campground that allows you to stay for multiple days. You can enjoy fishing, picnicking and bird watching with your friends and family. Kayakers will definitely have fun while experiencing the challenging trails.

9. Horsetooth Reservoir

This list would be incomplete if we didn’t mention the Horsetooth Reservoir. It is one of Colorado’s most beautiful and scenic places that is great for kayak enthusiasts. It’s a favorite recreational spot for people who love water spots and other outdoor activities.

If you are looking for splendid bird watching and wildlife sightseeing, Horsetooth Reservoir is the place to be. You will be amazed by the beauty of the nature surrounding the reservoir.

The atmosphere of the place is family friendly. People who love to explore nature would be delighted to kayak on the water of Horsetooth Reservoir.

It is a perfect place for hiking, camping, fishing, and kayaking. You can plan to kayak all day long or stay for multiple days at a campsite. If you do not own a kayak, you can rent a kayak and enjoy the spectacular surroundings.

10. Harvey Gap

Harvey Gap State Park is a well-known state park in Colorado that is popular for fishing, kayaking, canoeing and other outdoor activities.

Harvey Gap can accommodate any level of kayaker. Whether you are a beginner or an expert kayaker, this location promises you an unforgettable kayaking expedition.

You can catch as many fish as you like while exploring the lake on a kayak. The place is not enormous, but kayaking on Harvey Gap will make you forget about the stress in your life. While easily paddling on a kayak, you will be surrounded by a peaceful and quiet environment.

Best season/ time to kayak in Colorado

Are you planning a vacation to Colorado this year to enjoy the bodies of water? A common question that may occur in your mind is, “what is the ideal time to kayak in Colorado?”

We are all aware of the fact that kayaking is a seasonal activity. Kayaking season in Colorado starts from April to September. However, the best season to kayak totally depends on your skills and water level preference.

The amount of water in the rivers of Colorado changes throughout the year. The most exciting time to kayak for kayaking enthusiasts is when the water level is high. This usually occurs at the end of May until the end of June.

Medium water levels are perfect for tourists and families. The water level is just right to enjoy a thrilling kayaking experience. This typically occurs from end of June until mid-August. This season is the peak tourist season. You are also able to see the wildlife around the river.

There are great options for you from the spring to summer season to kayak in the rivers and lakes of Colorado.

Training Centers in Colorado

Safety comes first. Before entering the world of kayaking, it is important for you to get the right training to enjoy this adventurous sport. If you don’t have prior knowledge to the proper tricks and techniques of kayaking, you might be risking your life. Kayakers should have a know how to use the paddles appropriately, including speed, angle, timing and body posture to enjoy the dynamic sport. There are a number of training centers which offer kayaking classes for beginners and intermediates.

• Colorado Whitewater

Colorado Whitewater offers a wide range of courses for kayakers to enhance their skills of paddling efficiently on the river. They provide the basic instructions and guidelines for beginners to roll up the kayak in a manner that prevents serious back injuries.

• Rocky Mountain Adventure Pass

If you are looking for a lead training kayak center in Colorado, Rocky Mountain Adventure Pass serves this purpose. The professional and certified kayak instructors guide you along the beautiful Arkansas River. They help you explore the world of kayaking and teach you great rolling and paddling skills.

• Renaissance Adventure Guides

To safely kayak in the peaceful lakes and rivers, this organization gives you the option of choosing from plenty of different kayaking courses. They offer different courses for different levels of kayakers. If you are an advanced kayaker and are looking for a thrilling kayaking experience, they teach you the right techniques for you to master the art of the sport.

Conclusion

For a memorable kayaking getaway, Colorado is the best choice for you. The state has numerous lakes and rivers that provide you with the most incredible sights.

Kayaking in the rivers of Colorado allows you to discover mysterious places. You can discover so much on your own. You are exposed to an amazing array of scenery and wildlife.

Plan your next vacation to Colorado to have a thrilling experience of exploring the world while paddling a kayak. Kayaking in Colorado could change your life. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that Colorado is a paradise for all the kayak enthusiasts.

Gear up and Happy Kayaking!

Living in Florida we have many options for kayaking, from fresh water springs to open ocean adventures. We recently rounded up our Top 10 Places to Kayak in Florida list. We’ve come to realize over the years our favorite runs involve landing at a sandy beach and spending some time frolicking in the sun, splashing in the water, lounging in our beach chairs and maybe enjoying a few adult beverages.

Each run we take, we seem to always be curating our gear, noting down what we wish we had brought or worn, so that next time our trip is that much more enjoyable. One important thing to do is to also take a look at what gear you are bringing and not using, all in an effort to travel light, but travel prepared for anything. We often kayak for hours to remote beaches and you have to be prepared for the worst in these situations. So I put together our current list of 10 essential gear items for day trip kayaking to a remote beach.

1. Multicolor Dry Bags

This is pretty obvious, everything should go in a dry bag – you don’t need all the fancy expensive ones imo – check out:

Outdoor Products Ultimate Dry Sack, Three-Pack

We really love the multi-color pack, it makes it much easier to separate gear and to be able to identify what is where, rather than having all the same color.

2. Beach Umbrella with Integrated Sand Anchor

It gets freaking hot out there, and we love having an sun umbrella to sit under – our requirements being it is packable, lightweight and can be anchored easily. This RIO fits the bill and has been going strong for years.

