Kayaking Kalamalka Lake in my FastTrack

I had the very enjoyable experience yesterday of kayaking down Kalamalka Lake in my new Sea Eagle FastTrack.

Kalamalka Lake or Kal Lake for short is just over 21 km in length and is found about 4 km south of Vernon in the Central Okanagan in BC.

What makes Kal Lake special is the colors. This lake is just stunning and depending on the time of year the lake can range from deep blue, to turquoise to indigo to bright green. The extreme colors of the water is from light scattering, caused by the precipitation of calcite. It is truly a site to see and reminds me a little of the beauty of kayaking in certain areas of the Rockies like Lake Louise and Banff.

I was always told that the name of the lake meant “lake of many colors”. However I have just learned that in fact that is incorrect and it was actually named for the Okanagan Indian Chief who occupied its northern shores… a fascinating fact likely only to those who live in the area.

This was the perfect setting to take out my new Sea Eagle FastTrack which was designed to glide quickly through flatwater. I have to admit it was quite thrilling. With the beauty of the water and the fact that my new inflatable kayak was gliding so gracefully through the water with speeds that even surprised me… it was exhilarating.

I paddled among geese, ducks, loons and even a shy turtle who wouldn’t let me take his picture. I discovered small secluded beaches, an old abandoned cabin and even discovered a new park that I didn’t know existed. One thing I love about kayaking is there is so much to explore from the water that may not be possible to see or find from the shore.

As my arms began to grow tired after a couple hours of paddling I took a deep breathe and admired the nature all around me. Even though I look forward to moving from this area in the near future, there is no denying the natural beauty within the Southern Central part of B.C.

My next goal is to paddle from one end of Kal Lake right to the crowded beach at the very far end and back up the other side which I have never done. Easily doable if I have the right snacks and provisions with me… such as a seat cushion.

With the extra rigid drop-stitch floor in the 385 FastTrack that helps with tracking and speed I discovered my poor bum got really sore by the end of the outing. An extra soft cushion for my seat is going to be a necessity for longer paddles.

I very often dream about the different lakes, oceans and rivers that I would like to explore all over the world. Yesterday reminded me that sometimes it is nice to simply appreciate the beauty in your own backyard.

Check out the colors of the water below. It seemed like every few minutes the water changed color.  Absolutely beautiful!

Popular One Day Kayaking Trips in the U.S.

Some of my most fantastic experiences have been while out paddling with experienced kayak guides… especially when I am in unknown waters… i.e. on a beautiful vacation.

There are some absolutely wonderful kayak guides that are extremely knowledgeable about not only kayaking but about the water they paddle in. If you plan on doing any traveling I would highly recommend booking a kayak trip with an experienced outfitter. The experience and the memories will be unforgettable.

Below are five popular day kayaking trips in the U.S. that can be done by kayakers of all levels. I have not tried many of these kayak adventures myself but have heard they are excellent. Read more

Top Sea Kayaking Destinations

Many folks have a top ten list or an even shorter top 5 list of excellent places to go sea kayaking. I have to say that there is no way I can narrow my own list down to only 10 key places. I love to travel, I love this world and I love to explore new places. How can I possibly list only ten great destinations for sea kayaking.

Below is a list of phenomenal sea kayaking destinations. If you have the chance at some point in your lifetime to visit even a few… then you can count yourself lucky and priveleged that you got to see and experience such beauty and awe inspiring nature. I hope at some point in my life to be able to say that I have kayaked all of these gorgeous places. Read more