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Post by elaine on Jul 27, 2021 22:18:56 GMT
I took a couple of friends kayaking today who have never been before. They are in their mid-60’s and wanted to try. There was a boatload of anxiety, but they actually piled in my car this morning and headed to the marina to rent them. 2 friends dropped out this morning because their anxiety got the best of them. It was a perfect day for beginning kayaking - no noticeable wind or current. It was hot and humid, but that is par for the course here in the summer. Within 10 minutes of launching, both friends kept going on and on about how wonderful it was and how they loved it. We spent 2 hours on the water. Over lunch afterwards, they started planning the next kayaking trip, complete with asking for links for their own gear. It was really gratifying to be a part of helping them do something physical that they really enjoyed.   |
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Post by Lexica on Jul 27, 2021 22:22:45 GMT
How wonderful to be able to share a hobby you enjoy with others and see them become so taken by it. I have never been kayaking myself, but it would be something I would certainly like to try. It was very kind of you to introduce them to something they will undoubtedly spend many hours enjoying.
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Post by librarylady on Jul 27, 2021 22:29:56 GMT
That is great. ...Did you warn them to be expecting sore muscles tomorrow?
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stittsygirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,579 
Location: In the leaves and rain.
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Post by stittsygirl on Jul 27, 2021 22:37:10 GMT
So cool! My husband and I and our two youngest took an REI Kayaking class last week. It was a lot of fun and very informative. We loved it and hope to do more of it 😊.
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Post by LisaDV on Jul 27, 2021 22:40:57 GMT
I'm so jealous!!! I've been wanting to get into kayaking for several years, but DH doesn't, so ... I should set up a guide thing so I can try it without him.
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Post by dewryce on Jul 27, 2021 22:43:05 GMT
Looks like fun, wish I lived close I’d keep you company! Though, I suspect much of it would be helping me out of the water after I tipped myself over  Is this safe to do at night? I don’t really do sun and floating along when it’s dark sounds heavenly. |
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Post by elaine on Jul 27, 2021 22:43:38 GMT
That is great. ...Did you warn them to be expecting sore muscles tomorrow? Yes. 😀 |
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Post by flanz on Jul 27, 2021 22:46:32 GMT
How wonderful! Glad you all had fun!
I've only been kayaking three times, always in two person kayaks on fairly calm water.
I would NOT be comfortable out in the ocean as I'm not a strong swimmer.
I LOVE IT!!!
I was surprised how long I could paddle without tiring too!
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Post by malibou on Jul 27, 2021 22:47:10 GMT
I bet the 2 that dropped out are regretting it. It is such a fun activity and so easy to learn.
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Post by arielsmom on Jul 27, 2021 22:51:33 GMT
It helps keep my upper arms toned! We have two perception kayaks, and two future kayaks. The future ones have a special hull and are more stable, perfect for us older folks. I can actually step into it and then sit.
Have fun! Its a great activity.
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Post by elaine on Jul 27, 2021 22:52:04 GMT
Looks like fun, wish I lived close I’d keep you company! Though, I suspect much of it would be helping me out of the water after I tipped myself over Is this safe to do at night? I don’t really do sun and floating along when it’s dark sounds heavenly. It really is hard to tip over. You’d have to purposefully try to flip, and even then I don’t know if I could because I’m not strong enough! 😂 I rented a kayak with my friends so that we’d all have the same boats, and the rental ones are *really* stable. You can kayak at dusk/dark, but you have to find a place to launch and beach that is open in the evenings, and you also need lights if you will kayak at night for safety so that others see you. If my friends, who are in their mid-60s, can do this, so can you, dewryce . I thought of our conversation on this topic while I was out with them today and wished you were with us. 🥰 |
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Post by ~summer~ on Jul 27, 2021 22:55:40 GMT
Good for you for encouraging them to try something new.
I think the prettiest place I ever kayaked was in emerald bay in Lake Tahoe - it has all these little inlets and waterfalls and was spectacular.
