Comments on: You Bought a Kayak, You Paddled it, Now What?

By: Terry Garvin

Terry Garvin — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 20:45:00 +0000

Fla parks are also an awesome resource they spend a lot of energy on hassle-free launch sites & great trails

By: friendlyfire

friendlyfire — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 00:38:45 +0000

good job! some of the alternate uses are very creative…we’re lucky to have a multiplicity of kayaks & kayak designs from which to choose.

@Tommy… lots of info already online… start by googling “Portage to Portage Paddling Project”. Jake Stachovak went, basically, around the eastern half of the U.S. Click on his “Equipment” Link – there is a pack list and even where everything went in his seakayak (Boat trim is key). Modify it for your boat & paddling venues. Each time you go out you’ll learn more about what is essential, what is optional and what is unnecessary – and how to pack and paddle with it, as your boat performance will change.

Your experience becomes your best reference. In the meantime, many paddle clubs do weekenders, a great place to start.

By: Tommy

Tommy — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 21:09:02 +0000

how about a “starter” article of kayak camping?

By: Ken in Tampa, FL

Ken in Tampa, FL — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 20:16:27 +0000

This is a great article. I’ve had a kayak for about 10 years. For the first 2 or 3 years, all I did was paddle for exercise on the small lake I live on. About 6 or 7 years ago I started fishing, and most recently have started training for expedition style kayaking with the WaterTribe club. I live on the Gulfcoast so I have plenty of water accessible, but anyone that likes water and outdoors can find new adventures in a kayak.

You are so right, there are plenty of options. Get out and find them!

By: shawn

shawn — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 19:04:57 +0000

My friend who lives in the Adirondack mountains in NY State does winter kayaking… in order words, she snow kayaks down hills on her property. She also uses it to drag supplies when she goes ice fishing.

By: Jeff

Jeff — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 18:55:05 +0000

Loved the suggested “other” uses for kayaks. Especially enjoyed the story of the couple having dinner on the river. Nice.

By: Roy Kinna III

Roy Kinna III — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 18:39:24 +0000

You need to follow this up with something on resources for exploration. I know my good friend Jeff Little has a quick video on YouTube that is about Kayak Exploration. It is available if you search MrJeffLittle on YouTube. It is a great video that goes over how to collect resources to plan a trip on waters you have never been on before. It covers how to find information, planning the trip, and some tips about gear that helps you keep track of where you are. I highly recommend it.