Author: j dawgz

Kayaking is a fun and enjoyable activity that can be enjoyed all throughout the year. If you live near a popular area, you will notice that many people love swimming and boating in different bodies of water. At times, there will be many other boaters who want to go out and have fun, as well. This can lead to a lot of traffic on the water, so it’s important for kayakers to follow traffic rules.

Here are some tips and guidance/advice to help you while you enjoy your kayaking adventure in a crowded area. You should be very careful and alert, when it has to do with these particular categories.

Visibility

Big boats and ships will not be able to see you and other, smaller boats. In fact, the only thing that they might see is a flash of paddle plates. If you’re going to be on waters with bigger boats, then fire, smoke signals, and lights can make you more visible.

A common law for all kayakers is that they must carry a bright light and wear bright clothing, especially at night, to avoid accidents.

Right-Of-Way

Since kayaks are very flexible, it is up to us to maneuver ourselves out of the way. However, there are some situations where other boaters cannot see us.

In narrow channels, kayakers will have to stay to the right, which is closer to the shore. This is so we don’t get in the way of larger vessels that must direct themselves to certain areas to be safe.

If the kayaker is near a rough shore, then they will have to wait until there is no traffic, and then go down the middle.

Collisions

To avoid collisions, you should let other boats pass you to your left, and they should do the same for you. It’s important to make a course of correction, so they know which way you are heading.

You must pay close attention to traffic from the start and maneuver properly, because they might not be able to see you. This is especially true if the boat was entering the water away from the marinas.

In order to avoid a future accident, it’s important to know where the shipping lanes are. These are areas where only ships and ferries run. You should avoid these areas to prevent an accident.

If you must cross them, do it carefully, and with great speed. You can also do this in a perpendicular pattern as well.

The most dangerous piece of advice is to not try to outrun a ship or a speedboat, because that will definitely not be possible.

Speedboats And Other Watercraft

These guys cause many problems, because they are extremely fast and oblivious to the rules. These bad boys can steer towards you to scare you or give you a thrill, and then drive away.

The best thing to do is be very cautious when they are nearby, and be aware that they are very fast, can cause major damage, and even be life threatening. Stay out of their way, if possible.

Conclusion

Kayaking is a fun and adventurous activity, but it can be quite dangerous. The important thing is to stay alert and know your surroundings. You should also avoid shipping lanes, because that’s where all the big boats are going. If you see a speedboat, try to get out of the way as soon as possible. This is mainly because the kayak will not be able to outrun them.

It can be challenging to go kayaking in a crowded area. But with both caution and these useful tips, you will be able to enjoy a safe and exhilarating activity throughout the year, especially during the summer. For kayaking recommendations, here is the Killer Kayak’s Sun Dolphin Bali 10 sit on kayak review. Additionally, you can find information about an Oru kayak for sale here.

One of the major skills that kayakers should have is the ability to read water conditions. Reading water is a language in itself. It’s very important to master, so that you can determine whether your kayaking adventure will be crazy or not.

It will help you understand whether you should go kayaking today (need a kayak recommendation? Read our Sun Dolphin Bali 10 ss review or our Oru kayak review here), or maybe hold off until the next day. Reading the water requires some practice, but once you master it, you will be able to predict the smoothness of your kayaking trip.

Lucky for you, there are some interesting tips and strategies for reading water, and we’ll discuss them below.

Gradients

Gradients are basically the steepness of a river, and are measured by looking over the distance of the kayaking path, and the elevation that is lost.

If the gradient is slow, the rivers tend to be slow and gentle. High gradients mean that the rivers are faster and stronger, so they would be for more experienced paddlers.

Constrictions

Constriction occurs when the river is forced into a narrow channel, between two rocks. The cumulative pressure will cause the water to flow quickly, and sharply. This is the equivalent of putting your thumb over a garden hose spout.

Obstruction

An obstruction is a rock or boulder that gets in the way of the river’s flow. This will cause the water to flow backwards and upstream of the obstruction.