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Post by elaine on Jul 27, 2021 22:57:38 GMT
I'm so jealous!!! I've been wanting to get into kayaking for several years, but DH doesn't, so ... I should set up a guide thing so I can try it without him. Our local parks and rec has inexpensive classes/tours. Maybe yours does too! The first time I went kayaking was with a tour when we were staying at Disney’s resort at Vero Beach, FL. I then realized that it was something that I could do, even though I’m a total klutz. My Dh wants nothing to do with the water, even though he was in the Navy. I do it all by myself (or with friends) - I always bring my phone and have a number of other safety measures in place. |
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Post by elaine on Jul 27, 2021 22:58:43 GMT
Good for you for encouraging them to try something new. I think the prettiest place I ever kayaked was in emerald bay in Lake Tahoe - it has all these little inlets and waterfalls and was spectacular. I would LOVE to kayak Tahoe. It is so beautiful up there. If you have pics, please post! |
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Post by dewryce on Jul 27, 2021 23:05:55 GMT
Looks like fun, wish I lived close I’d keep you company! Though, I suspect much of it would be helping me out of the water after I tipped myself over Is this safe to do at night? I don’t really do sun and floating along when it’s dark sounds heavenly. It really is hard to tip over. You’d have to purposefully try to flip, and even then I don’t know if I could because I’m not strong enough! 😂 I rented a kayak with my friends so that we’d all have the same boats, and the rental ones are *really* stable. You can kayak at dusk/dark, but you have to find a place to launch and beach that is open in the evenings, and you also need lights if you will kayak at night for safety so that others see you. If my friends, who are in their mid-60s, can do this, so can you, dewryce . I thought of our conversation on this topic while I was out with them today and wished you were with us. 🥰 We looked into the cost of the type of kayaks you recommended. Ouch. (but I found a purple and black and silver one and I want it!) If we knew we’d love it and do it a lot, that wouldn’t be an issue. But around here I have only ever seen the type you rode today to rent. Duh, it just occurred to me I should call some outdoor stores and see if they rent specialized ones. I know the kind from today would kill my back and cause a fibro flare for me. But the entertainment value (for those watching) of seeing me try to get into one without it tipping over might make it worth it  I didn’t know if they made them so they showed well at night, plus lights. Do boats go out after dark a lot? That seems a bit more dangerous. summer For sure post pics if you have them. We love Tahoe, it’s gorgeous! Went there on our honeymoon to ski, have always wanted to go back in the summer and just haven’t made it. Is there an Ironman there? Off to start my research. |
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Post by elaine on Jul 27, 2021 23:08:43 GMT
I bet the 2 that dropped out are regretting it. It is such a fun activity and so easy to learn. We texted them during lunch - we have a running group text conversation - and they sounded somewhat regretful. I’m betting they come when we go again next month. I truly believe that for some the not knowing what to expect - even when someone who has experience tries to reassure them - raises too much anxiety to cope with. It really is easy. I now have to live with being less awesome in their estimation because they are no longer impressed with my kayaking. 😂 |
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peasquared
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,448
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Post by peasquared on Jul 27, 2021 23:10:35 GMT
Looks like so much fun! Cute photos of you gals!!
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Post by elaine on Jul 27, 2021 23:18:08 GMT
It really is hard to tip over. You’d have to purposefully try to flip, and even then I don’t know if I could because I’m not strong enough! 😂 I rented a kayak with my friends so that we’d all have the same boats, and the rental ones are *really* stable. You can kayak at dusk/dark, but you have to find a place to launch and beach that is open in the evenings, and you also need lights if you will kayak at night for safety so that others see you. If my friends, who are in their mid-60s, can do this, so can you, dewryce . I thought of our conversation on this topic while I was out with them today and wished you were with us. 🥰 We looked into the cost of the type of kayaks you recommended. Ouch. (but I found a purple and black and silver one and I want it!) If we knew we’d love it and do it a lot, that wouldn’t be an issue. But around here I have only ever seen the type you rode today to rent. Duh, it just occurred to me I should call some outdoor stores and see if they rent specialized ones. I know the kind from today would kill my back and cause a fibro flare for me. But the entertainment value (for those watching) of seeing me try to get into one without it tipping over might make it worth it  I didn’t know if they made them so they showed well at night, plus lights. Do boats go out after dark a lot? That seems a bit more dangerous. summer For sure post pics if you have them. We love Tahoe, it’s gorgeous! Went there on our honeymoon to ski, have always wanted to go back in the summer and just haven’t made it. Is there an Ironman there? Off to start my research. Oh, there are a whole bunch of fish that really only bite at night, so night boating and kayaking is big! Yes, the pedal drive fishing kayaks are really pricey. The good thing is that it is a one-time cost. Then, you just launch it and go without additional costs. Do you have a Parks and Rec agency where you live? They would definitely rent, and probably have classes. Your local REI might too. Even LLBean offers kayaking courses, but I don’t know if you have one near you: www.llbean.com/llb/ods/513839?page=kayaking-courses-tours-and-trips&nav=33-4 I’m not sure if they have fishing kayaks for the classes, but they might. You could also check with Cabela’s or Bass Pro Shop if you have one of those. Or, the best option: you could come up to DC for a visit and I’ll let you go out on mine! |
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Post by Basket1lady on Jul 27, 2021 23:20:07 GMT
What a beautiful day! We always said that we wanted to kayak over the Ghost Fleet in Mallows Bay, but never had time to do it that last summer after we found out about it. We once took a guided kayak tour through Currituck Sound in the Outer Banks. It was at sunset and just beautiful.
