Kayaking Class IV Rapids Down The Sun Kosi River

The Sun Kosi River is regarded as one of the best rivers in the world for Kayaking. The Sun Kosi is located deep within the heart of Nepal just below the Himalayan mountains.

You can choose to kayak on the river during the months of March to May. This is the summer season in Nepal. The weather is usually conducive and the water level is at its lowest. This is the best time to kayak if you have little kayaking experience.

The other best time to kayak is during the months of October and November. During this time, the rains have died down and the weather is warm. The river carries more water during this period. A trip down the Sun Kosi river takes anywhere between 7 days and 2 weeks.

The River’s Course

The Sun Kosi River has been described as one of the best rivers for kayaking in the world. There are many rapids on the river with varying difficulties. Most of them range from class II to class IV difficulty.

The river increases in volume as you kayak downstream. This is because most of the rivers from the Himalayan mountains drain into the Sun Kosi River. The class II rapids are mainly found on the upper parts of the river where the river has little volume.

You will also find class II rapids as the river enters the flat areas of Nepal. These areas are the best areas to have some family fun since most people can safely negotiate class II rapids.

The middle section of the rapids is littered with class III and class IV rapids. These rapids can prove to be a bit difficult to tackle especially if you have little experience.

You can try your luck with class III rapids but leave the class IV rapids to the professionals. However, you can still enjoy the class IV rapids with the help of a professional on a 2-seater kayak.

The Best Kayak To Use On The Sun Kosi

The Sun Kosi has rapids with varying degrees of difficulty. It has between class II and class IV difficulty rapids. You can tackle these rapids comfortably with a small agile kayak.

A small agile kayak might not be ideal on class IV rapids but it will work really well on class II and III rapids. A long and fast kayak will do well on class IV rapids but it is not as fun to use on class II and class III rapids.

If you have little experience with kayaking you can opt for a two-seater kayak. This will allow you to have an instructor with you as you tackle the rapids. In addition, you can also choose to carry an inflatable kayak which is really stable and easy to carry around.

What Will You See?

There is a lot of wildlife for you to see as you kayak along the Sun Kosi. You will get a chance to see deer, monkeys, and a wide variety of birds. The scenery along the river is also awe-inspiring.

The Himalayan mountains form a beautiful backdrop for you to see as you paddle along. There are also beautiful beaches and waterfalls that run along the Sun Kosi River.

Possible Dangers Of Kayaking On The Sun Kosi

Most rapids on the Sun Kosi are easy to navigate. However, there are some difficult rapids that can be dangerous if you do not have enough experience. Make sure you bring the proper gear, such as a helmet, life jacket and water to drink.

You should always make sure you make smart decisions.  Make sure that you keep your distance if you come across any animals as you kayak. Some animals might see you as a threat and they might attack.  Wild animals are unpredictable so admire them from a safe distance.

A Summer Adventure Kayaking The Cape Cod National Seashore

The beauty of the Cape Cod National Seashore (CCNS) was explored during the journey on the kayak. The seashore which is located in Massachusetts has various ponds, woods, marshes, tidal flats, and a beachfront. In the national shore, there’s a Marconi station.

On the Macaroni Beach, you can feel the sea breeze ruffle your hair while getting a nice view of the Nauset Light. While kayaking on the shore, you can spot some trees in the forest while trying to breathe in their amazing scent. The weather around the shore is very cool and damp, making kayaking an enjoyable experience.

Kayaking across CCNS is not only an amazing experience but also an unforgettable one. Unlike sitting in a normal boat, the sitting position in a kayak is more comfortable and you have more control of the vessel.

The kayak’s paddle has two blades and is used to move smoothly over the water surface. You will need to alternate each side of the paddle to get going forward.   Kayaks are very easy to access on the shore and everywhere else which makes it a flourishing recreational activity.

It is usually carried out alongside other sporting activities such as hunting, fishing, and camping.  There are several places on the Cape Cod that serve as great Kayaking spots and the prefect place for a two person kayak.

The Pleasant Bay is along the CCNS. It shares a shoreline with Orleans, Brewster, and Harwich. It has a very large area of salt water (close to 8,000 acres) which gives paddlers enough of room to perform several recreational activities. This bay also possesses a variety of coastal wildlife such as migrating birds which you can spot while kayaking.

The Bass River is best if you’re looking for a kayak adventure on still waters, with very little or no disturbance. The river is five miles long and provides a quiet and beautiful ride where you can admire waterfront homes.

The Swan River and Nauset marsh are also great places for kayaking. The Nauset Marsh is a highly productive habitat which has several channels that are best navigated by kayaks. The waters are very calm and beautiful. From the marsh, you can find your way into the Atlantic Ocean to ride along the waves.

From the Cape Cod kayaking spots, it is easy to find kayak tour guides who would take you on trips to Provincetown at cheap rates to enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Before kayaking, ensure you get all the necessary lessons. You can try all the different types of kayaking if you’re a beginner and make sure your life jacket is always on you. Kayaks come in a one seater or 2 seater option.  Both are very fun experiences.