Our recommendation:  The RIO BEACH 6 1/2′ Integrated Sand Anchor Umbrella

Conclusion

There is a ton of other little items in our day trip packs, such as:

• A Whistle or Air horn – sometimes you need to get people’s attention, like when coming through a bridge, rowing past people casting/fishing, or other watercraft.
• Bug Repellent
• Duct/Gorilla Tape
• Marine Cooler Bag
• First Aid Kit, including meds for common things (heartburn, headache, allergies)
• Hand Sanitizer
• Headlamps – because of course we like to watch the sunset!
• Life Jackets – Obviously.
• Sunblock
• Snacks
• Trash bags
• Wet Wipes

We love kayaking to remote beaches and hanging out, we hope this list helps your next trip that much better, what items do you bring out when kayaking to a beach?

Gear up and Happy Kayaking!

One of the most popular and fun water sports and activities is kayaking. Kayaking is a great way to enjoy some family time along with remaining cool in the hot summers. It takes up muscle strength so regular kayaking can keep you healthy and very fresh. It is also considered great cardio exercise for people who are looking to lose weight with fun exercises.

There is a lot of technique used in paddling the kayak. It needs major upper body strength and exercises to ensure that if you are paddling for competitive levels you are ready for it. If you are paddling and you find yourself in pain, you might need some exercise to be ready for it. The following are a few workouts that will help you in improving your kayaking.

Working out before kayaking and preparing allow you to get a chance at making your muscles strong enough to fight the rough and smooth water. It allows the body to be more mobile and helps the muscles store more energy in them so that they can be released while you are kayaking.

​Equipment training

The following few workouts are done with some form of gym equipment. Keep in mind to consult your physician or trainer to ensure that there is no harm in using any of them according to your health. These are the best workouts to for kayak training in our opinion.

Swiss Ball Crunches 

The Swiss Ball crunches exercise is great to engage your core and make it strong. The strength of the core is very important for paddlers to help their core energy and muscles keep them stable while they are paddling in the rough and smooth waters. Most of the energy that is consumed during kayaking is from the core which is why it is important to keep it strong otherwise you may be cramped up while kayaking which can be dangerous as well.

To do this workout you need a gym ball. Sit on the ball and then gently roll down until your hips are on the end and they are supported by the pelvis and lower back. Put your hands behind your head or cross them on your chest. Suck your abs in and keep your spine in a neutral position to reduce any stress or injury. Contract your abdominals and lift your chest upwards away from the ball until you are high enough to keep maintaining your back flatly. Repeat about three times and do at least three sets.

You can also opt for the oblique crunches where the position remains the same but instead of going straight up, you will have to shift to the side a little and move your upper body. This helps in making your side core stronger and much more energetic and supportive.

Arm curls

Arms curls also known as bicep curls are a workout that requires dumbbells or any other form of gym weights. This workout helps in engaging the upper arms and the biceps. The workout makes the muscles much more mobile and strong to defeat the strong and rough waters and increase the stamina of the muscles in the arms to reduce cramping. To some extent, your lower arms will also find it beneficial and will be strengthened. To begin this exercise, make sure you have moderate amounts of weights. Make sure to not pick up very heavy weights in the initial stages.

Cardio workouts

Cardio workouts such as aerobics and Zumba are a great way to increase your stamina. These exercises are suitable for most people and they allow your heartbeat to be much more controlled and your lungs to take in extra air when you are kayaking. A few of the greatest cardio exercises include

• Jogging: You can wear your tracks and head to the nearest park or jog on the roads. Start from about a kilometer and slowly increase as your stamina increases.
• Cycling: Cycling is another great way to keep the heart running at a steady pace. It helps in saving fuel and allows you to work on your leg muscles while steadying your breath
• Aerobics: Head over to Jessica Smith, Jane Fonda, or any of your favorite trainers online and you will find great cardio aerobics that you can do according to your age and needs. You can simply follow them in your living room.

Conclusion

Working out before kayaking is very important and it helps in increasing your stamina. With the newly built muscles and the strength, you can improve your kayaking skills with different techniques and apply more energy to the whole process. Your skills will also help you move faster and help you win if you are competing.

Gear up and Happy Kayaking!

Did you ever wonder why painters, photographers, movie directors, and other artists always love representing sunsets over water in their works! Well, the honest answer is we do too! That being said we can build our own version as to why. The simplest reason is that you just can’t beat a great day out on the water. Sure some days we want to be super extreme and ride down waterfalls, but that is not what it’s all about.

A calm stroll down a quiet lake or mild river while spending time in thought and in awe of nature. It just even seems artistic by reading and imagining the scene. The amazing thing is just about anybody can enjoy this. This is where recreational kayaks come in!

Recreational kayaks are usually very stable boats that are perfect for a nice and smooth ride. Like any other product though there are many options out there to choose from. From our experience with kayaks, we understand that it can be totally overwhelming to try and shop for the right boat. That is why we have taken it upon ourselves to break down everything there is to know about recreational kayaks. Put in a blender and came up with our best recreational kayaks for specific needs and styles of riding.

We have broken down recreational kayaking into a list of main categories. Best overall kayak, most stable kayak, best kayak for big guys, among others. Breaking down why each specific kayak can best fit you if you happen to fit in a particular category. Helping you spend less time in the shop and more time in the water. Let’s get going we have a lot to cover!

Best Overall Recreational Kayak

Since before we even started going through the kayaks again to put this guide together for you we were thinking about this boat! The Hurricane Santee 116 Sport Kayak is a very versatile recreational kayak. That is one of the main reasons that we picked it above the rest as the best boat.

