Archive for the ‘Kayaking’ Category


Paddle Your Way to Adventure

 
Today’s kayaks offer safe, inexpensive fun for the entire family.
 
If you’re a frequent visitor to our lakes and streams, you’ve likely noticed that more people are enjoying the same waterways while paddling a kayak. In fact, according to The Outdoor Foundation, 32 percent more participants took up the sport between 2009 and 2011. That’s not surprising when you consider that it can be enjoyed by young and old, is relatively inexpensive and the equipment requires little maintenance.
 
“Kayaks are friendlier today than they have ever been. They are more stable, more comfortable and easier to use. They’re also safer. The cockpit opening is longer and goes past your knees, making it easier to exit the kayak in an emergency situation,” said Mark Palinsky, of Old Town.
 
If you’ve considered joining this extremely enjoyable and relaxing activity, here are a few options and suggestions.
 
Fishing and River Kayaks
 
As our experts pointed out, we’re seeing two significant kayaking trends in: people are buying them to fish and to paddle along our scenic rivers.
 
“The river kayaks are simply an extension of what people have experienced for years. They have rented kayaks and canoes at liveries and have enjoyed the experience so much that they have decided to purchase the kayak for personal use. Our Swiftwater 10.5 kayak is ideal for this use. The fishing kayaks are great for those who want to get away from fishing from shore and don’t want to use a powerboat. I recommend our Patriot or Blast models. They are designed to carry fishing rod holders and come in camouflage colors,” said Greg Larson of Confluence Water Sports.
 
Another option for anglers is Pelican International’s Castaway 100 sit-on kayak. It offers plenty of speed, capacity and storage space. Mark Palinsky, of Old Town kayaks and canoes, offers yet another approach.
 
“You don’t necessarily have to go out and buy an angler kayak. Kayaks that are serviceable, with a large cockpit and high level of stability, such as our Vapor 10 model, are very good for people who like to fish. What many of our customers have found is that it’s less expensive to buy a base model and customize it to their specific needs,” Palinsky said.
 
Kids’ Kayaks
 
As many parents are discovering, kayaking is an ideal activity that can be enjoyed by the entire family, including children. Before you purchase a kayak for junior, Palinsky offers the following advice:
 
“Like shoes, the kayak has to fit the child. Shoes that are too big make the child clumsy and shoes that are too small are not comfortable. Frequently, parents will buy a 9-foot boat and will have their kids grow into it. It’s not necessarily the best approach,” he said.
 
Palinsky recommends making sure the kayak is designed to accommodate the child’s weight and that the foot pegs can be easily reached, since they help provide stability.
 
Stand Up Paddleboards
 
Also extremely popular nowadays are stand up paddleboards (SUPs). In fact, The Outdoor Foundation reports that nearly 60 percent of stand up paddling participants tried the activity for the first time in 2011.
 
“SUPs are wide surfboards that you stand up and paddle with and are more versatile than kayaks. You can sit, kneel or stand up on them. Women are using them for yoga and core exercising,” said Lisa Senecal, Pelican International.
 
Dunham’s Sports carries three different Pelican International models: Vibe, for smaller paddlers (up to 120 pounds), Flow, for intermediate paddlers and Surge, for more performance-oriented paddlers.
 
“We’re seeing an increase of SUPs in river use, especially in Michigan,” Palinsky added. “What a wonderful way to go down the river; they provide a much better view of what’s in front and around you.”
 
Kayak Care
 
One of the most appealing aspects of this sport is that the equipment requires little maintenance.
 
“Pretty much all of the kayaks that Dunham’s carries are low maintenance – even no maintenance,” Senecal said.
 
“We have sun protection built into the boat, but not on the seats. We recommend using a good UV protectant to prevent sun degradation,” Larson added. All of our experts recommended storing kayaks on their side when not in use.
 
Dunham’s Sports carries a wide range of kayaks and SUPs for a variety of purposes, configurations and price points. Be sure to consult with a sales representative to help you make an informed decision so you too can enjoy our area’s wonderful waterways.
 
