Kayaking the Gauley River at New River Gorge in West Virginia is easily one of the most wild, wonderful, extreme whitewater trips available. The Gauley River offers 26.3 miles of the best river rapids in the country surrounded by breathe taking cliffs. The more than 40 rapids of the Gauley River are sure to leave your heart racing and adrenaline pumping.

For those seeking an extreme ride, the Upper Gauley portion of the river boasts 5 major Class V rapids. The first rapid you come upon is inappropriately named the Insignificant. There is definitely nothing insignificant with this rapid. Pillow Rock, the second rapid in your trek, is an extremely powerful, often menacing maze of water churning rock which is not for the faint of heart. Next, you will tumble into the Lost Paddle, a long, treacherous section of the river which consists of four sub-rapids: First Drop, Second Drop, Third Drop and Tumblehome. The final 2 rapids of the Upper Gauley, The Iron Ring and The Devil’s Backbone, do not fail in keeping the blood churning with their dramatic water sprays ending in a 14 ft drop at Sweet Falls. The Lower and Middle Gauley which are still significant although still intense, offers a series of Class III and IV rapids along with Pure Screaming Hell which is a Class V rapid. Pure Screaming Hell features pourovers, and undercut sieve and Purgatory and Hell Holes which definitely can not be dismissed lightly.

The river offers year round access, however most extreme rapids are found Labor Day through July when the Army Corps of Engineers releases damn waters. No matter when you choose to come, the Gauley River will be an accomplishment which will leave you yearning for more. The Gauley River is located in South Eastern West Virginia at New River Gorge.

Kayaking is a fun and easy watersport and is accessible to most everyone. One can kayak practically anywhere, from lakes and rivers to marshland and even out on the ocean. The quality of material and workmanship is really as much as you would like to pay for: A cheap inflatable model can be as cheap as $50, and a professional hard-case kayak can be as $3000 or more. The choice of material used in your kayak comes down to two main choices: inflatable rubber or polyester, or hard molded plastic.

Inflatable kayaks are a portable, cheaper alternative to hard case boats. Able to be folded down to practically nothing, they are a great option for a camping trip or day outing. An excellent choice for those who don’t have the space in, or on their car for a plastic kayak. These boats can be pumped up using either human power, in the form of a foot pedal, or an electrically-driven pump. The downside to these, of course, is the danger of puncture: While durable, a sharp rock in the river might be enough to destroy a cheaper model.

Hard-case kayaks are generally more expensive and more difficult to transport, but the difference is clear when out on the water. Plastic kayaks feel much more sturdy, and can often hold up better to waves or current. The danger of puncture is eliminated, making it a better option for long-term use. These models are a superior option for the serious kayak enthusiast.

Kayaking for beginners, is a tricky and fun filled sport. The first thing that comes to mind is how to pick your kayak, and what should it be made out, of and what kind of paddles should you buy? These are just some of the questions that should be going through your mind, secondly what style should you use, and what to do if you’re in the water and you fall out of the boat? You must learn how to roll the kayak and get back in safely just basically learn everything you can absorb before you venture out on your own.

The Inuit Indians invented the Kayak, thus kayaking was born. There are 8 different classes of Kayaking these are: Polo, Slalom, whitewater, surf, touring/expedition, light touring/day tripping, sprint/racing and just for fun. Kayaks usually have hard or soft chines which require certain ways to handle the Kayak.

Kayaks can be made of metal, fiberglass, wood or plastic: some are inflatable. The most noted style of Kayaking is whitewater rafting ; shooting the rapids and white foamy waterfalls : another experience is in rafting is ocean Kayaking, each of these adventures involve expertise, and practice and practice some more. Safety is the key issue in what ever you do, especially if you’re paddling alone in open water.

To me Kayaking, is like hiking: you should never go alone: always have a back up for safety’s sake. Kayaking is not a sport or hobby for the faint of heart; try it.