So many times we see people invest money on inflatable, and other cheaper boat options only to have to upgrade in a matter of months. The main reason behind this is that once you catch the kayak bug and start feeling confident in the water you need a bigger challenge.

This boat is something you can potentially ride around for years to come. This might be a little unfair for other recreational kayaks as this is more of a crossover boat between a recreational and a whitewater kayak. That is the same reason that it is so versatile. The thing is whether you are starting out or are trying to make the jump to faster boats this is a viable option.

• The cockpit is wide enough for taller people and people who are just getting used to sit-in kayaks. It is very stable, especially when in motion. The only real issue we see with this boat for beginners is that it may not be wide enough for them to feel comfortable. It may only cause, we could say slight insecurities at first. Flipping this boat in calm waters though is a tough task. Even if you are trying to flip it over it’s pretty hard!

  Key Features

• AirStream Seat and Thigh Pads
• Twist Lock Foot Brace System

• Deck Storage for dry bag & gear
• Wide Cockpit
• Great Overall Design

Honorable Mention: Wilderness Systems Pungo 120

When looking back at some of the reviews and getting back into a number of boats we previously looked at we felt we needed to include the Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 on this guide. In rereading our review so many memories from this boat came back.

One of the main things that we recall was that we were literally angry at the boat manufacturer and that affected the review. It wasn’t a biased reason, but we felt a bit cheated in the price. Since this guide only really evaluates performance we have to give credit where credit is due!

The Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 is actually a boat that is very similar in design to the Hurricane Santee 116. Except the Pungo 120 is a lot wider. In this case, if we want to showcase boats that are good for beginners we couldn’t leave it off the list. It doesn’t turn as gracefully as the Santee 116 because of it being wider obviously. Which makes it not such a versatile boat that we would recommend taking anywhere.

As a casual recreational boat though we could see it filling that role perhaps better than any other boat we could potentially write about. If you are looking for purely a recreational boat you can cruise down the river with this is a great option. Our issue was, we thought it was more of a fishing boat, but adding all the fishing accessories cost extra!

Key Features

<li “=”” =””=”” class=” “>SlideLock XL foot brace system allows for quick and easy adjustment for leg length.<li “=”” =””=”” class=” “>Thigh and knee padding<li “=”” =””=”” class=” “>Multi-chined hull design provides excellent secondary stability.<li “=”” =””=”” class=” “>Bungee deck rigging<li “=”” =””=”” class=” “>Different-size air holes in the seat allow for ventilation and water drainage.

Most Stable Kayak for Beginners

There are plenty of kayaks out there that have a wide platform-like hull that passes as very stable for beginners. It’s not that we have anything against fishing platforms, but we do believe that kayaks are just different. To stick with fishing though we chose a fishing kayak for this category. Vibe Kayaks Yellowfin 100 10 foot Angler Sit On Top Kayak is a very stable kayak for beginners in our book.

For starters, it is a sit on top kayak and we feel that most people should start in one of those. It makes people a lit bit comfortable as it is easier to enter. You get kind of a best of both worlds experience. It is pretty agile and fast for a fishing kayak. So even though your main intent may be to cruise gracefully you also have the option of turning it up a notch. If you notice this boat doesn’t have the typical canoe like design that speedier boats have.

Its side walls also reach down to the water. This provides more stability and makes beginners usually feel a lot safer out on the water. A quick reminder many of these fishing kayaks are designed so that you can also stand in them. So typically fishing kayaks will be more stable than sporty versions. Another plus of riding around in a fishing kayak as a beginner is that you will have way more storage room on your boat. Especially dry storage spaces, so you can carry things like cameras and food.

Key Features

• 10 ft kayak
• 4 Carry Handles
• 2 Waterproof Storage Hatches
• 2 Adjustable Foot Braces
• Large Rear Tank Well And Bungee
• Framed Seat
• Dash with cup holder and mount trey

Best Kayak For Big Fellas

Kayaking is a pastime that is mainly used to relax, unwind and feel comfortable. Especially when you are only doing recreational kayaking. The idea is to feel as loose and at ease in the water as possible.

That is why we recommend that you try and avoid virtually any type of currents or mildly choppy waters when paddling for recreational purposes. , the less effort you have to put into paddling for this type of kayaking the better. That being said there is no shame in being honest and saying you are not comfortable in a kayak because you don’t fit right. That is why we bring you the best kayak for big fellas.

​The Teton 90 Hard Shell Recreational Kayak it is a boat very similar to the Yellow fin 100 which we dubbed the most stable. We went with the Teton 90 as the perfect for big fellas because we feel it has a little more leg room.

Even though they are virtually the same size. There was a discussion here whether to go with a 12 foot kayak in this spot. It is true that these kayaks will have even more leg room. The length though could cause a lot of problems for beginners. Both in and out of the water during transport. That is why we ultimately went with this boat! Plus while still being a relatively light boat it can hold up to 300 pounds. That is way beyond the limits of most boats this size!

Key Features

• Kayak Length: 9′
• Kayak Width: 32″
• Kayak Weight: 47 Lbs.
• Recommended Weight Limit: 300 lbs.
• 4 Flush Mount Capped Rod Holders
• 2 Sealed Dry Storage Hatches

Other Beginner Options

A lot of times we come across people who end up not getting into kayaks because they feel the price is to steep especially when you have to buy two or more boats. While kayaking is usually a solo endeavor it is also nice to have some company while out on the water.

