Kayak Safety Courses

Kayak Safety Courses

Compare____________________________________________________

The Essential Whitewater Kayaker: A Complete Course $16.95 Thorough and well-written, it opens the door to attainable whitewater river adventures. – David Harrison, editor-in-chief, Canoe and Kayak magazine….

Lowrance M68C S/Map 3.5-Inch Waterproof Fishfinder $299.00 The Lowrance M68C S/MAP combines a portable sonar with GPS navigation and provides depth penetration up to 600 feet. Find fish in dazzling color thanks to the high-detail hydrographic mapping covering lakes, rivers, the Great Lakes, and U.S. coastal waters; a full-screen and split-zoom color LCD flasher display with Colorline; and the bright, 3.5-inch diagonal active matrix TFT transreflective LCD…

Humminbird SmartCast RF10 Mobile Station 4-Inch Waterproof Fishfinder $169.99 You can’t always be a purist. When it’s “fish or cut bait,” you want the fish, and Humminbird’s SmartCast RF10 mobile station is just the device to help you reel ‘em on in. You get all the benefits of a traditional fishfinder, plus the freedom and mobility to fish wherever you want. Just hook the supplied remote sonar sensor to your line, cast it out, reel it in, and watch the handy 3.1 x 2.5-inc…

———————————————————————————–
Compare____________________________________________________

Coastal Kayak Safety and Rescue $160 When you learn to paddle safely, you’ll get more out of your time on the water. You will find that kayaking is an amazing way to explore the Bay, and with better skills, the opportunities are endless. This fun instructional program focuses on dealing with capsize recovery. We will teach you a variety of skills and techniques necessary to successfully complete a variety of self and assisted rescues in a kayak. Learning these skills is a must for the safety conscious paddler. This clinic is also a great primer for those learning to Eskimo Roll.A 4-hour session with education and a lot of hands-on practice; this is a great place to experiment and develop what techniques work best for you, in your boat, with your gear. This class will provide the average kayaker the necessary tools to make the most of his or her days on the water.Remember, a smart paddler is a safe paddler!

Kayak Fishing (Paperback) $33.56 The 2nd Edition of Kayak Fishing: The Ultimate Guide follows up on the best-selling success of the original with a completely updated look at the sport, which includes 50 per cent more content, stunning new photography, and segments from the 20 most influential pros. It helps you learn about: the necessary equipment; the fundamentals of kayak fishing; the essential strokes and paddling techniques; bait and lure fishing from a kayak; fly fishing from a kayak; fighting and landing fish from a kayak; freshwater kayak fishing; saltwater kayak fishing; and, kayak fishing safety.

Baja Kayak $121.94 Baja Kayak AIRHEAD BAJA KayakAHTK-6Don’t let the reasonable price fool you, this is a serious piece of equipment! It’s designed for paddling in ocean surf or on calm lake waters. The first thing you’ll notice is how incredibly comfortable it is. You’ll love the unique cockpit design, ergonomic backrest and recessed foot braces. Are you thirsty after all that paddling? No problem, there’s an insulated recessed cooler in the rear that comfortably holds 6 drinks and ice. Put your paddle in the molded paddle holders while you relax with that cool drink! Stow your gear securely with the removable storage net up front. Carry handles are conveniently located fore and aft. Constructed of rugged K80 PVC, with a tracking fin and 2 patented Speed Safety Valves for quick and easy inflating and deflating. 110 x 41 in. (deflated). Paddle sold seperately.

Torqeedo Ultralight Kayak Motor $1799 Torqeedo Ultralight Kayak Motor . The ultimate tool for kayak fishermen or any paddler who wants to keep moving while they take a rest this motor installs easily to any rigid kayak. Sold as a complete package, the system includes a throttle/gear shift, kick up mount, ultra-quiet, efficient motor and a GPS housed with the 29.6V, 8Ah lithium-manganese battery. With a data feed from the GPS, the throttle/gear shift includes a digital display for battery state of charge, remaining range, speed and current input power. Capable of powering a kayak for up to seven hours at 2.5mph, this set-up works great for trolling or holding a position in windy conditions. It is also a great choice for ocean kayakers who want a reserve motor for safety reasons or for family kayakers who like to paddle, but who also appreciate the convenience Application: For hardshell kayak installation Watts: Input power: 400W; Output power: >180W Static Thrust: 33lb. Battery Type: 8Ah lithium-manganese Battery Life: Up t

