Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Chesapeake Light Craft - Sassafras 12 Canoe Project

It has been a little longer than I wanted but finally I am getting started on our next project, the Sassafras 12 Canoe. Since this is a winter project and my garage is too cold, this project is being done in my basement. This will really be a challenge since the space I have available is limited and I will not be able to complete the project in the same room as I am getting started.

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Saturday, November 24, 2012

Adirondack Paddling features color maps of every route, GPS coordinates for put-ins and takeouts, suggestions for multiday trips, more than 150 color photographs, and it introduces the Meander Quotient. By Phil Brown.

"The Adirondack Park has thousands of miles of rivers and streams and countless lakes and ponds. Where is a canoeist to begin? Adirondack Paddling has the answer, or, rather, many answers. Phil Brown, the editor of the Adirondack Explorer newsmagazine, has chosen sixty trips that will appeal to flatwater paddlers of all tastes and abilities, from parents with young children to hard-core wilderness junkies." --Kate Williams, executive director, Northern Forest Canoe Trail

288 pages. Paperback. More than 100 color photos, and more than 60 color maps. $24.95. ADK members pay $19.96.

Adirondack Paddling

Canoeing

Friday, November 23, 2012

Greenland Kayaking

By Marc Fredmen

Any reference to kayaking gives rise to images of gushing rivers or calm lakes amidst warm tropical forests. However, many would be surprised to know that kayaking was invented in the freezing lands of the Arctic. It was in the snowbound nation of Greenland that kayaking was first practiced before it came to be accepted by other countries.

Greenland Kayaking – A Few Facts

The contemporary form of kayaking has greatly been inspired from the kayaking style practiced by the Inuits in Greenland. The kayak was first designed by the Inuits and is known as ‘qajag’ in Greenland. In fact in 1600 and 1700AD, most Greenlanders were experts at kayaking. This was mainly because the Greenlanders used the kayaks to hunt seals and fish.

However, by the 20th century, kayaking almost disappeared from Greenland to be revived only in 1983. However, due to the persistent efforts of kayaking organizations and dedicated kayakers, Greenland kayaking has again become very popular.

While kayaking in Greenland, paddlers get an opportunity to paddle past massive icebergs and huge mountains rising from the sea. Another exciting location for kayaking is the inner fjord systems near Kulusuk Islands. However, not everyone can kayak in the freezing waters and requires the paddlers to have some concrete kayaking experience.

This is mainly because paddlers must negotiate tough weather conditions, ice-cold water, navigate tides (for sea kayaking) and good at rescue tactics. Yet another pre-requisite for kayaking in Greenland is the right choice of apparel. It is recommended that paddlers use a dry suit or a combination of a wet suit and anorak dry suit. East Greenland has a host of kayaking locations that challenge the skill of the paddlers.

Qaannat Kattuffiat

An organization that began in 1984, Qaannat Kattuffiat (literally means kayaks’ club) works mainly to preserve the traditional kayaking techniques of Greenland. Within a year of its inception, the Qaannat Kattuffiat had 1000 club members. The organization is based in Greenland but has now spread to various countries.

The US chapter of the organization is called Qajaq USA while the Copenhagen chapter is called Qajaq Copenhagen. The Qaannat Kattuffiat holds training camps and workshops to propagate the traditional kayaking skills.

The biggest contribution of this organization is that they have identified and brought together the few handful kayakers who knew the traditional form of kayaking. These experts then taught the keen enthusiasts the several techniques and nuances of Greenland kayaking.

This organization works in every sphere to encourage traditional methods of kayaking, which includes organizing training camps, kayaking contests and events, lectures by experts and providing forums for paddlers to discuss various issues on kayaking.

There Qajag USA annual calendar is full of exciting kayaking events and competitions. It includes Traditional Arctic Symposiums, Annual Gatherings of Paddlers and training camps. It also involves week long celebration of Greenland kayaking which consist of live demonstrations, slide shows and practical lessons.

These events have greatly led to the increase in awareness about Greenland kayaking and allowed enthusiasts to learn the traditional techniques of this sport.

About the Author: Marc Fredmen, an experienced paddler and author shares information on various aspects of kayaking. Check out the history and origins of kayaking here.

Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=408171&ca=Recreation

Kayaking

Saturday, November 17, 2012

A Basic Overview Of Kayaks And Kayaking

Author: Molly Samson

Kayaking is growing in popularity. It's a sport with a whole lot of variations, which are coated beneath in this article.

A Fundamental Overview of Kayaks and Kayaking

At its core, kayaking is solely a technique of propelling oneself via a body of water by using ones personal power. A paddle is used to do this with the paddle usually having two curved portions on both sides to permit for a forwards and backwards motion not like canoeing. This definition, however, fails in some ways since there are extraordinarily various kinds of kayaking. Let's take a look.

Kayak roughly means hunting boat. It has been used all through history by folks living on shores to pursue meals within the ocean. The indigenous folks within the Arctic are believed to have been the first kayakers using wood frames coated by animal skins. In trendy times, kayaking refers to a much broader scope of activities. That being said, the fundamental boat remains the same.


Kayaks are lengthy, thin and often one individual boats. They come in numerous forms and kinds, that are primarily adapted to a particular fashion of kayaking. Sea kayaks are very long and thin, which helps them glide simply by means of the water. Kayaks designed for running challenging river rapids, on the other hand, are quick to facilitate maneuverability and the opportunity to roll to upright oneself after being flipped upside down.

Whereas nearly all kayaks are designed to have the individual sit down in them, a certain class allows the person to site on a flat indention on the highest of the kayak. Obviously, this sort of kayaking is typically finished on clean surfaces such as lakes.

As these designs seem to counsel, kayaking is available in a number of forms. Some folks love to take them out on a cruise round a bay in Alaska or any ocean areas. Different kayaking fanatics desire to shoot the rapids of utmost rivers and will journey all around the world to do so.

Kayaking is a large adrenaline rush or a calming technique to see sites up shut and personal. You simply should make your alternative, get on the market and go.

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Is Kayaking Expensive?

by: Jakob Jelling
Before you start kayaking, this is one thing that you will probably be concerned with. After all, not too many people can afford spending too much money on their hobbies, and kayaking does seem like the type of activity that would cost a lot of money to start. However, just like most other things that you would think about doing, kayaking can either be very expensive, or relatively affordable.
The most expensive thing that you will probably be buying is your kayak. There are a lot of different kayaks on the market, however, so you should probably pay attention to which ones are available. There's no reason to spend more money than you have to on this. Also, if you manage to buy your kayak used, then you will save a lot of money.
Another way that you can make sure that you don't spend too much money on kayaking is by maintaining your kayak. The more you maintain your kayak, the less money you'll have to spend on repairs. Considering the types of repairs that might be needed on a badly cared for kayak, this could be a considerable amount of money.
While there are also a lot of other items that you will need for your kayak, before you buy each thing you should ask yourself whether or not you'll actually need to use it. If the answer is no, then you can save some extra money by not buying that particular thing. For instance, if you are not going to be going kayaking out at sea for long periods of time, or if you don't think that you'll be going on long kayak tours, then you probably will not need to get a GPS system for your kayak.
You should also pay attention to whether or not you need to get the best supplies. While it would be nice to have the best of everything, you should look at what will be sufficient instead.
However, even though you can save some money by omitting certain things from your list of necessary items, you should always make sure that you have all the necessary safety gear. Every kayak should have a first aid kit in the hatch, and you should always wear a personal flotation device for your own safety.
About The Author

Jakob Jelling is the founder of http://www.kayakhelp.com. Please visit his complete kayaking guide for all skills and ages.

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Tips To Get Started With Kayaking

By Ross Peter
If you would like to give kayaking a try before deciding to take it up seriously, then you should try recreational kayaking first.

Recreational kayaking is usually recommended as the starting point for all beginners. The reasons are simple

1.) Recreation kayaking does not require you to develop a lot of paddling skills
2.) You can make do with the minimum gear
3.) You don't need a specialized kayak as required for whitewater or sea kayaking
4.) It's fun and has less risk involved

The best places to try out recreation kayaking are

a.) Kansas
b.) Missouri
c.) Oklahoma

In fact you can head for recreational kayaking in any shallow water lake in your area. Popular rivers include the Kansas River and Arkansas River.

After a few months of recreational kayaking you might want to switch over to sea kayaking, touring or white water kayaking.