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Post by dewryce on Jul 27, 2021 23:22:36 GMT
elaine We have most of those within a couple of hours and driving to them isn’t an issue. DH is immunocompromised though, so everything would have to be outdoors and well distanced. Worth a few phone calls for sure, thank you!
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Post by elaine on Jul 27, 2021 23:26:34 GMT
What a beautiful day! We always said that we wanted to kayak over the Ghost Fleet in Mallows Bay, but never had time to do it that last summer after we found out about it. We once took a guided kayak tour through Currituck Sound in the Outer Banks. It was at sunset and just beautiful. We hiked at Mallows Bay last month (my neighbors and I), to scope it out, and are planning to kayak there next month. It is amazing. My Walter Reed oncologist recommended it, and it was worth it! We even saw a bald eagle circling while there, in addition to numerous herons. We did come across 6 different snakes on the hiking path! 😳 I’d love to kayak the Outer Banks - it is so peaceful. |
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Post by mom on Jul 27, 2021 23:28:41 GMT
You are an awesome friend! ❤️
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Post by Basket1lady on Jul 27, 2021 23:32:24 GMT
What a beautiful day! We always said that we wanted to kayak over the Ghost Fleet in Mallows Bay, but never had time to do it that last summer after we found out about it. We once took a guided kayak tour through Currituck Sound in the Outer Banks. It was at sunset and just beautiful. We hiked at Mallows Bay last month (my neighbors and I), to scope it out, and are planning to kayak there next month. It is amazing. My Walter Reed oncologist recommended it, and it was worth it! We even saw a bald eagle circling while there, in addition to numerous herons. We did come across 6 different snakes on the hiking path! 😳 I’d love to kayak the Outer Banks - it is so peaceful. I’m out on the snakes! I’ll stick to the water. Now that we’ve moved away, DH and DD have regaled me with stories of the snakes they found in the yard at the last house. We were only in the second house for two years and evidently there were multiple killings. No wonder Emma never wanted to venture out in the yard! DH is an avid kayaker. I just go among for the ride. Emma loves riding along and often falls asleep with her head hanging over the side. dewryce, DH usually can find places that rent kayaks with higher backs. They’re hard to get in and out of, but the foot rests adjust and they have high backs to rest against. I’m always stiff after getting out, but my back is good. And I’d say that a kayak is the perfect place to social distance. |
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Post by arielsmom on Jul 27, 2021 23:35:02 GMT
It really is hard to tip over. You’d have to purposefully try to flip, and even then I don’t know if I could because I’m not strong enough! 😂 I rented a kayak with my friends so that we’d all have the same boats, and the rental ones are *really* stable. You can kayak at dusk/dark, but you have to find a place to launch and beach that is open in the evenings, and you also need lights if you will kayak at night for safety so that others see you. If my friends, who are in their mid-60s, can do this, so can you, dewryce . I thought of our conversation on this topic while I was out with them today and wished you were with us. 🥰 We looked into the cost of the type of kayaks you recommended. Ouch. (but I found a purple and black and silver one and I want it!) If we knew we’d love it and do it a lot, that wouldn’t be an issue. But around here I have only ever seen the type you rode today to rent. Duh, it just occurred to me I should call some outdoor stores and see if they rent specialized ones. I know the kind from today would kill my back and cause a fibro flare for me. But the entertainment value (for those watching) of seeing me try to get into one without it tipping over might make it worth it I didn’t know if they made them so they showed well at night, plus lights. Do boats go out after dark a lot? That seems a bit more dangerous. summer For sure post pics if you have them. We love Tahoe, it’s gorgeous! Went there on our honeymoon to ski, have always wanted to go back in the summer and just haven’t made it. Is there an Ironman there? Off to start my research. With our perceptions, we were taught to stand at the front of the kayak, then pull it up between your legs. When the part with the seat gets under you, you sit down, then pull your legs in. I was able to do this until a few years ago, and now I step into my kayak. I use my paddle as a pole on the opposite side, into the lake bed, as a stabilizer. I have lousy balance, actually doctoring for it right now. If I can do it, so can you! For you no sun people, invest in a long sleeved rash guard, lands end. We saw an eagle swoop down and catch a fish. A doe was at waters edge, drinking. Loons pop up next to you, and call. Turtles. Otters. All kinds of critters that would be scared away by the noise of a motor. |