People who want to bring their wives or kids along have a hard time finding the right boats. Especially when starting out, because what fits one person may not feel the same for another. This makes the starting prices increase, and scares people away from kayaking before they even start! The Voyager 2 Person Inflatable Kayak may help solve those issues.

This kayak obviously seats two which is an advantage when starting out. It’s perfect for couples or even your kids. You won’t have to buy 2 separate boats to start out in the kayaking world.

We don’t typically recommend inflatable boats because of the puncture issues and the time you spend inflating. We made an exception here, though, because this boat is actually very well made and quite a safe option. The main benefit of inflatable options is always having easy storage.

This is key when starting because getting a kayak onto your car or having to tow it is always a hassle for beginners. Specifically those with very compact cars. In this case, though you just deflate fold and your good to go. Plus with this kayak, you are getting a very maneuverable boat. It won’t take a whole bunch of strokes to get it up to full speed and for a relatively wide boat, it is very maneuverable.

This will make beginners enjoy a ride without too much effort. Although it sits 2 one person can carry the load of the work if necessary. We remember seeing a man on this boat with a relatively large dog (who obviously wasn’t paddling) and he had no problem moving forward.

The main reason we chose this boat though was, this boat costs under 500 dollars, and it comes with 2 paddles, 2 seats, a pump and any and all features you need to get out on the water. This is a great deal for beginners or parents who want to get their kids into kayaking!

Key Features

• Measures only 26”(L) x 16”(W) x 8”(H) and fits nicely into the included carry bag
• Adjustable EVA padded seats
• Aluminum kayak paddles with ergonomic grip
• Double action hand pump
• Rear tracking fin
• Repair kit and Travel bag

Best LightWeight Boat

We really don’t want to sound biased with this pick! The problem is we really can’t help ourselves when it comes to liking these boats. In this category, we had to pick the best lightweight boat. Without a doubt, we went with the Hurricane Skimmer 128 Sit On Top Kayak. We obviously like hurricane boats as we have one of them as the best boat. That being said we do want to elaborate as to why we chose both of these boats.

In this category, we went with the Hurricane Skimmer 128 Sit On Top Kayak as the best lightweight boat because of all of the things you can do with this boat at a lightweight! As it is one of the fastest boats on the market. At least in the recreational, and fishing kayak markets. Not only that, but you can potentially stand in for fishing.

Despite it not being so wide it doesn’t make you lose stability. Those are the 2 main reasons we rate it so high. Being a sit on top it allows you to be more comfortable when out in the water for long periods of time.

Another thing we loved about this kayak and we rarely talked about in this guide is room. This kayak can be as much a recreational kayak as it can be a fishing kayak. The fact that you could potentially kill two birds with one boat is a definite plus.

This boat only weighs around 50 pounds. So it is great for solo use. It won’t be tough to pick up in or out of the water. In the water, you will be able to reach maximum speeds with just a couple of paddles. Like we mentioned you can actually tackle a wide variety of waters with these boats. Recreational only kayaks can put you in danger even on a day at the lake. This boat on the other hand won’t have an issue with getting through some rough patches.

Key Features

• Length: 12ft. 9in.
• AirStream Seat
• Hatches: Bow & 2 Stern
• Weight Capacity: 315 lbs.
• Kayak Width: 28in
• Comes With One Paddle

Is It Smart To Buy A Special Kid Kayak?

Parents typically want to get their kids into the same things that they like. If you are one of those kayaking parents especially if you and your partner are both kayakers it makes sense that you would want your kids to get into kayaking.

Finding the right boat for them to do so may be a bit of an issue, though. The reality is that there aren’t many special kayaks for kids. Most of the options are very low-quality inflatables. That will not work properly and most likely irritate your kids instead of encouraging them. Not to mention the right age for them to start paddling off on their own is in itself a debatable topic! Knowing how to swim is obviously a must, but what other things should they know?

Having them paddle with an adult before going off on their own is almost also a must. This way kids will get used to the paddle motion and will learn how to pace themselves out on the water. Otherwise, they may wander off and then be too tired to paddle back. What are the options when it comes to kayaks for kids?

We probably don’t recommend specialized kids kayaks to be fully honest. There is one boat the Lifetime Youth Wave Kayak that could help get kids into kayaking. It is essentially a wave boat though. It is very similar in design to many whitewater kayaks.

Which means that it isn’t quite fit for a prolonged use in calm waters. It just isn’t that comfortable to be on in for that long. The short answer for “is buying a kid kayak for recreational use worth it?” is probably no. There are plenty of inflatable options out there that can be better suited for kids at an affordable price. That way they will be able to learn first hand, plus many of the boats are very light and maneuverable in the water anyway.

So it won’t take them much effort to paddle out. Now if you want to get your kid into whitewater kayaking then the Lifetime Youth Wave Kayak is a viable option. Get them to ride along the shore even at lakes and experience the force of the water first hand. Riding one of these boats will make the transition to whitewater kayaks and tough waters much easier. Speaking of lightweight boats though we might have just the thing!

Conclusion

Even within the realm of casual use kayaks, there are many options to choose from. Like we have clearly seen in this whole review. Before buying a boat it is important that you scope out what the waters are literally like at the place you are going to be using it most. If you are planning on just using it in a calm lake then maybe you can look for a cheaper option that will allow you to float calmly in the water. A word of warning, though! In our experience kayaking can get a little addictive.

