The Fastest Growing Water Sport - #KayakFishing and the Evolution of Kayaks and #Fishing Hand #Paddles

By Ed Halm

Paddle sports are the fastest growing water sport today. Kayaking, canoeing and rafting are now destination activities. With all the green and eco friendly activities available, paddle sports have dominated the outdoor adventure scene. Paddle sports are low impact on the environment, inexpensive, thrilling and always memorable.

Not to be left out, the fishing and sporting communities wanted in on this explosion. Kayakers, anglers and sportsmen merged concepts and technologies. Along with diversity came opportunity. New specialty equipment, gear and accessories evolved. Fishing kayaks and kayak fishing hand paddles evolved from this call to action.

With the rapid growth of paddle sports, there has been a definitive diversification of the sport into various disciplines. All the technological and manufacturing advancements have fueled the sudden increase in the sport. Kayak fisherman and kayak sportsman have recently dominated the growth in the paddle sports arena.

Kayak fishermen, also known as kayak anglers, and kayak sportsmen require specialty equipment, gear and accessories to effectively pursuit their sport. Their fishing kayaks and fishing hand paddles are specifically designed to accommodate their dynamic environments and distinctive sporting activities.

Kayak anglers and sportsmen have designed boats for easy access and mobility. Many facets of their kayak design reflect accoutrements that were found only on motorized fishing vessels. Today you can find rod holders, live wells, storage compartments, battery wells, fish finders, anchors, etc. If they can fit a specialty fishing accessory on a twelve to fourteen foot kayak, they will try to get it on there! They even have twin hulled, foot propelled and battery operated kayaks for the hard core anglers.

For ease of access and dismount, the anglers use a modified version of the sit on top kayak, or SOT. SOT's were a natural conversion platform for kayak anglers. These boats are self bailing, meaning that any water that gets in the kayak will be drained away by gravity. Getting on and off is much easier that a sit in kayak. Turning or sliding around to access tackle or gear behind you is much simpler evolution.

With this approach to fishing from kayaks, came another conundrum that caused problems in the kayak angling community. How do you paddle and fish at the same time? Think about it. Can you hold your fishing rod and a kayak paddle at the same time?

Paddling your kayak and fishing at the same time became a comedy on the water. It takes two hands to wrangle a seven foot kayak paddle, no matter how you hold it. Throw in a fishing pole, and you soon realize you need three hands!

Kayak fishing hand paddles evolved from pioneering anglers solving this problem with ping pong paddles, Kadema paddles, modified badminton racquets and the sort. They could hold onto their fishing rod and with the other hand paddle their boat stealthily toward their prey.

It soon became apparent that flailing a seven foot paddle is not conducive to shallow water, or skinny water fishing. The fish can see you! The best way to sneak up on your prey is to glide stealthily toward them. While holding your fishing rod, using a little six or seven ounce fishing hand paddle to propel your kayak, about 16" long, is perfect for the task.

As you begin your foray into kayak fishing, do your research. Peruse the internet, talk to local anglers, visit local outfitters and try various kayak platforms and fishing hand paddles. That little effort will certainly make your fishing trip much more rewarding and memorable. Fish on!!

Ed Halm is a retired US Navy survival instructor, kayak eco-tour guide and owner of Backwater Paddle Company, a paddle sports business located in central Florida.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ed_Halm http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Fastest-Growing-Water-Sport---Kayak-Fishing-and-the-Evolution-of-Kayaks-and-Fishing-Hand-Paddles&id=3766106

Pros and Cons of Fiberglass Paddle Boards and Bamboo #SUPBoards

Author: Chris Bergstrom

Are you confused about evaluating fiberglass paddle boards and bamboo SUP boards? The following information will help you understand the pros and cons of these types of boards.

Pros of fiberglass boards

• Fiberglass SUP boards are durable. They can withstand the pressure from high-velocity waves. Fiberglass is a highly durable material.

• Fiberglass is light and durable. The lightweight structure of fiberglass SUP boards helps you navigate any kind of tide. You can also carry these boards around. Remember to choose a fiberglass SUP board that is appropriate for your height and weight.

