Inflatable Kayak Blog

Did you know that the custom of making loud noises with horns, bells and rattles on New Year’s Eve dates back to ancient times? It was intended to drive away evil spirits. I’ve always thought that the sound of a paddle dipping smoothly into the water or the sound of a lure gently coming to rest after a perfect cast also drive away evil spirits. They also help us get away from the stress of everyday life and relax.

At PortableKayaks.com, we’re proud to contribute to your relaxation and outdoor recreation with our folding and inflatable boats, watercraft and accessories. Thanks for a wonderful 2008 and best wishes to you and your family for a fantastic 2009!

Not surprisingly most of the folks I’ve spoken to about kayaks during this Holiday season have talked about how they kayak together with other family members. And those who are purchasing for the first time are invariably doing so with family in mind. Kayaking is a great way to have fun together. With two-person inflatable or folding kayaks, couples or parents and children can kayak together in the same craft. The Sea Eagle inflatable kayaks, with their removable seats that can be placed anywhere in the boat, allow a paddler the option to go solo or duo.

Kayaking also allows for different levels of adventure. Mom may want to stay in calm water, while Dad and his more adventurous son or daughter might want to ride the rapids. There are many waterways that offer both options. Kayaking is great for all ages and all levels of ability. That’s why it’s great for families.

I’ve posted a couple blogs about inflatable stand up paddleboards and the growing popularity of the sport for exercise and recreation. I recently ran across this You Tube video of an Uli inflatable SUP riding the rapids and I thought you might enjoy it. Check this out.

I was talking with a newbie who was just getting into paddling and was very excited about it. They had just purchased an inflatable kayak and were already making plans to head out to a lake not far from where they lived in the desert in Nevada. Wait a minute! Paddling near the desert in Nevada???

They straightened me out on that real fast. I had no idea there were so many great places to kayak in Nevada. I guess my perception was too skewed. After all there is Lake Mead near Las Vegas, the Colorado River, the Owyhee River (Class II & III rapids), the Truckee River (Class I, II & III rapids) and the incredibly beautiful views at Lake Tahoe (shown in the picture). I’m sold. Now Nevada is on my “wish list” of kayaking destinations. As a major traveler, I’ve been to Vegas several times … Ooo, I can get one of those great packages deals they offer, paddle during the day, store my inflatable kayak in my room, hit the shows at night … sleep, who needs it?

From PortableKayaks.com a very heartfelt wish to you and yours this Christmas day. May the joy and happiness of the holiday season continue to fill your life throughout the coming year. Let peace on earth, good will toward men be the order of the day, not just the passing wishes of the season. May you paddle safely into the uncharted waters of 2009 and may your wildest dreams come true!

Hypothermia is another condition to be aware of when paddling your hard shell, inflatable or folding kayak in cold weather. Hypothermia is a decrease in the body’s core temperature to a level at which normal muscular and cerebral functions are impaired. There are two kind of hypothermia, Sudden and Long Onset.

Both are like the title implies. Sudden Onset occurs from rapid chilling from exposure to cold water such as falling through thin ice, and Long Onset develops more slowly even if you are not submersed in the freezing water. Wind, wetness from rain and sea spray or even perspiration can lead to hypothermia.

To preserve core heat, the body will slow the circulation of blood to its extremities, so they get cold first. As the core temperature drops below 97° shivering usually starts and you might feel your hands and feet are cold, even though they are properly covered. Even this early stage of hypothermia is very dangerous as the loss of dexterity can make it difficult to do ordinary tasks. Other signs and symptoms to be aware of are: stumbles, mumbles, bumbles and grumbles which will show changes in motor coordination and levels of consciousness. At any stage of hypothermia, the person should be warmed slowly. With anything other than mild hypothermia, there is a danger in warming a person from the outside. When the body’s surface gets warm, circulation will increase, causing greater cooling of the core and more severe hypothermia. Warm the core slowly by applying dry heat to the large surface circulatory areas including head, neck, chest and groin but try not to warm the extremities.

The system of “water ratings” or “whitewater ratings” was designed so boaters and more appropriately, paddlers would know the difficulty of certain lakes, rivers and rapids. Here are some detailed descriptions of the whitewater rating system. Matching the ratings with the manufacturers recommendations for your hard shell, inflatable or folding kayak will ensure enjoyable paddling adventures.

