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 the Chesapeake Bay

Everyone loves adventures, one such adventure is kayaking.  Everything looks beautiful while paddling through the ocean away from the chaos of city life.

The best part about kayaking is you get to explore new areas which larger boats can not maneuver through.  Kayaks are smaller, and streams are more accessible when using one.

There are different things to learn before you can start kayaking, one of the most basic is the types of Kayaks.  For more in depth you can learn more about sun dolphin kayaks.

Types of Kayaks

There are different types of kayaks based on the type of water. They are Flatwater Kayaks and White-Water Kayaks. These are further classified into more types on the bases of different designs and uses.

Flat-water kayaks are; pedaling kayaks, sit-on-top kayaks, recreational kayaks, and touring kayaks.  These are best if you love exploring and are planning to go from any point A to point B.

Types of white-water kayaks are; playboats, creek boats, inflatable, and river runners. Not all white-water kayaks travel long distances, some people enjoy the waves too.  Inflatable kayaks, in the case of white-water kayaks, are quite stable and offer a good experience.

Once you’ve decided the type of kayak that best suits your requirements, decide where you want to launch your kayak at.

A great option for kayakers is the Chesapeake Bay, with many areas to explore.

Popular Areas of the Chesapeake Bay

The Chesapeake Bay, a popular spot for kayakers, has several spots fit to have a fun kayaking experience. The shallow waters and several tributaries merging into it are a kayaker’s paradise.

There are several trails to chose from in the Chesapeake Bay.  These are some popular areas to kayak in and near the Chesapeake Bay (ideal if you are planning to explore areas)

Choptank and Tuckahoe Rivers Trail

Gloucester County to Virginia Blueways

Nanticoke River Water Trail

Potomac River Water Trail

Mathews Blueways Water Trail

These are some trails you can follow in the Chesapeake River for a great kayaking experience.

After selecting a spot to kayak, you must now consider all the risks you can come across while kayaking.

Dangers to Consider When Kayaking

Kayaking can be very dangerous if you set off in undesirable conditions. It is important to consider all possibilities before paddling away in your kayak.

Bad Weather

The first rule of kayaking is to not paddle if the weather conditions are bad. By doing so you are putting your life at risk. So, it is always recommended to look at the weather reports and make decisions accordingly.

Lack of Kayaking Knowledge

You must know the basic of kayaking, to do so take a beginner’s course. It may cost money but will keep you safer. And if you don’t even know how to paddle, how can you kayak?

Unfamiliar Trail Route

There are chances of getting lost and encountering unwanted dangers when you wander off into an unfamiliar route. To avoid this, it is always a good plan to map out the trail you want to take.

Equipment Failure

Always check equipment and kayaking gear to dodge the risk of failure. Some common kayaking gears and equipment are buoyancy aids, helmets, bilge pumps, and a paddle.

Now that you know a thing or two, kayaking will not turn out to be a bad experience. So, get out there and paddle!