KAYAKING THE MAGICAL SALT MARSHES

KAYAKING THE MAGICAL SALT MARSHES

Kayaking in the magical salt marshes is a fun thing to do in the summertime or really just about anytime. Gliding quietly along the banks of the magical salt marshes like a twig on a mild stream. Surrounded by nature and her exquisite makings.

Of course to take this journey the 1st thing you will need is a seaworthy sea kayak which is an ideal craft designed for open water, coastal, and rough water use. The term sea kayak is often used to describe true sea kayaks, recreational kayaks, and touring kayaks. Sea kayaks are typically longer and narrower than recreational kayaks. Not quite as maneuverable as whitewater kayaks, yet with sufficient volume and speed for covering large distances with substantial camping gear. Sea kayaks are not as fast as racing kayaks, but are much more versatile.

Some traditional kayak history:
Some of the earliest writings regarding kayaks are from the Norse that settled in Vinland† around 1000 AD. Kayaks, paddles and other hunting tools vary from region to region around the earth. Each form is designed to meet the specific needs of the people of the region and the game that they hunted, whether sea mammals, caribou or whatever was edible.

Sea kayaking has it's fans and has gained tremendous popularity in recent years. It has become a more popular means of paddling than canoing. Kayaking is popular with people of all ages, men and women alike because your paddling activity can get you closer to the magical salt marshes, in an extremely quiet manner, that doesn't disturb birds or other wildlife. Unlike noisy motorboats. Sea kayaking allows one to adventure forth for an afternoon or a month, of wildlife experiences without the need for any outside assistance. A true American spirit!

Training for sea kayaking

Basic techniques:
Forward strokes, sweep strokes and bracing are the first ones to learn. These form the basis of all kayaking techniques. After that it can depend of the type of kayaking you are doing, as to which strokes and other techniques that are most useful.

Swimming and Rolling:
While learning the basics, you may experience a capsize or two. Initially this will result in a swim. Having experienced this event you may quickly become interested in learning to Roll. Follow this link for a pretty good video view of how it's done:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPVt8ObBjqw


Places to Kayak in the magical salt marshes:

Menunketesuck River, Westbrook:
Put off at Kirtland's landing and glide about 2 miles down this magical salt-marsh river to the harbor and back. Expect to see herons, egrets, kingfishers, hawks and migrating shore birds. Waterproof cameras and binoculars are handy devices, along with a nice wide brim hat, sun screen, water and towel. A list of birds that have been seen here have been the great blue heron, little blue heron, green heron, great egret, snowy egret, lesser yellowleg sandpiper, spotted sandpiper, semipalmated plover, mallard, Canada goose, laughing gull, herring gull, greater blacked back gull, double-crested cormorant, morning dove, rock dove, kingfisher, osprey, red tailed hawk.

Have a wonderful and safe journey through the Magical Salt Marshes!

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