Sometimes, there can be something called a “pour over”, where the water flows over the obstacle. This will result in a hole or hydraulics, as a whirlpool is created on the side. It can also cause foamy, aerated water that feels and looks like an actual hole.

The most dangerous type of obstruction that you should avoid is wood. Wood in the river causes strain, which will force the water to flow through and trap solid objects.

This will cause a major obstruction, where the current will suddenly slow down or reverse itself. Avoid this scenario at all costs.

Classes Of Rapids

Class 1

These are slow-moving waters, with small waves. There is a smaller number of obstructions, and there is minimal risk to swimmers and paddlers.

Class 2

These are rivers with wide and clear channels. This will require occasional maneuvering, however, the rocks are easily missed. This is safe for both swimmers and kayakers, who seldom get injured here.

Class 3

Rivers with an irregular wave can be difficult to avoid. This requires complex and fast maneuvering, and experienced control.

This can cause injuries to inexperienced kayakers or swimmers, so it should be avoided if this is your first time on such an adventure.

Class 4

This class is intense, and that requires experience and precision. This is definitely something to avoid if you are a beginner.

Class 5

These are many obstructions here, with fast moving rivers that can cause many injuries. The rivers are a long distance and there will be high turbulence, so extreme caution is required.

This is not recommended for boaters, or any kayakers who are not highly experienced. You should always have company with classes 5 and 6.

Class 6

This is the strongest class of rapids, and is not safe for most people, even some experts. There is high obstruction and violence with these waters, which can cause significant injuries, and even prove fatal.

Conclusion

It’s important to be aware of the conditions of the water, and how strong and intense it is before considering a kayaking adventure. You should also master your skills first, before attempting any new, exciting situations. If you are an expert, then an intense water wave or flow might be a fun challenge for you. However, if you are a beginner, it’s best to go for rivers that are more peaceful, and have fewer obstructions or irregularities.

Overall, reading water is an essential skill to have, in order to avoid future catastrophes. Know the layout of the body of water you’ll be kayaking on, so you don’t run into anything unexpected.

With hundreds of lakes and rivers, Pennsylvania is an ideal spot for kayaking. Whether you’re looking for a nice relaxed scenic float, or some exciting whitewater adventures, you will find it here. Strap your Sun Dolphin Bali 10 sit on kayak to your car and mark your map with the following 5 amazing places in Pennsylvania…

There are numerous places to go to hit the water with the paddle, but these five are among the top, each offering it’s own unique attractions.

1. Clear Creek State Park

With an average downward flow of four miles per hour, the Clarion River is an ideal spot for beginners, or people who just want to enjoy an easy float through green pastures and lush forests.

You can rent kayaks at many entry points to the river and, as the waters are calm and easy, it is an ideal place to learn or introduce someone to the sport.

Another great advantage is that in many places, boats are restricted to electric and non-powered craft, so you don’t have to worry about getting into anyone’s way.

There are other streams, lakes, and reservoirs open to kayaking in the state as well, including the Juniata River, Minsi Lake, and Mauch Chunk Lake.

2. Swatara State Park

There are many great state parks across Pennsylvania that provide excellent trails for kayaking. However, one that is well worth a mention is Swatara State Park.

With almost 8 miles of stream passing through very few built up residential areas, Swatara Creek is an excellent place for a paddler to explore. You can really feel like you are really in nature here, but some regulations do apply.

Each person must have a U.S. Coast Guard approved PFD, a permit, and there are designated launch areas in both the northern and southern ends of the park.

3. Pine Creek Gorge

No Pennsylvania kayaking list would be complete without mentioning the Grand Canyon of the state, a.k.a. Pine Creek Gorge. The pristine Pine Creek snakes through 17 miles of lush forest and wilderness.

Come here if you’re looking for a bit more adventure, as you’ll find class II and III rapids to navigate through. Experienced paddlers can adventure by themselves, or if you are a novice, there is the option to hire a guide.

Primitive camping along the banks of the river is available. However, Pine Creek is not usually floatable in the summer, unless there has been heavy rainfall, so make sure to check the conditions in advance.

