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Kayaking the Grand Canyon

Many top publications have often cited a Grand Canyon kayaking or rafting trip as the number one adventure vacation in America. There is a good reason why this amazing place always made it to the top of these lists. The Grand Canyon features sandy beaches, hidden slot canyons, and white water rapids. You can also enjoy tasty meals, meet great people, and learn many things about your surroundings and maybe even yourself!

Anyone who has already done a trip there knows why this is usually described as a life changing experience or the trip of a lifetime. You live isolated for two weeks in a place where there is no computer to download apps or check email, and no cell reception. You discover that you can actually be happy with less while living out of a small bag. For a kayaker, there is always something timeless, magical, and intense about the Canyon. It’s the epic dream of every kayaker: kayaking Grand Canyon!

The beauty of the river therein lies in its exceptional vastness. You are literally traveling through an open air geological museum marked by rocks that are almost two billion years old. You feel small compared to the majestic canyon towering a mile over your head. A kayaking trip through the Grand Canyon can be an opportunity for unlimited introspection and tremendous growth. You’ll certainly feel inner peace and sheer joy, inspired by the beauty of wild nature. If you are looking for a source of kayak reviews, be sure to explore Killer Kayaks in more depth.

rafting and kayaking the grand canyon

How To Kayak The Grand Canyon

As a kayaker, there are two ways to have a Grand Canyon trip: private or commercial. Each of them has its own value. If you want to do a private trip, a permit from the National Park Service is required. You may get it through a lottery, but this might take several years. The length of the trip can be up to 21 days, but it is limited by what season you start your journey.

Another way is to do a commercial trip. The 16 permitted outfitters use either motor rigs or oar boats. This can cost you from two to three times more than a private trip, but it can a lot easier. The size of the commercial groups is also limited. As a kayaker, it is likely that you would prefer the oar trips of the two types of commercial trips, because they are more kin to a kayak.

kayaks on shore

A kayaking trip through the Grand Canyon is either 225 or 280 miles long, depending on where you take the river. The Canyon has been described as a hard Class 4 to an easy Class 3, but in fact, it can be both.

On many of the harder rapids, you can also find some fairly easy portage of a sneak route. In reality, the hardest rapids in the Grand Canyon (Lava, Crystal, Hermit, etc.) are in the Class 3 range. They are easy to approach, as long as you are set correctly. However, if you are thinking of soloing, a Class 4 experience might be a must.

canyon rapids

Instead of the usual Class 1-6 scale, the Canyon is rated on a Class 1-10 scale. That makes it difficult to translate to your known system. However, for a kayaker, most of the river is not hard in the Canyon.

PS If you are looking for a decent kayak, one without an expensive price tag, take a look at this!

Also, not all of the river trips through the Grand Canyon start and finish in the same places. Here are some sections:

#1. Glen Canyon Dam

Glen Canyon Dam

You can begin at Glen Canyon Dam for a smooth water day trip. You will reach the shore of the river through an access tunnel. The trip ends at Lee’s Ferry, 15 miles downstream. This a simple float, good for beginners and it doesn’t expose you to any whitewater rapids.

#2. Lee’s Ferry

lee's ferry boats

Lee’s Ferry is considered to be “Mile Zero”, and is the Canyon’s beginning. For this reason, most river kayaking trips start here. There’s a campground and boat launch in the area.

#3. Phantom Ranch

phantom ranch in grand canyon

You can reach Phantom Ranch (at river mile 89) from Lee’s Ferry after a journey through the Grand Canyon, lasting several days. This section between Phantom Ranch and Lee’s Ferry is known as the “Upper” Canyon.

#4. Whitmore Wash

rafting at Whitmore Wash

The next portal from Phantom Ranch is the Whitmore Wash Helpad (at river mile 187), after a dramatic ride through the most difficult rapids.

#5. Diamond Creek

diamond creek, grand canyon

At river mile 226, Diamond Creek is the next access point. This place is a popular choice to finish a kayaking trip and exit the Canyon.

