Canoeing/Kayaking
Well I have been making a list of things I want to do know that I am able to. We went camping in the Blueridge Mountains last week right on the James River. Before it was just a river now it is oportunity to try something new.
I am not sure which to do, I have never done either. Should I get a canoe or a kayak?
I am not sure which to do, I have never done either. Should I get a canoe or a kayak?
depends on how cold the water is.....Kayak is easier to control if you're by yourself, but you basically sit in water. Canoes are just a bit more difficult to control, but easier to manage with 2 people, plus you sit up off the bottom, so your butt doesn't get wet.
If I'm my myself, i prefer the kyack, I like the work out, and I don't mind the water. If i'm with someone, I like to go with a canoe.
If I'm my myself, i prefer the kyack, I like the work out, and I don't mind the water. If i'm with someone, I like to go with a canoe.
1 An excellent source of info on both is www.paddling.net which is a free site. It has info on gear, reviews of boats, descriptions of trips, and contests. The contests (just click off which package you want) change about every 6 weeks and usually offer 3 choices of canoes or kayaks and come with paddle(s) and some other gear.
2 I would recommend sit-on top kayaks (SOT) for most paddlers. There is a very low skill factor involved--just learning how to use the paddles for propulsion, braking, and turning-- that takes about 5 minutes to learn. Most SOTs are wide and come in various weight classifications. If you are renting one and they don't have a single that will support you, get a tandem or double. They have higher weight capacities but can still be paddled by one person. I used to own a plastic Aquaterra2 which had a large continual ****pit for two and adjustable seats but I would just go in it by myself. With SOTs, if you tip them, you can easily get back on/in the boat. That's a much harder option for canoes and may involve learning how to do a roll if you are using a closed ****pti kayak.
3 Unless you are going on a gentle stream, pond, or small lake, you should wear a life vest. The ones made for paddling are thin with wide cutouts for the arms. If you will be renting from a livery, they will have all of the equipment for you and provide you with instructions.
4 If you decide to buy, go first to a store where you can sample the product. Most of the better stores have some sort of waterway nearby where you can take a demo ride. Aside from the ride itself, you may want to consider the weight of the boat as well as it's weight capacity. Depending where you are in the USA, you may be able to get a good buy on boats at Dick's Sporting Goods at the end of the season ( no, they won't let you go out for a sample ride).
2 I would recommend sit-on top kayaks (SOT) for most paddlers. There is a very low skill factor involved--just learning how to use the paddles for propulsion, braking, and turning-- that takes about 5 minutes to learn. Most SOTs are wide and come in various weight classifications. If you are renting one and they don't have a single that will support you, get a tandem or double. They have higher weight capacities but can still be paddled by one person. I used to own a plastic Aquaterra2 which had a large continual ****pit for two and adjustable seats but I would just go in it by myself. With SOTs, if you tip them, you can easily get back on/in the boat. That's a much harder option for canoes and may involve learning how to do a roll if you are using a closed ****pti kayak.
3 Unless you are going on a gentle stream, pond, or small lake, you should wear a life vest. The ones made for paddling are thin with wide cutouts for the arms. If you will be renting from a livery, they will have all of the equipment for you and provide you with instructions.
4 If you decide to buy, go first to a store where you can sample the product. Most of the better stores have some sort of waterway nearby where you can take a demo ride. Aside from the ride itself, you may want to consider the weight of the boat as well as it's weight capacity. Depending where you are in the USA, you may be able to get a good buy on boats at Dick's Sporting Goods at the end of the season ( no, they won't let you go out for a sample ride).
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