Leaving you with the urge to constantly try new things and why not test your limits a little bit! That is why we typically choosing boats that are a lot more versatile. That way you won’t find yourself walking out of the store with a new boat every 4 months! That can turn kayaking into a very expensive hobby when it really doesn’t have to be. Finding a boat that you feel safe on and can relax in is literally winning half the battle!

If you can believe it there are actually people out there who believe that kayaking is a boring sport for old people. That is clearly because they have never felt the thrill of tracking down a river. Nor have they ever put themselves at the mercy of unpredictable currents where you only have your kayak and your paddle to defend yourself against the water.

Maybe they were just too scared to experience that and decided to take the easy way out! For those of us who know and love this sport though we know how challenging it can be both mentally and physically. Especially when it comes to any form of whitewater kayaking. As we said you are essentially alone with only your boat and your paddle to help you out there.

This makes shopping for the right boat all the more important. You can’t just walk into a sporting goods store or Walmart and pick up the first thing you see. Remember your safety depends on the boat that you chose. So first you really have to decide what is the most common use you are going to have for the boat! I know this may seem like basic stuff for all of you seasoned pros, but bear with us we need to get all over newcomers on the same page.

To do that we will be going through a number of boats we feel are the best in specific situations! Of course, we fully expect there to be some controversy over our picks, but rest assured that all of the boats we will talk about can keep you safe out on the water. After all, the main goal while out on the water is too get back on land in one piece!

Best Overall Whitewater Kayak

We are probably going to get a lot of heat from many of you avid kayakers out there. But we had to go with the boat that we feel is the most versatile and easy to pick up. We get that this boat might be missing some of the things that pros really need out in the water. How we see it though is this boat is the most versatile and the one most people regardless of skill level can ride in! We are talking about the Dagger Mamba 8.1 Kayak.

We know it may sound like a contradiction from the reviews, but hear us out. Our main issue with this kayak is that they didn’t make it even more versatile. We thought that they could potentially add some rod holders and other fishing add-ons. With the way, the kayak can handle any and all sorts of water we really thought it could be an all around kayak.

Still, it is a boat that you can do creaking in as well as some decent river running. It is one of the safest boats out there, and perfect for beginners. As they can use the same boat to continue to grow in their whitewater experience. Of course, as you get more specific as a whitewater kayaker you will probably move to a boat that fits your specific needs best. As an overall boat though we are sticking by our pick of the Dagger Mamba 8.1 Kayak!

Honorable Mention: Pyranha Machno Kayak

When choosing the top kayak we almost all unanimously went for the Dagger in the end, but it was close between other kayaks. The Dagger brand maybe was what pulled it over the edge. We do however have other boats that we particularly liked and think could fit the same description that the Dagger 8.1 does. That boat would have to be the Pyranha Machno Kayak.

This is a boat that we just loved and raved about how versatile it was. It is a boat that is best suited for river running, but you can actually get a lot of things done with it. We feel it is comfortable enough (when you set it just right) so that you can use it in virtually any situation. It can be a great boat to really get into very very tough rivers. It is probably the fastest boat you will ever get on.

We are not going to lie it can get a little scary at times even. That is why it just didn’t crack the top spot. With that mix between speed and play it just may be a little too much to handle for average riders. All in all, though it’s a great boat!

​

Best Beginner Kayak

When we think of a beginner kayak for whitewater, we typically think of a bigger, wider boat. Just because it will allow you to feel a bit safer at least in appearance. One of the most common mistakes though is trying to take a wide fishing boat to white waters.

Those boats just don’t have the stability to keep you safe. Like we always say sure you may be able to survive a ride, but there is no need to put yourself at too much of a risk out there. With that in mind, we decided to go with the Dagger Kayaks Zydeco 9.0 as our top beginner boat! The reasons are basically what we just stated it is a very stable boat that will make you feel safe on the water.

Truly you may “outgrow” this boat quite quickly if you are looking for more action. With this boat though you take it to walk you through the whole transition from recreational kayaking to whitewater kayaking. Still, this boat is a very decent boat. As you can navigate smoothly down the river while not losing stability which is key for this type of kayaking. To all of you experts out there that are looking for the top play boats and river runners out there no worries they’re coming!

​

A Brief Lesson Before We Get Any Further

We’ve thrown out a couple of big words out there and we want to make sure you know exactly what we mean. Whitewater kayaking is not as simple as recreational kayaking. In recreational kayaks, you either want to fish or you don’t. So you have fishing boats or normal recreational boats. They still come in different shapes and sizes but serve basically the same purpose. In whitewater kayaking, you really should think about getting a specific boat for what you want to do in the water. The 3 main types of kayaks are river runners, creeking boats, and play boats. Each one requires a specific type of boat. As the rivers, and what you will be doing in them differ. Let’s go over each category real quick so you don’t end up getting in the wrong boat!

River Runners

River runners are boats that are built to go fast! Like its name suggests the main objective in this type of kayaking is getting downriver quickly. These types of boats are the ones that you can see in most kayaking competitions that are against the clock or timed in any way. These boats tend to be a bit longer and narrower than other boats. As their main purpose is to be aerodynamic. If you are just getting started in whitewater kayaking they may not be your best option. As they are typically harder to control in the water.