-Paddle Bum
 
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Paddle Your Cares Away

A kayak or paddleboard can make summer special
 
Seldom has such a simple device brought so much pleasure to so many. First used by Native Americans before the beginning of recorded history, the kayak has been rediscovered by modern Americans and is now more popular than ever.
 
While the conventional image of kayaking is that of a brave adventurer shooting the rapids, the reality is different. Today’s best-selling kayaks are stable, easy to maneuver crafts, and most kayak enthusiasts enjoy paddling serene waterways, where nature can be enjoyed while getting moderate exercise.
 
Because a kayak is easy to transport, you don’t have to live on the water to enjoy it. Amita Guha, a New York City web developer, said she learned to kayak four years ago on the Hudson River. Today, she prefers rural settings.
 
“I love it,” she said. “I’ve kayaked Cape Cod a couple of times and the Elkhorn Slough off California’s Monterey Bay. I’m going paddling with a friend in Annapolis next month.”
 
Kayaks are available in various configurations. Most popular is the sit-in kayak, where the paddler sits on the floor, lowering the center of gravity and enhancing stability. Sit-in kayaks are available for both single paddlers and two to three occupants. Wide kayaks are most stable, while long kayaks are fastest.
 
Recreational Sit-In Kayaks
 
Most kayaks sold today are recreational kayaks, which are moderately fast, yet stable and easy to maneuver. Dunham’s stocks a wide variety, including the entry- to mid-level Pelican Ultimate 100. According to Noël Basque of Pelican, it features an adjustable seatback, foot pegs, ample storage and tie-downs, yet it’s priced affordable. Another popular Pelican offering is the mid-level Escape 100 SE, which offers a quick-lock hatch, padded seat, dashboard and more. New from Pelican is the Solo, a six-foot kayak for kids.
 
“Pelican wants the whole family to get into the game,” says Mr. Basque.
 
Dunham’s is also proud to offer kayaks from Old Town, a Maine company that has been building watercraft since 1898. According to Old Town’s Mark Palinsky, the company is one of the world’s first producers of rotationally molded kayaks.
 
“We’ve had a long time to get it right,” says Mr. Palinsky, “and we’re proud of our history.”
 
Among Old Town products you’ll find at Dunham’s are the entry level Otter, which features an adjustable seatback, foot braces, and a paddle-keeper attachment, and the top-of-the-line Dirigo, which is loaded with features including a dashboard hatch for storing cellphone, keys and other valuables.
 
Other Options  
In addition to sit-in kayaks, Dunham’s offers sit-on kayaks. Sitting up top makes for a high center of gravity, so this type kayak is wider and slower than a sit-in. But sit-on-tops are great for fishing or scuba diving, where water access is more important than speed.
 
Dunham’s carries the Pelican Castaway 100 sit-on-top fishing kayak with rod holders, paddle tie-downs, two flush-mount rod holders, a swivel rod holder, an adjustable padded backrest, and more. It’s ready to take you up that narrow little stream where the big ones lurk.
 
The Pelican Apex 100 is a full-featured sit-on-top recreational kayak featuring a self-bailing design, plenty of elastic bungee cords, and an adjustable padded backrest.
 
Also available at Dunham’s is the Frenzy sit-on-top from Ocean Kayak. The Frenzy features a molded-in seat well, removable bungee cords, and side-mounted carrying handles.
 
Get Up and Go!
 
Adventurous water lovers might want to try the stand-up paddleboard. A marriage of kayak and surfboard, paddleboarding is more difficult than kayaking but easier than surfing. It can provide a good workout, but leisurely paddling is an option as well.
 
Stand Up Paddleboarding has roots in the earliest days of surfing. Some say it was developed by surfing instructors, who stood on their boards so they could observe students. Others say it was popularized by Waikiki beach boys who paddled out on their long boards to take pictures of tourists learning to surf.
 
Paddleboards follow the same rules of physics as kayaks, so wider boards are more stable than narrower ones. Beginners should start with as wide a board as possible and be prepared to spend some time learning to get on their feet. Pelican’s Noël Basque says, “Most people only need five to ten minutes to get the hang of it.”
 