Kayaking is an activity that involves using a kayak and paddle to move across the water. It is one of the most popular recreational activities for those who enjoy being outdoors. Kayaking is not only a fun way to enjoy nature, but it is also a way to get a great work out. Pulling the paddle back in forth in the water requires that a person use the muscles in his or her upper body. Kayaking can also help strengthen those muscles.

In order for a person to get the most out of kayaking, it is essential that he or she have the right gear. One of the most important things that a person should have while kayaking is a life jacket. Even if a person has been kayaking for years, there is still a chance that he or she can fall in the water. That is why it is important to have a life jacket.

A person also needs to make sure that he or she has the right shoes to go kayaking. Regular shoes can get ruined if a person falls in the river, so water tennis shoes work the best for this type of recreational activity. Additionally, if a person plans to be out on the water for an extended period of time, he or she may need a few extra things. One needs to make sure that he or she has a spare paddle, a first aid kit, a signal device and a float line.

Through the ages, boats evolved being first propelled by manpower, then the wind, eventually by steam and finally by petroleum. Modern boats show very little resemblance to those of generations past with the exception of the little workhorse of the north, the noble kayak.

The first kayaks were fashioned by stretching sealskins over a framework of driftwood and indigenous hunters set off in pursuit of walrus and whales in the frigid and angry arctic waters. Today, the kayak is constructed from revolutionary space age materials but they still incorporate the basic design.

The modern kayak comes in two distinctive configurations, the sit on top design and those with a cockpit. Sit on top kayaks have a molded recess for the paddlers and the sit in configuration has a spray skirt that is cinched around the waist to keep out water.

Kayakers can find adventure wherever there is water and easy paddles on protected waters are enjoyable and relaxing. For those that require more action, kayaks ply whitewater rapids and these nimble craft can thread their way rock strewn rivers.

Modern adventurers set off on coastal journeys of long duration in sea going kayaks that are loaded with all the necessities for comfortable camping and contemporary fisherman go to sea in kayak equipped with outriggers, fish finders, bait tanks and GPS receivers and consistently catch the ocean’s bounty including such gamefish as marlin and sailfish.

For an easy fun and affordable way to get on the water, kayaks are for everyone

Ocean Kayaks has been the manufacturer and dealer of quality kayaks since 1971. Since Ocean Kayaks introduced their sit-on-top kayak they have continued to improve and expand their kayaks lineup and now they offer many different models of kayaks including single kayaks, tandem kayaks, and kayaks designed especially for anglers.

The single kayak that Ocean Kayaks offers is the ideal kayak for recreational use. They are among the most popular of kayaks and that is probably because they are so easily maneuverable because of their smaller size. Ocean Kayaks offers 11 different models of single kayaks ranging from $379 to $749 dollars.

The tandem kayak that the company offers is much like the single kayak when it comes to fun experiences and being easy to use. The only difference is that the tandem kayak is designed to seat two people. Ocean Kayak currently offers four models of tandem kayaks and they range in price from $599 dollars to $899 dollars.

Kayaks that are designed especially for anglers differ in design from the other because they include wells to hold the days catch, places for tackle boxes to sit, and places to put your poles. There are currently 13 models of angler kayaks offered by Ocean Kayaks. Prices of the angler kayaks start at $759 dollars and range all the way to $1,999 dollars.

If you have a love of adventure and want to explore what model of kayaks best fit your needs then visit an Ocean Kayaks dealer today and see what they can offer you.

Sun, Family Fun and Tandem Kayaks
Families are always looking for ways to spend quality time together. The benefits of sharing fun and excitement helps family solidarity. Tandem kayaks offer a splendid opportunity for families togetherness as well as learning teamwork. Tandem kayaking is a relatively inexpensive sport that combines fresh air, sunshine and the enjoyment of being on the water. Tandem kayaks for families are wide enough to allow for children and equipment. Most tandem kayaks are made of wood, high density plastic or fiberglass. Inflatable kayaks are also available.

