Archive for the ‘Kayaks’ Category
Paddling Banks Lake
On our last family trip to Grand Coulee, we brought along our inflatable boats and paddled around Banks Lake. We launched from the north end of the camping grounds into the pristine 35 mile long lake. We started off paddling together, but eventually broke off to explore whatever caught our interest.
I made for the north part of the lake to explore the islets. The weather was so nice that I wound up pulling ashore on one of the islets and taking a bit of a swim in the warm water. When I grew tired of paddling around the islets, I made for Steamboat Rock, a basalt butte that was first used as a landmark by Native American tribes.
Kayaking in New England
Yes, I realize it’s the middle of winter, but I believe it is never too soon to start planning an outdoor adventure. Today I’m going to share with you some of my favorite places that my family and I have taken our Sea Eagle kayaks. First up on our list is the Boston Harbor Islands. Just six miles from downtown Boston, you can see lighthouses and gorgeous, windswept islands.
Plum Island Sound is another great place to kayak. Paddle through the shores near Middle Ground or head deep into the Great Salt Marsh. Fair warning – it can be a bit of a workout, even for an experienced paddler. Another spot to try is Lake Umbagog in New Hampshire. While paddling the lake you’ll be treated to views of purple finches, great blue herons, ducks, eagles and more.
Essential Camping Equipment
Let’s face it, depending on who you are and how you think about camping; your definition of ‘essential’ camping equipment might be different than mine. We all need food, water, and shelter, but camping is also about recreation, leisure, and spending time with others. I’ve spent a lot of time camping over the years, and I’ve found that these three items provide endless enjoyment.
1.) Croquet Set – it’s great for the outdoors, affordable, and it can be played by people of all ages!
2.) Camping Hammocks – these are great for sleeping, lounging, and just relaxing; there’s often no shortage of feasible locations to set a hammock up either!
3.) Frisbee – whether for ultimate frisbee, frisbee golf, or just a casual game of catch and throw, this standard item provides endless recreation.
4.) Sea eagle kayak – excellent for cruising down the river.
Being Prepared For The Water
If you live near the water or are able to drive to the water it can be a fun time for the whole family. It can be an enjoyable time. Having all the equipment that you will need for the water is every parent’s responsibility. The best thing to make sure that you have is inflatable toys and boats.
Inflatable kayaks are a great alternative to regular kayaks. They are easy to inflate as well as deflate. It makes it easy to pack it up and go without worrying where you are going to it all. You will be the super star of parents when you remember to pack that piece of water equipment.
Sea Kayaking Starts Here
With more than 350 miles of scenic coastline, Oregon stands as one of the country’s premier destinations for sea kayaking. Not to be confused with its river-going brethren, the sea kayak is made seaworthy thanks to a covered deck. Sea kayaking trips can be lengthy, which is why the vessels offer plenty of cargo space for meals, spare clothing and other equipment.
It’s not uncommon for kayakers to rent sea eagle boats for days or even weeks at a time to go on prolonged expeditions, camping in parks along the shore at night. Agate Beach, a popular surfing destination near Newport on the Pacific shoreline, is also well known as a source for Oregon kayak rentals. If you’re looking to set out on a new adventure, sea kayaking could be just the ticket.
Bungee Cords Be Gone!
When my dad was sixteen years old he bought himself a green, six-person Coleman canoe. I have fond memories of canoeing trips as a child in that big old green canoe, but as time went on we used the canoe less and less. It just wasn’t worth the hassle of trying to get the canoe on top of the car, held down with a million bungee cords.
I recently found a much better, portable alternative. For my parents’ anniversary, I surprised them with a 2 person inflatable kayak. It folds up small, like a piece of carry-on luggage, so it doesn’t have to be strapped to the roof. The kayak is easy to set up, it’s durable, and comfortable. My parents are excited to get back out on the lake again without having to schlep the canoe.
Kayaking and Community Service
Students, alumni, and faculty came together at Texas Christian University to participate in a program called the Steve Campbell, assistant director of campus recreation and outdoor programs, said he was inspired to start the cleanup while on a boating trip. He reported seeing a lot of trash building up on the river and decided TCU should get involved with the cleanup.
What makes this river cleanup different than other cleanups is that the volunteers were on kayaks and canoes while collecting the trash. During the cleanup, volunteers pulled out notable items like tires, strollers, a safe, and a child’s wagon. Chances are there are watershed cleanup groups in your community. Do a good deed by volunteering your time and Sea Eagle kayaks!
Visiting Dinosaur National Monument
Last summer, I took my family on a week long vacation to Dinosaur National Monument. Dinosaur fossil beds were discovered at the site in 1909 by paleontologist Earl Douglass. Thousands of fossils were excavated and shipped back to a museum in Pennsylvania for study and display. In 1915 President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the dinosaur beds as a National Monument.
The scenery and history are just amazing. We spent a significant amount of time hiking and exploring the area, looking out for any fossils. We also took time to use our Sea Eagle inflatable boats to go kayaking down the Green River. It was incredibly peaceful and gave us plenty of fantastic photo opportunities.
If you’re someone who loves boating!
If you’re someone who loves boating, one of the handiest things you can have is an inflatable boat. Did you ever dream that you could fit a boat in the trunk of your car? It’s easy with Sea Eagle inflatable boats; just load up your car with all of the accessories for water play and head down to the shoreline. Unpacking is made easy as the deflated boat is lightweight and can be inflated within minutes.
My cousin, Jerry, has an inflatable kayak and we love to take it out on the lake during the summer. We’ll bring a cooler, which sits between us, and going fishing for hours. There’s nothing better than cruising across the smooth surface of the lake on a warm summer day, soaking up the sun and drinking a few cold brews with a buddy.
Convenient Aqua Adventures
I’ve always wanted to get into kayaking, but with my Geo Metro, taking a kayak around to various bodies of water is quite impractical. This has traditionally meant that I’ve had to rent kayaks for my adventures, which is costly and greatly restricts where I can venture. A few weeks ago I was explaining my dilemma to one of my buddies and he suggested I look into a Sea Eagle kayak.
The Sea Eagle Company specializes in inflatable vessels, including kayaks. This means that the boat can be deflated and folded into a compact, lightweight piece of equipment. I can carry the kayak by myself and when it’s compressed, it easily fits into the trunk of my Metro. Thanks to the Sea Eagle kayak, this has been one of the best summers of my life, exploring the various lakes and aqueous highways in the Pacific Northwest.