The Paddling Chef – For Paddlers Who Love to Eat

I just came across a really fantastic cookbook titled ‘The Paddling Chef: A Cookbook for Canoeists, Kayakers and Rafters’ that I thought I would share with all of you who also love to paddle.

As a graduate from the University of British Columbia I get a quarterly magazine sent in the mail with university and graduate information. I was skimming through it over breakfast one morning and noticed a write-up about this book. As I love to kayak and I very much love good food it really piqued my interest.

The book was written by another UBC graduate named Dian Weimer who combined her love for paddling and her love for cooking and good food to come up with some easy and fantastic recipes that can be whipped up quickly during any kayaking, canoeing or rafting trip.

Personally I am all about bringing food with me on all kayaking trips. Even if I am just out for a couple of hours, I need my snacks! This book is ideal for those who love to paddle and want to stop for a nice picnic along the way or eat great food during multi-day paddling trips.

The Paddling Chef offers over 100 recipes that have been tried and tested by Dian and her friends. The flavors and recipes vary and include everything from:

• Indian
• Chinese
• Japanese
• North American recipes
• as well as a section on wild foods

If you are wondering how you are going to manage to bring along the food that is required for the meals, not to worry as Dian has also included valuable planning and packing strategies and techniques.

Some examples of recipes from the Paddling Chef are:

• Lavosh
• Chicken and Red Onion Salad with Feta Cheese
• Salmon Frittata with Onions, Mushrooms and Green Peppers
• Cheese Tortellini Salad with Chicken and Vegetables

Can you imagine eating this well while out enjoying the great outdoors? The Paddling Chef was nominated for the 2009 Gourmand World Cookbook Awards and is available at Amazon.com -The Paddling Chef.
.

5 Inflatable Kayak Paddling Goals

How important is it to set goals for your inflatable kayak adventures?

Goals are the best way to achieve what you desire. Many of us set life goals on New Years Eve, but what about goals for our passions and daily fun? If you like to go paddling in your inflatable kayak it can be a great idea to set some paddling goals.

After you have set these goals, it is really rewarding to look at them from time to time to see which ones you have accomplished. Below are five great goals that all inflatable kayak paddlers can use for the year to come.

5 Inflatable Kayak Paddling Goals for 2010

1. Take your inflatable kayak to a new location. In my opinion one of the greatest things about owning an inflatable kayak is that it can be transported just about anywhere. There are so many beautiful waterways just waiting to be explored by you. Whether it is half an hour from your home or in a different country, take your inflatable kayak to a new location and paddle in some water that you have never been to before.
2. Learn a new paddling technique. I know for myself I can get very complacent with the kayaking techniques that I already know. We tend to stick with what is comfortable and that can inhibit us from trying something new. Learning a new kayaking technique can make a big difference in your paddling experience and help you to feel more confident and powerful on the water.
3. Take a kayaking lesson. I never used to want to take kayaking lessons because I always enjoyed going out solo and having the freedom to do as I please. However there is no doubt about it, kayaking lessons can and will make a major difference in how efficiently you paddle as well as how informed you are safety wise. A kayaking lesson is a great way to take you to the next level and there are lots of lessons that can be done in an inflatable kayak.
4. Increase the number of days you spend on the water. If last year you spent three days a month kayaking, try increasing it to five this year. By setting this goal it will help push you to get out and experience new adventures, improve your kayaking skills and likely cause you to have a lot of fun!
5. Try kayaking on a different type of water than you are used to. If you are used to only paddling your inflatable kayak on lakes then perhaps this year try paddling on a river… just make it a calm river to start off with. It can be absolutely exhilarating to take on new water and a fabulous experience. You never know you may just develop a new passion.

It is never too late to start setting goals and they can be just what are needed to get inspired and excited about a new kayaking season. Using an inflatable kayak allows for flexibility and versatility – take full advantage of it and let’s get these goals accomplished together!

First things first… do you need an inflatable kayak?  Check out our comprehensive reviews for inflatable kayaks.

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!

Keeping Our Waters a Paddling Paradise – Part 2

If you missed the first part of this article you can catch up by reading Keeping Our Waters a Paddling Paradise – Part 1.

The pollution running into our streams, lakes and oceans is a direct result of our poor habits. It is not too late to be proactive and to follow some simple guidelines that can make a massive difference in keeping  pollution out of the water.

This will will help protect all aquatic life as well as swimmers, and as an added benefit it will also help keep the water beautiful for kayaking.

In the first part of this article we discussed simple proactive steps that can be done at home. In this article we will look at car care as well as shopping habits and disposal.

How Proper Car Care can Protect our Waters

We all know that vehicles are a major source of pollution. I believe more and more people are making an effort to use their car less frequently, car pool, use public transport and ride their bike.

However the fact is that most of us are simply not willing to give them up completely. If you have a vehicle, learning proper car care can really help to protect our waters.

Below are some simple guidelines to follow.

• Oil is one of the biggest polluters of waterways. Use recycled motor oil. Production of recycled motor oil only requires 2.4% of the oil as well as only 50% of the energy of new production.

• If you do spill or leak any oil, clean it up otherwise rain will wash it into the storm drains. Try to avoid spills by using a drip pan when changing your cars fluids.

• Keep your car maintained regularly.