Among the Paddleboards you’ll find at Dunham’s is the Pelican Flow 106 SUP, which can be paddled standing up, kneeling or sitting.
 
A Good Fit
 
Whether you choose a kayak or paddleboard, Dunham’s consultants can help you select a product that’s best for you. In addition to variations in craft design, paddles come in different lengths and should be matched to the individual’s needs.
 
Both kayaking and paddleboarding are great ways to enjoy the outdoors. There’s nothing quite like moving silently across a calm body of water with a blue sky above and sunlight sparkling on the water ahead.
 
Enjoy.
 
-Paddle Bum
 
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KAYAK — TO WHERE THE FISH ARE

Fishing from kayaks has exploded in popularity over the past decade, and for good reason. These small personal watercraft offer several advantages to the angler over conventional boats — no need for a boat launch, no noisy motor to scare the fish, and a nimbleness that lets you get into those tight spots where fish like to hide and where typical fishing boats won’t fit.
 
It’s Personal
 
It would be hard to find a more personal outdoor activity than paddling a single-seat kayak (two- and four-seat kayaks are also available). You propel yourself and go exactly where you want to go, which gives you the freedom to escape the crowds and find nature on your own terms.
 
That personal character of a kayak is something to keep in mind when buying one.
 
You will be spending a lot of time in (or on) it, so be sure it fits you and you are completely comfortable. Lucian Gazel runs a kayak fishing guide service on the Great Lakes, and he says you can do that without actually putting a kayak in the water. “In the store, you can sit in the kayak, get a paddle and move your arms and you can tell right away if you’re too restricted or if you have a good fit.”
 
Your individual needs go beyond just how the kayak fits, however. Where you will use the kayak and where you will fish are also important. If you’ll primarily fish in open water — large lakes — then stability may be more important. If you’ll spend most of your time on rivers and smaller lakes, then mobility and nimbleness may be bigger priorities.
 
Accessorizing Your Kayak
 
While kayaks are able to go where conventional fishing boats can’t, their relative smaller size means a whole different strategy on carrying your fishing “stuff.” Space is at a premium, and you have to carefully plan how you’ll carry rods, reels, tackle, bait and all the other gear you can just throw into a fishing boat.
 
So, what do you need and where do you put it? The experts agree that the key is to start slow. “I wouldn’t buy any kind of fishing accessory for a kayak until I’ve had the kayak in the water at least 3 or 4 times,” says Gazel. “The mistake kayak rookies often make is they put their rod holder in a place that interferes with their paddling. The problem is, once you’ve drilled that hole, you’re pretty well stuck with it.”
 
There are numerous accessories for the kayak angler — rod holders, storage for bait and fish, tackle boxes, running lights, anchors, drift chutes, seatbacks, paddle keepers, fish finders — the list goes on and on.
 
Kayak veterans say newcomers should keep things simple, at least at first. All you really need is a rod holder. Then, after a few trips you can adapt your kayak fishing gear to your own experiences. There’s plenty of time to stock up on your “toys.”
 
Catching Fish from a Kayak
 
Kayaks give you a built-in advantage of “stealth” fishing, and the ability to go just about anywhere the fish are. Still, there are different techniques for fishing from a kayak.
 
Trolling — Just as with a conventional boat, but you can troll in tighter areas. You drift with the current or paddle, dragging a lure or bait.
 
Drifting — You can drift in the general direction of a structure. Put away your paddle and use a rudder to steer.
 
Side Saddle — From a sit-on-top kayak, this is an excellent technique in shallow water where you can see bottom. You can control the kayak without a paddle, using your feet to “walk” across the bottom.
 
Poling and Standing — Standing lets you see down in the water for excellent sight-casting. Obviously, this takes a very stable craft in calm waters. You can use a pole to propel yourself.
 
Fly Fishing — Easier in a sit-inside kayak, because you’ve got a perfect place to store a stripped fly line.
 