Cons of fiberglass boards

• Fiberglass paddle boards are not environment friendly. They are also more expensive than bamboo SUP boards.

• These types of boards may develop dents or dings. You must cover the board with a special enclosure to protect it from chipping. You can't afford to let a chip, ding, dent or a crack linger.

• Strong sunlight is understood to have a negative impact on fiberglass. It takes away the sheen from the board. It also weakens the molecular structure of fiberglass. So you should always place your fiberglass SUP board in the shade.

Pros of bamboo standup paddle boards

• Bamboo SUP boards are lightweight and durable – similar to fiberglass paddle boards. They are inexpensive when compared to fiberglass SUP boards. Bamboo is a fast growing grass. It is easy to procure bamboo as a raw material.

• Bamboo is an all-weather material. It can withstand rain, sunshine, and cold weather. So you need not worry about your bamboo paddle board disintegrating due to environmental factors.

• If you are an environmentally conscious person, then buying a bamboo paddle board is an ideal thing to do. Bamboo can be safely recycled and does not release harmful chemicals. Furthermore, it is a sustainable material that is readily available and perfectly suited for SUP manufacture.

• Bamboo SUP boards, if manufactured properly can be harder than some of the hardest woods. A bamboo paddle board can be made to be ten times stronger than fiberglass paddle boards.

Cons of bamboo boards:- There are no real disadvantages of bamboo paddle boards.

Conclusion

Whatever type of board you choose, it is important to buy it from a good SUP board manufacturer such as Elixir Board Co. (www.elixirboardco.com). Visit this site to browse through a collection of quality SUP boards. Additionally, place an order online and get delivery of your paddle board for an affordable flat rate. Elixir is one of the most reputed names in SUP boards.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/water-sports-articles/pros-and-cons-of-fiberglass-paddle-boards-and-bamboo-sup-boards-6242883.html

About the Author<br />

Chris Bergstrom is a resourceful author, with profound knowledge of this enthusiastic water game and has written many articles on relevant subjects. Within this article readers will find helpful information about the different types of fiberglass paddle boards to choose from and find additional tips on how to buy a bamboo sup.

#KayakFishing Guides

Author: Fishing-Boating

From the looks of it, kayak fishing is one of the coolest segments of sport fishing. But before you head out in the water, it is important for you to just take a quick test – paddling test on the bay to see if it is at all meant for you. We all know what a kayak is. It is inexpensive, with little maintenance cost, easy storage, and quick launch has made it one of the most popular fishing boats of the day. It is used in both saltwater and freshwater fishing. These days the kayaks are molded from polythene which gives them durability as well as lower cost.

Bottom fishing and jigging are easier to do with in the kayaks some say. And today kayaks are so scientifically designed to give the angler maximum result. They often come with accessories such as trolleys, electronic fish finders, rod holders, live bait containers and more. Highly priced game fish are generally targeted in kayak fishing; Tuna, sailfish, cod, amberjacks, wahoo, king mackerel, marlin, sea trout, halibut, snook, red drum etc. To experience thrill, some anglers also launch their kayaks from larger boats well offshore to enjoy the fight with the game fish up close.

Since a kayak is a small boat and it is not too safe a way to go in the deep waters in all honesty, a fishing guide should be consulted with. There are a number of guides who can help guide you if you are an amateur when it comes t fishing from the kayak. Not only just in the deep seas, but since kayak fishing is now gaining popularity in freshwater lakes and rivers as well, it is a good idea to hire a professional guide who is aware of the safety precautions as well as the dos and don'ts of kayak fishing.

We tend to get too excited and engrossed in reeling in the largemouth bass and smallmouth bass and trout and salmon and muskie that we lose sight of the fact that we are on a narrow boat and on water. The sheer excitement of it all makes us for the moment lose the sight of the fact a little inattentiveness could just cause a bad accident. Thus it is better if we hire the professionals who are in this field for a long time now and thus show us the correct way of handling the kayak.