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Post by malibou on Jul 27, 2021 23:42:42 GMT
Good for you for encouraging them to try something new. I think the prettiest place I ever kayaked was in emerald bay in Lake Tahoe - it has all these little inlets and waterfalls and was spectacular. I would LOVE to kayak Tahoe. It is so beautiful up there. If you have pics, please post! Several years ago we did a full moon kayak tour on Lake Tahoe. It was so peaceful and the water was like glass. |
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J u l e e
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,531
Location: Cincinnati
Jun 28, 2014 2:50:47 GMT
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Post by J u l e e on Jul 27, 2021 23:50:17 GMT
Such a good investment In friendships!
I love kayaking. I’m doing a little triathlon in September. I’ve always wanted to do a triathlon, but I can’t swim. I found one right where I live that is kayak/bike/swim. I’m so excited for it. It’ll be my first race entry post covid.
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Post by peano on Jul 27, 2021 23:57:47 GMT
That is so awesome you introduced your friends to a new and fun activity! When you use your own kayak, how do you transport it? That is my big issue. I've got a beautiful lime green L.L. Bean kayak in my garage which now just houses spiders. I would love to get it out, especially in the fall, because it's so beautiful here then. But DH doesn't really enjoy kayaking, and I was always dependent upon him to hoist it onto his roof rack, but I'm too short to do that.
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Post by elaine on Jul 28, 2021 0:35:06 GMT
That is so awesome you introduced your friends to a new and fun activity! When you use your own kayak, how do you transport it? That is my big issue. I've got a beautiful lime green L.L. Bean kayak in my garage which now just houses spiders. I would love to get it out, especially in the fall, because it's so beautiful here then. But DH doesn't really enjoy kayaking, and I was always dependent upon him to hoist it onto his roof rack, but I'm too short to do that. I spent way too much money on a set of Thule Hullavators. They drop down to around knee height and then use hydraulics to help you get it up on the roof. Before those came in, I used a $55 roller thing that sticks to the back windshield and you push the kayak up to the roof racks. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07WFJHPFY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 You could totally get a non-fishing kayak on your roof using one of these. Dh and I decided that the empowerment I get from being on the water and kayaking has been worth an investment so that I can do it independently. Here’s a video of the Hullavator: |
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Post by elaine on Jul 28, 2021 0:36:56 GMT
Such a good investment In friendships! I love kayaking. I’m doing a little triathlon in September. I’ve always wanted to do a triathlon, but I can’t swim. I found one right where I live that is kayak/bike/swim. I’m so excited for it. It’ll be my first race entry post covid. You *must* let us know the date so that we can cheer you on from around the world! |
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J u l e e
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,531
Location: Cincinnati
Jun 28, 2014 2:50:47 GMT
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Post by J u l e e on Jul 28, 2021 0:43:47 GMT
Such a good investment In friendships! I love kayaking. I’m doing a little triathlon in September. I’ve always wanted to do a triathlon, but I can’t swim. I found one right where I live that is kayak/bike/swim. I’m so excited for it. It’ll be my first race entry post covid. You *must* let us know the date so that we can cheer you on from around the world! It’s September 11 - and I meant kayak/bike/run. I have no goal other than to finish and have fun, but I will definitely welcome the encouragement! |
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I didn’t know if they made them so they showed well at night, plus lights. Do boats go out after dark a lot? That seems a bit more dangerous. 
I didn’t know if they made them so they showed well at night, plus lights. Do boats go out after dark a lot? That seems a bit more dangerous. 
