Life is hectic, rapid and is always filled with pressure. Hobbies and vacations are the perfect stress relievers to handle this tension and pressure. We often see people running after worldly entertainment when there is a horde of natural gifts and wonders to explore. The vast oceans and seas have always been a mystery we want to unfold and explore. Water activities and sports are in vogue nowadays. Kayaking is a very popular water sport and it involves using a small boat called a kayak to glide over the waters. Kayaks can typically seat one to three paddlers sitting in forward positions and using a double bladed paddle. Kayaking is sometimes done on backwaters and rivers and called white water kayaking. Another form is sea or ocean kayaking on oceans which is done by many veterans who have years of kayaking experience.

Kayaks are long and slender boats. The kayak fits one or more people, with a deck which allows them to sit in the boat with their feet forward and covered. The deck is called a water deck or spray deck. The kayak is also known to be classified by their use in the waters, such as surf, polo, whitewater, touring/day trip and general recreation. There are also subcategories in the levels.

There are two designs of the kayak. One is the cockpit style, which has the deck, and the other is the sit on top style. Obviously, the sit on top is just that, the kayaker sits on top. Kayaking has many fans, but sea kayaking is especially popular. Sea kayaking involves paddling through the waves and exploring the untouched, unknown marine life. Fighting your way through the waves, you get to see in close proximity the orcas or killer whale, humpack, minke, blue, fin, gray and other types of whales. Sea lions and seals are mammals which you would have seen only on TV, but sea kayaking lets you get a glimpse of these magnificent creations. Dolphins and eagles can also be seen in their natural habitats.

Sea kayaking lets you enjoy waterfalls, hidden coves and glacial views in a very pleasant tropical weather all by yourself or with your friends. When you kayak your way through the waves, you can discover the hidden beauties of nature first hand. The high point of kayaking is that it excites beginners and veterans equally. If you desire, you can also find well trained, efficient guides for your protection and safety. Guides are trained in cold water rescue and Wilderness First Aid. Sea kayaking offers numerous attractions to geologists, adventurers, researchers and photographers. There are guided paddling tours designed especially for amateurs. Here, you will cruise to specific locations with your guide in close proximity. Modern kayaks are made of materials like fiberglass and plastic and are rigid and sturdy compared to ancient kayaks, which are more flexible.

We have heard poets and philosophers write and talk in praise of the positive influence of solitude on man. Sea kayaking lets you enjoy the pleasure of wilderness, solitude and a peaceful vacation. Enjoying the beauty of sunsets and sunrises, near a far off island, kayaking through backwaters, or alone with your significant other is a pleasant experience. Sea kayaking gives you an opportunity to see and enjoy marine life at its fullest glory also keeping in mind to preserve the biodiversity. It is taken care that the rich ecology is not disturbed even the slightest. Do not waste a moment and start planning your first sea kayaking expedition right away.

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Larry Kang is a writer on outdoor recreation topics such as hiking, kayaking, and nature photography. To learn more information about kayaking tips, kayaks, and other topics, visit Basic Kayaking 101: Kayaking for Beginners.

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Copyright 2006 Rob Daniels

Kayak racing has become an increasingly more popular sport. If you are interested in venturing in the sport of kayak racing use the tips to pull ahead.

Kayak Racing Tips Practice makes perfect. Practice the course before the race. Marker buoys are often set weeks in advance. Use your practice sessions to figure out the lines that you will be taking during the race.

Try to get a run in a day or two before the race, this will give you an indication of what the current will be like on race day.

When racing avoid the shallows. When you're moving with the current, deep water is your friend. When the water level is less than 2.5 feet deep, there's increased hull resistance and your boat will slow down considerably. Shallower water can be useful if you're paddling against a current. When going against the current, find transitional areas where the bottom isn't too shallow to slow your hull down.

Check the weather to determine the prevailing winds. Afternoon gusty winds are always a possibility, and can make going against the current even more challenging. When paddling against wind, minimize the amount of time your paddle blades are in the air, slightly hunch forward to make your body as small as possible, and draft directly behind boats as much as possible.

Set up your turns around the buoys so you're always paddling, this will help you from losing momentum. If there is no traffic on the race course, take a sharp line around the buoy. Try to make the buoy turns as close as possibly without hitting the buoy. If there is a lot of race traffic, stay to the outside to avoid colliding with other kayaks and paddles. Collisions can be time consuming and colliding paddles can cause an interruption to rhythm, both of which can cost a kayaker the race.

Wake riding and wash hanging both refer to drafting off another boat. Studies have shown that drafting 1 to 2 meters directly behind a boat can produce energy savings of up to 30 to 32%. Kayaks positioned 1 to 2 meters off the sides of a leading boat can achieve 16 to 18% energy savings. Try to draft whenever you have the opportunity, leapfrogging from one boat to another. This can be a key strategy to kayak racing.

Practice drafting before the race, it's both an art and a science. When drafting, don't get sucked into staying behind a considerably slower boat. If a boat is traveling at a slower speed than you are comfortable with pass it. If competitor is drafting your kayak, dump him or her out of your wake by maneuvering your boat suddenly, the kayak drafting you will end up in undisturbed water or in the shallows. While this might seem mean, since there are no rules against drafting it's a valid race tactic that serious competitors might consider during tight races. This technique takes practice and you have to know what you're doing, so practice with friends.

Many recreational paddlers in the race do not have good boat handling skills so if you end up in traffic, prepare to paddle defensively.

At the finish of the kayak race your legs are going to feel rubbery when you get out of your boat. If you are competing in a multi-sport race and required to sprint after the kayaking leg, you will need to practice the transition. Practice running immediately after a paddling workout. Also practice paddling with the shoes that you will be wearing for the run. Try circuit workouts to help get your legs used to the transition of paddling to running, this will also help improve boat entry and exit skills.

Before the race set a goal and have a plan but be willing to adapt if necessary. During the race, stick to your plan, but be adaptable should the need arise. Most of all enjoy the sport of kayaking and have fun!

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Rob Daniels is an avid kayaker and outdoor enthusiasts more at Snorkeling Shop www.snorkeling-shop.com and Kayak Escape www.kayak-escape.com