Wade Fishing — You can anchor the kayak, or you can tie yourself to it with a bowline.
 
Once you’ve fished from a kayak, you may never go back to the “old” way. And you may also find you spend plenty of time in your kayak without a fishing rod, simply enjoying nature.
 
CHOOSING A KAYAK PADDLE
 
Choosing the right paddle is very important — you’re going to be using that paddle virtually every moment you’re in the kayak. Lucian Gazel’s advice is simple: “Buy the most expensive paddle you can afford.”
 
3 Paddle Characteristics
 
Blade Length and Shape
 
A wider blade has more surface area and can provide more acceleration, but will also require more effort. Feathered blades have the blades turned at an angle to one another (rather than parallel). This allows a more efficient stroke as the blade that is not in the water is leading into the wind with its narrow edge instead of the flat side, for less wind resistance. However, additional wrist turning is required, so a compromise for novice paddlers is a collapsible paddle that can be adjusted for feathered or unfeathered use.
 
A spooned paddle has a curled or cupped face that increases the power of a stroke, while a dihedral paddle has a type of tapered nose in the middle of the face that helps direct water around the paddle.
 
Shaft Length and Shape
 
Length is important based on your size, the size of the kayak and the paddle effort desired. While most paddle shafts are straight, there are several bent-shaft models that may increase a paddler’s comfort as well as provide for a stronger, more efficient stroke.
 
Materials
 
The materials used to construct the paddle will determine its weight, durability and flexibility. Paddles may be made of fiberglass, plastic, aluminum, graphite, Kevlar, carbon or good-old-fashioned wood. Each type has its own feel as to weight and flex. Where you kayak is also important. If you primarily use rivers, streams and small lakes, you are more likely to run into rocks, trees and other debris, so durability is more important than if you primarily kayak in open water.
 
-Paddle Bum
 
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Four Thousand Years Old, Getting Better Every Day

The kayak may be one of the world’s oldest watercrafts, but the latest designs show a lot of fresh thinking.
 
Kayaking is one of today’s fastest growing recreational activities, but the kayak is not a new concept. The first kayaks were built over 4,000 years ago by some of the first inhabitants of North America — indigenous residents of the Arctic region. Made of animal skins and driftwood, these early boats were ideal transportation for a hunter who wished to navigate frigid waterways in search of dinner.
 
A wide variety of kayaks are available today, and thanks to many years of development and advanced design techniques, the venerable watercraft is now a superb way for one or more adventurers to explore the world’s waters.
 
Recreational Kayaking
 
While kayaks are still used for fishing or hunting, recreational paddling has become the most popular activity of kayak enthusiasts, and boats designed specifically for that role are widely available. Recreational kayaks provide go-anywhere freedom, and because they move almost silently, they are a comfortable fit in a wilderness environment.
 
According to Mark Palinsky of Old Town Kayaks, today’s recreational kayaks are engineered with plenty of stability and gear capacity. Made of tough space-age plastics and easy to control, recreational kayaks are well suited to leisurely exploration of lakes and rivers. Because modern kayaks are roomy and provide easy entry and exit, the sport imposes no boundaries. Kayaking is enjoyed by young and old alike, and unlike most recreational activities, men and women participate in equal numbers.
 
The most common type of recreational kayak is the 10- to 14-foot sit-in design, where a single occupant sits in a comfortable padded seat that is positioned below the kayak’s deck. According to Lisa Senecal of Pelican International, sit-in kayaks are more popular than sit-on-top designs, because the paddler is better protected from spray. That makes a difference when the water is uncomfortably cold.
 
Today’s better recreational kayaks are equipped with a number of hatches for stowing equipment,  bulkheads that can help keep compartments dry, handles for carrying the kayak, adjustable foot braces, thigh pads, and perhaps even a cup holder for your favorite beverage.
 
Variations on a Theme
 
While recreational kayaks are today’s best sellers, other types are available as well.
 
Whitewater kayaks are specialized watercraft, and you’ve probably seen them shooting the rapids on television.Short and maneuverable, they work best when pushed by a fast-moving stream. Because whitewater kayaking can be challenging, it requires training and preparation.
 
