Slip Into an Ocean Kayak

© Carrie Foote / RumBum.com

4,000 years ago, someone had a great idea. Tie some driftwood together, wrap a seal skin around it and call it a "qajaq." The "hunter's boat" offered a bridge from the desolate, resource-poor and frozen land into the bountiful bays and sea. The long, skinny vessel was the workhorse, the pickup truck for the working man. It transported the hunter, the hunted and gear in every imaginable weather condition. The kayak, as it's now called, has passed the test of time and after 4,000 years, deserves some attention.

Today, kayaks come in as many shapes and sizes as the paddlers. The one that most closely resembles the traditional "qajaq" is the "sea kayak" or "ocean kayak." On the opposite end of the spectrum sits the "river kayak" or "whitewater kayak." There are as many similarities between the two as are differences.

Similar to other sensible designs, kayak form frequently follows its function. Ocean kayaks were, and still are, made to get from here to there. "They are long and narrow because that helps them go in a straight line and they have lots of storage to hold your goodies," explains kayaker, Jimmy Keagan. On the other hand, "river kayaks live in 'moving water', need to maneuver around rocks and turn on a dime." Therefore, river boats are short, flat-bottomed and wide. "It's a whole other experience paddling in moving water," adds Keagan, "everything's a moving target and you need to be able to thread the needle."

Just because the American Canoe Association classifies rivers as "moving water", don't think that ocean paddling is calm, straight or dull. To the contrary, oceans are where all rivers run to be, literally. Waves, current, wind, navigation, traffic and large animals keep ocean paddling exciting and keep those of us who are hooked, coming back. Yes, peeling out of a rippin' eddie and dropping into a four foot hole, to then surf an endless wave in a beautiful river is addictive, even to the non-addict. However, gracefully paddling thriving swells on an outgoing tide from your favorite harbor to the adventure only you and your partner will know is where spirituality is found. To take the experience even further, try night paddling. Removing one of our senses enhances the others. With minimal eyesight, our ears open, our noses breathe easily and everything feels better. Each venue, rivers and ocean, offers its own version of serenity and excitement.

Before hitting the water, there are a few, well many things every ocean paddler should know. To start, take a class and join a paddling club, offered in major, coastal cities. Beyond that, safety, safety, safety. One of the beauties of ocean paddling is also its greatest danger, solitude. If something goes wrong, you need to be prepared. Personal Flotation Devices (PFD's or lifejackets) are a must. First aid kit, boat repair kit, visual and audio signals, charts, compass, knife, water, food, shade, warm, dry are some of the things to consider while packing for an hour jaunt or a week-long journey. The American Canoe Association (ACA) offers skills courses of all levels throughout the country. They also have "paddlesports safety information" posted on their site to help the beginner and remind the veteran.

So what's it cost? Depending on many variables, the beginner can be on the water for $300 and the expert can spend $5,000 and still not have a paddle. Find a kayak livery, take a lesson and rent, rent, rent. One's life can depend on this gear so do the research.

After 4,000 years of continued success, the kayak is here to stay. Find a friend, find a local shop and hit the water. You will quickly understand the magic of the "qajaq".

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