I am not going to lie. Hunting and fishing have always been my favorite hobbies. However, there’s something about kayaking down a beautiful river that tops almost every other outdoor experience. If you’ve never tried it, I encourage you to buy a kayak and start exploring today.
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Does kayaking seem too tricky?
It is not uncommon to flip a kayak. They aren’t the most stable watercraft you could travel on. However I’m here to tell you, it’s not as hard as it looks. I would recommend starting in a pond or a still lake with easy access. Make sure that your first time kayaking is not in strong currents or big waves.
The easiest time to flip a kayak is when you’re getting in. Don’t just flop down in the seat. Here is how to enter a kayak properly.
- Have the kayak floating in shallow water if possible.
- Place one hand on each side of the kayak just in front of the seat.
- Stay low and keep most of your bodyweight centered over the kayak.
- Place one leg into the kayak and straighten it out forward.
- While keeping your body weight positioned over the center, bring your other leg in and slowly lower yourself into the seat.
(I should have mentioned: Make sure your paddle is in the kayak or secured to the side before entering)
The other time a kayak can flip is if you’re leaning over or reaching to grab something. This happens a lot when people approach a log jam or other obstacle. It is a natural instinct to reach for something to grab onto when you begin to panic. Fight this urge and use your paddle to push off of things.
The reason you flip over when reaching, is you have moved the center of mass away from the center of the kayak. Always maintain your body weight in the center and use the paddle to navigate.
Do you think you don’t have a place to use a kayak?
So what if you don’t own a private lake or property on a river? There are endless amounts of state parks and public access sites to choose from if you’re looking to kayak. Use Google Maps to find water sources and plan a trip. Apps like “On X” will even show you public ground.
- Find a state park on a lake and enjoy paddling and exploring coves and beaches.
- Use On X or Google Earth to find two public access sites on a river. Have a friend drop you off and leave your vehicle at your destination.
- Go on trips with others who have permission on private spots
- Take it on your next vacation and have fun finding new water to explore.
There are many accessories on the market that allow you to haul your kayak with a truck, SUV, or even a car. Check out these links below to get set up to make your kayak mobile!
Dolly Cart- https://amzn.to/3VVSwQC Roof Rack Carriers- https://amzn.to/3xYBBoD
Do you think kayaks are too expensive?
You certainly don’t need anything fancy to get started. My advice is start cheap and see how you like it. Once you’re comfortable you can always upgrade. Kayaks range anywhere from $250 to thousands of dollars. Find a kayak that has features that help suit you, whether you’re a fisherman or just a paddler.
Here is a kayak for each category!
Beginner Paddler- https://amzn.to/463aJjS
Kayaking enthusiast-https://amzn.to/3xKOQcx
Kayak Fisherman- https://amzn.to/3S73PnR
Use your kayak to advance your hunting and fishing adventures
Kayaks are extremely advantageous for hunters and fishermen. If you’re used to fishing on the bank, you can access a whole new world of opportunities with a kayak. Set yours up with rod holders and places for tackle boxes. Kayaks can even be equipped with fish finders and trolling motors!
Kayaks can also be useful for hunting. You could paddle across a lake to access a public hunting spot that doesn’t get as much pressure from other hunters. You could also use it to access some backwater that holds ducks. If you don’t have a labrador retriever, you can use your kayak to gather ducks after shooting.
You will be amazed at the opportunities that are gained for hunting and fishing! Once your kayak is fully equipped check out this article for selecting the proper tackle.
For more Hunting and Fishing advice check out the rest of my Blog. BLOG – Stream and Timber
Use your kayak for a new form of exercise
It should go without saying that kayaking is an excellent form of exercise. The sport brings not only cardiovascular benefits but also strength building. Most, if not all of the upper body is recruited when paddling. Kayaking even works the core!
If you’re tired of the same old treadmill work, consider loading the kayak and heading to the water. This may be difficult at first. However, you will quickly build upper body strength with the high volume of paddling that is required for kayaking.
Watch your strength and endurance increase while the numbers on the scale decrease.
Enjoy peace and quiet in the great outdoors with your kayak
One of my favorite things about kayaking is the quietness. While kayaking down a creek or river you can lay the paddle across your lap and just let the current take you. It is amazing how silent everything becomes when you do this. There is literally no noise at all.
While moving along at a steady pace, you can take this time to listen to water trickling in from tributary streams, hear birds singing, squirrels cutting, and even a deer making his way through the forest. Floating right up to wildlife that never even know you are coming is not uncommon. Kayaking truly is the only means of travel I can think of that produces zero noise. You will love the experience.
Enjoy kayaking with friends and family
Kayaking is an excellent way to spend time with friends and family. It is not difficult to stay together as a group while you explore coves or float down a river. You will be with the ones you love while experiencing God’s creation.
Not to mention, this is a wonderful habit to teach your kids. Staying active is not as common as it once was in our society. Teaching kids and encouraging your friends and family to be active outdoors is a great way to make a positive impact on others. If you want a variety in your life, check out the health benefits of hiking.
I hope this article has convinced you to try something new and hit the water.
Good Luck