4. Lake Erie

Getting away from the rivers and smaller lakes, Lake Erie offers the opportunity to explore the coves, cliffs, and shoreline with more of an open water feel.

Take a quiet paddle along the extensive coastline, and take the opportunity to enjoy a picnic on the beach, or to one of the ideally positioned restaurants.

Presque Isle State Park offers a great place to escape to a more isolated region, and if you are looking for a more extended stay, the area offers some great wineries to check out.

5. Lehigh Gorge State Park

Carved out by the Lehigh River, the Lehigh Gorge is another adventurous spot offering both calm waters and rapids. This one is more for experienced paddlers though, and beginners shouldn’t attempt it by themselves.

Guided trips are available from a number of licensed outfitters, so everyone can enjoy the excitement of navigating some of the faster waters. If you are heading out privately, then you will need to put in and take off at one of the designated points.

The river is also a historical point of curiosity. It was once the only privately owned river in the United States, and was vital to supplying coal and lumber to the Philadelphia region.

Come here for a paddle through some great scenery, but don’t miss the historical points along the way.

Conclusion

If you are an avid paddler, or someone who is just starting out, there is always something for you to discover while kayaking in Pennsylvania.

From the white waters of Lehigh Gorge and Pine Creek Gorge, to the calmer rivers of state parks and the open water of Lake Erie, everything a paddler could want is covered.

For those interested in beautiful canoeing/kayaking trails, look no further than Montana’s Clearwater River Canoe Trail. Known for its phenomenal two hour canoe trip, the river flows through a dense willow marsh that most deem incredibly exciting.

Photographers and bird watchers alike will be overjoyed about the contents of the trail. It doesn’t matter where you look, all you’ll see is beauty. No pollution, no industrialization, just nature. The trail is three and a half miles long. It’ll take just under two hours to reach the end, while kayaking at a relaxing pace. The trail takes approximately one hour if you’re in a rush, which hopefully you aren’t!

It’s important to note that the trail is open to motorized boats, however, they cannot create any wake. This means they’ll be puttering along at a pace even slower than canoes and kayaks.  If you’re in the market for a kayak, you can take a look at our Bali 10 ss kayak review  or perhaps you want to find an Oru kayak for sale. Your call!

Let’s get started:

More Trail Information

Information boards can be found near the beginning of the trail, near the boat launch. The boards display information on the trail, nice spots to stop and take a break, and of course, all of the bird watching spots to look out for.

The wildlife you can expect to see consists of warblers, bitterns, catbirds, snipes, great blue herons, and so much more. Make sure you bring your binoculars and camera! The opportunities are endless. The park staff welcomes people of all ages for these opportunities.

In regards to parking, there is a small lot at the entrance to the trail. There is also a public bathroom. Please note that no drinking water is provided, and that leaving garbage behind is strictly prohibited. Nature is beautiful, let’s keep it that way!

A fun feature is that in the surrounding area, you’ll find various places to hike and even camp. You’ll also find various stands and such that allow you an up close and personal look at the native wildlife.

Fishing

In regards to fishing, it is allowed in certain areas around the trail. Talk to the park rangers for more specific information. Also ensure that the fishing season is in your favor.Remember, when in doubt, talk to the rangers! They know everything there is to know about the wildlife and its preservation. Brochures are readily available at the trail head.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, one day you and your family will be able to visit Montana’s beautiful Clearwater Canoe Trail. Remember to bring drinking water, a picnic lunch, bug spray, sun screen, and everything else that you’ll need to make the best of your stay.

Fishing rods and hiking gear are not provided by park rangers, nor is kayaking gear. It’s also important to note that you must dress appropriately and be prepared for any situation that might pop up.

There is always the chance for rain or storms, or perhaps insane heat. It’s of vital importance that you remain prepared. Bring plenty of sun screen and a rain coat, if you don’t want to carry an umbrella.

Find the inner adventurer within yourself. Take a trip to Clearwater Canoe Trail. You will not be disappointed!