you’ve done it and realize, it’s just water...as long as the water isn’t cold. Another article could be on cold water safety, but for now we are talking about warm water in warmer months. The second concern about kayaks is that they are tippy. That


is a common misconception; today’s recreational kayaks, espe- cially wider boats or sit-on-tops, are VERY stable and quite difficult to turn over. As long as you learn correct technique for getting in and out, then the kayak is quite stable, much more stable than canoes.


Jo Proia Enjoy fine dining in a relaxed and casual setting. Another major concern about kayaks is that people are afraid


they have to know how to roll the kayak. (This is sometimes mis- understood with capsizing. They are two different things—capsiz- ing is falling out of the kayak; rolling is the high level maneuver to stay inside the kayak while rolling over and rolling back up without coming out). You DO NOT have to know how to roll a kayak to enjoy a lifetime of kayaking in an open cockpit boat recreationally kayaking. You should take instruction however on how to fall out and get back in, in deep water. That is a simple technique that all kayakers should know how to do. Also, under- standing the role of the wind and waves and weather are impor- tant considerations for kayakers. So, now that your initial fears may be assuaged, and perhaps


your interest has been piqued, why would you want to kayak? Well, if you like water and nature, you will LOVE kayaking. Kay- aks are made to glide through the water with upmost efficiency. With proper paddle technique, they are completely silent so you can sneak up (respectfully) on wildlife and take fantastic photos or just gaze upon the bald eagle, great egret, owl, osprey, or deer lapping water on the shore. Perhaps you are into flora? Kayaking is a wonderful vehicle to view plants, flowers and trees on the bank. You can also fish from a kayak and get to places a boat with


Reservations: 336.982.2109


a motor cannot get to (under low bridges etc.) and there is a huge movement of kayak fishing tournaments and clubs ,as well as organizations for disabled veterans. Kayaking is a low impact way to exercise and can be done with a paddle or foot pedal propel. A note about paddling rivers: rivers inherently have addi-


tional considerations like speed of flow (especially after rains), height of the river, strainers (trees and debris that are very danger- ous) so you do want to contact local outfitters, reference local guidebooks, talk to locals and/or hire a guide when dealing with rivers especially. We have some flat stretches of rivers in the Triad that, unless at flood stage, are very appropriate for beginners. We also have more exciting (read into that, can be more dangerous) stretches of rivers as well. Please, know you limits and limitations in skill/technique before you head out. So let’s move on to another exciting and wildly popular


www.RiverHouseNC.com


water vessel, the Stand Up Paddleboard. SUP is the fastest grow- ing outdoor sport in North America and for good reason. It is FUN and a great workout. People are usually concerned about the SUP being unstable. Well, there are super narrow race boards but there are also wide SUPs that are designed for stability. You may be shocked at how easy it is. The secret is to keep a relaxed pos- ture and relax the knees. SUP originates way back to Africa, but the modern SUP, that we are familiar with, originated in Hawaii. They are propelled by a long, single blade and you can paddle them leisurely for recreation, you can use them to tour and cover more distance, or you can choose to race them. There are


Hwy. 16 N, Grassy Creek, NC just 15 minutes from Jefferson


Much more than a North Carolina Bed & Breakfast


Uniquely appointed rooms


Fine dining in a relaxed setting


Relax on the porch overlooking the New River


Reservations: 336.982.2109


Pet-friendly!


www.RiverHouseNC.com


Hwy. 16 N, Grassy Creek, NC just 15 minutes from Jefferson


MAY 2017 19


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