Touring kayaks are another configuration. Very long and less maneuverable than a recreational kayak, they are capable of higher speed on open water. Touring kayaks are usually about 16 feet or more in length and can rapidly cover a lot of water, so they’re a great choice for a long trip across a bay or large lake. Many are designed for two or three occupants and include plenty of gear-stowage room. Some touring kayaks have rudders to assist in control and an upturned bow to deflect waves. At rest, they are generally not as stable as recreational kayaks.
 
Kayaks designed for fishing are lightweight and extremely stable. They can include features like rod holders, mounts for electronic gear, a means of securing the paddle, and an anchor system.
 
Sit-on-top kayaks are exactly what the name suggests. Rather than sitting within the hull, the paddler sits on top of the hull. Because this raises the center of gravity, sit-on-top kayaks are wider than traditional kayaks in order to gain stability. They are popular with scuba divers who want to easily get in and out of the water. They are also the choice of some fishermen, who like the freedom of movement that this kayak provides. The latest designs are almost unsinkable and are a great choice for those who want to play on and in the water.
 
Inflatable Kayaks are usually made of hypalon, polyvinyl chloride, or polyurethane-coated cloth. Because they can be deflated and folded, they are easily carried to a destination. A pump is required for inflation. Electric pumps that connect to a vehicle’s electrical system are a common choice.
 
What’s New?
 
“The kayak market is beginning to see the emergence of recreational kayaks that are slightly modified so that they can be used as touring kayaks for longer trips,” said Pelican’s Lisa Senecal. She added that people are increasingly looking for increased comfort in the way of padded ergonomically designed seats, dry storage and bulkheads that form watertight compartments.
 
Old Town’s Palinsky said that improved water-resistant hatches are featured on some newer kayaks. For example, his company recently introduced a Quick Seal hatch design on its Dirigo series kayaks. The hatch features gasket technology that is very resistant to water.
 
Kayaking Paddles
 
Kayak paddles are made in a variety of styles and of various materials, including aluminum, plastic, fiberglass and carbon fiber. Aluminum paddle shafts with plastic blades are light and inexpensive, and are a popular choice. Carbon fiber paddles are rigid and lightweight, but they are expensive. While not as light or rigid as carbon paddles, fiberglass paddles are also very high quality, and they can be more affordable.
 
Many paddles offer blade-angle adjustment. Varying the angle can change the amount of effort required to pull the blade through the water.
 
Kayaking Accessories
 
As the popularity of kayaking grew, the list of accessories expanded, but some are more necessary than others. For example, a personal flotation device, or PFD, is an absolute requirement. In addition, most kayakers don’t want to be without a dry bag — a watertight sack that protects your cargo if water enters the hatch. Fishing-related accessories are quite popular. Among these are swivel rod holders and anchor kits that will adapt a recreational kayak for angling.  Other available extras include carry straps, seat cushions, tie-down devices, worktables and more.
 
Paddle to that Special Place
 
It doesn’t take a large investment or a lot of skill to enjoy kayaking. Perhaps that’s why the sport has grown so rapidly. A kayak on your favorite lake or stream gives you freedom to wander that most other types of watercraft can’t match. So strap those kayaks to the roof of your car and head off to the great outdoors. That special place awaits you.
 
-Paddle Bum
 
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Got Kayak Fever?

If you’ve ever kayaked across the surface of a glass-smooth lake at sunrise, slipped almost silently over a secluded pond to a favorite fishing spot, or taken a relaxing trip down a lazy river, you already know the go-anywhere personal freedom and fun that recreational kayaking can offer.
 
Once used almost exclusively by northern hunters and fisherman, kayaks have exploded in popularity among cottagers, vacationers and weekend adventure-seekers.
 
“There are now about 7 million kayak enthusiasts in North America,” according to Pelican International. “If each one uses their kayak only ten times per year that adds up to 70 million adventures that might have otherwise been missed.”
 
If you’re new to the sport and think all kayaks are bulky, uncomfortable and difficult to handle, then you’re also in for a few surprises.
 