Creeking Boats

You’ve heard us allude to this type of boat already. This is probably the boat that most people use while on whitewater. The creeking boat tends to be a little wider than river runners and other whitewater kayaks. Make no mistake about it though they can also be the ones that you end up taking on the toughest adventures. These boats are commonly used to ride down rivers that are not too deep. Usually with a good number of rocks and other potential threats in the way.

They are the best boats for riding down waterfalls as well! The highest waterfall drop ever landed in a kayak was in a creeking boat. Tyler Brandt took a Dagger Nomad creeking boat down a 189-foot waterfall and landed safely. Well, a broken wrist to show for it, but as close to complete safety as you would expect. Still, creeking boats serve as great learning boats for whitewater kayaking. Since they are the widest and make people feel safe in the water. Many well trained experienced kayakers will never even touch other types of boat besides these ones.

Play Boats

These kayaks as their name suggest are not meant actually for complete rides down the river. People that are into playboats tend to use them only on certain parts of the river. Where they can catch waves or currents that allow them to get airborne and do some flips and tricks.

This may be the most advanced form of whitewater kayaking. As it takes a lot of experience to be able to perform. Plus you are guaranteed a decent number of bumps and bruises before you can fully master these boats. They are particularly smaller boats yet some even are a bit more round along the edges.

Best River Runner Kayak

River running is as exciting as it is dangerous! That is why we recommend you at least get around to trying it once in your life! These types of kayaks are kind of the hybrid when it comes to whitewater kayaking. They have the front of a creeking boat and the back of a play boat. This design makes them great for picking up speed with just a couple of paddles.

The guys at Dagger Kayaks really hit the nail on the head with the Dagger Axiom 8.5 Kayak. This boat is not as popular as one would think that is why we chose it! We feel that we need to give it some love. We picked as the best river runner because we feel that it is one of the most maneuverable river runners out there.

​

Again we understand that there may be some disagreement with the pick. As this boat isn’t the typical river runner that is essentially a torpedo. We like it because you can basically do as you please with this boat on the water. You can get some playing done as well as great river running. That is how maneuverable it is! You automatically feel how it is super light in the water which is essential to these types of boats.

At 8.5 you can get it in and out of the water easily, load it up and go. Not only that but it can hold just about any paddler out there. It’s max weight capacity is 210 lbs. For a boat in that size, it is great! If you need a longer version you can also go for the 9 footer. Which is basically the same thing, but better suited for taller riders. Overall the boat is going to allow you to have a lot of fun out on the water. While keeping you safe in tough spots that you may hit out there!

​

Best Creeking Boat

We’ve been over the fact that creeking boats are the most common whitewater boats out there. Besides they are the boats that will allow you to ride through basically all types of rivers. Chances are most people that you meet hitting white waters will be on a creeking boat. That is because as we said they are the ones that essentially make you feel safe.

They also allow you to take on virtually any obstacle with ease! We gave this boat a quick mention before, as the boat used to break the highest fall record. If it can take on a 189-foot kayak then we are sure it can work wonders for you! That boat is the Dagger Nomad 8.5 kayak! This boat just screams creeking boat. It has the classic design that all of the other creeking boats follow. It has really not changed for years.

You can go out and pick up literally any year’s version of this boat and we can guarantee you are going to have a great boat. With this boat, you can start out by taking a ride on slow rivers and gradually start getting into rougher waters. Like we said it can take a 189-foot drop so you can bet it can take any type of rapid you are thinking of putting it in. To be honest, we decided to not give it the best overall boat because we just felt it fit this category perfectly.

The only thing that we may say it could “lack” is speed. But that is not its main purpose anyway. It makes up for that though with great stability. It is going to take a monumental effort for you to flip on this boat out there. Besides with the seat upgrade it got a couple versions ago you are going to have a very comfortable ride no matter what you decide to do. If you want a pure creeking boat go out and get the Dagger Nomad and don’t worry about a thing. We were going to give another boat an honorable mention. Then we just realized there was really no need to. Every other boat out there is modeled after this one anyway!

Best Play Boat

When it comes to play boats we feel that it really depends on the person. The boat needs to fit the person and his or her needs just right. It’s a lot like a surf or skateboard in that the there is no one great length to width ratio that fits best. It really depends a lot on your own type of body and style of riding.

For the most part, though people who are avid play boaters have said that what they want to do is paddle the least amount of time possible. Some even venture without a paddle for long periods of time the reason behind that is very simple. If you want to flip, turn, and twist you won’t want to have the danger of a paddle hitting your head and things like that. We went with the Riot Kayaks Astro 58 Whitewater Playboating Kayak as our pick.

Mainly because we liked its maneuverability without a paddle. It was a boat that we felt could easily be put in the right position with your hips and hands. Especially if riding specific areas where you intend to catch waves or take advantage of a spot in the river. As we said though playboating is a different beast in its own right. As many things can come into play. If you are looking for a light maneuverable boat looking into our pick may be a good idea. After all we had some very capable riders test it out and it checked out pretty well!

Rapids Are Not All Made Equal

If you were once on a guided kayaking trip on a big raft with a lot of people and that fueled your interest in whitewater kayaking you are not alone. A lot of people trace their kayaking roots to an experience on a vacation that made them want to pick up kayaking as a regular hobby. What you want to do is avoid many of those people’s mistakes. Just because you went on one of this trips doesn’t mean you are a highly qualified professional that can tackle any rapid.