Class A - Waters are calm and still, which is the case for most lakes and rivers.

Class I – These rapids are small and have slightly fast moving water. There are hardly any dangerous spots and those that are dangerous are easily spotted and avoidable. The risk to swimmers is small and can be corrected by self-rescue. In other words there is nothing to worry about in a Class I rapid.

Class II - With some basic training the obstacles in this class are easily maneuvered around or avoided. The swifter currents of water, channels, and rapids are easily noticed with some forward scouting. Swimmers will probably not get hurt in these rapids. It rarely occurs that someone may need outside assistance for rescue.

Class III - Accomplished whitewater skills and/or training are needed for these rapids. Constant changing rapids, harsh currents, large obstacle, and tight channels are prevalent. Larger rapids and currents can be seen but avoided. Risk to swimmers is still minimal and can be rescued by group or individually.

Class IV - These large and predictable currents require very strong boating skills. Some large waves, holes, and currents may be unavoidable. Quick thinking and fast skills are a must. Depending on water conditions the risk to swimmers can be high.

Class V - Expert only. These rapids put the boater into extreme danger. Large holes, rocks, waves, and currents are violent and all have an added danger. Rapids are longer and much more intense. Swimming is dangerous and not recommended.

Class VI - These rapids are unpredictable and may never have been run before. The only paddling here should be attempted by professionals under perfect conditions.

I’ve been to Hawaii but that was before I got into kayaking. So that’s why it’s near the top of my “wish list” of places I want to go back to and take a kayak trip. The scenery is soooo beautiful. I think what makes the views in Hawaii so magnificent is the contrast of colors. The vivid blue ocean, the dark black lava rocks, the greens, reds and yellows of the vegetation. If you haven’t been there, by all means, go!

Probably my favorite island was Kauai. It was small enough to go anywhere within a day and it lived up to it’s billing as the “flower” island, even when we were there in January. Kayaking in the ocean is seasonal due to the winds and waves and other unreliable ocean conditions. The famous Napali coast is surely the most popular ocean-kayaking destination. River kayaking is a year round activity. Kauai has the most rivers of any of the Hawaiian Islands and they are all calm with no rapids. You’ll find places to go on guided tours or trips on your own. I’m sure that kayak rental could be expensive like everything else in Hawaii, but with my inflatable kayak, I’ll be all set.

Cold water can rapidly incapacitate and even kill a paddler in a very short time, removing heat from the body 25 times faster than cold air does. Survival can be reduced to minutes. Cold shock is what happens when you are suddenly immersed in cold water. The most common shock response is not being able to control breathing. There is a gasp reflex that happens as soon as your skin is in contact with the water, and if you head is underwater you will immediately drown. This can only be prevented if you wear your PFD at all times.

Following the hue gasps comes hyperventilation. This causes diminished blood flow to the brain resulting in confusion, dizziness and possible loss of consciousness. Prolonged hyperventilation can cause a tingling in the hands and feet, which progressively develops into severe cramping of the extremities.

Finally there is a risk of heart attack. When your head and chest are exposed to cold water there is a sudden increase in heart rate and blood pressure that may result in cardiac arrest. You could also experience pain, claustrophobia and general disorientation caused by the other shock responses, which will also raise the heart rate and blood pressure beyond normal and can also trigger a heart attack.

Whether you are an experienced cold weather paddler and are familiar with this dangerous aspect of paddling or if you are just starting out in cold weather let this serve as a reminder to keep safe and know what to expect from very cold water.

Here’s a perfect example of great prices resulting from high inventories. Sea Eagle wants to reduce inventory on their SE-330 Pro Packages and they’ve worked out some terrific deals with a few select dealers. PortableKayaks.com is offering a “quantity discount” with huge savings.

Now you might be thinking “why would I want more than one, even two or three inflatable kayaks?” That’s probably true, but what about your friends and neighbors? Look at it like co-op buying. If you go together with others and buy in quantity, you’ll get better prices. The Sea Eagle 330 Pro package has been selling for $279. That’s $70 less than the previous regular price, which is also the lowest price ever. With the quantity discount, the complete packages could go for as low as $200 each. Shipping is included, although all the packages must be shipped to a single address. We’re not sure how long these prices will last, but if you want one by Christmas, you should order soon.