Advanced manufacturing techniques help make today’s kayaks surprisingly light-weight, yet extremely durable. Pelican’s line of Elite kayaks, for example, are formed with a special thermoforming process that fuses together precisely shaped decks and hulls under extreme heat and pressure. “Thermoforming allows us to produce light-weight, incredibly durable and highly affordable two-tone kayaks, with the look and quality of much more expensive composite types,” says Pelican International . “Less weight also makes a kayak easier to paddle, maneuver and even lift on top of your car.”
 
Climbing into or on-board a modern kayak… that’s right, both sit-in and sit-on-top models are available… doesn’t mean leaving comfort behind. Most have ergonomically-designed seating with excellent support for your back, thighs and legs. Some offer adjustable foot pegs and sophisticated rudder systems. You can also add a variety of amenities such as beverage coolers, fishing rod holders, tackle boxes, work tables, instrumentation and navigation packages, deck boxes and dry compartments to safely and securely stow away your swimming, snorkeling, scuba or fishing gear.
 
Four major types of recreational kayaks are available. If you’ve had previous experience with one before and found it difficult to handle, too slow or lacking the comfort you needed, you probably chose one that wasn’t designed for the purpose you wanted it to perform.
 
Recreational – the best all-purpose design. A wide and short hull makes this type highly stable and maneuverable. Single and dual seat models are available. Large cockpits make entry and exit easier. This type is the smart choice for beginner to intermediate-level paddlers who want to dive into the sport and quickly hone their skills during quick jaunts around the lake.
 
Sit-On-Top – the open deck design offers the ultimate freedom to bask in the sun, take a dip, snorkel or scuba. Double-hull construction and built-in floatation devices help make them practically unsinkable. If you’re not comfortable in a closed-deck kayak, this type can add hours of fun to your family vacations or weekends at the lake house.
 
Fishing – a fishing-friendly Sit-On-Top design that offers excellent stability and maneuverability. The best are equipped with built in rod holders and oversized storage areas to help keep everything you need to land the big ones within easy reach.
 
Touring – generally the longest type of kayak; designed for speed, comfort and storage. Single and dual seat models are available. Touring types are the favorite of experienced paddlers who enjoy longer trips across a bay and back, to an island for an overnight stay or exploring coves and inlets of larger bodies of water.
 
If you’re undecided which type of kayak to choose, take an honest look at your experience, your budget and where you’d like to paddle. Ask an expert to explain the features and benefits each type offers. Choose wisely and you’ll enjoy hours of freedom and adventure gliding over your favorite lake, river or pond.
 
On the Other Shore
 
Congratulations! You’ve crossed the bay or lake to the other shore or secluded little island you’ve always wanted to explore. You’ve also made the transition from being a kayaker to becoming an explorer or camper for a few hours, a full day or even overnight.
 
But, how prepared are you to enjoy the sounds of nature, the smell of the pine, or a night under the stars? Bringing the right equipment along can help make the difference between an enjoyable trip and a disastrous one.
 
Coleman, the world’s leading manufacturer of camping gear and outdoor equipment, offers everything you need. Here’s a short list of basic equipment to consider the next time you go wandering.

  • Tent – A small dome-type or backpacking tent offers the protection and comfort you’ll appreciate if unexpectedly stranded on a distant shore or camping overnight.
  • Sleeping Bag – Nothing keeps you as warm and cozy when you’re far from home. Bring along an inflatable air bed with a built-in pump and dream your cares away.
  • Lantern and Flashlights – Starlight is great, but a lantern or two is better. Be sure to bring along a waterproof flashlight or two and plenty of extra batteries.
  • Collapsible Cooler – Other than bad weather, nothing will cut a trip short more than not having adequate food and water. Store more than you think you’ll need in a collapsible cooler and don’t forget some waterproof matches or a lighter.
  • Portable Stove or Grill – For brewing coffee or tea, cooking a hearty breakfast, lunch or dinner, camp stoves and grills are amazingly easy to use.
  • First Aid Kit – Always bring along a first aid kit for small emergencies like scrapes, cuts and insect bites.
  • Insect Repellant – Don’t forget the insect repellant or bug spray or you may spend most of your time swatting mosquitoes and flies away from your body and face.

