Kayaking Gabriola Island

Recently I did a trip to Tofino, BC and on the way I stopped over at Gabriola Island for some rest and relaxation.

Gabriola Island is one of the Gulf Islands along the West Coast of British Columbia.

Gabriola is a small island with a population of only 5000. There is basically one main road that will take you around the whole island in about twenty minutes.

It is ideal for relaxing, walking the beaches and essentially doing nothing, which was exactly the plan. It is a beautiful and tranquil place with an easy going atmosphere that is full of artists of all kinds.

The trip consisted of several stops including Gabriola, Tofino and then Vancouver for a couple of weeks. My vehicle was completely full and at the last minute I decided to leave my inflatable kayak behind as there was truly no room to bring it. Going to Gabriola and not kayaking would be nuts so I rented kayaks this time instead.

Kayaking Gabriola

The weather was beautiful and sunny although fairly windy and the water was quite choppy outside of the inlets.

I checked out the two main kayak rental companies on the Island and settled on Jim’s Kayak Shack which was located at the Silva Bay Resort and Marina on the south end of Gabriola Island.

Jim was friendly and a true easy going resident of Gabriola Island. He has well over fifteen years of experience paddling around the waters of BC and had a lot of knowledge. We picked out our Necky kayaks (mine a long pink one!) and suited up. The wind was a little too strong for my comfort level so I decided to stay within the inlets which were very calm.

The shoreline of Gabriola Island is beautiful… nature at its best. Untouched beaches, beautiful forests and amazing views. I kayaked slowly around the inlets careful to stay out of the way of the motor boats… of which there were quite a few.

The water in this area happened to be very clear and alive with sea life. As the day progressed I decided to venture out a little further but quickly realized that with the strong wind my paddle strokes were taking me nowhere and causing me to feel tired.

Choosing to stick to the shoreline and the sheltered inlets made for a relaxing and beautiful experience. After a few hours I had seen a fair amount and had a good workout while not feeling over tired. Time to head back to shore and eat!  Gabriola Island happens to have a fantastic wood fired oven pizza place that is worth the stop for lunch or dinner.

All in all a great day. I would like to go back again when the water is a little more calm so that I can venture out a little further and see more of what the waters around Gabriola have to offer.

For more information on great kayaking destinations to explore see our Kayak Travel section.

Father’s Day Kayaking Trip

This past father’s day my brother Robin and my Dad came up from Vancouver to stay with me for the weekend and Robin and I took my Dad on his first ever kayaking trip. He was a natural and it was a ton of fun.

I brought my Sea Eagle FastTrack with me and the Zoik AlterEgo since I was in the process of testing it out. My brother Robin teaches whitewater kayaking in Squamish, BC and brought up his hard-shell kayak.

We loaded the inflatable kayaks in the car with all the gear and attached the hard-shell to the roof and headed to Kalamalka Lake in Oyama, BC. The whole week before had been rainy so we were not sure how the weather was going to hold up. Luckily the rain stayed away and the sun even peaked out every now and then.

The lake was choppy and as usual a brilliant green blue colour. Kalamalka Lake is always a favourite kayaking destination for me as the water and the scenery are truly stunning.

We got the inflatable kayaks inflated, suited up and took to the water. Robin showed off with his Eskimo rolls… something I have yet to gain the courage to try. My Dad learned the proper kayak strokes and literally took off in the FastTrack while I trailed a little behind snapping a million pictures with my waterproof camera.

The nice thing about being out on the lake when the weather isn’t so hot is that we had it all to ourselves. It was peaceful yet exhilarating and the hours passed by very fast.

After a few hours the wind picked up and the water got really choppy. Punching through the waves was a lot of fun and amazingly my Dad made his way back to shore like a pro.

The whole day was a great experience and I feel very blessed to have such a wonderful and adventurous family who all love the outdoors as much as I do! I hope all the other Dad’s out there had a wonderful father’s day.

View more of our kayaking pics on Flickr.

6 Beautiful Lakes in the World for Kayaking

I recently read on article on the Yahoo Travel site that talked about the twelve most beautiful lakes in the world. Although all twelve were stunning, they were not all accessible by kayak.

Below are 6 of the most beautiful lakes from their list that are accessible by kayak and which according to ‘Yahoo! Travel’ showcase nature at its most spectacular.

Lake Malawi – Malawi

Lake Malawi lies at the southern end of Africa’s Great Rift Valley and is the ninth largest lake in the world and the third largest in Africa. It is 560km long, 80km wide and 700m deep. Half of the south-eastern section of the lake belongs to Mozambique, while the north-eastern shore belongs to Tanzania.

A popular area for kayaking Lake Malawi is the Lake Malawi National Park (a World Heritage Site) in the south and Likoma Island in the northern central part of the lake.

You can expect to see many brightly coloured little tropical fish called cichlids which are vital to the bio-diversity of the planet. In fact Lake Malawi is home to 1,000 species of fish which is estimated to be more than any other place on earth.

