| Kayaking has become a mainstay in outdoor | | | | least expensive kayak will usually be the inflatable |
| recreation. The sport which once catered only to | | | | kayak, which also offers great flexibility and portability |
| extreme adrenaline junkies has now worked its way | | | | if storage and transportation are an issue for you. |
| into the outdoor sport lexicon. Kayaking is seen by | | | | Safety |
| many as an excellent way to combine meditative and | | | | Once you have decided what type of kayak will get |
| physical exercise in beautiful outdoor settings. Kayaking | | | | you in the water, it's important to stop and think about |
| features seem to increasingly grace the covers of | | | | safety. People who choose to delve into white water |
| magazines as well as the tops of cars, as readers and | | | | kayaking need to take a class or start out with a |
| drivers of all ages and back grounds embrace the | | | | guide. It's not something that should be done without |
| sport and its health and relaxation benefits. Any one | | | | prior instruction, practice and guidance. The need for |
| interested in enjoying the popular sport needs only to | | | | guidance to get started in the sport isn't limited to |
| make a few necessary considerations to let the fun | | | | extreme white water kayaking. Anyone doing anything |
| begin. | | | | they feel uncertain about should consult an expert or |
| Lake or River? Rent or Buy? | | | | experienced friend to guide them. Like any other sport |
| One of the first things to consider is what type of | | | | or activity kayaking safety should, above all else, |
| kayaking you intend to do. This question and eventual | | | | involve common sense. If you are traversing white |
| decision is usually based on budget, fitness level, | | | | water filled with rocks, use a helmet. Dress |
| tolerance for risk or danger, and geographic location. | | | | appropriately, and be prepared for emergencies. Basic |
| In regards to budget, you need to consider whether | | | | kayak safety also includes use of a life jacket, the |
| you want to rent or buy a kayak. This may depend on | | | | ability to swim, and using proper sun protection for your |
| how often you can get away from work and other | | | | skin and eyes. Proper safety is an important |
| obligations to enjoy using the kayak. For someone who | | | | component in enjoying your new hobby without |
| may only make it out to the river a couple of times a | | | | accident and injury. |
| year, renting can be a great option. Many marinas at | | | | Fitness |
| lakes, bays, and rivers rent kayaks by the hour, day or | | | | Kayaking requires a certain amount of stamina, energy |
| even for the weekend. Renting a kayak at the same | | | | and endurance. First-time kayakers often comment |
| location it will be used will also cut out the expense of | | | | that they used muscles they didn't know they ever |
| purchasing a roof rack to transport the kayak on your | | | | had! If you normally lead a fairly sedentary lifestyle, |
| car roof. | | | | start training with some core and arm strengthening |
| If you decide that you want to purchase your own | | | | combined with light cardio exercise. This can minimize |
| kayak, you will need to decide what type of kayaking | | | | the soreness and fatigue you will feel out on the |
| you intend to do. Your geographic location may play | | | | water. Being physically prepared can help to maximize |
| into this decision. What type of water do you live near | | | | the enjoyment of your first trips into the water. |
| or frequently visit? White water dare devil kayaking, | | | | Ready for the water! |
| placid lake paddling, and oceans kayaking all require | | | | Alright you have made some important decisions. You |
| different boats. If you're a beginner, stability may be | | | | know what you want to do, you've purchased your |
| your most prominent consideration. | | | | kayak, you've done your research on safety and gone |
| Price range can vary quite a bit depending on which | | | | through any classes you need to take, and it's time to |
| kayak type and quality level you decide to purchase. A | | | | head out to the water. Kayaking is a great workout, a |
| basic plastic hard-shell starts at around $250-$300, | | | | soothing way to clear your mind, and an ideal reason |
| with fiberglass kayaks starting at around $1,000. The | | | | to get outside. Be safe and enjoy! |