PaddleWays Archives - Hazeadventure

Find a Great Place to Kayak

Ken Whiting — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 12:53:38 +0000

Whether you're a seasoned paddler or just getting started, finding great places to paddle can be challenging – but it can be a fun challenge! It's an exciting opportunity to explore new areas, find hidden gems, and even meet new friends.

However, it is very important to choose the right paddling spot because turning up somewhere new without the right equipment or skills can be very dangerous. So here are some of the most important things to consider when looking for a great paddling spot.

Choose an Appropriate Place to Paddle

Choosing an appropriate place to paddle involves knowing your paddling limits and respecting the limitations of your gear.

Know Your Paddling Limits

It’s important to choose an outing that matches your skills and knowledge. The biggest challenges you'll face on the water are wind, waves and current. If you have limited experience, don't have the fitness to paddle hard for extended periods, and/or don't feel that you have great control over your kayak, then you should be looking for places to paddle on small bodies of water (rivers, ponds, small lakes). These areas offer good protection from wind and waves, and have very little, or no current to contend with.

If you do have reasonably good fitness, and have developed adequate technique to effectively control your kayak, you can consider paddling in larger bodies of water. Areas that don't always provide shelter form wind and waves.

That being said, until you learn to re-enter your kayak from the water (in the event of a capsize), you need to stay close enough to swim to shore. If you have learned and practiced re-entering your kayak from the water, to the point where you're confident in your ability to do so in rough conditions, you can then consider paddling further out from shore – if you are using appropriate equipment to do so.

Respect the Limitations of Your Kayak

The kayak you're using will dictate what appropriate place to paddle looks like, regardless of your skill level. In some cases using the wrong kayak will result in having a tiring or frustrating experience. But, in many cases using the wrong kayak can be a serious safety issue.

A recreational sit-inside kayak has a large cockpit that doesn't enclose the paddler.

Sit-inside recreational kayaks are one of the most limiting styles of kayaks, and one of the most popular styles as well. They're designed to be very stable. They're not intimidating because they have big, open cockpits, and they're not designed to be used with a skirt. While these features make them very accessible, they can be swamped very easily in rough conditions. These type of kayaks must stay on small bodies of water that are sheltered from wind and waves.

Your options expand greatly if you're using a sit-on-top kayak, which can't be swamped because it's designed to self-bail. Similarly, your options are much greater if you're using a touring kayak or sea kayak. These sit-inside kayaks are designed to be used with a skirt (to keep water out) and they'll have at least one bulkhead.

A bulkhead is a fixed wall inside the kayak that separates the boat into different compartments. Bulkheads are found immediately behind the seat and in front of the feet. The benefit of bulkheads is that only part of the kayak will get swamped in the even of a capsize. This makes the kayak much easier to deal with on the water.

A sea kayak used with a skirt allows paddlers to explore large, exposed bodies of water.

How To Find A Place To Paddle

Use Local Knowledge and Resources

Now that you have a good idea of what kind of paddling location you're looking for, finding an appropriate place to paddle can be easier than you think! Local paddling clubs, outdoor shops, and guide books are fantastic resources. They often have firsthand knowledge of the best spots to go, and the latest water conditions. Another great source of information is the internet, and there are a few good ways to use modern technology to find a great place to paddle.

Use Modern Technology to Find a Paddling Location

Thanks to modern technology, it's easier than ever to plan a river trip. I’ve spent countless hours exploring new areas with Google Maps. This has resulted in a large number of exploratory paddling adventures. You can also use sites like Paddling.com or Paddlingmag.com to get ideas. Ask other paddlers, or you can search YouTube to discover reviews and suggestions for local paddling spots.

The PaddleWays App

Another digital tool that has become a game-changer for paddlers in the United States is to find a great place to kayak, is the PaddleWays app. PaddleWays provides a simple, comprehensive way to plan your paddling adventure. Whether you're searching for a serene lake, an exciting river, or the best access points. The PaddleWays app offers several features, including the following:

A detailed map of access points along the river. Including up-to-date information on helpful details such as parking availability, difficulty of access, and nearby facilities.
Customized search options to match your preferred type of water. You can filter by difficulty, water type, and proximity, making it easy to find exactly what you’re looking for.
Uses community-drive reviews and data to find lesser-known, hidden paddling spots. Users frequently share their favorite paddling locations with photos, descriptions, and tips.
Offers real-time data on water levels and conditions and suggests the ideal flow levels for your trip.
Allows you to plot routes for multi-day paddling trips, including services and camping options along the way.
Helps you gauge the difficulty of different locations through user reviews of spots. This lets you plan for unseen difficulties and find a paddling location suitable for your abilities.

Consider the Scenery and Wildlife

For many paddlers, the surroundings are as important as the water itself. National parks, nature reserves, and coastal wilderness areas offer incredible opportunities to paddle amidst stunning landscapes. Look for places that boast beautiful scenery and wildlife. Mangroves, rocky shorelines, or forests offer the kind of immersion in nature that makes paddling truly special.

Places with abundant wildlife—whether it’s spotting birds in wetland areas or dolphins along the coast—can elevate the experience.

Check Water Levels and Weather Conditions

Once you've picked a place to paddle, before heading out, it’s essential to check water levels and weather forecasts. Water conditions can dramatically affect your paddle—high or low water levels can make paddling more challenging or even dangerous. Websites such as Windy.com, USGS Water Data, and NOAA Weather are a few examples of places to check river gauges, tides, wind, and weather forecasts. Knowing the conditions at your paddling location before you set off makes it easy to choose the right location on the day for your skill level.

When coastal paddling, pay attention to tides and wind conditions, which can greatly impact your trip. Wind direction and strength can create challenging paddling conditions, so understanding how weather factors affect your chosen location will make for a safer and more enjoyable experience.