Taal Lake – Philippines

Taal Lake was formed when a large volcanic crater collapsed and is situated 37.28 miles south of Manila.

It is not only the deepest lake in the Philippines (at 563 feet deep) but it is also home to one of the world’s smallest yet most active volcanoes – the Taal Volcano which sits within the waters on the island of Luzon.

Taal Lake continues to be a popular destination for tour groups and kayakers, even though it has been declared a permanent danger zone because of the constant eruption warnings.

If you are ever in the Philippines and you decide to visit Taal Lake you may want to simply take in the view from adjacent Tagaytay City. If however you decide to brave the dangers and take a paddle, you will be rewarded with some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. Personally I’ll sit this one out.

Loch Lomond – Scotland

I have always had a desire to go to Scotland and when I do this lake will be one of the first stops on my list.

According to Yahoo Travel Loch Lomond feels like it is straight out of a Victoria romance novel with the backdrop of rolling hills and medieval castles.

The Lake is 24 miles north of Glasgow and 66 miles west of Edinburgh. The lake itself is 24-miles long and is dotted with many little islands – some sparsely inhabited.

You can take a ferry to one of the largest islands, Inchmurrin (population 11) where you can get a look at the remains of a 7th-century monastery and the 14th century Lennox Castle which was often used as a hunting lodge for kings.

For kayaking there are many different access points around the lake and miles of territory that can be explored. Access to open water paddling is supposed to be particularly good within the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park.

Lake Garda – Italy

Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy and a very popular vacation spot. It is about halfway between Milan and Venice.

On the southern shore you will find hot springs, resort towns, villas and terra-cotta roofed hotels as well as 28 miles of beautiful beaches. On the northern shore there are the jagged peaks of the Dolomites Mountains which are popular with hiking and cycling enthusiasts.

For kayaking you can stay along one of the south shore’s small towns and enter the water from any of the pebbly beaches.

The best view of the lake is said to be from the top of Mount Baldo which can be accessed from a cable car ride in the town of Malcesine.

Lake Annecy – France

Lake Annecy is located in the heart of the French Alps. Surrounding this lake is eight miles of nature reserves, waterfront villages, and soaring mountain peaks.

It is a very popular destination for kayaking and water-skiers. The mountains surrounding the lake are busy with hikers and bikers during the summer months.

It is said that the best time to visit Lake Annecy is around the first Saturday of August as they have a nearly two hour long fireworks display that illuminates the water.

The closest major city is Geneva in Switzerland, 30 miles north of the lake. However most people who plan to do some outdoor activities will stay in one of the towns right on the lake.

Lake Matheson – New Zealand

Lake Matheson is known as Mirror Lake because of its reflections of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman.

There are a few different kayak rentals available around Lake Matheson and it is said the best time to visit is just after dawn, when the water is extremely calm and the mirror images of the mountains are absolutely perfect.

You can also cross a suspension bridge near the Clearwater River and follow a 1-mile loop past kahikatea and rimu trees, which are said to look like something from a Dr. Seuss book with their super tall trunks and very bushy tops.

The nearest village is Fox Glacier township which serves as a base camp for trekkers.

Unless you happen to live close to one of these lakes you will need to either rent a kayak from one of the many kayak rental businesses close to them or you can bring a travel inflatable kayak along with you for easy access and exploration.

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!

Kayaking as Outdoor Meditation

I am a HUGE fan of outdoor meditation. I have actually practiced meditation for quite a few years now. As someone who tends to lack in patience as well as in the ability to sit still for any length of time, I have found outdoor meditation to be a perfect fit for me. Kayaking is just one type of outdoor activity that can incorporate a little meditation.

What is Outdoor Meditation?

Outdoor meditation can encompass a lot of things. I think it is important with any type of meditation practice to not put any super strict regulations or rules on it. Outdoor meditation can be:

• Sitting in a park and tuning into nature
• Walking to clear your mind
• Hiking up a mountain and feeling grounded
• Zoning out while kayaking and becoming one with the elements (my personal fave)

In other words outdoor meditation can be anything you want to make it.

It is simply a way to get out of the daily routine of life, tune into yourself, into your spirit and into the beautifulness of this world as well as any world beyond.  It is a way to relax the mind, re-energize the body and nourish the spirit.

Benefits of Meditation

There is one very common viewpoint in the self-development world:

Meditation is good and very beneficial!

The benefits are numerous and can include:

• Great relaxation
• Increased energy
• Reduced need for sleep
• Sharper focus
• Improved IQ and memory
• Decreased stress and anxiety
• Heightened sense of awareness
• Increased sense of self
• and much more.

I think we can all agree that there are a lot of positives to being able to spend time each day meditating. However in today’s world it can be extremely difficult to find the HOURS in the day to spend TIME meditating.

It is no secret that to really enjoy the benefits of meditation it takes time, practice and a whole lot of dedication.

This is why outdoor meditation can be a great answer.

