Springtime seems so idyllic; it evokes such feelings of bright sunny days, green grass, and brightly colored flowers peeking their head out of the ground. Even though that is what we all dream of, often that is not the reality we may experience in the North during spring. Whatever the weather conditions, it doesn’t stop me from looking forward to launching my kayak.
My history on the water:
I grew up doing a lot of canoeing with my family. My Dad and I took many a trip around our local lakes and even down the river in the springtime. We still laugh at some of our memories of our river excursions, but we always stayed dry. 😊 I loved just being on the water listening to the lapping of the water on the boat.
Paddling slowly around taking in all the wildlife that might be lurking quietly to avoid our detection was just pure heaven. Many quality moments were spent together with either my dad or the whole family. It was part of the very fabric of growing up.
I introduced my husband to canoeing, and we would go with my parents to local lakes. It became a family activity and continued into the next generation.
When my kids were little, my dad and I took the kids out in the canoe, and they enjoyed being on the water like the rest of us.
When I was growing up, kayaks weren’t as numerous or diverse as they are now, and canoes were more popular. Don’t get me wrong, I loved canoeing and still find it enjoyable, but as time went on, I wanted the freedom to go on the water without making sure I had a partner in the canoe with me; operating a canoe by yourself is more difficult. My first introduction to a kayak came when my son brought home a basic kayak that you sat on and water could come up into it. Even though, I got wet, I was hooked. The kayak maneuvered easily and you felt like you were one with the water. I knew I wanted to own my own kayak albeit one that was enclosed more and you didn’t get wet when you sat in it.
Well, my wish came true when my husband and kids got me a kayak for Mother’s Day. It was the best gift ever!!! I love it and have spent many hours paddling the water.
Just experiencing nature is such a joy, but I also love to take pictures of all kinds of things I encounter while in my kayak. This allows me to combine two of my passions—paddling and photography.
Well, lucky for me, the kids and I got my husband a kayak for Father’s Day at his request. He was very happy to get it and has been in it a few times, but this form of activity is not his passion. Still, we put that kayak to good use, because my daughter and I often go to local lakes with it as well. We love floating around, laughing together, taking pictures together, and just enjoying being on the lake.
My Dad even comes out with us and canoes with us. (He has a smaller canoe that he restored that he can paddle by himself.) My older son and his wife now have kayaks, and my middle son and his cousins utilize our kayaks. They all have enjoyed a few river runs this spring themselves. The legacy of simpler water sports continues.
Benefits of a Kayak
Kayaks have a number of benefits that you can’t always experience with a larger boat. First and foremost, they are smaller and easier to get into smaller spots. I have been able to go into little channels that are shallow and have seen spots I have not been able to get to before. In the pictures below, I was able to see a spring that I never knew existed on this lake before.
Kayaks are easy to steer and maneuver. Whether you are trying to get into a tight spot or whether you are trying to manage waves, kayaks handle it with ease. I have been on lakes that have gotten slightly rough and the kayak cuts right through the water and still makes paddling easy. You have a lower center of gravity, so you feel like you are one with the water and you are more stable than you would think. Not that it can’t happen, but I have never even felt like I was going to tip it over.
More benefits to kayaks…
Kayaks are often relatively light and easy to move around all by myself. I can pick mine up, put it in my vehicle, and carry it to the landing when I get to my launch site. They are easy to run up on land so that you can get out without perhaps a step in the water. Lastly, they make so many kinds of kayaks that it is easy to find one that is just perfect for you. Some have adjustable foot rests which I love and won’t be without. 😉 Depending on what you want to do with your kayak, you could find one just for paddling or for fishing from if that is your desire.
Views through my camera lens…
Because kayaks are quiet in the water and you can paddle close to shore, I have been so close to wildlife that is not threatened by my presence. I have been able to just float and observe them in their natural environment. The pictures I have been able to capture are wonderful and the imprints on my memory will never fade. My excitement of each experience on the water bubbles out of me when I return. There is something so peaceful and serene, but at the same time so stimulating.
You just can’t beat time spent in the kayak. It is a way to relax, enjoy the nice weather, be in nature, and enjoy time with others, if you like. I’m so glad that I discovered the sport of kayaking. I love that I can do this by myself or with others. It is so versatile and a relatively inexpensive sport to enjoy. If you are looking for a way to relax, connect with nature and something that you can enjoy by yourself or with others, then this is the sport for you. Give it a shot. I think you will find that it is really fun. Be safe and make sure you have your life vest on, but have a blast while you are out. Let me know what you love about kayaking; I would love to hear from you.
**All the pictures in this post are ones I have taken from my kayak. I hope you enjoyed them as much as I enjoyed taking them.
Life jacket choices for your safety…
This post contains affiliate links. We may earn compensation when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
One Reply to “Kayaking: A Water Sport Treasure”