Preparation Trips For Kayaking the Grand Canyon

What is needed to start a kayak trip? Here are some basic preparations before you start your adventure through the Grand Canyon:

Permit – The first step is obviously to get a permit, with the winter permit being the easiest to acquire. Then you can also enjoy a true canyon experience, avoiding the blazing hot summer temperatures and crowds of boaters. However, the weather can be cold there during the winter, so this is only recommended for experienced kayakers who can take the cold. The price for a standard group permit is $400 (up to 16 people). For a smaller group up to 8 people, the price is $200. You have to pay this money up front, regardless of whether you plan to go solo. In fact, to go down the Canyon costs $100 in permit fees per person. You will be refunded the difference if you go solo on what was originally a $400 standard size permit.

Skill Preparation – Since the most difficult rapids in the Grand Canyon are mostly in the Class 3 range, you can figure them out quite easily, even if you never did them before. However, it is recommended that you be very confident of your skills, because things can easily go wrong.

Car Logistics – The shuttle will be among the most expensive of the trip factors. However, you can’t avoid it since you shouldn’t leave your car unattended in a parking lot for 3 weeks.

Food – The menus are a matter of personal taste. During a winter trip, it might be a good idea to add some protein powder, Snickers, nuts and a lot of oil for extra energy. Choose foods based on their size, not weight, since you are self-supporting in a kayak.

Firepan – Especially in the winter, you’ll need to have a firepan to keep warm and cook with.

Groover – This is a portable toilet. Whatever way you build it, ensure to allot around 40 cubic inches per person per day.

Boat – It’s pretty cheap to rent boats from the Flagstaff area outfitters if you don’t have your own.

Origami Kayaks – Expensive Trend Or Durable Foldable Kayaks?

It seems like in one swift move, origami kayaks (also known as folding kayaks) took over the kayaking world like a trend… only this trend has never left.

The revolutionary idea began with the Oru Bay kayak in 2012 when Oru Kayaks company started as a 3 person company looking for funding, thanks to a Kickstarter campaign. Soon after, the Oru Bay kayak made an appearance on the Shark Tank. But before we get into all of that… let’s delve into:

What Is An Origami Kayak?

Think about what an origami is: it is the Japanese art of folding paper into art or decorative pieces. How neat do those designs look?

Well, take that and apply that concept to a kayak. As unbelievable as it might sound, an origami folding kayak is a kayak that can be folded or unfolded as needed and within minutes.

In case you have it in your mind that these could possibly not be durable, I would encourage you to check out this video as a starter reference:

Types of Foldable Kayaks On The Market

#1. Oru Bay Kayak

The Oru Bay Kayak, the original origami kayak, is at the leading forefront of this category. We did an in-depth article on it which you can read by clicking on the link above; included are pictures and videos so you get a great idea of what the Oru Bay is all about and how it’s designed to last a long time.

#2. MYCANOE Kayak

The MYCANOE Folding Kayak located in Knoxville, TX, is a patented, award winning canoe that takes 15 minutes to assemble. How cool is that? Obviously not a lot of contenders in this category, but these origami kayaks are super sturdy and durable.

#3. Onak Folding Kayak

Onak, the latest entry into the origami folding kayak category, reached this goal of raising money on Kick Starter. For updates, check out their Kickstart Page here: Onak Origami Kayak Kickstarter.

I did a detailed comparison between the Oru and the MyCanoe which you may find interesting as well.

The History & Innovation Behind Foldable Origami Kayaks

Human beings have a deep need to connect with nature, and it is even strong in those who live in cities and away from the great outdoors. As a result of this need, we have invented various types of crafts to help us experience mother nature. One of these is the kayak. It is a narrow, light, easily maneuverable boat that can carry one, two or even more people. With a paddle, you can navigate along rivers, on lakes and through rapids.

For centuries, people have used kayaks to get around the water bodies of our world. While many types exist, the most versatile is the folding kayak. You can easily carry it around with you anywhere you desire, and not just because you can fold it, but because it’s super lightweight. Here is a history of the folding kayak and what it looks like today.

Early, Early History…

The idea of origami kayaks goes back many centuries to the dark ages. In 500 BC, Middle Eastern merchants used collapsible kayaks to float their goods down the Euphrates river in Babylon. A donkey was also included onboard the early kayaks, and once they arrived, the donkey was used to haul the collapsible kayak upstream once again.