Bic Bilbao Kayak Yellow $529.95 The BIC sport Bilbao is a versatile kayak that will suit beginners and experience kayakers alike. Whether you're paddling for sport, exploring, diving or having a quick paddle with the kids, the quality of its design makes all activities possible with control and ease. The fluid hull shape provides a nice smooth ride. white the deck shape and quality extras allow you to carry almost any load with optimum stability and guaranteed safety. Its size and reduced weight make it easy to slow and transport.Key Features of the Bic Bilbao Kayak: Integrated footrests Safety grab lines Seat EVA foam cushioning Front EVA foam cushioning Stern protector + wheel Bow protector Drink holder Inserts for backrests Carry handles Mooring straps Accessory stowing mesh Self-draining scuppers x 2

Bic Trinidad Kayak Blue $699.95 The Trinidad is a kayak purpose built for leisure: compact, capable of taking two adults and a child on board. It's highly versatile and stable making it suitable for all kinds of situations. For family outings, the ergonomic seats and stability are very reassuring for when you are far from the beach. And for serious paddling and exploring, solo, or two – up, its very low draught, hull design and wide rear storage area are really useful for getting where you want, wherever that is, for going further, faster. The "Fishing" version has a hull shape and fittings to make sure you always have successful fishing trips. And as a final bonus, the Trinidad can be fitted with a small electric motor to give it even more possibilities.Key Features of the Bic Trinidad Kayak: Integrated footrests Safety grab lines Seat EVA foam cushioning Front EVA foam cushioning Drink holder Inserts for backrests Abrasion protector Carry handles Mooring straps Self-draining scuppers x 4

Bic Tobago Kayak Yellow/White $749.95 The Bic Tobago is the kayak for all the family and all uses. Its ergonomic seating positions and well researched design provide for numerous possibilities of use: paddling alone, with 1 or 2 children, 2 adults, even 2 adults and 1 child. The fluid hull lines mean it's also well suited to sport kayaking, with the additional crew of your choice, all with maximum comfort and safety. It's a kayak that's fun, stable and fast.Key Features of the Bic Tobago Kayak: Ideal tandem paddling Sport kayaking Family outings Length: 12'11" / 3.95m Width: 31.5" / 0.80m Weight: 70lbs / 32kg Mai load: 550lbs / 250kg Capacity: 2 adults + 1 child

La Jolla Sea Caves Kayak Tour $70 Hands down the most popular of our kayak tours, this beautiful seascape and wildlife excursion is awesome!This guided, 2-hour kayak tour gives you the opportunity to see leopard sharks, garibaldi, dolphin, and many other beautiful fish. You may even be visited by one of the many sea lions who live in the area. Harbor seals are known to peer at us through their side of the glass.After a brief paddle instruction and safety talk, you bring your kayak down to the beach and launch from the La Jolla Shores, paddling to the La Jolla Sea Caves and taking in the gorgeous views while watching for the abundant wildlife. You then kayak into the fascinating kelp beds of the La Jolla Ecological Reserve and enjoy the surf zone on the way back.

———————————————————————————–
Sara’s First Self Rescue – Aarons MBK Kayak Safety Course – NCKA Kayak Fishing

Hawaii Ocean Kayak Tours for Dummies

Have You Ever Tried an Ocean Kayaking Tour?

What could better than slipping soundlessly through clear, sparkling Hawaiian waters, skimming over the open Pacific accompanied by dolphins and sea turtles? Imagine passing close to a humpback whale and her calf as they winter in warm Maui waters. Taking an ocean kayaking tour is the perfect way to experience this wonderful aspect of Hawaiian island life in a way that’s not only completely harmonious with the surroundings, but also gives you an intensely personal connection with the ocean and all its wonders.

Kayaking Basics

Sea kayaking trips range from a few hours to a many weeks. Developed for the active sport of paddling on lakes, bays and the open ocean, most ocean kayaks are made for one or two paddlers. Size and configuration of the kayak are determined by the type of trip you want to make; for example, specialized kayaks such as surf skis are narrower than the typical open-water ocean kayak. Some may have upturned bows, providing better performance into ocean waves and better wave-shedding properties. The length of the ocean kayak affects both its cargo capacity and the ease of staying in a straight line in the water–its “tracking” ability. Very long ocean kayaks are easier to paddle straight, but are harder to turn and maneuver, so they are used mainly for long, open-water trips. The width of the ocean kayak also affects the cargo capacity, the size of the cockpit and overall stability.