A question might arise in this regard as to why we prefer kayaks to fishing boats when boats are much comfortable and easy to use as compared to a kayak. Easy transportation is one of the main reasons behind increasing popularity of kayaks over boats. The design is convenient; you can paddle even the narrowest of the creeks, which you possibly cannot do with a boat. Moreover they are much easier to use than a boat. It is easy to afford, functions well and is loaded with fun. You would also be happy to know that kayaks are also eco friendly watercrafts when compared to a boat.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/fishing-articles/kayak-fishing-guides-5588319.html

About the Author

Allan Simons is an avid fisherman as well as an accomplished writer of various informative articles on fishng, fishng guides, fishing tips, tackles and so on.

How To Balance Your #WhitewaterKayak

by Tony Witherspoon

If you’re someone who is considering becoming a whitewater kayaker then knowing how to balance a kayak is a very key to know. Balancing your kayak is a learned skill, if you want to get better at it here are some simple principles that you definitely have to understand. The two terms you need to know is Balancing and Leaning. You must understand the difference between them and how to properly do them. As I said before these are learned skills so take your time because precaution more times than not leads to safety; your safety!

When you go to balance a kayak there are two areas of your body that you should pay close attention to, and they are the torso muscles and the stomach area. When you do this you are making sure the kayak can function properly in the river as it comes up against the current. So, basically the kayak goes through the current with less resistance as compared to not having balanced the kayak at all. While out there on the river you are trying to avoid two things, and those spills, and flips. They happen when the kayaker tense up, and fight the current when you should relax your stomach and torso muscles to keep the kayak balanced.

Now on to leaning, you use leaning to ensure that the kayak does not flip. There are several causes for the flips, as we said earlier not having the proper balance, also the rapids, waves, and holes. The forces of the river have to be counteracted by an opposing force, and that is where “leaning” comes into play. This again, is a learned skill that is only obtained by practice, but once you master it you have thus moved on from being a beginner.

So the question that may come to is, how exactly do I “lean” my kayak? Well you have ways that are taught to beginners, which is the obvious ones, such as leaning side to side and using your hip to lift the kayak slightly. There is a more difficult lean to learn and that is the J Lean, trying to explain it here may not be sufficient so it is best to get a experienced kayaker and perhaps a certified trainer. However I will cover the general idea about J Leaning.

The J Lean’s general is to keep head and torso as straight as possible, and lift the kayak with your hip and simultaneously leaning toward the kayak. That is the best way to do one. Also remember not to use your paddle to balance. As I said earlier get a trainer or an experienced kayaker to show you how to properly do this.

Anthony Witherspoon researches and writes on various subjects, such as kayaking. For more information please visit at http://www.kayak-depot.info/Store/Whitewater%20Kayaks

Anthony Witherspoon researches and writes on various subjects, such as kayaking. For more information please visit at Cheap Kayaks for Sale

Article Source: How To Balance Your Whitewater Kayak

Flatwater #Kayaks

by Jakob Jelling

Flatwater kayaking is easier and better to learn th an any oth er type of kayaking

. Flatwater kayaking is th e type of kayaking th at you sh ould start with if you're new to th e activity. Flatwater kayaking can take place on almost any body of water so long as it is is an area th at is sh eltered form th e wind and any major waves. Th is is also th e safest type of kayaking since it g enerally only takes place during calm conditions wh en th ere are no major obstacles to make kayaking difficult.

Tours are very popular for people wh o want to participate in flatwater kayaking . Generally, th ese tours eith er take place on a river or in a sh eltered bay. If you're g oing on a flatwater kayaking tour, you'll likely g et to see some beautiful areas, and you may even g et to see wildlife in th e area th at you're kayaking in. If you're th inking about g oing on a flatwater kayaking tour, th e most important th ing th at you sh ould consider is wh ere you want to g o - and make sure th at you set aside enoug h time for th e kayak tour!

