Buying And Storing A Kayak

If you are considering taking up kayaking as a hobby or sport the first thing you need to consider is how much you are prepared to spend on a new or used kayak together with the cost of the essential kayak accessories you will need. The next thing to consider is where you will store your kayak when you are not using it.

Not many people take into account the cost of buying all the kayak accessories which together will often be more than the price of the kayak itself. A decent set of paddles are not cheap and can cost from $60 to $500 or more. Also there is the cost of a life jacket, wet gear, gloves, paddles, paddle leash, dry bags, kayak trolleys and so on. The list is almost endless and before you know it you would have spent well over your intended original budget.

To keep the cost down it is well worth looking into the possibility of buying used kayaks. Kayaks are very durable and used kayaks will normally only have sustained superficial scratches to the hull through general wear and tear.

However you must check over any used kayaks for cracks, splits or punctures especially if it is an inflatable kayak. Furthermore always check out the quality of used kayaks when there is good natural light available.

Once you have purchased your kayak or canoe you will need to arrange for practical and accessible storage facilities.

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6 Tips You Should Know Before You Go Kayaking

Like cycling, kayaking is a simple but great sport for beginners. In fact, it's easy to learn, unlike other sports. All you need to do is spend a few hours and you will be good to go. Kayaking is of many types like whitewater kayaking, sea kayaking, and flat water kayaking, to name a few. Before you go kayaking, make sure you learn the basic skills. Given below are the top 6 tips that may help you get started.

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Kayak Garage Storage

If you own a kayak then you know how important it is to keep it in good working order. One of the ways to do this is with garage storage. There are many different kinds of kayak storage systems to choose from, but you want to find one that will keep your kayak up and off the ground, out of the way, and one that is easy to use. One of the things you need to do when using kayak garage storage systems is prepare your boat for storage. You need to clean out the unit itself, check all the seams for wear and tear, clean the surfaces down carefully so any build up doesn’t stay on and damage your kayak while storing it. Kayak storage also means prepping your unit as well, applying the right sealant to the outside, covering it with a tarp or specially made kayak cover, and making sure that there is no moisture inside the boat itself. Other things to keep in mind when setting up garage storage is: Read More: Kayak Garage Storage

Experiencing the Thrill of Kayaking

Kayaking is a great option for people who are hoping to experience the joys of the great outdoors. People who own kayaks are able to go out on adventures across rapids or rivers enjoying the feeling of being with one of nature's few untouched wonders. Kayaking can either be done alone or alongside the company of a friend depending on the architecture of the design. Kayaks are enclosed canoes with cockpit regions in which paddlers can sit. Propulsion is accomplished with the use of a double bladed paddle. Many of the kayaks today are designed from plastic, fibreglass or Kevlar. They can also be designed to be inflatable or not. The general design of most kayaks involves a broaden centre with tapered points at the bow and the stern. Paddlers also make use of kayaking gear such as kayak anchors and kayak leashes. For people who wish to try out kayaking, it is important they start with all the right equipment.

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Kayaking & Dogs

I have two big passions... kayaking and dogs. Some may think that my two passions can't be combined but yes it is absolutely possible to kayak with your dog. Not all dogs are going to want to go kayaking. Some dogs do not enjoy the water or may be extremely fearful. If your dog falls into this category it is important not to force them if they are uncomfortable. Most dogs can be trained to sit nicely in a kayak and even enjoy the time out on the water. It is important though that all dogs are not only trained properly but also have the right safety gear.

1. Kayaking Dog Essentials
2. Kayaking Dog Do's and Don'ts

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Why I Combine Kayaking With Backpacking

A few of my reasons for backpacking, adventuring these past 60 years has been just that, adventure. I enjoy the unsureness of what’s around the next turn, what’s over the next hill. I also enjoy the feeling of self sufficiency. The feeling that I am totally self dependent. In a world where our society wants to protect us from everything and provide a program for any unforeseen event in our life, it’s a good feeling to know that all you have is yourself. And, of course I love the loneliness of solo backpacking. I don’t carry any gadgets with me such as cell phones, iPads, GPS’s, etc. I love to be alone with “it” and me. Observing, planning and overcoming the next challenge on the trail. I was introduced to the Kindle this year and that has lightened my backpack load some. Instead of carrying a book I now carry my Kindle for reading at night or if I decide to make a stop during the day. Most of my backpacking is done in the late fall to early spring… My kayak camping extends from spring until fall. Finding deserted beaches and sandbars is pretty easy in my coastal area. So what has this all to do with kayak backpacking? Read More: Why I Combine Kayaking With Backpacking

Ontario Kayaking Trips – Hidden Gems on a Cottage Vacation

I was first introduced to kayaking on a trip out to Ontario from England, years ago. We stayed at a vacation rental cottage on a small lake and the cottage came with two kayaks, paddles and life jackets. We'd never kayaked before and although it was a little nerve wracking getting in the first time, I was amazed at how stable the kayaks were, and what fun we could have with them. We explored the lake and all the little inlets; came across a pair of loons nesting; snapping turtles sunning on a log, and on one amazing day, came around a bend in a small bay to see a young moose just getting out of the water. It was one of those hidden gems we never expected to see on that amazing vacation.

Lots of lakes and rivers

Ontario has 250,000 lakes and thousands of miles of navigable rivers so there are many locations and opportunities for a kayaking or canoe trip. From a half-day paddle around one of the inland lakes, finding tiny inlets to explore and wildlife to see, to a longer camping and portaging trip in a National or Provincial Park, there is something for everyone. Renting a waterfront cottage is a great option as many of these vacation rentals offer non-motorised boats included in the rental rate. That could be a paddleboat, canoe, row boat or if you're lucky, a couple of kayaks.

Read More: Best places to kayak