Kayaking

Kayaking is a sport which I find very enjoyable, and although I only use a cheap kayak, I still have great fun in the river, fishing and in the ocean. Kayaking holds such variety, including white water negotiation, river paddling, single and double man, races, sea kayaking, fishing and even races from country to country!

White water kayaking involves paddling a kayak down a rapid, usually in a river, and trying to make it to the bottom without capsizing. White water kayaking takes great skill to control the kayak around rocks, trees and other obstacles, whilst maintaining a relatively straight line and reducing the amount of water which enters into the kayak. White water kayaking is something that I have done a fair amount of, and loved it.

Kayaking can be done in single kayaks, or in double kayaks. These can be more fun, but at the same time require good team work, and are harder to control. Kayaking is different to canoeing because of the way the person sits, and the paddle. Kayaking paddles are two bladed, meaning that you paddle both sides with the same paddle. A canoe usually has a one bladed paddle. Kayaking is great fun, and takes a fair amount of skill to learn. It’s easy to capsize when kayaking, so be aware of the possibility of getting wet!

Sea kayaking is probably one of my more enjoyable sports. It basically involves taking a kayak out into open water (ocean/sea/lake) and paddling from place to place, or out and back to the same spot. Sea kayaking is quite challenging if you go on a rough day, because you need to negotiate the waves, and try and maintain some sort of speed. Sea kayaking is often referred to as ocean kayaking.

The other form of kayaking which I am very interested in is fishing. This involves taking out a kayak which is slightly larger than most, with accessories which allow a person or two to sit out in the water with a rod and fish. This is a cheap alternative to boating, and a good way to get some exercise. You would be surprised with the comfort these kayaks can yield when set up properly.

Kayaking also is often known for its races throughout the world. There have been a few people kayak from New Zealand to Australia, Australia to Tasmania and various other places, in specially modified kayaks which allow for sleeping, eating and most importantly kayaking with easy. These are usually much bigger, to accommodate massive swells and the need for a large amount of equipment. Kayaking is a cheap sport; you can hire out kayaks for the day for less than 20 USD, and have a great time. I would highly recommend it to anyone.