Why You Should Kayak
Not Only is Kayaking Fun, it's Beneficial.
Kayaking can provide numerous benefits, both physical and mental. Some of the potential benefits of kayaking include:
Improved physical fitness: Kayaking can provide a full-body workout, as it involves using your arms, shoulders, and core muscles to paddle, as well as leg muscles to help you balance in the kayak.
Stress relief: Being out on the water, surrounded by nature, can be a great way to relieve stress and clear your mind.
Increased strength and endurance: Regular kayaking can help improve your overall strength and endurance, as it requires you to use multiple muscle groups over an extended period of time.
Improved coordination and balance: Kayaking requires a high degree of coordination and balance, which can help improve these skills over time.
Improved mental health: In addition to the stress-relieving effects of being out on the water, kayaking can also provide a sense of accomplishment and increased self-esteem, which can have positive effects on your mental health.
Increased social interaction: Kayaking can be a great way to meet new people and socialize, whether you're joining a group kayaking trip or simply paddling with friends or family.
Overall, kayaking can provide a wide range of physical and mental health benefits, making it a great outdoor activity to try.
Kayaking at The Wood River Wetlands
Learn Before You Go
Oregon's Nonmotorized Boating and Paddling Rules
Waterway Access Permits are required for boats 10 feet and longer (formerly the Aquatic Invasive Species Permit) Permits can be purchased through ODFW's eLicensing system and one and two-year permits through the Marine Board's Boat Oregon Store.
Paddling Trip Planning and Preparation
ALWAYS BE PREPARED
PREPARE FOR YOUR PADDLE ADVENTURE BY DOING THE FOLLOWING:
Always wear a properly fitting life jacket and know how to swim in a river current.
Carry a sound-producing device, like a whistle and other communication devices.
Print a Float Plan to leave with family or friends, so they know when you'll return and call for help if you don't return when expected.
Never boat under the influence of alcohol, drugs, marijuana, or inhalants.
Never paddle on an outgoing tide.
Never paddle alone. Bring along at least one other boater. When paddling, two boats with two operators each are recommended. Three boats with two paddlers each are even better.
If unfamiliar with the waterway, paddle with someone knowledgeable.
Stay in groups and don't spread out.
Think of rivers like a highway, and the main channel is where motorboats are confined to operate. Never overload the boat.
Tie down the gear and distribute weight evenly.
Never overestimate your skill with the conditions.
Start on calm, flat water with minimal wind if you're new to paddling.
Learn self-rescue and reboarding skills, and continually practice.
Maintain a low center of gravity and three points of contact.
Keep your weight balanced over the center of the boat. Standing up or moving around in a small boat can cause it to capsize –a leading cause of fatalities among paddlers. Leaning a shoulder over the boat's edge can destabilize it enough to overturn.
Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings, including nearby powerboats.
Be prepared to react when dangerous situations arise.
Dress appropriately for the water temperature, not the air temperature and the type of boating. You're on the water, so expect to get wet and dress for immersion.
Check your boat or paddleboard for leaks.
Map a general route and timetable when embarking on a long trip.
Arrange for your vehicles to be shuttled to the takeout.
Know the weather conditions before you head out.
While paddling, watch the weather and stay close to shore.
Head for shore if the waves or wind increase.
Check for reported obstructions or other navigation alerts.
STAND-UP PADDLEBOARDING:
There are special considerations for paddleboarders.
Paddleboards are defined as boats and have equipment requirements and safety considerations.
Have a quick-release leash for a stand-up paddleboard on moving waters.
Have a properly-fitted life jacket, sound-producing device such as a whistle, and a Waterway Access Permit if the SUP is 10 feet or longer.
Use a leash to prevent the board from getting away from you.
If paddleboarding in swift-moving water (rivers), wear a waist or life jacket attachable leash with a quick-release accessible by both hands.
A coiled leash attaching to the ankle is appropriate for flatwater, and a straight leash for the ocean surf zone.
Kayaking in Klamath County, Oregon
Did you know?
Some Historical Facts about Kayaking
1. Kayaking dates back over 4,000 years and was originally developed by indigenous tribes in the Arctic region for hunting and transportation purposes.
2. The word "kayak" comes from the Greenlandic language and means "hunter's boat."
3. The oldest known kayak was discovered in Denmark and dates back to around 1577. It is believed to have belonged to the Inuit people.
4. In the early 20th century, kayaking gained popularity as a recreational sport in Europe and North America.
5. During World War II, kayaks were used by the British Special Operations Executive (SOE) for covert operations in enemy territory.
6. In 1936, the first whitewater kayaking competition was held in Switzerland.
7. In 1972, kayaking was included for the first time in the Olympic Games, held in Munich, Germany.
8. The longest continuous kayak race in the world is the Yukon River Quest, a 444-mile race in Canada.
9. In 1985, Slovenian adventurer Jure Robič became the first person to kayak across the Atlantic Ocean, covering a distance of 7,222 miles in 73 days.
10. The Greenland Kayaking Championships are held annually in Greenland, where participants showcase their skills in traditional Greenlandic kayaks.
11. In 1969, adventurer John Dowd became the first person to kayak the length of the Grand Canyon.
12. In 1997, Wataru Masuda set a world record by kayaking the longest distance in 24 hours, covering 356.8 miles in Japan.
13. The Eskimo roll, a technique used to right a capsized kayak, was developed by indigenous Arctic tribes and is still commonly used today.
14. In 1998, the first International Whitewater Hall of Fame was established to recognize significant contributions to the sport of kayaking.
15. The longest kayak ever built measured 441 feet and was created as a promotional stunt by a kayak manufacturer.
16. In the 1980s, the sport of freestyle kayaking emerged, which involves performing tricks and maneuvers in a kayak on whitewater.
17. In 2009, French kayaker Eric Deguil set a record by descending the Angel Falls in Venezuela, the highest waterfall in the world, in a kayak.
18. In 2012, a team of kayakers set a record by completing the first descent of the Tsangpo River in Tibet, one of the most challenging and dangerous rivers in the world.
19. Kayaking has become an important form of eco-tourism, allowing people to explore and appreciate the natural beauty of rivers, lakes, and coastlines.
20. Today, kayaking is enjoyed by millions of people worldwide as a way to experience adventure, nature, and physical activity.
Kayakers on Crater Lake