The best types of kayaks you choose depend on what area of water you want to paddle, the weight and size of the Kayak, and the budget you’ve allocated to getting one for your adventure. There are sit-on-top and sit-in kayaks. The sit on top kayaks are very comfortable in a warm climate and it is easy getting into them.

The sit-in kayaks are preferable when the air is cool. It is more useful in rough waters because your position in the kayak will provide more stability and allow you to move swiftly across the water.

Although you may need a bilge pump in case you get fully swamped and must know how to do a wet exit, the sit-in kayaks are more efficient to paddle.

You can choose recreational kayaks if you are paddling in the calmer waters around Cape Cod.  Touring kayaks are only for those who have been kayaking for a long time or those venturing out in the rougher waters.

If you’re planning an adventure for the Summer keep Cape Cod in mind.  Paddling around this beautiful part of the world will give you memories that will last a lifetime.

Kayaking Through The Ocala National Forest

The Ocala National Forest can be found north of Orlando in the state of Florida. It’s the southernmost forest in the US and is home to the bordering Sand Pine Scrub Forest that which the government protects.

Housing over various six hundred lakes, several rivers and even springs, that including certain springs where guests are welcomed in—apart from kayaking— swimming, snorkeling, and diving in almost lucent waters throughout the entire year.

The best season to go kayaking in Ocala National Forest would be any season.  Kayaking can be an activity that is doable all year long.  The waterways in Ocala are calm and do not have any rapids so the skill level can be beginners to novice.

Depending upon which river you’re taking, you’re most likely going to be met with blissfulness of serenity as you go kayaking. You would hear the tweeting of birds and if you are lucky, you may even spot monkeys.

You are also going to be meeting other wildlife like the white-tailed deer,
armadillos, the red fox and alligators but do not fret as they are rarely spotted swimming beneath clear waters unless you decided to kayak in murky waters.

As it is a forest that protects a great diversity of wildlife, fire ants and mosquitoes are very much common within the abode of Ocala.   Mosquitos are very common in the rainy season.  One should come prepared if venturing out on a kayak during that season.

The less common creatures you are likely to meet are bees and ticks. As prevention is better than cure, one should always have insect repellent as ready.

To keep away from the stinging bites of fire ants, avoid touching random branches without glancing at it first.  There are several types of spiders that make webs on the branches that hang over the rivers.   If you are the first ones down the river in the early morning you will surely be the one who sees these beautiful webs that were spun overnight.

As mentioned before, the only danger can be encountering an alligator. They do not discriminate what they want to eat.  There has been recorded attacks with these creatures but they usually happen during mating season.  Gators become more aggressive and venture out of their normal areas.

Do not try to approach one if you see them while kayaking.  The safest move you should make is to paddle right on by.   All they want to do is bask in the sun and be left alone.

There are three popular spots in the Ocala Nat’l Forest.   They are Juniper Run, Lake Dorr, and Clearwater Lake. Juniper Run is one of the top 25 kayaking places in the US  according to ReserveAmerica and every year thousands and thousands of tourists and locals alike come to visit and go kayaking.

Clearwater Lake has a nature walkaway throughout the border of shrubbery and forests around Clearwater Lake with a shaded camping ground for those who wish to picnic in the day.

The recreation space may be a quiet getaway on the southeastern fringe of the Ocala National Forest, simply at the outskirts of Paisley.

Lake Dorr’s recreational area is found on the northwest shore and they offer RV camping for RV-camper users. They have a beautiful area for picnics and a boat ramp that any visitor would be in awe as they overlook the view of Lake Dorr’s vastness.

Whether you’re visiting the Forest for a day or camping for a few days, you will surely leave there feeling like you had an amazing time.    Happy paddling!

Kayaking and Camping Adventure In The Greek Sporades

Greece has in excess of 2,000 islands and only about 170 of these islands are inhabited. The country of Greece is majorly bordered by seas including the Mediterranean Sea (to the south) and the Aegean Sea (to the east).

It is because of the presence of huge amount of islands the reason why many people visit the country for kayaking, camping, site seeing, and many more activities.

Greek Sporades Islands

The Sporades, meaning scattered islands, refers to a collection of islands totaling to about 24 islands located in the northwest of the Aegean Sea. The inhabited Greek Sporades islands are Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos, and Skyros.

Skiathos island is often affectionately referred to as the Sporades queen. Its unmatched natural picturesque beauty is guaranteed to astonish you and its clearest seashores water will definitely seduce you.

The Skopelos is considered as the greenest island in Greece and it will intoxicate you with its lush sceneries. For Alonissos, it enriches this tiny and exceptional paradise by adding some freshness and brightness courtesy of its beautiful pine forest.