Recreational Sea Kayaks

Most recreational sea kayaks are molded in one piece with a “cockpit” to sit in, “foot wells” to brace the feet in a comfortable position with the knees slightly bent and a backrest to provide support and comfort. Hooks along the side and top secure accessories and gear for snorkeling. Some Fishing Kayaks have rod rests for open-ocean fishing. The one-piece construction eliminates any need of bailing or clearing out water from the hull in rough water or after an overturn. Modern molded sea kayaks are light and easy to transport, as well as easy to use.

Ocean kayak paddles for recreational use are usually made of aluminum, plastic or wood, with high-performance paddles formed of lightweight materials like carbon-fiber. Ocean kayak paddles are made of two spoon-shaped blades on the ends of a shaft, usually “feathered” or set at right angles to each other. As one blade pushes through the water, the other passes through the air at a right angle, reducing wind resistance.

The paddles are attached to the kayak with a tether, so you can’t accidentally lose it–no chance of being up the proverbial “creek without a paddle.” A few practice strokes in calm water will give even the rank beginner at sea kayaking a feel for how easy it is to move, turn and control the kayak. If you are a beginner, stick with short sea kayak trips for starters. Sea kayaking tour guides and rental businesses will be happy to show you just what to do. And remember, you can do this!

Ocean Kayaking Techniques

If the kayak overturns or if you have been enjoying open-water snorkeling in one of Maui’s secluded bays, you can get back into the kayak by following a few basic steps.

• If the kayak is upside down, reach across the bottom of the boat and grab the scupper holes or accessory hooks. Bring your knees up and onto the bottom of the boat. Lean back and the boat will roll over. Lighter kayaks can be flipped over easily.

• Position yourself near the cockpit area facing the kayak. Let your feet float to the surface behind you by floating on your stomach.

• Reach across the boat to the far edge and swim up and on the kayak so your bellybutton is across the centerline of the boat.

• Roll over on your backside, swing your feet into the foot wells, and you’re up and ready to go. If you miss the first time, just line up in the middle of the kayak again until you make it. Easy does it, and you’re ready to paddle again.

Of course, you shouldn’t forget the basic safety rules to prepare for that long-awaited kayaking trip onto Hawaiian waters. A little preparation can mean the difference between having a once-in-a-lifetime dream trip on Hawaii seas or a disappointing experience.

Follow These Simple Kayaking Tips:

• Always wear a life jacket. Coast Guard regulations require a lifejacket on all kayaks. Wearing the lifejacket will keep your head above water in case of an upset and add insulation to your body.

• If you are a beginner, seek qualified instruction to learn paddling and water safety techniques unique to ocean kayaking.

• Be aware of weather conditions and ocean water temperatures present in the area of Hawaii you plan to kayak. A wet suit or dry suit will keep you comfortable in cold waters, and a simple, long-sleeved shirt can provide protection from intense sun in warm conditions.

• If you are striking out on your own, tell someone your paddle plan, including: where you are going, what you will be doing, how long you expect to be gone and how many people are in your party. Then, do not vary from that plan.

• If you are taking an ocean kayaking tour in a new area on your own, check with the locals regarding currents, shoreline conditions and usual weather patterns. Have an escape route and an alternative place to get off the water if environmental conditions make it necessary. And remember to let someone know your alternative plan as well as well as the original one.

• Always have water and some food with you.

• Be aware of offshore winds that may make it difficult to return to shore.

Hawaii Ocean Kayak Tours

Fortunately for the casual ocean kayaking enthusiast and occasional visitor to Hawaii, ocean kayak tour operators can and will provide just the right kayak for whatever kind of kayaking tour you have in mind, along with life jackets, snorkel gear, reef shoes and fins. Kayaking tours provide instruction in basic ocean kayaking, lead groups to the best local spots for snorkeling, ocean fishing, wildlife observation and out-of-the-way Hawaiian beaches and coves. Local kayaking tour guides have a huge store of information to share about local Hawaiian landmarks, native traditions relative to the area, and all wildlife unique to Hawaii. Get out there on the water. Ocean kayaking tours are fun! Hanalei river kayaking on Kauai is also a blast.

Resources:

http://www.hawaiiactive.com/activities/maui-kayak.html

http://www.hawaiiactive.com/activities/bigisland-kayak.html

http://www.hawaiiactive.com/activities/oahu-kailua-kayak.html

http://www.hawaiiactive.com/activities/kauai-napali-kayak.html

About the Author

Brenda Mathews grew up in a small Midwestern farming community, where she developed a deep love and appreciation for nature and the means to preserve the land and its resources. She spent many years living in rural, central Illinois, raising a family and participating in a family farm. She presently lives in Hawaii, where she continues to enjoy an active, outdoor-oriented lifestyle, while writing and posting to a daily Blog.