Since flatwater kayaking is th e easiest type of kayaking , th is is th e type of kayaking th at you will learn first. Not only th at, but you do not need very much experience kayaking in order to be able to flatwater kayak proficiently. If you're looking for an activity for th e wh ole family th at can be learned easily, flatwater kayaking on a lake or calm river is it.

Flatwater kayaking also does not need very specific types of kayaks. Since th e water is calm, you don't need to worry about finding a particularly sturdy kayak. (Wh ile it is always important to make sure th at th e kayak you are using is safe, you do not need th e same type of kayak th at is used for wh itewater kayaking ).

Since flatwater kayaking is a much safer activity th an wh itewater kayaking , or kayaking th roug h roug h water, it's more common to see two person kayaks instead of just th e one person boats. Th ese kayaks are fun for kayak tours, since you'll be able to talk about wh at you're seeing with anoth er person as you g o. Oth er types of kayaks th at are used for kayak touring are desig ned so th at instead of sitting inside of th e kayak, you sit on top of it.

No matter wh at type of kayaking you intend to do in th e future, flatwater kayaking is wh ere everyth ing starts. In fact, if you're g oing to learn h ow to wh itewater kayak, you're g oing to need to learn flatwater kayaking first. Since th is is such an easy activity to learn, you won't h ave to worry about th e rest of your family, eith er - insteadArticle Submission, you'll be able to bring th em flatwater kayaking with you!

Article Tag s: Flatwater Kayaking , You're Going

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#KayakFishing - Enjoyable Experience

by Darla Chase

Kayak Fishing is one of the varieties of fishing which is popular among all irrespective of age and place of living. "Kayak" is nothing but a small-size boat which is also called as a canoe. As these boats are powered by humans, it does not require any insurance or fuel. This kind of fishing can be done along with friends or alone depending on your choice and mood. Kayak Fishing is a very affordable form of sea fishing and also enables you to enjoy all the benefits of sea fishing without any hassles. As there is no noise pollution, the experience would be peaceful, serene, and at the same time invigorating. It would be a great experience for those who want to stress out.

Types of Kayaks

Various types of kayaks are available in different designs, budget, and sizes that there is something or the other for all age groups and gender. Children can make use of the specially created ones for them, whereas women can use the lightweight models. Apart from the heavy types, there are also easily maneuverable kayaks for young men.

Kayaks can also be classified as ocean kayaks, Hobie kayaks, river kayaks, and tandem kayaks. Ocean kayaks are longer when compared to the river kayaks and are also created to cover long distances. Hobie kayaks are sophisticated types that have pedals, scuppers that can drain by themselves and a seat so that you can stay dry. Tandem kayaks are for people who are not very confident going alone around lakes or oceans. These types allow taking a close friend or partner.

Necessary Items That Might Be Required During Kayak Fishing

Safety is the top priority when you go on fishing. It is also a fact that kayaks are light in weight and can get titled easily even if a strong wind blows. Therefore, safety equipments are very much needed. There are many types of such equipments available. Some important ones you might require include a compass for showing direction, personal floating things, tether line, radio beacons, and many more.

Next would be the kayak fishing gear. Fishing Kayaks have very less space that only essentials like light rods, lures, gaffs, line cutters, landing nets, basic rigs, and similar items would be required. Before buying kayaks, it is better to know what type, dimensions, thickness, and facilities you would require and then make a choice. The type of river body in which you will be fishing and the type of fish you wish to catch also matters a lot when making a choice. If you do not have any idea, there are various online kayak fishing forums that can be of great help.

Top 10 Reasons Yоu Nееd A #KayakFishing Hand #Paddle!

Author: Ed Halm

Have уоu еvеr trіеd holding а fishing pole, gun оr camera аnd paddle уоur kayak а fеw yards?  It іѕ а vеrу complicated effort.  Trу tо fish, hunt, оr photograph whіlе paddling а kayak аt thе ѕаmе time!  Yоu hаvе tо put ѕоmеthіng dоwn tо dо thе other!