In the early 20th century, a more efficient, effective and safer folding kayak was invented. Alfred Heurich, an architecture student, invented the world’s first safe and working folding kayak in 1905. He took to the waters of the Isar River near Munich, Germany to test and prove his creation.

After success, he registered a patent for it under the name “Delphin”. His folding kayak consisted of a bamboo frame with sailcloth stretched over it. After folding, Alfred’s kayak could fit in three bags, each weighing less than 10 pounds.

klepper

While Heurich invented the folding kayak, another man made them a commercial success. His name was Johannes Klepper and he was a Bavarian tailor.

In his factory at Rosenheim, Germany, Klepper took Alfred’s design and began to manufacture the folding kayaks on a massive scale. He made the frame from wood and the hull from canvas. He marketed them as being compact and easy to transport. In 1906, Klepper released a folding kayak brand known as Faltboot and it preceded many other kayak technologies available today.

faltboot-klepper-aerius-foto-bild

Some notable adventurous milestones were performed in early foldable kayaks. For example, in the 1930s, explorer Oskar Speck traveled from Germany to Australia in a folding kayak. The journey took him 7 years from 1932 to 1939 and covered a total of 31,068 miles.

Service In The World Wars

A decade later, folding kayaks were once again at the front lines, literally. During the second World War, the navies of all participating nations saw the importance of the origami kayak. The crafts were light, easy to maneuver and highly seaworthy.

However, the most important reason why the armies were enthusiastic about folding kayaks is because of the materials used in their construction. Due to the wooden frame and canvas skin, they could not be detected on radar. Hence, they provided a much-valued tactical ability.

Operation Frankton

The British, Australian and French navies all manufactured their own folding origami kayaks. The Germans used them to fight the Russians on Finnish lakes. Moreover, the British and Australians used folding kayaks in an ingenious way to destroy enemy ships. Navy special forces would use them to sneak up on enemy ships, plant magnetic bombs and detonate them after the soldiers were safely back at shore.

Interestingly, the Americans were not as enthusiastic as the either nations in adopting the folding kayak for military purposes. However, they joined in after seeing how these crafts were effectively used by the British for reconnaissance in the Falklands War of 1982.

Civilians also used folding kayaks extensively. Between the two World Wars, people would carry these handy crafts with them on railroads and buses. After alighting, they would use the folding kayaks to navigate the lakes and canals in and around cities. Unfortunately, the wide acceptance of the automobile reduced the popularity of the folding kayak. It was only to emerge once again in the 1980s when sea-kayaking became a popular sport in the Pacific Northwest.

Interesting Facts About Origami Kayaks

In 1928, the longest folding kayak ever was made. Measuring 16 meters in length, it could seat 8 paddlers. In the same year, Captain Romer made the first Atlantic crossing in a folding kayak. The journey started at Lisbon and ended at St.Thomas in the Caribbean. Lasting 90 days, his voyage covered 4,473 miles.

Due to technological advancement, frames made of aluminum have since replaced the original wooden ones. Moreover, hulls are no longer made of canvas or skin. They are constructed from a material known as ballistic nylon. Today, one of the foremost manufacturers of folding kayaks is Oru Kayak. Below is more information about the company.

In Conclusion

Few experiences are as peaceful yet exhilarating as kayaking. Today, you can easily carry a kayak with you on your expeditions. Thanks to decades of development, you can get one that folds up and stores conveniently. This empowers you to easily explore the waters of the world. Modern folding kayaks are safe, effective and designed for various types of water bodies. Therefore, they are an ideal way to explore the great outdoors.

Surf Kayaking – A New Trend Or An Awesome Sport?

There are few outdoor sports that challenge your mind, body and intellect, while giving you a sense of freedom and excitement. Many people enjoy the water in different ways, but one activity that is always sure to evoke a sense of delight from within is surf kayaking.

surf kayaking through the waves!

So…. What IS Surf Kayaking?!!

Surf kayaking is exactly what it sounds like! Much like a surfer on a surfboard, you are heading into the waves, except that your weapon of choice is a buoyancy device that you can sit in and control. Unlike surfing, you do not have to go through the trials of having to learn how to balance. This is already an innate part of the activity, which means you get to enjoy the thrills on offer right away, without a laborious and awkward training period.

