There are three diciplines of kayaking……… which one is for you?
The main emphasis of this program is experiencing various boat design and performances.
An evening at West Lake, you will discover which of three kayak designs will best suit your* skills, ability and motivation:
Recreation/Lake – These ten footers are great for those who want to just hang out at the lake and paddle around for a small bit.
These boats are very easy to handle, great for the kids and for anyone just to “muck” around the lake for a few hours.
Touring – These longer/narrow boats are for the high end user who’s goal is distance and speed.
These boats require some paddling techniques, use of rudder and self rescue skills.
For those who enjoy the outdoors, these boats are great for day, weekend and expedition trips.
River kayaks – These boats are moreless like the “sport cars” of kayaking.
These tight fitting boats require some maouvouring and attentive skills; however yields a high satisfaction curve.
Before buying a boat, this program is an ideal opportunity to research the “spectrum” of kayaking.
Maybe receation kayaking will be too simple and boring for you, maybe touring is “too much” boat for your needs or maybe river kayaking is too intimiding.
On the other hand, maybe recreation kayaks is perfect for your needs, maybe the efficiency/speed of touring boats will excite you or maybe you will enjoy the challenge and thrill of rivers kayaks.
*If you already have your kayak with more than 10 hours of paddling experience; you may wish instead consider the Advance Touring Kayak program.