Incorporating Outdoor Meditation into your Daily Routine

Obviously most of us are not able to get out kayaking every single day. We can however incorporate some type of outdoor recreation into our daily lives.

It is no secret that we need daily exercise in order to stay healthy and strong. It is just as important to exercise your mind and your spirit. Why not combine the two? Spend a little time outside every single day and focus on tuning out the mind chatter and tuning in to nature and the environment.

When you get in “that zone” of being one with the universe whether you are kayaking, hiking, running or simply sitting against a tree, it can not only completely relax the mind and body but allow you to feel completely rejuvenated and energized as well.

It constantly amazes me how being with nature and doing some type of physical exercise will 100% transform my mind and energy when I am having a very stressful day.

I believe kayaking in general can be the perfect form of outdoor meditation.  I do recreational kayaking in an inflatable kayak but any type of kayaking will work.  The repetitive movements, the sense of floating on water, the breeze on your face – this is the perfect time to tune-in to a heightened sense of awareness and spirit.

We challenge each and every one of our readers to try a little outdoor meditation next time you are kayaking.

Please feel free to share your thoughts and feelings on this matter in the comments section below, we would love to hear your stories. Happy meditating!

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.

Popular Kayaking Day Trips

• Misty Fjords National Monument (Alaska)
  
  This is a twelve hour full day kayaking trip that is great for beginner to advanced paddlers. It is run in May, June, July and August and shows some of the most stunning landscape of Alaska.
  
  The trip begins with a quick boat cruise to the Misty Fjords.The kayaks are launched inside Rudyerd Fjord which is beneath 3,000 foot granite cliff walls. From there you will explore the Misty Fjords National Monument through calm water. Attractions that you can expect to possibly see: beautiful waterfalls, brown bears with their young, lots of wildlife, beautiful rainforest, stunning scenery. Lunch is included.
  
  For more information on this kayaking trip please visit: http://www.kayakketchikan.com

• Everglades Six Hour Sea Kayak Tour (Florida)
  
  This is a six hour beautiful sea kayak tour that operates all year round. The price for this tour is very reasonable and the amount of sea animals that are possible to see make this trip well worth your time and money.
  
  The kayaking trip takes place in the Everglades National Park which is known for its unique and diverse ecosystems. Their guides are formally trained naturalists who will share their passion and knowledge of the Park’s fascinating environment, local history and wonderful hidden-away places. Here you will paddle among the largest mangrove forest in this hemisphere and likely encounter manatees, dolphins, herons, egrets, osprey, bald eagles, rosette spoonbills and sea turtles.
  
  For more information on this kayaking trip please visit: http://www.evergladesareatours.com

• San Juan Islands Day Tour (Washington)
  
  This is a beautiful 3 hour kayak tour that is offered either during the day or at sunset. The San Juan Islands are known for fantastic kayaking. They are nestled between snowcapped Olympic Mountains, Canada’s Vancouver Island and the Cascade Mountains. The scenery is breathtaking and the wildlife is abundant.
  
  The day tour will take you along the west side of San Juan Island and there is a very good possibility of seeing Orcas (killer whales), bald eagles, cormorants, black oystercatchers, harbor seals, dall’s porpoises, great blue herons and lots more. The three hour tour includes stopping along a pebbled beach to eat lunch and free transportation to and from the ferry landing in Friday Harbor (WA) is available.
  
  For more information on this kayaking trip please visit: http://www.crystalseas.com

• Expeditions Catalina Island (California)
  
  I have been to Catalina Island a fair amount but have never done this kayaking day trip. I will next time I am there as it looks fantastic. The 7 hour kayaking trip is available from May until the end of October.
  
  This is a beautiful area and experiencing the stunning shoreline by kayak would be amazing.The day trip begins with a 6 – 8 mile coastal cruise on their 25’ Radon boat. They then leave you with your guide as well as snorkel gear and a picnic. There is lots of history, marine life and geology to be discovered as well as a fantastic Red Cave (that you can kayak into).
  
  For more information on this kayaking trip please visit: http://www.kayakcatalinaisland.com

• Bannerman’s Castle Hardhat Tour (New York)
  
  This one may not have the popularity of the others listed here but I found it to be really neat. Hudson Valley Outfitters offer a few different guided kayaking tours but the one that caught my eye was a 3 mile paddle to Pollepel Island to see the ruins of Bannerman’s Castle.
  
  With hard hat on you get to take a tour of this arsenal built in the early 1900’s. This sounds like a really fun way to combine the fun of kayaking with a little history and exploration. A portion of the cost of this kayaking tour goes to the Bannerman’s Castle Trust.
  
  For more information on this kayaking trip please visit: http://www.hudsonvalleyoutfitters.com

There are so many more great kayaking day trips that are worth exploring… perhaps another day in another post.

If you have heard of or experienced a kayaking trip that you would like to share with our readers please leave a comment below.

If you are not looking for a specific tour but just some beautiful kayaking destinations then you may be interested in checking out our post on Top Sea Kayaking Destinations.