Inflatable Kayak Blog

by Victoria L. Holt-Adams

I love to sail along the waves, taking in nature’s magnificent vistas and watching out for unique glimpses of wildlife. One particular creature, the Manatee, has been high on my personal “bucket list”. In a recent effort to see Manatees in their natural environment, I journeyed to Florida hoping to check that activity off my list. In the process of visiting some areas where Manatees were plentiful, I found that many of these were also excellent spots for sailing.

Crystal River/Kings Bay
This is a wonderful spot to just kick back and enjoy the scenery with all it has to offer. The river is tidally influenced because it is fed from Crystal Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. I honestly could not tell you how long the trip was as I spent a full day on the water and tried my hand at some diving. Sadly, I only saw one Manatee and it was rather far away from me, but still quite a majestic experience. I fully intend to go back again and maybe next time I will be lucky enough to see one up close.

Honeymoon Island State Park
This is a prime spot for a good sail. A good haul at 9 miles around the island, but it also offers a pet beach in case you are kayaking with a pet on board (though I do not recommend doing this unless your experienced with sea kayaking, and definitely not if you’re using a sail). The hiking trails on the Island offer opportunities to do a little bird watching and to take in some spectacular scenic views. You will also find a snack bar and gift shop on the Island, so you can enjoy lunch as well as your time on the water.

Weedon Island Preserve
This is a 1,046 acre park on the south west side of old Tampa Bay offering a decent spot to explore, but I don’t recommend sailing in this area because of the mangrove tunnels. Mangroves are made up of various kinds of trees growing up to medium height that are coupled with shrubs and grow in saline coastal sediment habitats in the tropics and subtropics. Weedon Island also has an observation tower that is 45 feet above sea level offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

Anclote Key Preserve State Park
This Park is three miles off the west side of Florida and is North West of Tampa. The park is a very popular spot for boaters and sunbathers, so keep on the lookout for boat traffic and bikinis. Once you get going through the water traffic it is an opportune spot for marine life. Keep your eyes open as you may spot a Dolphin or two. Anclote Key also boasts a lighthouse. There is generally a ranger in this area, so if you’re interested in taking a tour of the lighthouse, check with the ranger on duty. Anclote is a great spot for photos and the sunset view is spectacular.

Key Largo
Key Largo is south of Florida and the most northern Key in the Florida Keys chain. It offers some of the most picturesque sites, in my humble opinion, as well as lovely cerulean waters teeming with ocean life. Coral reefs and white sandy beaches are begging for your adventures. It is home to Americas’ first undersea park, where you can Snorkel, Kayak, Fish, and Dive. An exciting treat for kayakers is that you will find a scuttled Navy ship off the coast, put there to encourage a coral reef to form, but ready and waiting to be explored.

I am predominantly a kayaker, however I often use my portable WindPaddle sail to turn my kayak into a mini sailboat. I found these Florida locations to be excellent for combining paddling and sailing. Florida is a stunning State to discover and revisit. So pack your bags, bring your sunscreen and bug repellent, but most importantly just enjoy Florida.

This article was originally published it’s author, Victoria Louise Adams in eZine Articles under the title “Five Of Florida’s Most Scenic Sailing Destinations“.

(Victoria L. Holt-Adams is the mother of two wonderful children, a stay at home mom, semi-professional photographer, and self taught graphic artist. She enjoys a myriad of other activities to stimulate her creative processes.)

They look like big orange horse collars for humans! They’re called life jackets, but many of us wouldn’t be caught “dead” wearing them because they’re bulky, uncomfortable and have no style.

Fact is, if you’re wearing one you’re most likely to be “caught alive” and not “dead”. Life jackets are an important part of water safety, but oh how they have changed.

You still see the old fashioned orange collar style life jackets around. However, just like in every other area of our lives, technology has improved them. What used to be bulky is now streamlined. What used to be uncomfortable is now a great fit. The newest designs, called inflatable life jackets, don’t expand until they’re needed, so they are extremely comfortable. And, in case you’re wondering, they are available in many more colors than (ugh) orange.

You can read more in this great article about comfortable life jackets or simply take my word for it. There is a huge variety of excellent life jackets, pfds (personal flotation devices) and life vests on the market. They’re comfortable, look great and work better than ever. And you should make sure you wear one!

by Victoria Holt-Adams

Did you get an inflatable Kayak for the Holidays? Then I have the perfect companion for you and your Kayak. The Complete Inflatable Kayaker by Jeff Bennett is a great book for both beginner and veteran kayakers; the book has a lot of great advice, and wonderfully laid out illustrations.