PS One of our favorite kayak articles is this one!

History of Surf Kayaking

views of a red surf kayak

How did surf kayaking begin? It didn’t really start to take off until the mid-50’s to early 60’s, when adjustments were being made to surfboards to allow the user to use a seat pocket and foot wells to ride the waves. Someone then came up with the idea of using a paddle to control this new kind of surfboard.

As this way of surfing became apparent to observers, the idea quickly took hold and other people started to make adjustments to their own surfing equipment. It really was a combined effort of many people in different countries that helped make the sport what it is today…. and thus shaped the sport of surf kayaking!

How To Train For Surf Kayaking

When first starting out, you will need some basic preliminary skills. Even though this activity is fairly easy to pick up, you will still need to be conscious about the water and how to get yourself out of trouble. Before you even think about heading out to the surf, you should have some experience with the water, like being able to swim, identifying hazards and knowing what to do if you get yourself into trouble.

For this reason, before you start (if you don’t have experience already), it would be a good idea to get into a basic water safety class.

training for water safety

A good course will show the fundamentals of what you need to do when out on the sea. Basic techniques include what to do when you capsize, how to stop in an emergency, basic paddling skills, such as forward strokes and reverse paddling, sweep strokes, Eskimo rolls and wet exits. With that out of the way, what do you need to do to begin?

Types of Kayaks

Firstly, you need to understand that surf kayaks are not quite the same as the run of the mill sea kayaks. Because you will be heading into surf, you need a bit of specialization. In order to maneuver the vessel through the waves, you need to ensure your kayak has fins to allow this to happen.

There is no way that you will be able to remain upright without this feature. You will typically find that the number of fins vary, but the most common are two or three finned models.

fins of surf kayak </a

Most of these kayaks are specially designed to move through the waves, propelling you forward, and a sea kayak will simply not do the job.

There are three basic types of surf kayaks. They are the High Performance, the Waveski, and the International Class. Here is brief rundown of each one:

#1. High Performance Kayaks

These are just what they sound like, made of quality materials and designed for speed and versatility through the waves. They are generally a little bit smaller than other kinds of kayaks, but this is so that they can perform moves and techniques that the other kinds cannot.

surf kayaks

#2. International Class Kayaks

These are kayaks that conform to their own standard. These do have fins to help them through the water and are a lot bigger. This allows the kayak to catch waves that are large and not as clean cut, which high performance kayaks are unable to grab.

International Class Kayaks

#3. Waveskis

These kinds of kayaks are reminiscent of the early kinds of kayaks, just as the sport was starting to evolve into a more mainstream activity. Waveskis have fins and lie somewhere between IC kayaks and HP in length. They are a high-performance vessel and are able to perform some nifty moves out on the waves due to their durability and versatile design.

waveskiz surfing kayak

Surf Kayaking Techniques!

When surf kayaking, there are varying techniques to overcome the breaks, which will require practice if you have not done this before. A common technique you can try (and is beginner friendly) is the pre-jump. As you paddle out toward the waves, push the front of the kayak down into the water using your weight. As the wave goes over, lean back so the nose of the kayak raises up above the wave.

As you do this, thrust your paddle through the water to propel you forward over the break. This technique is all about timing, and after a few goes, it will seem quite natural.

surf kayaking techniques - charging at a wave

Once you are amongst the waves, it is time to start surfing. You will need to position yourself in such a way that you can catch the waves. Below are some brief ideas on what you need to do.

There are a couple of ways to take off when you have the right wave to ride, the first being the straight take off. Your boat should be perpendicular to the wave. As the boat is drawn up, paddle quickly in a tight burst to propel forward while moving your body forward at the same time to encourage movement on the wave.

Once the boat is picked up, stop paddling briefly and let the wave carry you through, returning to a natural position. Once you are moving steadily, start paddling along with the wave.

getting onto the wave

But what if the waves are too high or difficult to get moving in? That’s when the diagonal take off is needed.

The diagonal take off allows you to move with the shoulder (the breaking part of the wave) right away, especially useful if the wave is too big for a straight take off. Position the boat with the wave so that it is at a 45-degree angle with the wave. You need to get the angle just right, otherwise the boat will just move through the wave rather than with it.

