In this section we've combined info about canoeing, kayaking and rafting. These sports are related and often enjoyed on the same rivers or lakes. If you go out with friends you may want to combine kayaks with canoes and rafts for greater variety. Kayaks can escort the slower canoes or rafts which carry most of your gear.

Canoeing

Join your friends for a quiet paddle down a lazy river. Enjoy nature in peace and quiet. Go for a swim whenever you like. Paddling your way through the wilderness can be a wonderful opportunity to get some exercise, socialize with friends and explore wild places that are normally inaccessible. That is what canoeing is all about.

Kayaking

You can roll your kayak over and get wet whenever you want. Practice this often for fun and safety. Kayaks can be found on calm inland waters, whitewater rivers, and along the coasts in the oceans. Known for their maneuverability and seaworthiness, kayaks take many shapes depending on their desired use.

Closed Cockpit Kayak

These kayaks have relatively tight-fitting cockpits sealed with spraydecks to keep out the water, and are ideal for white-water or sea touring. To use these it is necessary to practise the capsize drill regularly and know how to exit the kayak safely underwater (wet exit).

Open Cockpit Kayak

This type of kayak is used for touring and is suitable for those who want to cover distances without going onto rough water. No capsize drill is needed, as in the event of a capsize you will fall safely out of the kayak. These are ideal for those who want to be ON the water, not in it.

Slalom Kayaks

These kayaks have very low volume espcially near the bow and stern. They are quick to turn and roll to compete well on slalom competitions.

Squirt and Rodeo Kayaks

These kayaks are very low volume fun boats that allow some extreme manoevers and get you wet before you know it.

Sea Kayaks

These kayaks are very low volume fun boats that allow some extreme manoevers and get you wet before you know it. They are long and keep a steady course, great for touring. Some have watertight compartments to some dry bits in.

Sea Kayaking Story

Posted by wet512 on July 02, 1998


Two weeks ago I was in a sea kayaking lesson with a group of five guys and one girl learning how to get back into the boat when you've fallen into the water. Everybody had a wetsuit except me. I always prefer a thermal top, canoeing anorak, and tight 512's Levis.

We played in the water all day long, the water was very warm and one guy asked me "How does it feel in jeans?" I said great, you should try it.

Suddenly everybody started to talk about that. It was interesting, each of them had experiences doing this or that in wet jeans, like swimming, diving, canoeing, and most of them liked it. At the end of the day the girl told me she loved to see me in wet levis all day long "You're very cool in those tight wet jeans."

On our way back home, my friend asked me if I had a spare pair of jeans for him for our next 3 day kayak trip. The idea was very exciting. He is almost the same shape of me and I have over 10 pair of jeans, so no problem. "You should come to my home and make your choice." He did. He took one pair of Levis 512 and one pair of Lois which was even tighter.

We had a good time playing in the water that weekend. My friend didn't know he was on a wet trip. For him it was only a great weekend but for me a real turn on. I love to be wet in tight jeans.

	"I volunteer for the man over board exercise. Shall I jump in now?"

Canoe Trips and Camping

If you enjoy camping and you'd like to add another dimension to your adventure experience, consider a canoe trip. A canoe trip requires teamwork, a positive attitude, a healthy work ethic and an ability to solve problems and have fun without the many comforts of home, so choose your expedition partners wisely. Although these trips require careful planning, even beginners can arrange a trip suitable to their goals and needs.

The trip you plan should match the ability level of your group. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and choose shorter, fewer portages. Choose areas of water that will be safely navigable for all members of your group.

It is recommended that you have a minimum of three boats on your trip. If something happens to one of the boats, you can still get everyone home in the other two. More boats than that can become cumbersome.

Supplies

There are many items you may want to bring. For anything above and beyond the necessities, consider how much comfort it will give you while camping, versus how much discomfort it will cause you while portaging. Keep in mind that most, if not all, of the necessary equipment can be rented through an outfitting company, so before purchasing any expensive items, it may be wise to try out the experience first.