Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Kayaks; They Are Everywhere

Back in the day, kayaks were only used by the adventurous types, normal people used canoes and jon boats for their small boating needs. Have you noticed that you rarely see canoes anymore? Drive around our area during rush hour and you will find that you see kayaks on top of cars, sometimes multiple kayaks on multiple cars, kkayaks are everywhere.

Why are kayaks getting so popular? I believe that kayaks have become so popular because of several reasons. First, kayaking may be the easiest way to enjoy yourself on the water today; no license needed to operate, you don't need an large vehicle to transport them, they use people power not gasoline and they cost less than almost any other vessel on earth. The next best thing about a kayak is that you can use them anywhere; local ponds, lakes, rivers and even the ocean. Kayaks are light and can be handled by almost anyone. Kayaking is also a great way to get a workout and kayaking in the great outdoors is truly better than running on a treadmill next to me for a hour. I believe the biggest reason people have taken to kayaking is the new breed of kayaks on the market today. These new kayaks are not the kayaks of the past that you slid into like a foot in a sock, these new sit on top of kayak are stable and comfortable to sit on. Some kayaks like the Hobie Mirage Drive Kayaks even have pedals and rutter that propel and steer the kayak. They pedal kind of like a bike, fins under the kayak push the kayak along and you steer with a handle to change directions. That's pretty cool stuff, they allow you to fish from these boats virtually hands free. Kayak accessories are also available, endless options from GPS, sails, live wells, outriggers and even carts to transport your kayak from your car down to the water. All of the items above have make kayaking more popular than ever before.

If you want to get out on the water, get some exercise and enjoy the great outdoors without breaking the bank, kayaking may be right for you. I must warn you that kayaking is addictive, easy and fun. The next thing you know, you will have your kayak on top of your car coming home from work so you can stop and kayak till the sun goes down.