Archive for January, 2010
This Watercraft Is Easy To Take With You
The Sea Eagle Boats are the way to go if you like a watercraft that is easy to lug around, but strong and dependable as well. Inflatable boats are fantastic for fishing, river running, or just plain floating around. The amazing thing about inflatable kayaks is that they can carry equipment totaling hundreds of pounds even on long river voyages. Boating enthusiasts deem them affordable too, since the really good ones last ten or more years in spite of repeated and intense use.
When buying an inflatable catamaran, kayak or any inflatable boat, do not immediately settle for the least expensive model. Those who know their boats warn against inferior quality vessels that may not endure through the summer and may require several repair jobs a lot sooner than expected. They also tend to rip at the seams, which can be truly troublesome when you’re in the midst of a fast-moving river adventure. Your best bet when buying folding boats is to buy from stores that specialize in these crafts and other outdoor equipment.
Essentials for a Family Camping Trip
For the past few years, my family and I have traveled to the Sleeping Bear Dunes near Traverse City, Michigan, for an annual camping trip. The sand dunes are a natural wonder in their own right, and we enjoy the expansive views across Lake Michigan. The area is also rife with trout streams where my son and I love to go fishing in our Sea Eagle kayak. Our results in that department have been middling at best, but it’s the bonding experience that counts.
After we’ve cooked a gourmet meal over the campfire, my wife, kids and I retire to one of the canopy tents we set up. Under the tent’s protective tarp, we play euchre into the late-night hours. The next morning, the tent serves as a perfect venue for eating freshly cooked eggs and bacon. In a breezy environment like that, having a barrier from the wind and other elements makes all the difference.
Man’s best friend on land or at sea
Dogs love one thing – to be with their family. When that family plays on the water, your dog will want to play there too. Following everyone into the boat, your dog might climb in before you realize it or take some coaxing at first. They sit up, turning nose in the air, scanning fo
r scents, sniffing the air and listening to the wind, water and birds. They stare into the water and bark at fish, snap at bugs and generally entertain themselves and the family too.
For a nice afternoon trip there are some items to carry for your furry friend. If you are gone for more than an hour or two you’ll need water, plastic bowl, some snacks, leash; if you take on even gurgling faster water or travel a long distance from shore or negotiate challenging currents, it is a good idea to have a life vest on pets too.
Some of the easiest boats to transport and the stablest to use for family and furry friend are inflatable canoes. Many inflatable canoes are really tandem kayaks that easily hold 500 lbs. or more. A family of 5 – parents 2 children and 1 dog can easily be accommodated in 2 kayaks. The tough, rugged materials , like K-80 polykrylar, will stand up to dogs jumping in or out from land or sea.
Short trips are best for getting everyone used to kayaking and the pace of the outdoors life. New routines are exciting and everyone will be ready to eat heartily and turn in early, pup included, at the end of the day.
Setting Up Camp
When it comes to camping, location is always essential to enjoyment. While it might seem like fun camping in certain places, there are always a few factors to consider. For example, if the location is a lake and has flats or marshes near it, chances are there will be a lot of mosquitoes, which are irritating enough to ruin a vacation alone. It’s also important to consider weather; don’t count on fair weather all the time when camping at high altitudes or on the coast. Despite the possibility of inclement weather conditions, the beach is a great place to camp. The ideal beach campsite won’t be right on the beach (mostly to avoid all the nasty sand that gets in the tent and all over the campsite), but an ideal location is great for all the various beach activities, camping activities, and fantastic sunsets.
It’s also important to bring the right camping equipment for the location; you might need rain gear, a rain fly for the tent, and waterproof boots for example. When you setup camp away from the water, it behooves you to have an inflatable boat that can easily be carried to and from the water. Being prepared is more than half the battle when it comes to an enjoyable camping trip!
Cold Weather Kayaking
It is amazing how you can be out in frigid weather and be so comfortable. The key is choosing the right layers of clothing to 
keep you warm enough and dry enough to kayak the rapids or fly fish in the still water.
When you are preparing for a cold weather paddling adventure, the key is confidence in the durability and reliability of your craft. The rugged high pressure fabric of the Sea Eagle Explorers make them the choice you can count on. The fabric is strong in all directions, can withstand high impacts from sharp objects without puncture – these inflatable kayaks are designed for the wilderness adventurer’s needs. They are light and easy to transport to the most remote locations. You’re stowing your gear in under 10 minutes. The 600 lb. load capacity let’s you take everything you need. These are the water crafts to put your mind at ease, and open up your mind and heart to the beauty of life on the water.
Winter resolution
My New Year’s promises to myself include getting my inflatable kayak – the Sea Eagle 330 – 
and ready to go at the first warm calm day. The 330 loves the wind and waves, but I like to ease into paddling after the enforced winter layoff.
I watch the magnificent expanse of frozen white landscape and relish every breath of cold crisp air. Though the holidays have wound down, I still have my visions of sugarplums – the sailcat. It’s on my short list of treats in the New Year.
In a few months, Spring will awaken and we will be digging into the cold clear lake and sprinting along the shoreline in our lightweight, easy to take and travel inflatable kayaks. Pleasant dreams.