The Alonissosalso happens to be home of the biggest Marine Park in the whole of Europe. Skyros Island is the biggest island among the other Greek Sporades islands. It offers different natural sceneries to its visitors.

Kayaking and Camping

It is important that before you go kayaking that you have with you an experienced guide to chart a course for you to kayak through the Greek Sporades Island. When kayaking, you will see secluded beaches, quaint villages, craggy coastlines, and marine wildlife. You will also experience an exciting sea crossing.

Also, you should note that to undertake any kayaking trip in this area, it is best if you have experienced some previous kayaking in the sea. An opportunity will also be presented for you to learn more sea kayaking skills.

As well, it is important also that you have a reasonable fitness level since you may kayak for long distances like 12 km when there is no available landing opportunity.  You should have at least level 3 kayaking skill.

Camping on the beach at night and under the stars will enable you to experience the beauty of falling asleep to the lapping waves sound.

The Weather of Greek Sporades Island

Compared with other Greek islands, Sporades Island experiences a slightly cooler climate.  For that reason, the Sporades Island is suitable as a good destination in the summer.

The summer season is from June to September. The season is generally warm and dry. The daily temperatures average around 80F.
The months of spring and autumn are slightly cooler. The daily temperatures average around 65F and the rain per month is between 30-70mm.

Winters are mild with a 50F temperature but sometimes the season can be blustery and wet.

In conclusion, Greek Sporades Island gives you the opportunity to experience unsullied traditional Greek life away from the modern world. Whether you have gone there for sightseeing, hiking, snorkeling, swimming, sea kayaking or camping, you are guaranteed to experience the authentic and natural beauty of nature.

That is made possible because, just like in other parts of the country, the inhabitants of the Greek Sporades Island are friendly and welcoming to visitors.

Kayaking and Camping Adventure at Folsom State Recreation Area

The stunning Folsom city is located in the county of Sacramento,California.
Folsom city offers its inhabitants and visitors an array of fascinating places
to visit and experience activities that are one-of-a-kind.

The city, commonly  known for Folsom Prison, is positioned on the Sierra Nevada foothills.  Sierra Nevada is a mountain range found in the western U.S. with the greater part of it found in California.

The area generally experiences cool, rainy winters and long, hot, and dry summers. This indeed represents perfect weather suitable for adventure. Around Folsom, there is about 152.8 km of trails providing you with an outstanding view of the rivers and lakes found in the area.

When you visit the city, there are various activities that you can enjoy including horseback riding, hiking, biking, kayaking, camping, and much more.  Folsom has a little something for everyone and is the best place for a 2 person kayak.

Folsom Lake State Recreation Area

This is one of the major attractions in Folsom and it is located at the Sierra foothills base. The Folsom Lake recreation area offers its visitors opportunities for water-skiing, boating, camping, picnicking, hiking, and kayaking.

The area offers some of the best possible kayaking experiences throughout its shoreline of 75 miles. The lake is walled by panoramic views of the impressive rolling hills with wildflowers.

When you are kayaking in Folsom Lake, you will see that the shoreline is covered reasonably with sandy beaches and the water is crystal clear so that it is possible to see the bottom.

The water is generally calm and there are no known major navigation issues experienced by kayakers. You can kayak  during the warmer months, even if you have basic knowledge of kayaking.

Camping In the Area

If you want to go camping in the area, especially during peak season such as on a holiday or on a weekend, it is required that you make camping reservations in advance. Walk-ins are not accepted.

Prepare to encounter and experience crowded camping and picnic area and dodging powerboats and jet skis during the peak time.

Inside the park, there are no hotel lodging or motel facilities available. However, accommodations are easy to acquire since the park is within close proximity to Folsom, Rancho Cordova, Roseville, and other surrounding towns.

Local restaurants are found within a short driving distance from most of the
entrances of the park.  Summer food concessions can be sourced from Beal’s
Point, Brown’s Ravine Marina Store, and Granite Bay.

Other Attractions

A good and large variety of fish population is housed by the lake. You may see kokanee salmon, catfish, perch, rainbow and brown trout, crappie, sturgeon, large and small mouth bass, and bluegill.

There are several types of fish to be caught.  Make sure you bring the appropriate equipment so that your fishing experience will be a successful one.

In the park, you may also spot raccoons, coyotes, wild turkeys, golden eagles, and other different varieties and species of local wildlife.  Hiking around the shore can turn out to be a nice adventure.   Be safe and make sure to stay clear of the wild life.  Do not feed them even if they approach you.

You can also visit the Folsom Powerhouse if you are interested in a little bit of history. From 1895 to 1952, this used to be one of the most impressive and powerful plants for transmitting long-distance
hydroelectric power in America.

In conclusion, if you are camping in the area, then you will have enough to see and do during your entire weekend or even longer. If you just want to spend a short time here, you can at least stretch your time to last until the afternoon so that you can do more kayaking.  This recreation area is family-friendly and it is opened daily for visitors.