This How-To paperback is filled with firsthand accounts and knowledge essential to safe boating and contains a bevy of practical tips on proper white water handling in a small craft like an inflatable kayak.

I personally like to read this book a couple of hours before I go on a new river trip. I always take it with me so I can refer back to certain passages when I need to. Best yet, if you’re not able to kayak year round this book is fantastic to just cuddle down with a cup of hot cocoa and read in the winter while you dream of spring paddling.

I’ve personally lost several copies to use or the water, until I had a light bulb moment. Take a helpful hint from one who needs to purchase stock in Barnes and Noble, unbind the book and have the pages laminated so you’ll have a waterproof reference guide. You’ll be happy you did!

(Victoria L. Holt- Adams is the mother of two wonderful children, a stay at home mom, semi-professional photographer, and self taught graphic artist.  She enjoys a myriad of other activities to stimulate her creative processes.)

You can get a copy of The Complete Inflatable Kayaker at Amazon.com.

By Dee Owens

Knowing how to choose the right paddle can be a tricky business. You need to take into consideration what type of kayaking you will be doing, how tall you are, and the width of your kayak. When looking for paddles, you will also want to consider what material the paddles are made of and how much resistance you want while paddling.

Whitewater kayaking requires a certain type of paddle to help you navigate through the rougher waters, while tour style kayaking is more laid back and requires a less resistant style of paddle.

Your fitness level plays a major role in deciding what type of kayak paddle is right for you as well. If you are a stronger person you can use one of the more resistant, longer paddles. Conversely, if you do not have a lot of upper body strength you will want to consider a paddle that is shorter and has less resistance in the water.

Your height is also considered when choosing the right paddle. You do not want one that is too tall for you or too short. The width of your kayak combined with your arm span or height also is a key factor. The wider or taller your kayak is, the longer a kayak paddle you will need; this is to help you reach the water easier and more efficiently. While shorter or narrower kayaks require a shorter kayak paddle.

After determining the length of your paddle, you will want to consider paddle and blade material and shaft length and shape. Paddles are made from aluminum, carbon, fiberglass, graphite, Kevlar, plastic and wood. The material used will determine the weight, flexibility and durability of the paddles and, of course, affect the cost.

The blades of the kayak paddles come in different lengths and shapes. Blades can be long or short, narrow or wide, feathered or un-feathered, spoon shaped or tapered shape. Wider blades provide more speed, but also need more energy to paddle it. The blades on a feathered type angle towards another while the un-feathered are parallel.

Finally, when choosing a kayak paddle, take into consideration your experience and how often you get out onto the water. You certainly don’t have to spend every day on the water to be a kayaker, but if you are new to the sport or cannot be on the water very often, then choose one of the easier to maneuver and lighter paddles. You’ll be glad you did in the long run.

Dee Owens has published two novels and a variety of articles online.

Review by Victoria L. Holt- Adams

A few years ago when I was just starting out in Kayaking, my husband bought me a couple of really great books. One I still refer to as my Kayaking Bible is Inflatable Kayaking: The Complete Guide- by Cecil Kuhne.

I subsequently recommend this book to everyone because it is a great resource for any level of Kayaker.  Not only does it go into detail about the different types of inflatable kayaks, but also how to modify, maintain, and set up and stow your kayak.

The book’s table of contents is clearly defined by chapter and the font size is easily readable for quick referencing. There are checklists of items you should take with you for various trips as well as a list for the perfect first aid kit.

A glossary of terms for the beginner, and a good sized list of Paddling clubs, River Conservation Organizations, and River Management Agencies are all organized by State of origin. The book is a visual delight as well with lots of picturesque river pictures and illustrations.

While the book is not a substitute for a trained professional, it is a very helpful read before seeking lessons in your Inflatable Kayak. It is small enough to pack and take with you if you need to refer to the book at a rest stop on the way to your paddling excursion.

Whether you have a passionate paddler or someone new to the sport of Inflatable Kayaking, this book makes a great gift. Click this link to order your copy of Inflatable Kayaking: The Complete Guide and happy adventuring.

(Victoria L. Holt- Adams is the mother of two wonderful children, a stay at home mom, semi-professional photographer, and self taught graphic artist.  She enjoys a myriad of other activities to stimulate her creative processes.)