Consider Accessibility

Not all paddling spots are easy to access, and some of the most remote places may require you to carry your gear over a distance or navigate rough terrain. Before heading out, assess how easy it is to get your boat in and out of the water. Boat ramps, public docks, or roadside access points on paddle-friendly shorelines are great features to look for when planning a trip. Knowing where to safely launch or take out your kayak or canoe is essential for a smooth trip.

Plan Your Entire River, Lake or Coastal Route

When planning a multi-day paddling trip, you will often need to plan your entire trip in advance. You need to know where there are safe launch and take-out spots, camping spots, and other services like rentals and outfitters.

Before embarking on a multi-day trip, especially into areas with no phone signal, it is important to let someone outside of the paddlers know your plans. That way, if you come into trouble and have no way to communicate, someone knows where to look. Planning in advance and researching the water conditions will ensure you are well-prepared for your journey.

Finding the perfect paddling location can be as much fun as the trip itself. By considering your preferences, tapping into local knowledge, checking water and weather conditions, and knowing your skill level, you can ensure your next paddling adventure will be one to remember. Whether you’re after calm lakes, thrilling rapids, or scenic coastlines, there’s a perfect spot waiting for you!

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Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Kayak

Ken Whiting — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 12:11:29 +0000

In this article we're diving into one of the biggest questions in the world of kayaking: how to choose the right kayak. While it might seem daunting at first with so many types of kayaks available, I promise it's easier than you think once you understand your own needs and the different kayak options.

Special thanks to PaddleWays for their support and for providing excellent resources for paddlers. Check out their app to help locate and plan for your next river adventure.

Why Choosing the Right Kayak Matters

Selecting the wrong kayak can lead to unsafe, uncomfortable, or just plain unfun experiences on the water. The right kayak, however, can open up a world of enjoyable paddling adventures. So, let’s break down the key factors you need to consider.

Types of Kayaks

First, let’s look at the various types of kayaks available:

Sit-on-top Kayaks

Great for stability and ease of re-entry. Ideal for warm climates and calm waters. Check out the Perception Hangtime 11 Review.

Sit-inside Kayaks

Better for colder environments and rougher waters, offering more control and protection from the elements. Check out the Advanced Elements Expedition Elite Kayak Review.

Portable Kayaks

Includes folding, inflatable, and modular kayaks, perfect for those with limited storage or transportation options. Check out the review of the Pakayak Bluefin 142.

Fishing Kayaks

Equipped with features specific to angling. Check out this review of the Sea Eagle 385 FastTrack Fishing Kayak.

Tandem Kayaks

For paddling with a partner. Check out these Tandem Kayak Tips to stay together in the same boat!

Pedal Kayaks

Allow for hands-free movement, popular among anglers and photographers. Check out the review of the Perception Showdown 11.5 pedal fishing kayak.

Composite and Plastic Kayaks

Varying in weight, durability, and cost. Check out the P&H Volan 160 review, this sea kayak is make with carbon and kevlar.

Key Considerations

Type of Paddling
The first question to ask yourself is what type of paddling you plan to do. For flat water like ponds or small lakes, any kayak will suffice. However, if you plan to paddle in more challenging conditions like rivers with currents or open water with waves, you’ll need a kayak suited to those environments.
Water Conditions
For use on flat water, any kayak will do. If you're paddling in water that is rough, or can get rough if the wind picks up, you need a kayak that can handle rough water. Sit-on-top kayaks are excellent for mild rough water since they can’t swamp, and if flipped, are easy to re-enter. Sit-inside kayaks need to be able to accept a skirt and they need to have bulkheads to handle rougher waters and provide safety and stability. Bulkheads are walls inside the kayak that separate the boat into separate compartments, so that the entire kayak won't get swamped with water in the case of a capsize.
Portability
If storage and transport are issues, a portable kayak might be for you. These come in several forms, including inflatables and folding kayaks, which are great for travel but may sacrifice some performance and durability.
Material and Weight
The material of the kayak affects both weight and durability. Plastic kayaks, especially rotomolded ones, are incredibly durable but heavier. Thermoformed plastic kayaks are lighter and stiffer but less durable. Composite kayaks, like those made from fiberglass, kevlar, and carbon fiber, offer the best performance and the lightest weight options, but at a higher cost. They also need to be treated with more care than rotomolded plastic kayaks.

Kayak Preferences:

Stability vs. Speed

Length: Longer kayaks are faster, while shorter ones are more maneuverable.
Width: Wider kayaks are more stable but slower.
Rocker: More rocker means better maneuverability, less rocker means better tracking.
Hull Design: Impacts both stability and speed, with different designs better suited for different paddling styles.

Sit-on-Top vs. Sit-Inside Kayaks

Sit-on-Top: More stable and accessible, but slower and you’ll likely get wet.
Sit-Inside: Faster and better control, offers protection from the elements, but harder to re-enter if flipped.

Tandem vs. Single Kayaks

Tandem Kayaks: Faster with two paddlers and great for shared experiences, but less maneuverable and you need to coordinate well with your partner.
Single Kayaks: Offer more freedom and maneuverability, perfect for solo adventures.

Pedal vs. Paddle Kayaks

Pedal Kayaks: Faster and hands-free, great for fishing and photography, but pricier, heavier, and not suitable for very shallow waters.
Paddle Kayaks: More traditional and versatile, lighter, and less expensive.

Additional Considerations

Think about whether you plan to go camping, bring your dog, or need extra storage space. Hybrid boats like packboats and packrafts offer unique benefits for specific needs, blending features of kayaks, canoes, and rafts.

Final Advice

Visit a specialty paddle sports retailer to ask questions and test out kayaks. Your perfect kayak awaits, and getting it right will ensure a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable paddling experience.