Developing the right skills

If after a few weeks of recreational kayaking, you feel that you should take up this sport seriously then you need to start honing your skills.

It is important to develop a few good habits which will hold you in good stead when you start white water kayaking and sea kayaking. The most important ones are

1.) The proper use of your paddles
2.) Your pose while kayaking (most beginners fall into the bad habit of slouching)
3.) Direction sense (would play an important role in sea kayaking)
4.) Understanding the pros and cons of each kayaking gear involved
5.) Executing advanced skills like rolling


With time you will learn about the nuances of kayaking gears and how they will add to your comfort and control.

Buying the beginners gear

You may not want to start off with professional gear, which is more expensive. Start out buying a gear which would suit you better as a beginner. With time you begin to understand your needs and purchase gear more suited for it.

The most important gear is the kayak itself. Kayaks come in different widths, length and cockpit space. Some kayaks have a keel while some come with "no keel".

For touring and sea kayaking, most advanced kayakers prefer to have their kayaks fitted with rudders.

As a beginner you can consider buying a kayak which meets the below requirements

a.) Should not be too small, most professional use a small kayak for better maneuverability but as a beginner you should try a slightly wide kayak where you can achieve better balance.

b.) Cockpit space should be wide; this will help you wiggle out of the kayak in case it over turns. Professionals go for small cockpits with a surf skirt.

c.) Go for kayaks with a keel, this will help to maintain a straight course. Professional kayakers go for no keel because they have better control.

d.) Avoid kayaks with rudders; you will fall into bad habits which you will find difficult to change later. Rudders add comfort which you can use once you are in the advanced league.

While buying the paddling gear you should keep these pointers in mind

a.) As a beginner try going in for a cheaper paddling gear, usually in the range of 100-200$

b.) You can buy plastic or wooden paddling gear in this range of budget

c.) Don't buy wide paddlers; you will end up straining your shoulders. Go in for a smaller size paddle which suits the width of your kayak.

d.) You can a one piece or two piece paddling gear. Two piece paddling gear is more expensive buy works out better due to lower shipping costs. It's also convenient while packing.

e.) Go for a 45 degree feathered paddle

With time you might upgrade to light weight paddles make from carbon. White water paddling gear works for most of the other kayaking also.

Conclusion

If you plan on going serious, try to learn from an experienced kayaker to get a head start, this way you will not develop any bad habits which you might need to rectify later.

If your purpose is just to have fun while having some recreation, then don't worry about anything just get yourself a decent gear and enjoy the sport.
Get a wide range of kayaking gear at Peakukus.com Feel free to reprint this article at will as long as the links are maintained active.


Read more: Tips To Get Started With Kayaking http://www.sooperarticles.com/sports-articles/extreme-sports-articles/tips-get-started-kayaking-2501.html#ixzz24rnSNoVp

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Monday, August 27, 2012

Awesome Points Around Kayaking

by Wenton Alexsture

Kayaking is the process of paddling a kayak on water that's moving. While many people think about it to be a sport, other people do it for mere recreation. You will find numerous forms of kayaking, and the two most typical are Sea kayaking and Whitewater kayaking. Whilst conventional kayaks had been created from wood and animal skins, most kayaks today are created from materials such as kevlar or fiberglass. Many people will challenge quick moving rivers by utilizing a kayak to move through certain sections of a river. These trips may last a single day, or could last multiple days. Whitewater Racing is a professional competition in which racers will attempt to make use of kayaks to outrace each other.

Kayaking has been about for an extremely lengthy time, but really took off in a recreational past twenty years or so. The original kayaks were very easy to tip and scared numerous individuals into thinking that they can't be utilized for other people than those trained in particular, in a kayak. Now, there are lots of types of kayaks are available and some of them are so easy to make use of, there really is no training required to use 1, other than the correct methods for children. Funny factor about kayaking is that you can take them to all types of water is an ocean, river or lake. In many locations near these types of water kayak rentals, so you do not have to have your own kayak, kayak anchor kayak or leashes to attempt. Kayaking also is an assumed-risk activity. All feasible precautions will probably be taken to aid you in becoming a safe, skilled kayaker but you're the only 1 inside your kayak, consequently, you are ultimately responsible for your own well-being.