 
Protect Yourself Against Water and Sun
 
Kayaking can be an exciting and exhilarating adventure. But at some point you’ll undoubtedly be caught in a sudden rain shower or find yourself out of your kayak and in the water. And remember, even on a cloudy day the surface of a lake, river or pond can intensify the sun’s harmful rays.
 
Don’t let the rain, water or sun ruin an otherwise perfect day or weekend getaway. Innovative new technologies from Columbia Sportswear can help protect you when you least expect it but need it most.
 
“Our Omni technologies help keep you warm and dry, cool and comfortable, and moving fast and light,” according to Columbia Apparel and Equipment.
 
Great-looking Omni-Shield™ sportswear is waterproof, breathable and stain-resistant. Specially coated jackets, pants, shirts and footwear keep moisture out, yet allow perspiration to escape, so you stay dry and comfortable even when you paddle for hours.
 
If you are caught in the rain, drenched by a wave, or splashed by an ill-timed forward sweep, they dry up to five times faster than untreated fabric. And, because they repel moisture rather than hold it, they also feel lighter than conventional fabrics even when wet.
 
Columbia’s Omni-Shade® sportswear protects you from damaging ultraviolet (UV) radiation by blocking the majority of the sun’s harmful rays, so you can stay out longer.
 
“Our Omni-Shade clothing carries The Skin Cancer Foundations’ Seal of Recommendation, given to sun-protective fabrics that have a minimum Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) of 30,” says Columbia.
 
Light-weight, tight weave construction, UV reflectors, and UV absorbing technology blocks Ultraviolet A and B rays to help prevent sun burn and long-term skin damage.
 
Like sunscreen, a full line of stylish hats, jackets, pants, shirts and shorts offer a wide range of protection up to UPF 50+. But, unlike sunscreen, Omni-Shade protection never wears off.
 
-Paddle Bum
 
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Kayaking

Whether you are looking for a new activity to add to your current exercise routine or you simply want to find an enjoyable outdoor activity during the warm summer months, kayaking may be a great option for you. The basic skills of paddling are uncomplicated to learn for recreational needs, but can be perfected over time to increase efficiency for more serious kayakers. Kayaking can also provide many health benefits for both those who appreciate the competition of sport and those who just want a fun, social activity.
 
The repetitive action of paddling over a long duration of time improves both aerobic and muscular endurance. The continuous paddle stroke and physical effort required to propel the kayak through water should keep the heart rate elevated and the muscles challenged. Because kayaking focuses primarily on the upper body for the basis of the movement, it should affect your cardiovascular system very differently than many standard aerobic activities, such as jogging or biking.
 
The added variety and emphasis on upper body musculature through hundreds, if not thousands, of repetitions will not only build muscular endurance, but strength as well. Kayaking provides great emphasis on the back, shoulders, arms and torso. Depending on your skills as a kayaker, the lower body can also become very involved. The added difficulty of working in an unstable environment, in addition to the trunk rotation necessary for this activity further increase the significance of core strength in the abdominal and lower back muscles, as well as the hips.
 
Similar to any aerobic activity, kayaking can also be used as a tool to achieve weight loss. Depending on your physical abilities and intensity of paddling, kayaking at five miles per hour burns roughly 400 calories per hour. Better yet – You are able to enjoy the benefits of creating a significant calorie deficit while appreciating the pure and simple, stress-reducing perks of being outside to enjoy the weather and the scenery. Being with nature will allow you to clear your mind and relax your body without the bothersome interruptions of everyday life.
 
Before you begin, be sure to invest in the proper safety equipment necessary for most water sports. In addition, finding an appropriate training program that will help you improve your core strength, upper body strength and endurance, aerobic conditioning, flexibility and balance will allow you to enjoy the sport of kayaking for many years.
 
-Paddle Bum
 
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