by Jill K. Moore

So you think kayaking is all about extreme steep creeks, hucking your meat off 50-foot waterfalls and avoiding killer hydraulics and rock sieves? Or throwing aerial tricks off 10 foot waves where the washout will have you struggling to roll in 60,000 cfs of whirlpools and sucking eddylines? Think again. Kayaking is the second fastest-growing outdoor sport today, and most of that growth is in … drum roll please… flatwater touring! If you ever looked at a Class III rapid and thought, ‘no way, no how,’ then you’re not alone. Most people simply want a fun day on the water, in beautiful weather with great scenery, and a low danger factor. Kayak touring has grown in popularity because it offers all the above at relatively little cost with no need for instruction.

So Many Choices, So Little Time

What should you look for in a kayak? That depends on you, and where you plan to paddle. Most beginners opt for the versatility of a recreational kayak. Ideally, you want a boat that is stable enough not to flip over every time you make a turn, but which has room in the stern to pack some lunch or perhaps fishing or hiking gear. Size-wise, the magic number seems to be 12 feet long; this offers enough length to track well (go in a straight line) yet still turns easily in inexperienced hands. For women or smaller persons who may not have the strength to lift a 55 pound plastic kayak onto the roof of the car, there are shorter, lighter boats available. For all-around use, a rec kayak is the best bet, as these boats are able to handle gentle whitewater should you find yourself on a nice Class II river. They are also perfect for a lake paddle or can easily cruise along the coast on a beach trip.

Pick Your Paddlecraft

There are many other options besides a basic all-rounder. If you plan to camp out of your boat for a week or less, consider a touring kayak. Slender by comparison, they are a bit less stable but boast sportier handling, and have hatches in both bow and stern. The extra two or three feet in length helps prevent getting blown around when the wind comes up. Touring kayaks are a popular option for light day trips or weekend overnighters at the beach, or can serve as a nice transition between rec and sea kayaking.

Sit-on-top kayaks offer a very stable platform for other activities; anglers and divers often use them because they’re easy to get on and off midstream, and people who aren’t comfortable inside a decked boat enjoy sit-on-tops for coastal paddling or easy river trips. Sit-on-tops are also a good option for parents who want to get their kids on the water-there is space for one adult and at least one child or dog on each boat.

Sea kayaks are another, pricier option. These boats are made for the open ocean and measure 16 feet or longer. Built of fiberglass to keep the weight manageable and with a price tag that reflects this fact, sea kayaks are overkill for all except hardcore sea kayakers. However, you can always paddle them on calm water if you decide the weight-for-price tradeoff is worth your cash.

All the above kayaks are available as tandems (two-seaters) should you and your significant other wish to pursue grounds for divorce.

What Next?

The best place to buy a kayak is your local kayak shop or outdoor outfitter. You can find cheap tupperware tubs at big box stores, but the staff is unlikely to offer much help or knowledge. You will not have the option to try the boat before you buy it, and the kayaks found at these stores often have low-budget, non-durable outfitting.

Once you’ve narrowed down which type of kayak best suits your needs, go to your local outfitter and check out the models from different manufacturers that belong in that category. Ask as many questions as you feel necessary. Choose the two or three boats which are the most likely candidates and paddle them on a lake; there are many different hull designs and all will paddle differently, even in the hands of a beginner. Then take home the kayak that puts the biggest grin on your face. The store staff can recommend the best paddle for your height and budget, and be sure to remember your PFD (Personal Flotation Device, or lifejacket. Never paddle without one!

Hot Spots for Making Waves

All dressed up with nowhere to go? NOT! The Blue Ridge is full of excellent paddling destinations.

The South Fork of the New River in Virginia is a gorgeous stretch, with 26 miles designated a National Scenic River set aside for paddling. Mild rapids combined with fishing and swimming make for an ideal family vacation or weekend getaway. Bisset Park to Pepper’s Ferry Bridge near Pearisburg is a mild, six-mile paddle with some current and one Class II rapid, suitable for beginners.

Lakes, rivers, and streams liberally dot the mountains of western North Carolina. The French Broad River at Bent Creek, just south of Asheville, offers a beautiful trip through miles of private, protected wilderness. Flaming azaleas scattered along the trip and abundant wildlife provide an awesome “wilderness” experience only a few minutes from downtown Asheville. You’ll paddle through the grounds of Biltmore Estate, and catch a view of the famous Biltmore House, a virtual castle built in 1895 which stands as one of the most elegant and impressive homes in America.

South Carolina’s Lake Jocassee is a favorite destination for a reason. Nestled in the mountains of the upstate, northwest of Greenville, S.C., you can fish for trout, or simply paddle in a lush environment of rolling hills with little development. You can find fishing guide services in the area, with convenient camping in Devils Fork State Park at water’s edge.

Don’t let Deliverance turn you away from North Georgia paddling. Section II of the Wild and Scenic Chattooga River is a seven-mile stretch boasting both picturesque riverbanks and excellent fishing. The best time of year to paddle here is in the spring, when the mountain laurel and rhododendron are in bloom. Check the river on the Highway 76 bridge piling at the Georgia/South Carolina state line-you want to see beautiful dark green water at the bridge; if the river looks like chocolate milk, it’s too high and could be dangerous.