Upcoming Kayaking Events - June 2010

Here you will find a listing of Upcoming Kayaking & Canoeing Events for the Southern Region along with the event title, date, location and contact information.

Southern Region Events

June 02-06 Southern Outer Banks Sea Kayak Symposium, Southern Outer Banks and Bogue Inlet, Swansboro, N.C. Contact: Lamar Hudgens @252.393.6457, or visit http://www.barrierislandkayaks.com

June 05 Berkely Blueways Meet Up/Clean Up, Lake Moultrie, Bonneau, S.C. Contact Archie at ilike2kayak@juno.com

June 05-12 EcoQuest Adventure, Jacksonville, Fl. Contact info: phone: 904.655.5785; Email: info@EcoQuestAdventure.com; or visit http://www.ecoquestadventure.com/

June 06 Tybee Race, A-J's Dockside, Tybee Island, Ga. Contact info: Sea Kayak Georgia @ 888.529.2542; Email: info@seakayakgeorgia.com; or visit http://www.tybeeisland.com

June 11-13 Cahaba River Festival, Centreville, Al. Contact info: phone: 334.558.4616; Email: Gypsy5262@aol.com; or visit http://www.alabamascenicrivertrail.com

June 12 Back to the Chattahoochee Race & Festival, Roswell, Ga. Contact info: phone: 404.352.9828; Email: tbates@ucriverkeeper.org; or visit http://www.chattahoochee.org/

June 12 Charlie Poole River Ramble, Eden, N.C. Contact info: Phone: 336.627.6270; Email: kmull@danriver.org; or visit http://www.danriver.org

June 19-25 Paddle Georgia 2010, Augusta, Ga. Contact info: Email: dana@garivers.org; or visit http://www.garivers.org/paddle_georgia/pghome.html

June 19 Kayak Against Cancer, South Beach Park, Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. Contact info: Phone: 954.292.6733; or visit http://www.kayuba.org/

Have a safe and happy summer!

Upcoming Kayaking Events - April 2010

Southern Region Events
Here you will find a listing of the Upcoming Kayaking & Canoeing Events for the Southern Region along with the event name, location, city, state and contact information.

April 09-11 Delta Paddle, Blakeley State Park, Spanish Fort, Al.
Contact: 334.558.4616 email: gypsy5262@aol.com

April 10 Withlacoochee Wilderness Canoe & Kayak Race & Rally, Withlacoochee River, Inglis-Yankeetown, Fl.
Contact: 352.447.6152 email: 2009canoe.kayak@gmail.com

April 16-17 CRBI Waterfest X, Oostanaula River, Rome, Ga.
Contact: 706.232.2724 email: jcook@coosa.org

April 16-18 East Coast Canoe & Kayak Festival, James Island County Park, Charleston, S.C. Web Site: http://www.ccprc.com/ecckf

April 17 BluzCruz Marathon Canoe & Kayak Race, Mississippi River, Vicksburg, MS. Contact: 601.415.4615 email: river.paddle@yahoo.com

April 17-18 Shark Bite Challenge - Canoe & Kayak Race, Honeymoon Island State Park, Dunedin, Fl.
Contact: 727.510.3493 email: kmirlenbrink@gmail.com

April 19-20 BCU 3 Star Sea Assessment, Charleston, S.C.
Contact: 843.225.7969 email: william@seakayakcarolina.com

April 24 2nd Annual Sweetwater Paddle For The Cure, Riverfront Park, Tampa, Fl. Contact: Beat Cancer With A Paddle 813.453.7923

2010 Winter Olympics

The opening ceremonies for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver begin tomorrow, Friday, February 12, 2010. The ice skating competitions, both individual and couples, have to be my favorite. Takes me back to when Peggy Fleming was America’s sweetheart. And of course the skiing events are always big on my list for excitement. And who can forget the snowboarding and luge events? Wonder what thrills we will see this time?
So you know where I will be…watching and rooting for America to bring home the Gold!!
Good Luck and Godspeed to all of the athletes who are competing. Remember, you are already champions just for making it this far.

