Wednesday, June 10, 2015

A Beginning Paddler's Guide To Choosing Kayaking Tours

By April Briggs


If you have watched people paddling around on kayaks, it is no wonder that you are considering trying them yourself. Whether you prefer the idea of zipping down rapids and through whitewater or drifting along the coast or across a still, silent lake there are kayaking tours and excursions that can fit your interest. The following information may help you narrow down the options that are available to make sure that you have an enjoyable and unforgettable experience.

The first thing to do is learn exactly what these boats are and what their advantages are. They are extremely buoyant and are designed so that they can navigate rapids as well as the calm waters of lakes and slow moving rivers. Paddlers use a special paddle that has a blade on each end of a central shaft. It can be used to propel the boat through the water and alter its course so it can be steered in the precise direction the paddler wants it to go.

If you are planning to take a tour, you may first want to consider the amount of paddling experience you have had. Beginner tours may start off with instruction in the basic strokes and techniques such as performing rolls, and entering and exiting the boat from the water and from the land. They are also likely to limit your paddling to water that is calmer and not as fast moving.

You may also want to consider how physically fit you are. If you do not exercise on a regular basis or are a beginning paddler, you may want to look for a shorter trip where you are not expected to cover as much distance each day. Paddling can be hard work and you do not want to end up hurting yourself by taking a tour that is too strenuous.

Many hotels will have contacts that will help you locate kayaking excursions and tours. These can be fun, guided ways to see whales and other marine mammals. In tropical areas where there may be caves to explore, you may be able to find tours that allow you to check out caves or geographical features from a completely unexpected point of view.

Guides also want you to do your homework about the equipment that will be needed. Does the company running the tour have boats that you can use? Will you need to supply your own boat, paddle, life jacket and helmet? It can be very frustrating if someone arrives for a tour when they are unprepared and do not have the items they will need.

If you are taking more than just a day trip you may want to find out what other equipment you will need in order to complete a tour. Will you need to pack your own tent and sleeping bag? It can be a good idea to ask what kinds of accommodations there will be while you are on the tour and what, if any equipment will be provided by the touring company.

Tour guides love taking paddlers on these excursions. What can make the entire experience much more fun and enjoyable is to do your research, be honest with yourself about what you are capable of handling, and to make sure you are properly equipped for the conditions you will encounter.




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