Once the wave begins to break, paddle forward and engage the side rail of the surf. The boat should move down the trough of the wave if done correctly.

riding the wave in your sufing kayak

Social Events And Competitions For Surf Kayaking

If competition is something that you are setting your sights on, the best thing to do is get to know some of your fellow surfers who can give you the tips and tricks of the surf kayaking trade. In your local area, there may be some regional competition, but the most famous are overseas events that are held in both the United States and Europe.

The most popular worldwide competition is the Santa Cruz Surf Kayak Festival.

Malibu Pro 2 – A Tandem Kayak That Corners The Competition?

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Kayaking is so much fun because you can explore the wild outdoors by simply paddling along, navigating whitewater or even fishing. There are special kayaks for each of these activities. One of these is the Malibu Kayaks Pro 2 Tandem sit on top kayak, and below you can find out more about it.

Basics of the Malibu Pro 2 Tandem Kayak

The Malibu Kayaks Pro 2 Tandem is designed for fishing, allowing you to navigate lakes, slow streams, ponds and even rivers that have fast moving water. Its hull is designed to slice right through the water, weeds and low waves.

Therefore, you can easily navigate these bodies of water in search of fish. It is a sit on top style kayak, making it easy for beginners, professional kayak anglers, the elderly and people with physical issues to ride upon it.

Basics of the Malibu Pro 2 Tandem Kayak Construction and Frame

This Malibu Pro 2 has low sides, making it possible to get back onto it without tipping it over, in case you decide to go for a swim. It is made of polyethylene molded into a single form, so it does not have any seams that could weaken it. Due to its construction, this kayak is ideal for recreational paddling for people of various ages and ability. You can also use it with one paddle or two.

The kayak has some eyelets, a drain plug, some hooks made of nylon, and handles on its bow and stern. For safety purposes, it has a bungee tank cord and special hooks as well. Some of its characteristics are specially designed for recreational purposes. Examples of these are its 6 point hatch located in the center, front hatch, and bucket.

The Malibu Pro 2 tandem kayak also has features that are specially made for fishing. Examples of these are an 8 inch rear hatch that is round in shape, and a total of 6 rod holders.

What Makes This Kayak Special?

This Malibu tandem kayak has a number of characteristics that make it special. Firstly, it can accomodate a single paddler, or two in tandem. It is comfortable, stable and does not tip. It is also easily maneuverable and flexible. To ensure full control over the craft as you fish, it has dry seating.

Moreover, its foot wells are molded into its center. The Malibu Pro 2 kayak has long lasting quality build. This is because it is made with stainless steel hardware guaranteed by a lifetime warranty from Malibu Kayaks. It also has an amazing weight to capacity ratio, weighing only 60 pounds, but being able to support up to 550 pounds.

The kayak is designed in such a way that it has some features to maximize your comfort and help you have fun as you fish. It has foot stops located in the well at the front of each seat, helping you to have more leverage as you paddle. In addition to that, it has beverage holders that secure your favorite drink.

Malibu Pro 2 is also designed to have some flat surfaces in between the seating, ideal for activities such as cutting up bait or making sandwiches to enjoy with your fishing partner. The dry seating is also quite spacious and capable of holding a seat accessory.

Storage Space In the Malibu Pro 2 Kayak

The Malibu Kayaks Pro 2 Tandem is designed to be stacked with other kayaks. Moreover, it has an insert molded into its body that is designed for a motor mount. The kayak is 13 feet long, so it is advisable to haul it on a trailer or carrier when traveling, instead of putting it in the trunk or boot space of your car.

Pros

It has dry seating
Does not tip over
Has dive wells for the front and rear of the hull
It has a motor mount that is ideal for trolling
It has durable construction due to a stainless steel frame
Can be stacked

Con

Sometimes it arrives with 4 rod holders instead of 6, as indicated in its advertisement

Check out the Malibu Pro Tandem on Amazon by clicking here!