Even seasoned pros recommend that you at least give the route you are going to take a look before you head to the water. That way you will know what to expect and can adjust your route accordingly. It’s not just about getting on at the top and out at the bottom whitewater kayaking is not water slide! There are different types of rapids out there and you have to make sure you know what you are getting into.

Rapids are classified by categories depending on how many potentially hazardous elements they contain and how tough they are to navigate. Levels 1 and 2 are very simple rapids that present minimal danger. These are the type of rapids where group expeditions are organized, and you typically see the big rafts. They are great starting points for novice riders because they won’t typically be too hard on you if you make a mistake. Plus you probably won’t see a significant drop in the river’s trajectory or a considerable amount of rocks that could complicate things.

Levels 3 and 4 are where the real action takes place. To be able to ride these types of rapids safely you need to be an expert rider. Even then, trying to tackle these types of rapids completely on your own without any form of backup or supervision is never a good idea. Here you are very likely to see tough whitewater passages as well as a considerable amount of rock and currents. You will also have to come down a tall waterfall or drop! We would not recommend anyone with little experience to even try to ride these types of rapids. It is essentially like skiing on black diamond slopes.

Levels 5 and 5+ are quite simply rapids that very few people in the world even attempt. These rapids punish you even if you make the right moves. It goes without saying that we would hardly recommend that any one try these types of runs. You can have plenty of fun on a kayak without putting yourself completely in harm’s way. Of course if your are keen on coming face to face with one of these rapids we cannot stop you! Just expect heavy drops a lot of rocks and very, very difficult currents!

Conclusion

Whitewater kayaking can be a whole lot of fun, but it can also be a dangerous experience. It really depends on what type of thrill you are looking for. The good thing is that there are plenty of options out there depending on what you want to do! As we’ve said what we recommend above all else is only riding in places where you feel 100% confident in your ability. There are plenty of ways to increase your ability as well! You can find man-made rapids where they can hook you up with some lessons before you hit the real thing! As far as the individual boats all of the boats that we talked about in the article will be a great option out on the water!

To choose what boat is right for you, you need to ask yourself to simply questions first! What is your actual skill level right now? Be very real in this point, and then find out the next question! What type of kayaking will you be doing the most? If you keep those two things in mind the whole buying process will be much easier! That way you can spend less time at the store and more time planning your next adventure!

You can’t talk about kayaking in Florida without first discussing the history. Indian Key present in Florida is termed as the Tropical paradise, where all the visitors wish to visit due to the rich history. It is preserved in the form of State park. During 1836, Indian Key, the country seat for the Dade Country was a home to the wreckers- folks, people who recovered goods from the ships which ran off from the nearby reefs.

The Indian Key comprised of a 2-story house, post office, warehouses, stores and a hotel where a man named John Audubon stayed. Indian Key thrived till 1840, 7^th August, when it was attacked by the Seminole Indians. 13 residents were killed, 50-70 residents managed to escape along with a famous medical doctor and botanist named Dr. Henry Perrine who got killed. This town never managed to recover. However, now Florida Keys Island offer the visitors with evocative scenes i.e. overgrown ruins along with the jungle-like vegetation, crumbling foundation and constructed buildings along with the street signs which follow the original streets.

Indian Key was a coral reef in the past years due to which it is a perfect place for snorkeling, however, you need to be careful because the shoreline comprises of sharp-edged, prickly reef rocks.

Florida researchers are still trying to figure out the mysterious origin of the oldest canoe which came over the surface after the Hurricane Irma. According to the archaeologists, the wood which was used to construct that canoe is dated to 1600’s. Revell states that Florida has a huge concentration of the canoes dugout from the lands all around the world.

So the kayak history in Florida goes all the way back into 1600’s, at present we are going to discuss the top 10 places in Florida.

Florida is considered as one of the best vacation destinations for kayaking as it has massive palm trees, Orlando theme parks, and sandy beaches. Florida has natural landscapes of diverse variety ranging from the reefs, bays, inlets along with the moss-covered canopies of mangrove forests and ancient Cyprus. Florida has the most beautiful and pristine paddling trails.

After you have chosen the right kayak and geared up, check out any of these top 10 Best Places to Kayak in Florida and have a great time!

1. SEBASTIAN RIVER

The Sebastian community present on the coast of Florida’s Atlantic in the name of St. Sebastian. This man was a Christian martyr, killed during the persecution by Romans during the period from 200 to 300 A.D.

The river with the same name is also present in Brevard Country and the Indian River Country in a location termed as Space Coast near Cape Kennedy. Paddling in the Imperial River is considered as easy to moderate during most conditions, however, you might experience tidal influence while you reach the Indian River.

While kayaking at the Sebastian River, you can experience fresh-water as well as Salt-water vegetation, depending on the location. The surface widens when you reach the Indian River during the trip, where you need to look for the motorboat traffic. You can find restrooms, parking area along with launch area when you reach Dale Wimbrow Park. Guided trips, as well as rentals, are offered. You can enjoy the wildlife opportunities during this trip with wading birds, fish, turtles along with the alligator and manatee.

2. IMPERIAL RIVER

It is not the wildest river because you can discover the houses and cabins on your way. The houses are well-spaced with plenty of pine, oak along with the cypress trees which offers a perfect scenery. The eastern area of the Imperial River is extremely scenic over this creek-like river. The trip of the Imperial River is 9 miles long, however, it breezes through the Estero Bay, Bonita Springs and the Gulf of Mexico.

