the Adventure Lifestyle magazine

With each paddle stroke the boat slides along and you hear the lap lap lap of the bow cutting through the water. As your body falls into an almost hypnotic rhythm with the rotation of your paddle, you feel like you can go on forever. Sea kayaking can be as mellow or as wild as you like. Some people prefer slipping silently through a bayou, while others long for the ocean and breaking waves. Either way, you're spoiled for choices: You can paddle on most any body of water in any part of the world . Some of the most famous sea kayaking destinations include the fjords.of southern Alaska, the Sea of Cortez in Mexico, the California coast and spots as far-flung as the Solomon Islands and Greenland. Each destination is unique, with its own scenic per- sonality, wildlife, culture and batch of challenges. Exploring a place by sea kayak also "gives you the chance to drink it all in," says Christopher Cunningham, editor of Sea Kayaker magazine. "Because the vessels are small they allow you to go places larger vessels ·couldn't." Following wildlife is what the kayak (which means "hunter's boat" in Inuit) was invented for. Five thousand years ago, Inuit from Greenland to Alaska cruised in sealskin- 15 miles a day while experienced paddlers may travel 25 to 30 miles. Outfitters usually chart a course to allow for maximum exploration of an area's highlights, maybe a short hike along the way, and arrival at the next campsite by nightfall. However, sometimes a paddle is cut short or extended to accommodate changing weather conditions or other circumstances. "In many places, the tides, currents and winds dictate your program," Nitsh says. "The daily itinerary is shaped as much by the weather as by the wishes of the group." Unlike most whitewater rafting trips, paddlers are expect- ed to help set up and break down camp. Most kayakers carry their . own camping gear, so it's important to pack light. (Some outfitters use support boats to carry the equipment and set up camp prior to the You can paddle on most any body of water in any part of the world. covered kayaks to hunt whales, walrus, seals and fish. European explorers brought kayak design back home, and by the early twenti- eth century, German tourists were using a version of it at the seaside. In 1928, Captain Franz Romer made the first transatlantic crossing in a kayak. The British spearheaded sea kayaking as a sport in the early 1970S, and in the US, it caught on in the Pacific Northwest about ten years later. Today sea kayakers from Honolulu to Dubai use the ancient craft to skirt the shore, checking out hidden coves, empty beaches and sea caves for an ultraclose look at the landscape and wildlife. Depending on the surroundings, it's not uncommon for sea kayakers to be treated to encounters with seabirds and all kinds of marine life, such as whales and dolphins. Paddlers regularly find themselves being followed by curious seals and sea lions. One of the beauties of sea kayaking is that with just a mod- icum of paddling skills, you can access isolated locations and slide your elegant craft onto empty beaches. Good paddling technique and understanding of self-rescue maneuvers like the wet exit are indis- pensable for safely enjoying sea kayaking. A good outfitter will give you the opportunity to try out different boats to find what's most com- fortable. Local kayak clubs are also a great way to meet fellow pad- dlers and log water time. Whether you choose to go with a professional outfitter or on your own, a typical trip will last three to eight days, with five to six hours spent paddling each day. The average kayaker can cover 10 to paddlers' arrival, although having a motorboat around can take away from the wilderness experience.) Although sea kayaking is usu- ally a quiet, laid-back way to explore, there are some inherent risks. "One of the most danger- ous things about sea kayaking is getting caught by paddling conditions that are beyond your abili- ties," Cunningham warns. "The main culprit is usually wind. And the thing that gets people in trouble is steep-breaking waves." Needless to say, weather conditions can be very unpre- dictable on the water-especially on the open ocean. Within minutes the weather can go from sunny and calm to rainy and windy with a big swell. Dense fog is also a concern in many areas. Another threat on sea kayaking expeditions is hypother- mia, when the body's core temperature drops due to long exposure to wind or cold water. Carry emergency blankets and be familiar with the warning signs of hypothermia, which can start with shivering and goose bumps and build to the inability to perform complex tasks with hands, with numb skin, muscle incoordination, mild confusion, difficulty speaking, irrational behavior and finally unconsciousness. Before you shove off on an extended paddle, it's a good idea to get your body in condition. Spend as much time in your boat as possible; you should also work on upper-body and core strength exercises. It's also good to work on your flexibility-you'll be spend- ing long periods of time sitting in the boat, so make sure to stretch out your hamstrings. "It's important to toughen up your hands before a trip so they don't blister," Cunningham says. "Most people get blisters on the inside of the thumb when they first start paddling." Tape your hands before they start to blister. Otherwise, the only way to develop those calluses is to paddle.-Mark Anders

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