| tart --> | | | | into small tributaries, narrow canyons, or rocky places |
| Though having a pleasure boat means being able to | | | | where larger boats can't go is one of the greatest |
| take fun little cruises, partake in some exciting ocean | | | | benefits of kayaking. With no motor and just a quiet |
| fishing, or spend the day water skiing, there are limits to | | | | paddle, kayakers can enter into places without |
| where you can take a regular boat. For those who | | | | disturbing the local wildlife. The serenity of paddling |
| love the pleasure of being on the water and who also | | | | your kayak along a glassy lake in the early morning, or |
| want to get as close to nature as possible, kayaking | | | | along a river through a small canyon at sunset can be |
| can be just the thing that they are looking for. The slim | | | | an incomparable experience. The way kayaks are |
| designs and relative small size of kayaks means that | | | | designed, they seem to blend in with the natural |
| you can get into places where larger boats may not | | | | surroundings instead of disturbing them. Paddle down a |
| be able to fit - or are not even allowed to go. | | | | creek in a kayak through an area where most people |
| Kayaks are small, streamlined boats that have tapered | | | | can't go, and you will be able to see nature at its best. |
| ends and slightly thicker centers. There are openings in | | | | When most people experience something like this, they |
| the middle that are just large enough to fit one person. | | | | talk later about how time seemed to stop for them; |
| Kayaks are never motorized...they are propelled | | | | they were on the water for hours when it seemed like |
| manually, using one oar that has a paddle on either | | | | much less time. |
| side. The kayaker uses the oar alternately from one | | | | Though communing alone with nature is a wonderful |
| side to the other to move the kayak forward or | | | | experience, it should be noted that it is much safer for |
| backward. Although all kayaks have the same basic | | | | kayakers to travel with someone else - at least one |
| design, they are not all the same size. When you | | | | other kayaker. Very experienced kayakers can usually |
| purchase a kayak, you need to choose one that is the | | | | get away with kayaking alone, because they know |
| right size for you. The salesperson where you | | | | where they can go and all the safety measures to |
| purchase your kayak can help you find one that is the | | | | take, but even they won't usually tackle any white |
| right fit. | | | | water alone. Kayakers who are just learning or don't |
| People purchase kayaks for several reasons, such as | | | | have a lot of experience are better off traveling with |
| racing, white water rafting, or leisurely trips along rivers, | | | | buddies. |
| streams, lakes, or in the ocean. Being able to venture | | | | |