My Foray into Kayakinghttp://www.advrider.com/forums/newthread.php?do=newthread&f=9

[Johnny KLR]

I don't know why, but over the last year, my interest in recreational kayaks has been steadily increasing. We moved down to Texas from Nebraska and having a lake very nearby just spurred that interest all the more.

I'd finally decided, without really knowing much about kayaks at all, that I was going to get one. As I stopped in a Dicks Sporting Goods to get a curl bar when I discovered they were having some outdoor expo thing. Sure enough, there was a big 'ol shallow pool and some kayak demos. I wound up bringing two home that day; one for me, and one for which ever other family memeber wanted to come with me. After the first time out, I decided to get another one as well.



First, it was just me, paddling in the open lake here (which is 12 miles long, and about 2 miles wide). The waves can actually get pretty big there, and it can be almost like being on the ocean. The troughs between the waves can easily hide the kayak. I loved it!



However, my wife isn't so fond of 'extreme' environments like that, and isn't quite so eager to go when there's any sort of wind; and I don't like the idea of the boys being out on such rough water. Ultimately, that meant we seldom went.

Thankfully I found some rivers that branch off the lake that are incredibly smooth and tranquil even on the windiest of days. I suppose, this really is where my story starts.

The time on the water with the boys is irreplaceable. It has been an incredible experience and even my wife is eager to get out there with me. As I've learned more, I realize that I'd like to build a couple of kayaks, and also do a kayaking tour gig. The tour business is to satisfy two points: To share the beauty of these places with people who'd otherwise never see them, and also to generate a bit of money to offset this new found mania.


I'm loving this!