Here is a nice checklist to go through of things to bring as you are getting ready to go kayaking:

1. Bilge pump or large sponge for any water that splashes in
2. Sunscreen
3. Drinking water
4. Proper footwear
5. UV eye protection
6. Dry bag
7. Paddler’s leash: To keep you from losing your paddle while on the water
8. A spare paddle
9. A whistle or sound-signaling device
10. Throw bags and other rescue gear
11. First Aid Kit

If you have ideas on what to add to this list, please comment.

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Consider this advice on things to do and things not to do when you are going kayaking:

• Always wear a properly fitted personal flotation device (life jacket) while on the water.
• Never go boating while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Do not stand up in a kayak.
• Learn about your route in advance, especially potential hazards, such as rapids, low-head dams, or dam releases.
• Never overload the kayak with more weight or persons than it is designed to safely accommodate.
• Let people know where you intend to put in, take out and where and when you expect to return. Give it to someone who will call for assistance if you don’t return.

Video of some of the top creeks to kayak in New Zealand.

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Just found this good writeup on one person’s experience using inflatable kayaks.  The person, Marlen Kemmet of Iowa, talks about using inflatable kayaks on the Salmon River in Idaho, the Arkansas river in CO, the upper Colorado river in CO, in Yellowstone Park, and many other places.

One good tip offered is “to determine what your course or “line” will be about 50 to 100 feet before hitting the whitewater, paddle hard before hitting the rapids, and go through the rapids head on. “  The reason for this is if you hit a wave too slow it may turn you sideways and flip.

Its an excellent article which can help you enjoy your inflatable kayak.  Here is a link to the article.

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One way to really get to know a person is by sharing a kayak.

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Here is a link to a couple of good photos of a guy kayaking with his dog.

What do you think the dog is thinking ?

from BBC News – Saturday, 23 May 2009 UK

A teenage boy from Somerset is believed to have become the youngest person to cross the English Channel in a kayak.

Christian Hosie, 13, and his 19-year-old brother Wesley from Taunton took on the challenge to raise money for the charity Children with Leukemia.

The brothers set off from Dover at 0901 BST and arrived at Sangatte near Calais in France at 1459 BST.

Speaking after his return to Dover, Christian said: “It was tiring. I didn’t think it would be so long.”

He said: “The conditions were really good, it was flat apart from when there were swells from the ferries.”

He added that he had only taken up kayaking recently, on the suggestion of his father Bill.

Kayaking is an activity enjoyed by many people of all ages. It requires little or no experience and nearly anyone of any skill level can participate. It’s most popular as a summertime sport, but is also a great activity during the winter. Kayaking also seems relatively friendly to the environment; more so than speed boating or water skiing. Because a kayak doesn’t create large or frequent waves, require fuel, or disperse hazards into the air, it is indeed a fairly safe activity for humans and wildlife alike.

Kayaking on freshwater lakes and streams creates little turbulence and therefore, does not disturb fish or other aquatic life. Actually, the gentle paddling and movement of the kayak helps to bring kelp and seaweed to the surface, making for convenient snacking to the fish. However, there is a downside to kicking up an all-you-can-buffet for your fishy friends. In addition to bringing food to the surface, kayaking also stirs up litter that’s been lurking beneath the waters. Most fish will not eat the trash that rises to the top, but other aquatic animals will mistake it for food. This could cause the animals to choke on the indigestible litter, leading to death. As hazardous as this sounds, it isn’t very likely for such an event to take place. Most litter in lakes and streams is found along the shoreline and settles in the sand and dirt, and isn’t likely to drift away to the main body of water.

Unlike boats operated by motor and fuel, kayaks pose little or no harm to the fish swimming beneath. Kayaks don’t move at a rapid pace, and the fish swimming below have ample time to move out of the boat’s way. And because kayaks do not have a motor, fish have no risk of getting caught underneath the boat.

One potential hazard that results from kayaking is human waste. This depends solely on where you plan to kayak, and if there are resources available (such as campsites) along the shoreline. When there are no facilities in sight, you’re paddling in the middle of a lake, and nature calls, then often you are given no choice but to expel your waste in the middle of the water. While human waste is considered biodegradable, it can be harmful when ingested by fish. The only preventative measure is to avoid using the water as a restroom, but again, this can’t always be helped. Some public lakes and streams have taken steps to preserve the quality of the water by requiring permits for kayaking. This won’t eliminate a human waste problem, but does help regulate entry into the lake and prevent it from becoming overcrowded.

An important factor to remember when kayaking is that you are a guest in someone else’s home. You may not be greeted by anyone or be able to kick up your feet and watch TV, but the water is home to many aquatic animals and wildlife. Just as you would not throw trash on the floor or destroy the home of another, you shouldn’t do it outdoors either. Keep all trash with you in your kayak and properly dispose of it after you return to shore. Don’t dump anything in the water, and try to avoid expelling human waste if at all possible. By doing your part, you will help keep kayaking a safe and enjoyable activity for yourself and the environment.