Kayaking in Miami offers the paddler quite a wide range of options. From the exciting open ocean to the wild Florida Everglades, every paddler can get a kayaking trip, whether a seasoned kayaker or a beginner. Even non-resident tourists can join in the fun as long as they have the necessary documents, including passports. For those who have lost their documents there are government offices where they can replace passport and other IDs. Miami is definitely a paddler’s paradise, but there are five things worth knowing prior to kayaking in the city.
History Of Kayaks
Kayaks were first made by North American Inuit’s and used for hunting on inland lands. They are estimated to be more than 4,000 years old, with the earliest forms made from animal skins such as stitched seal over a whalebone frame. Modern kayaks are made using wood, fiberglass and rot molded Kevlar or plastic. They are designed mainly for recreation for several different water environments such as White-Water Rivers, lakes and oceans.
Equipment Used In Kayaking
A kayak can typically accommodate between one and three paddlers. Their prices vary greatly depending on the material used to make them. Plastic is the cheapest while Kevlar is the most expensive since it is considered stronger and lighter than other materials. Different kayak designs vary with material used and shape. For example, white water kayaks are made of high impact plastic so that less damage is incurred in case they bounce of rocks. Also, sea kayak are designed with longer bodies o enable them cover longer distances.
Kayak Paddles
Paddling is at the heart of kayaking, with kayaks utilizing two-bladed paddles. There are several factors put into consideration when selecting a paddle, depending on the kayak size, the paddler’s stature and stroking preferences. Taller and wider kayaks need longer paddles. A lighter, shorter paddle would be more ideal for a paddler with a small stature so that they do not overexert themselves. There are wide varieties of shapes, with wider blades giving the user more acceleration.
Safety Equipment
Safety is paramount in kayaking, hence one should invest in a life jacket even if they are in calm waters. The best life vests are the U.S. Coast Guard Type 3 since they are comfortable and lightweight. They have less waist lengths to ensure comfort and large arm openings for allowing wide arm rotations. A helmet is also vital when kayaking in rocky waters. To stay dry, many paddlers use spray skirts that covers the cockpit opening to protect the paddler’s lower body and belonging from coming into contact with water.
Learning Kayaking Techniques
It is recommended that a person looks for a kayaking instructor with a certification from the America Canoe Association in order to learn basic safety and paddling techniques. The instructor can teach a wannabe paddler important techniques and skills faster. Should one decide to take lessons, they will not have to make any initial equipment investment as the instruction fees usually included the equipment. In addition, the paddler will also have a better sense of what to purchase should they decide to buy any.