Archive for the ‘kayaking’ CategoryTake a look around the city of San Diego, and you’re likely to see everyone getting around on bike or by trolley. While it’s true that San Diego is full of sites and attractions, very few people realize that it’s also an ideal location to experience some great kayaking. In fact, some of the best scenery of San Diego is only seen from the water, and kayaking is an excellent way to take in all of the sights and sounds of this “big little city”. Start your kayaking adventure in San Diego by taking a tour of the La Jolla Sea Caves. While it sounds like it may be an intimidating experience, it’s actually a very pleasant and fun outdoor adventure! Beginning at the La Jolla Shores, you can paddle your way through an outdoor paradise while you view areas of San Diego’s coast. Before reaching the historical sea caves, you’ll have a chance to get up close and personal with sea lions, stingrays, and other aquatic life that reside within these canals. In fact, it’s even said that harbor seals sit perched among the rocks of the water and “wave” at their visitors who pass by! Whitewater kayaking is the sport of paddling on moving bodies of water, typically rivers. The experience can range from a fun float trips to adrenalin charged challenges. Whitewater kayaking requires the same basic gear used by all kayakers. Gear specifics differ due to conditions and other variables involved in whitewater kayaking. Kayaks built for whitewater kayaking, often called playboats, are usually made of durable and flexible plastic. Lengths vary from around 6 feet to as long as 12 feet, maybe longer. Newer designs tend to run around 6 feet to 7 feet in length. Personal kayak size and shape are determined by the user’s height, weight, type of water the kayak will be used in and primary kayak use. Whitewater kayaks for fun float trips do not need the features that kayaks used on dangerous river rapids must possess. New kayaks can cost from around $600 to thousands of dollars. There isn’t a lot of equipment required for kayaking. A kayak and paddle, life jacket, helmet and spray skirt are the recommend basics. Kayaks for surfing and doing tricks are called playboats. Kayaks for rocky rivers are called creek boats. Traditional river kayaks offer a quick ride and stability. Most kayaking beginners start with the traditional river kayak. Used kayaks cost considerably less than new. Good used kayaks can often be found in the classifieds, online auctions and similar venues. |