Kayaking Basics

Kayaking is a great way to get close to nature and away from hectic daily life. In order to make this an enjoyable experience, there are some important basics which should be acquired prior to beginning.

One of the most important things to be learned may be how to Right The Kayak. While this may not seem important, consider the possibility of getting trapped under the kayak and being submerged under water. This poses a potential danger of drowning, making it a vital skill to be learned.

The technique of Signaling is also very important, especially when kayaking with a group. This is a way of communicating across wide distances and helps alert others that you are in trouble or are having a problem.

First Aid is another important area to cover when learning how to kayak. This will assist with any injuries which may be sustained when out in the wilderness and could possibly save someone's life.

River and Water Safety and Hazards along with River Running Techniques and River Reading should also be learned as snap decisions and quick actions may have to be made while kayaking in remote areas. All of these techniques are required when learning how to kayak in order to get the most out of the experience.

Once you've gotten ' Kayaking Basics' down, it's time for 'What To Look For When Buying A Kayak', and don't forget the 'Kayaking Gear'.

What To Look For When Buying A Kayak

Now that you've covered the 'Kayaking Basics', it's time to purchase a kayak. After all, you can't go kayaking without a kayak, right?

There are several options to consider when looking for a kayak. Each kayak is unique and meant for a particular Style of Kayaking. You should choose a kayak based on what kind of kayaking you plan to enjoy most. Whether you're interested in lake, river or white water, ocean, fishing, or long distance tours, there's a kayak suitable for your needs.

Another factor to consider when purchasing a kayak is how Experienced you are. Most beginners prefer a kayak which is easy to get in and out of and offers initial stability. A 'sit-on-top' kayak with a recessed seat is an excellent choice for beginners. Veteran kayakers will prefer a kayak with superior final stability that will handle rougher water.

Other factors to take into consideration are Weight, Tranportability, Storage Capacity, and of course Comfort. Folding and inflatable kayaks are easier to store and transport.

And finally how much you Spend on a kayak is the most important deciding factor. Kayaks range in price from $200 for a plastic beginner's kayak, up to $4500 for an advanced high quality tandem kayak.

Whichever you decide, beginner or advanced, kayaking can be a fun filled sport and knowing what 'Kayaking Gear' is essential is the key to getting started right.

Kayaking Gear

You've gotten the 'Kayaking Basics' covered and gone through 'What To Look For When Buying A Kayak' and purchased the kayak that's right for you. Now it's time for 'Kayaking Gear'. While some will argue that some items are not necessarily essential gear, the following list will not only make your kayaking experience more fun, but safer as well.

Always have a PFD when kayaking. A Personal Flotation Device, or life perserver, could very well save your life should the kayak tip over.

Each kayak uses a specific type of Paddle and are sometimes sold with the kayak. Make sure you inquire when purchasing your kayak. Also ask about a Spray Skirt which will keep water out of the kayak. Make sure it will fit you and your kayak.

A Helmet is required for white water kayaking, but it's safer to always wear one.

A Rope Bag is strongly recommended as it could save your life or that of a friend.

Float Bags are used in the stern of the kayak and keep it from sinking should you get separated from it.

You should always carry a Knife in case you get caught in ropes or trapped under water.

Gloves, a DrySuit or WetSuit, and Booties may not necessarily be essential but can be worn at your discretion. They are very nice to have in colder waters.

A Dry Bag is great for stowing gear like cameras or other non-essentials, and can be stored inside the kayak with you.

Never skimp on Safety Gear--you can replace a camera, but you can't replace a life. It's not worth the risk just to save a couple of bucks.

Now you've got all the 'Kayaking Info & Equipment' necessary to hit the water and have the thrill of your life.

Happy Kayaking!