"It wаѕ а fishing comedy оn water."  I mused frоm afar.  Jim wаѕ оn thе salt water flats flailing а ѕеvеn foot kayak paddle.  Hе wаѕ trуіng tо hold оntо аn еіght foot fishing pole whіlе chasing а redfish thrоugh thе mangroves.   I thought tо myself, "He nееdѕ аnоthеr hand tо juggle thаt kayak paddle аnd hold hіѕ rod."

Paddle оr fish?  Paddle оr shoot?  Thіѕ іѕ thе kayak fisherman's dilemma!

All kayak fishermen аnd sportsmen hаvе experienced thе difficulty оf paddling уоur kayak аnd holding уоur fishing rod.  Nо matter hоw уоu "fore arm wrestle" оr "cross body flail" thаt ѕеvеn foot kayak paddle, іt ѕtіll requires twо hands.

The question baffling thе kayak fishing community іѕ hоw dо уоu hold оntо уоur еіght foot fishing rod wіth оnе hand аnd stealthily paddle уоur kayak wіth thе other? 

"It bесаmе readily apparent thаt kayak fishermen аnd sportsmen dіd nоt realize thеrе wаѕ а hand paddle bеіng developed tо mаkе thеіr nеxt fishing experience mоrе rewarding!"

This іѕ whеn thе Kayak Fishing Hand Paddle concept wаѕ born. 

Kayak fishing hand paddles аrе thе straightforward solution tо thе kayak angler аnd sportsmen's dilemma.  Yes, уоu саn paddle аnd fish!

Below аrе thе TOP TEN reasons whу уоu nееd а Kayak Fishing Hand Paddle:

Reason #1.   CATCH MORE FISH…that wоuld bе wау tоо easy tо put аt #1!

Let's list thе TOP TEN reasons HOW thе kayak fishing hand paddles wіll hеlр уоu catch mоrе fish аnd mаkе уоur nеxt kayak fishing adventure mоrе rewarding.

1. Simple, оnе handed paddle operation.  Stow аwау thаt 7 foot kayak paddle.
2. Keep fishing.  Nеvеr put dоwn уоur fishing pole.
3. Stealthy paddling.  Nо flailing аn awkward kayak paddle tо scare аwау fish.
4. Short distance mobility.  Whу uѕе а 7 foot kayak paddle tо move а fеw yards?
5. Open water drift control.  Steer & control drift wіth thе fishing hand paddles.
6. Retrieving lines.  Reach оut аnd grab thоѕе mono filament аnd braided lines.
7. Grabbing оntо structures.  Uѕе thе hook tо pull, attach, snatch, & drag anything.
8. Pushing оff obstacles.  Uѕе thе teeth fоr positive purchase whіlе shoving off.
9. Small аnd lightweight.  Weighing bеtwееn 6-7 ounces vs. а 2–3 lb kayak paddle.
10. Backup emergency paddle.  Fоr whо knоwѕ when?

"Having thаt kayak fishing hand paddle аt mу side аnd readily аvаіlаblе wаѕ thе difference bеtwееn јuѕt good ole time fishing аnd аn awesome kayak fishing experience!"

It works great fоr thе kayak fishermen, sportsmen, photographers аnd enthusiasts whо nееd аn extra hand whіlе practicing thеіr paddle sport. 

It іѕ trulу amazing hоw hаvіng thаt оnе paddle, а kayak fishing hand paddle, hаѕ mаdе аll thе difference іn stealthily moving уоur kayak wіthоut spooking уоur prey!  Whо wоuld оf thought?  

Paddle оnе handed, chase stealthily…keep fishing!  Kayak Fishing Hand Paddles!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/fishing-articles/top-10-reasons-you-need-a-kayak-fishing-hand-paddle-1919901.html

About thе Author

Ed Halm іѕ а retired U.S. Navy survival instructor.  Hе іѕ аlѕо аn avid outdoor sportsman, kayak eco-tour guide аnd owner оf Backwater Paddle Company, а paddle sports business located іn central Florida.  If уоu hаvе аnу questions, comments оr ideas, feel free tо visit wіth Ed аt www.backwaterpaddles.com anytime!