By: Millie Jameson SL News Reporter
Interested in kayaking in Seven Lakes but don’t have a lot of experience? If you want to rent a kayak to see if you like it or If you’re nervous, consider taking a class from Cape Fear Adventures, (no pun intended) capefearadventures.com.
There is a new kayak launch site provided by SLLA in Seven Lakes located at Cottage Grove and Pleasant View Lane to get out into the water for a day of fun.
Sit-on-top kayaks tend to be the easiest for beginners. They are very stable and easy to get in and out of, and for those of you who might feel nervous, a sit-on-top kayak won’t leave you feeling trapped.
How do I get the kayak from my house to the lake? Your answer is the roof top Riverside Car Top Universal Kayak Carrier. You can also buy a Inflatable Sit-On-Top Kayak.
When you sit in a kayak, you want to be sitting with a straight back and your legs out in front of you, but you don’t want to be tense or uncomfortable. Slightly bend your knees and place them against the side of the kayak. This contact gives you more stability and power in your strokes.
Most kayaks have a backrest that you can pull tighter or make looser to help you sit up more straight and relieve lower back strain. Hold the paddle similar to how you hold the handlebars on a bicycle with your hands gripping down on the paddle. You’re going to want to also make sure the scooped sides of your paddle blades are facing you. Remember you don’t need to have a death grip on your paddle, most paddles float if you drop it.
To get started lean forward and put the paddle blade fully into the water near your feet. Then pull back to your seat with the blade and remove it from the water. Just remember, long strokes from your feet to your seat is the way to go. Don’t forget to paddle on both sides or you’ll just paddle yourself in a circle!
To stop put your paddle in the water like you are doing a backstroke and hold it there, dragging it against the water. If you want to turn Left, then paddle only on your right. If you want to turn Right, then paddle only on your left.
Since you’ll likely be getting wet, you want to stay away from anything cotton which will leave you dripping and soggy all day. Always wear your PFD life vest when you launch, and always have it within an arms reach so you can quickly put it on later.
Make sure you have a durable Dry Bag since it is necessary for keeping your stuff, like your phone and especially your snacks dry.
For your first-time kayaking, plan a trip that is lonely for a few hours. You don’t want to exhaust yourself or bite off more than you’re ready for. Three hours gives you enough to get a feel for kayaking and decide if you like it. If it’s really windy, you might opt for another day. Get out there maybe with a friend and give it a try…
