Kayak HawaiiWhy you should consider a Kayak adventure on your next trip to HawaiiThe dictionary's definition of a kayak is A watertight Eskimo canoe consisting of a light wooden frame completely covered with skins except for a single or double opening in the center and propelled by a double-bladed paddle. Wow, I always thought kayak was a Hawaiian word - it works with the Hawaiian alphabet - and kayaking is extremely popular here in Hawaii (most kayaks here are plastic though). And, if you find yourself in Hawaii, you should try it. As long as you can swim, you are a responsible adult, and you are not scared of the ocean, kayaking will probably really prove interesting for you. Here's why. It is inexpensive Compared to boat rides or land tours, the kayak is normally a very cheap alternative. They are very expensive to buy, but fairly cheap to rent for a day trip. Hint, if you don't want your adventure to be an all day thing, go in the mid afternoon - you can normally get the renters to knock some money off the price if they haven't gotten rid of all their kayaks yet. It is easy You can easily get in a kayak for the first time ever and be off and paddling within minutes. It just takes a tiny bit of coordination and some upper body strength. There is minimal balancing (you won't tip) - you just sit down, pick up the paddle, place your hands evenly apart in the middle of the paddle, and dip one side in the water, pull it back, then dip the other side in the water on the other side of you and pull it back. When you get the hang of it your arms will move in a fluid figure-8 like motion. There are two people and one people kayaks - coordinating between two people is a bit more difficult. It is readily available almost everywhere in Hawaii Step on the beach, or the dock, or the pier, or the coast ... chances are you'll see a sign "Kayaks for rent". You sign your paper, pay your money, get your kayak, and you are off. Some places even offer instruction if you want it or if you will be in a challenging area. It is great for relaxing, working out, and having fun When you get out on the ocean (or the river or lake) you will be 100% in control of where you are going. You can look in the water, jump out and swim, dangle your feet, feel the breeze in your face, head to a destination, lay back and relax, look for whales or dolphins ... anything you want. My first kayak trip ever was at Kealakekua Bay (Spinner Dolphin Bay) on the Big Island. We got there late in the afternoon so we got the discount rate of $15.00 a kayak (many years ago folks) for 2.5 hours. We rented the kayaks from a man in the parking lot who told us if we saw any dorsal fins not to worry, they were dolphins, not sharks (good thing he told me, I would have set a over-land-kayak record if I though some shark was swimming around me). We set off across the bay to the underwater forest preserve. When we got there we pulled the kayaks up on the rocks, snorkelled for an hour, and kayaked back. It ... was ... an incredible day. I was tired on the way back but other than that I had no problems steering (ok maybe a little) and no problems paddling (I may have been a mite slow). And .. Ok, my arms were pretty darn sore the next morning. The second time I went kayaking was in a two person kayak off Ewa Beach on Oahu. I was in the front so I was supposed to steer while my husband provided most of the power. That wasn't so easy ... and eventually he wound up doing everything. It was a very relaxing day for me though <g>. After further kayaking I personally would suggest always starting out in a one person kayak - you can get the feel for it easier - unless you think you may wear out quickly. As always, obey all posted warning signs, never go somewhere that surpasses your skill level, never go alone as a beginner, wear all recommended safety gear, and be alert for changing conditions. The ocean can be a very dangerous place to be for people who are not alert. As long as you are safe about it your kayaking expedition can be one of the more rewarding and fruitful parts of your trip. |
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