The materials of constructions for kayaks determines the prices. Keep in mind that tandem kayaks for families tend to offer less maneuverability than the traditional two-occupant tandem kayaks and yet have more stability. However, all the fun and enjoyment of kayaking on a lake, river or local seaway is ready and waiting. Convenience isn’t overlooked with some kayak models that can fold up for storage or transporting.

Tandem Kayaks
Unlike other small water craft, tandem kayaks for families are lightweight and highly transportable to the chosen water site. They are available in a wide range of colors. Paddles may be sold with or without the kayak depending on the dealer. There’s a specific method to paddling a kayak that differs from that of canoes or other small water crafts. It’s a good idea to teach children the proper method so that they can adapt to the paddling concepts readily. Plan family kayak adventures that offer scenic views along shorelines.

Ocean Kayaking is a fun past time. You use paddles to steer the kayak and to gain speed. The ocean can be an unpredictable place though. Be sure and wear a life vest,since there will be a good chance that you might end up in the water one day.

You can buy many different types of ocean kayaks. Some people want a kayak to go fishing on. Some people like to surf with one. You can use it for just about any type of activity from photography to just paddling around the ocean. This is a good boat for scuba divers too. There is a lot that you can do on an ocean kayak,and you have many options. One thing to remember is that ocean kayaking is a water sport. You will get wet when you go out in one.

Ocean Kayaks are usually long and hull shaped. The longer a kayak is,the faster it will be. They have a good amount of storage space in them. These boats are light weight and pretty strong. They can hold up good in waves and choppy waters. These kayaks are also comfortable. Prices vary depending on what brand you buy,but kayaks are usually cheaper than a lot of other boats. If you enjoy using it,then it will be well worth the price.

Ocean kayaking is for people who love adventure. There are many people who enjoy using their kayaks daily. Always be careful on one, know your surroundings, and just have fun!

The other day I fell into conversation with a stranger in the bus, who gave me loads of information about his life that I wasn’t interested in. That is, until I heard the word ‘kayak’ mentioned in the same sentence with the word ‘overturned’. My curiosity piqued, I tuned in to hear the rest of the story and learned that a fishing expedition he had gone for turned tragic when the kayak he was using overturned. He found himself quite shocked, wet and embarrassed all at the same time. To cut the story short, he was an amateur using a sit-on-top kayak who made a wrong move while trying to bring in that awesome catch!

One of the things I have come to learn about kayaks is that if you want more stability when fishing, go for a sit-in kayak. Although there’s less room for movement unless the cockpit is built with extra space, it offers you a better chance of staying dry.

Another thing to note about kayaks is that the wider it is, the better stability it offers. The local kayak shop or an expert angler should be able to help you with this in terms of dimensions.

The length of a kayak is another variable that affects your choice. Length affects speed, in that a longer kayak moves faster than a shorter one. If, for example, your fishing trip is taking you far from shore you might want to opt for the faster one so that you can get there and back in good time.

If you are a novice to the world of kayaks the first thing that you definitely need to master is how to paddle a kayak. The very first step in paddling a kayak correctly is that must first be seated in the proper position in your kayak. To get in the proper seating position to be able to paddle successfully you need to have your back all the way against your seat and your knees should be slightly bent.

Once you are in the proper seated position you are now ready to begin the most basic paddle that you will probably benefit the most from as a beginner and that is the basic forward stroke. In the beginning of the stroke you should have the kayak at chin level in front of you. You should extend one blade of the paddle toward the front end of the kayak. Once this blade of the paddle is almost in the water you should rotate the paddle so that the blade’s face is facing toward your face. Once you have made this turn of the paddle you should then utilize the muscles of your torso to twist and give the paddle the momentum that it needs to glide through the water. This paddling stroke should come to an end once it is at the level of your hip.
Learning this kayak paddling technique will take patience and lots of practice, but after a while you will get the hang of it. Now start paddling away in that kayak.