Simple Tips to Care for Your Inflatable Kayak

By Mary Brey

It took you a while to take the idea of an inflatable kayak seriously, but after that first trip out on open water, you are hooked! Now you're worried about keeping your kayak around for years to come. Taking proper car of your inflatable kayak will ensure that it stays durable and reliable for years of adventures.

Simple care guidelines:

Give it some sunscreen!

To keep the PVC material of your kayak strong and long lasting, it is highly recommended to protect it from damaging UV rays and the elements. The most reliable and easiest way to do this is to spray it with 303 Protectant. (Google it)

Also, try to wait until you are at water's edge before inflating your kayak, and once inflated, keep it out of direct sunlight when on dry land. Besides damaging the outer layers and shortening your kayak's life, the hot sun can cause the air in your kayak to expand.

Inflate it properly!

The safest way to inflate your kayak is with a manual foot or hand pump. This gives you much more control and prevents overinflating which will damage your kayak. If you do use an electric pump, stop it before it gets near full and finish filling manually. It is hard to overinflate a kayak, but to err on the side of safety, you may also want to use a gauge.

Also, as mentioned above, extreme heat will cause the air chambers to expand. If you will be in such situations, you may want to release some air after several hours.

Give it a bath!

Before storing your kayak, make sure that it is squeaky clean. First, make sure that all air valves are closed securely. You can purchase special cleaning solutions for your inflatable kayak, or simply use a MILD solution from your home. Simple dish detergent and hot water work well. Thoroughly wash all surface area of your kayak, removing all dirt and grime. Make sure to rinse well and allow time to completely dry.

Tuck it away!

The majority of damages to inflatable kayaks are the result of improper storage. As stated above, make sure your kayak is clean and completely dry before folding and storing. Even a small amount of moisture is enough to favor the growth of mold and mildew and greatly shorten the life of your kayak. Once folded up, find a place out of direct sunlight with rather constant temperature and low humidity and tuck your kayak away until the next adventure calls.

Remember, 70% of the earth is covered with water. That's a lot of kayaking waiting for you! If you follow these simple steps to care for your inflatable kayak, you will have years of adventure and enjoyment.

Mary is happily residing in paradise and kayaking almost daily in the clear, turquoise waters of Cozumel. Accompanying her is her first love, Angel and her second love, her Sevylor Pointer 1 kayak [http://www.sevylorkayak.net/sevylor-pointer-1-kayak/]. She shares here her knowledge of her Sevylor Kayak and other models at [http://www.sevylorkayak.net].

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Kayaking Tips and Basics - Gain Some Knowledge on River Kayaking

By Ken Fink

To go out kayaking for the whole day on a river is an extensive way for a team of kayakers to learn the skills needed to survive on long rivers. There are a lot of beginners who will want such opportunities in which extensive paddling exercises will be practiced. To look for and get such a venue in which a range of practices can be done is not an easy thing.

One thing about the manufacture of kayaks is that they are done with a lot of intensions in mind. They can either be produced to be used on seas or on rivers. You should take note about this because these are completely two distinct avenues. If you think of getting a kayak for personal keeping, go in for kayaks with small cockpits that have convenient sitting positions. But remember that you will have to be taught on how to use these kayaks. Also take note about the type of equipment you have. Remember that having equipments in the best of shapes will determine they way you become skilled at or enjoy kayaking.

Getting Knowledge on the Proper Kayaking Methods

If you intend to paddle on a river, you must know that this will be quite different from paddling on bigger avenues such as seas and lakes. For this reason, you should think of methods different from what you already know. This will involve some learning on paddling on rivers and tips to be able to come to the aid of others while kayaking. You will also have to learn how to paddle when the river is overflowing and how to ensure your own safety.

You should also choose the best kayak that you can find. This is in order that you should have the chance to experience all sorts of movements. Sometimes, a small kayak will offer you a memorable experience. Remember that with this, you will be able to go to places and experience what will be impossible with bigger kayaks. You will also be able to learn by coming into contact with every type of water movements. Always make sure that you have an expert kayaker to lead you through. Keep in mind that you are out there to enjoy as well as to remain safe.

What Tools Do You Need And When Lessons Should You Engage In?

If you want to enjoy every kayaking lesson and ultimately every kayaking experience, you should be able to know and accept what you can do from what you are unable to do. This will be in relation to knowing the starting point of your experiences. For example, you should be able to read river signs created by the 'International Scale of River Difficulty'. You will have to learn how to interpret these signs and how to recognize them where you are kayaking. Some of these signs are best known by river tour guides.

At this stage, you should not think much on the type of tools you have. Remember that this will only come in when your skills are perfect. But make sure you carry out a lot of investigation ahead of paying for any equipment. You can get recommendations from experts or you can try out some of these tools ahead of paying for them. Trying out these equipments will of course lead you to used equipments. Most of such equipments are even preferable to be bought because you must have tested them and you can further sell them again to others.

How Should You Begin Kayaking?

Start by looking for a guide to take you through. Make sure that whatever you plan for includes good equipments, some provisions as well as some guidelines for usage. Make sure you take every lesson of safety procedure serious. Focus on these basics. You can go in for anything stylish when you become an expert.

Before you pay for any kayaking equipment, make sure you have genuinely considered your choice. Remember that if you are passionate about this sport, spending anything on it will be a great investment to you. However, whatever you pay for should be based of safety and ease of use.

About the Author

Discover more about the history of kayaking as well as expert tips on buying used kayak when you visit the most popular kayaking for beginnner portal at http://www.kayakingbeginner.com

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.