Kayaking has become well-liked partly simply because the boats are fairly inexpensive and can be hauled and utilized with ease. Sadly, that's also contributed towards the accident rate, specialists say. Kayaking can be a very satisfying sport. It lets you participate in nature without interrupting it. You're hooked the very first time you see a herd of deer staring at you out of curiosity as you snap photos passing by or have your breath taken away by sights not feasible by any other means than a silent river passage.

Kayaking is a great hobby that many people love to invest their time performing. Becoming out on the open water on 1 of these crafts has a feeling all its own. There are many different types of methods to go kayaking. Salt Water Kayaking is one of the most well-liked forms of this exciting adventure. This is whenever you take the kayak out to the ocean for some actual enjoyable. Salt Water Kayaking can consist of brief trips that only last for a short time period or for long trips where you may remain out for hours or even days.

Kayaking is enjoyable and also great physical exercise that just about anyone can do. Having a few minutes of basic instruction and studying to maneuver your kayak you'll be on your method to an enjoyable encounter.

You actually can get in great shape virtually any place, check out all these additional content Pullup Exercises and Bodyweight Exercises

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Canoeing

Kayak Fishing Tips and Tricks

by Kevin Pagan

Fishing from a kayak can be a wonderful sport, if you know the tricks and tips to control the kayak and fishing at the same time. One of the main advantages of this business is the low cost. Sea kayaks are affordable to establish self-employed compared with other types of fishing vessels. Its light weight and small size also make them accessible to virtually transport from one place to another.

You can set for kayak fishing in any water body that has sufficient space for kayaking. From the depth of a kayak is not much, you can browse through a shallow water body. There are no significant limitations to the kayak, until and unless you have selected to handle water. However, before you start your day, understanding the kayak fishing tips and tricks, and make fun of their sport more exciting adventure.

Kayak Fishing Tips
Kayak fishing is no different from other forms of fishing with the help of personal watercraft. Therefore, it can become a fishing experience kayaking with time. And the best part is kayaks do not produce large waves that disturb the water or scaring the fish. Some of the fishing tips saltwater kayak that can be used are:

Safety is paramount
Kayak Fishing is not easy, especially if you are fishing in a large water body. It is best to take kayak lessons and learn expert tips for staying safe. Be sure to check the weather forecast and information on water safety before kayak. In case of any possible problems in climatic conditions, to postpone his trip the next day.

Check the type of Kayak
Kayaks are available in two models, namely models sit-in and sitting on top. The first type is an older model, which requires the fisherman to sit inside the kayak, while the second is a new model, where the fisherman sits on the top of the kayak. A sit-in kayak is more stable, therefore, if you're in a kayak for the first time, it is better to opt for this model. Read more about how to buy a kayak.

Select a Good Kayak
The first important consideration for kayak fishing is selecting the right equipment, or more precisely, the kayak. A well equipped brand new kayak costs about $ 1000 or slightly higher. Based on your budget, you can opt for a new kayak or a used kayak. If you are using a second hand, ensure that the yak is in a good condition for use.

Analyze the palette and the bilge pump
If you are confused about choosing a kayak paddle, you can always choose lightly, but the top mark on the blades. With this option, you can continue paddling for a long time. One of the most important tips fishing ocean kayak paddle is to take extra good quality. In this way, you will remain strong, even if you or any of his friends lost the paddle for the first time by chance. Read more about kayaking instruction.

Kayak gear
Package necessary fishing gear, such as rods, reels, lines, artificial lures and live bait for fishing in a kayak. If the kayak lacks self-draining scuppers, carry a bilge pump to drain water from his kayak (if necessary). Last but not least, bring extra bags dry. As is to be in the middle of water, you can put your accessories in waterproof bags and dry.

This was a brief overview of what is referred to the advice of kayak fishing. For your safety, do not forget to use the personal flotation device (PFD) and efficient signaling devices. After all, safety comes first with any type of fishing. If possible, get examined by a qualified physician before the company, so that you remain comfortable while in the water. With these helpful tips for fishing in a kayak, I hope they can continue the game without any obstacles.

We are a fishing services provider based in Miami offering affordable fishing services like deep sea fishing, fishing trip, fishing tour, charter boat and much more.

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Kayaking Tips