While traveling through the Imperial River, you are under the canopy of oaks and pines along with the cypress trees. You might also find the manatees into the brown water which is clear enough to view the turtles and fish. The Imperial River is a part of the 190 miles of marked trails which are used for canoes and kayak.

9. SUWANNEE RIVER

This black water river runs for around 246 miles i.e. from Georgia’s Okefenokee Swamp and down to the North Florida which divides the panhandle straight from Florida Peninsula down its way towards the Gulf of Mexico. The Suwannee River offers smooth paddling but it has few stretches comprising of the whitewater which are rarities present in Florida.

One of the most popular areas in the Suwannee River is Wilderness Trail which runs for 40 miles present between the Suwanee River State Park and the historic resort for tourists in White Springs. Another favorite spot is known as Stephen Foster State Park.

10. CHASSAHOWITZKA RIVER

In the South of the Homosassa Springs, there is a river named Chassahowitzka River which winds for 4 miles to the Gulf of Mexico all over a 31,000-acre wildlife refuge spread over to protect the migrating birds. Starting from the launch area, there is a series of minor underwater caves which offer outstanding opportunities for snorkeling to the visitors.

Best season/ time to kayak in Florida

The Florida Keys with shallow water interisland along with the tropical climate offers the finest experience of sea kayaking off the world. The Atlantic and Florida Bay in the Florida Keys region are perfectly calm for paddlers, however, you might experience the dramatic variations according to the seasons along with some risk of heavy rains and storms.

The Key’s dry season during the winters i.e. from October to March and April is a perfect time for enjoying kayaking. You will find moderate temperatures during this period, however, severe weather and truly cold winds are uncommon. You might experience storms and rains accompanying the cold fronts plunging from North. You won’t even experience the insect biting issue.

The ocean attracts the Kayaks during the humidity and thick heat weather i.e. in Summers of South Florida. Weather threats daunt during this season. It is common to experience thunderstorms late during the daytime, bad waterspouts or worse hurricanes are also possible.

The timings preferred for kayaking include early morning during the summers to avoid the heat of the sun.

Training centers in Florida

If you are interested in kayaking and want to be a coach or you want to kayak often, you can join the many different kayak training centers in Florida.

The training centers for a kayak in Florida include the following:

• Sprint Training & Resource Center
• South Florida Canoe Kayak Club
• Adventure Spirit Kayaking
• The Paddling Center at Shingle Creek
• Crystal River Kayak Company and Dive Center
• Crazy Woman Kayaks LLC
• Adventures Unlimited Outdoor Center
• Jupiter Outdoor Center
• Blue Moon Outdoor Adventures – Fort Lauderdale
• Florida FFA Leadership Training Center

Adventures in Florida:

This company began with a group of friends who did month-long expeditions. These group of friends incorporated the training center for kayaks. This company managed to successfully provide the customers with mini group travel, high level of professionalism and that too with first class service. Adventures in Florida is a training center which never compromises on their commitments, for their guests and help in preserving the natural environment. The company is awarded by 5-star ratings on Trip Advisor.

The local guides at this training center are:

• Certified Kayakers,
• Certified first responders to Wilderness,
• Certified Master Naturalists

Adventures in Florida offers the visitors with traveling opportunity to the best paddling destinations and that too with the highest quality. Whether you are an experienced paddler or a first-time kayaker, they offer with canoes which are highly stable, comfortable and provide you with excellent performance. This company offers you with expedition quality regarding the camping gear.

Central Florida Nature Adventures:

Trip Advisor has ranked them as the most amazing kayak training center in Central Florida. You will discover unique ecosystems with the wildlife enthusiast Kenny who keeps on smiling. You will experience the most exceptional wildlife of Orlando Kayak tour with this company. You can experience the secret spots with Kenny present near Daytona and Orlando where you can see the Otters play, clear springs with fish and turtles swimming along with the manatee’s frolic.

These people are best known for their world class service to the customers. A single tour is paddled each day and it all depends on first come first serve basis. The rivers are easily accessible from Daytona, Orlando, Ocala, Mt Dora, FL and The Villages. You can choose any trip such as family tour, photography tour, birding tour or you can book a trip as an adventurous soul. The company offers you with all the necessary equipment so that you can experience an amazing kayak trip.

Paddleboard Orlando:

The paddleboard rentals are offered by them with lessons on any location of waterfront chosen by you such as Winter Park Chain, Conway Chain, and Butler Chain along with different adventure trips. The company also operates the shop named Paddleboard Orlando Pro where they have 60 used and new boards, clothing, paddles and the standup accessories. The PBO team offers you to see the most beautiful water present in Central Florida. They offer you with rentals, tours, and classes with a great time and offer you to travel to unique locations.

This company offers two paddleboard shops, one of which is located on spring-fed Lake Killarney present in the Winter Park. If you want to taste Old Florida then check out the River Outpost located at Wekiva Island. The board rentals range from $25 for an hour and so on. All the paddleboard rentals come with land lessons of 5-10 minutes.

Conclusion

To enjoy kayaking or canoeing in Florida, you need to plan ahead of time. You need to check the weather and wind conditions as it plays a larger part in this activity. During the kayaking, stay in your kayak and enjoy the wildlife around you. There are many places mentioned above to enjoy the kayaking, however, you need to search according to your preference for wildlife and other opportunities such as hiking, biking, scuba diving and snorkeling. The choice of your spot also depends on which region of Florida you are staying in and what type of scenery do you prefer to enjoy.

Gear up and Happy Kayaking!