Malibu Pro 2 Review Summary

If you are searching for a two person kayak that is stable and long lasting, the Malibu Kayaks Pro 2 Tandem is the one to pick. It is durable, has an excellent weight to capacity ratio and has features designed to help you fish more successfully. It is an affordable kayak that will give a lifetime of quality service.

MYCANOE Origami Kayak – A Worthy Foldable Option?

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For the outdoor enthusiasts that enjoy kayaking, a foldable kayak is a remarkable feature that allows for easy storage and transportation. The MYCANOE Origami Kayak is not only very easy to carry, but also to assemble. In fact, you can transform it about 10 minutes into a fully operational Canadian canoe.

Welcome to our MyCanoe review!

Check out the MyCanoe kayak on Amazon by clicking here!

The Basics of the MYCANOE Origami Kayak

Because the MYCANOE Origami kayak is foldable, the design of this 14.5 feet kayak surpasses all other canoes and kayaks. In fact, this is a patented, award wining product. A lot of thought was put into the innovative carrying case that adds structural support by becoming the kayak’s floor.

The MYCANOE Origami kayak features an Origami inspired design that has been verified and highly tested by a number of water sport institutions and professionals. They have all provided positive feedback.

After three years of prototypes, sketches and tests by early adopters and several improvements implemented to the original design, the MYCANOE Origami kayak makes the best choice for your next outdoor water adventure with family or friends.

This TUV certified kayak can easily be stored in your closet, under your bed, or just about anywhere! You can take the lightweight MYCANOE Origami on all of your adventures because it is so easy to carry.

MYCANOE Origami Kayak Construction & Frame

This kayak features two seats and measures 14.5 feet and is easy to take everywhere you go, at only 52 lbs. For easy carrying, the optional paddles come in a two-piece construction. They even float, so you don’t need to worry if you drop one in the water. The floor of the kayak uses the two piece carrying covers, so you won’t leave anything behind.

For easy assembly, the MYCANOE Origami Kayak also comes with a mallet. All the materials used for the construction of this product are high-quality. The body of the foldable kayak is made from a marine-grade custom polypropylene and is UV treated to withstand as many as 20,000 folds!

What Makes This Folding Kayak Special?

This is indeed a very special Origami inspired kayak that is TUV certified, award winning, and when compared to competitor products, performs better. It provides limitless possibilities to enjoy your trip, coming with two seats and specifically built for top performance. It can even take small rapids and a few bumps on rocks, but is probably not a good idea for the long run.

Users can fold it up for easy transport. It also offers some additional options, including an oar lock kit and stabilizers for added enjoyment in outdoor activities such as fishing. The stabilizer attachments provide extra steadiness for more weight. MYCANOE Origami kayak is able can hold up to 440 lbs without the stabilizers, and up to 500 lbs with stabilizer attachments installed.

Having an overall structure that is stable and one of a kind, this folding kayak received many favorable reviews and is highly rated. People who purchased the MYCANOE Origami kayak have appreciated the resilient structure of the boat with a fully folding feature and a smooth float on the water. It’s one of the most purchased kayaks out there.

How Is The Storage Space In the MYCANOE Origami Kayak?

Since it is completely collapsible, the MYCANOE origami kayak is very easily stored in small spaces. When folded, the carrying case measures only 37 x 8 x 25 inch. It’s perfect for apartment residents who love outdoor sports and activities.

Pros

The MYCANOE Origami kayak reacts very well on water
The kayak is patented, TUV certified and award winning
It can be conveniently assembled into a full sized kayak in only 10 minutes and folded back into its case after use
When compared to the standard kayaks from other brands, the MyCANOE Origami lacks nothing except storage compartments
Structure of the MYCANOE Origami is made from a custom polypropylene material that can handle as much as 20,000 folds and comes with a 15 year UV treatment
The MYCANOE kayak can fit and be stored practically anywhere

Cons

The MYCANOE Origami kayak does not feature any storage compartments and does not initially come with paddles

MYCANOE Origami Kayak Review Summary

As far as folding kayaks (also known as Origami kayaks go), there are not that many options on the market. The only other worthy, notable kayak in this department is the Oru Bay kayak but to be honest, MyCanoe Origami Kayak definitely holds its own a deserves a serious consideration. Hopefully, our MYCANOE Origami kayak review will convince you one way or another!