• When you wash your car use a bucket of water as opposed to running a hose and use a biodegradable soap. Also remove any black dust from your hubcaps with a damp paper towel and dispose of it in the trash. The dust can contain copper and zinc.

• If you take your car to a car wash try and find one that recycles and reuses its water.

• Of course if you can limit the use of your car this will be a very big help to the quality of the water as well as the air. Try and plan so that all of your errands can be done in one shot. Also look into carpooling and ridesharing… many communities have something like this set up.

Change your Shopping Habits to Keep Pollutants out of the Water

Shopping for groceries and household products can become a very habitual event. We tend to buy what we know and have already used. By changing a few key things in your shopping habits you can help keep pollution from making its way to the rivers, lakes or oceans in your area.

• Learn what is toxic and harmful. Start reading labels and watch for “warnings”. Warning labels should be avoided as these are usually very toxic and dangerous. When you clean your house with toxic products they are not only being breathed by you and your family but they are also being absorbed into your skin as well as washed into your drains.

• Look for alternatives. Once you have become an expert at reading labels you can then start searching for safer alternatives. Get into the habit of knowing where the all natural products are at your grocery store. Sometimes they have a separate section and sometimes they are mixed in with all of the rest of the products. Avoid harsh chemicals, aerosol products, bleach, dye’s, ammonia, and other toxic ingredients. There is always a safe alternative that can be used instead.

• When you are shopping be careful not to overbuy. If you absolutely feel you need to buy a toxic product, only purchase what you need.

• If you have any hazardous waste products in your home be sure you dispose of it properly. It is illegal to dispose of these items in the drains or trash. Your community will have a local hazardous waste hotline that you can call to find out exactly where you can safely dispose of these items.

It is possible for every single person to make a very big difference in keeping our water clean. If you can implement many of these guidelines into your daily life then you will not only be helping to keep pollution out of the water but you will also inspire others to do the same.

There is no reason for our waters to be as polluted as they are and it is simply a matter of changing a few habits and being conscious and aware. We are so fortunate to have such amazing waterways in this world to explore and to kayak on and it is extremely important that we keep them as clean and safe as possible.

If you have any other suggestions or guidelines that we could all implement into our daily lives to help keep pollution out of the water please leave a comment below and share your thoughts.

Find other informative paddling tips & advice.

Keeping Our Waters a Paddling Paradise – Part 1

I have often noticed when I have been kayaking that the waters have not always been crystal clear. In fact many times there has been enough pollution in the water to make me very uncomfortable.

I am well aware of the fact that to keep our waters a paddling paradise there is much work that needs to be done. The responsibility of keeping our waters clean does not come down to one person, one group or one source.

The responsibility falls on all of us and as kayakers we tend to have a particular interest in the water being free of toxic pollution.

Facts about Water Pollution

One of the major contaminants of water is oil. One quart of oil is able to contaminate 250,000 gallons of water. To put that into perspective cars are responsible for dispersing fifty million gallons of oil each year from burned exhaust, oil dripping on roadways, as well as illegal dumping. A lot of that oil ends up as run-off pollution into the water.

Other major sources of water pollution are:

• Yard waste
• Dirt
• Pesticides

When we have heavy rainfalls or storms the excess water carries these pollutants down the drains and into our lakes, streams and oceans.

It is very easy not to think about these things as we go about our daily lives until suddenly, one day,  it smacks you in the face when you are kayaking and the smell of the water or the murkiness makes you feel semi-guilty and a little bit sick. It is the kind of thing where once you have seen it and experienced it you simply can’t ignore it. However, not to worry, there is lots that can be done to help.

Guidelines for Keeping Our Waters Clean

The first place we can start is at home. Below are some easy tips that everyone can follow:

• Only water your yard or garden when absolutely necessary. Excessive watering is actually one of the main activities that can lead to storm water pollution.

• Eliminate toxic pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers in your garden and on your yard. Yes they do help in killing annoying insects and weeds, but they can also kill birds, fish, and make the water very polluted. You or your child may be swimming in the water where those chemicals end up and they can make you very sick. There are lots of nontoxic alternatives that can be researched online or at your local nursery.

• If you absolutely have to use some type of chemical on your yard or in your garden do not use it before a rain storm. The storm will wash the chemicals into the drains and then into your waterways poisoning every living thing along its way.

• Compost your yard trimmings as they can clog up storm drains.  Once the waste reaches the ocean it decays and absorbs oxygen which the fish need to survive. Check with your community as usually there is some type of program that will pick up at certain times yard waste for composting.

• Clean up after your pets. I actually didn’t realize this before but animal feces that get washed into storm drains are responsible for a very high level of harmful bacteria in the water. Again this is something that is easy to not think about but is really important to not ignore.

Over the next day or two we will continue to look at the issue of keeping our water clean and simple things that we can all do to be more conscious, aware and proactive. In the next article we’ll look at car care, shopping and disposal.

Update: Part 2 of this article is now finished and can be viewed here: Keeping Our Waters a Paddling Paradise – Part 2

Find other great kayaking tips & advice.

8 Big Reasons to Kayak

I have always loved outdoor sports and activities… hiking, walking, running, kayaking… they are all a big part of my life. I couldn’t imagine not being able to enjoy these outdoor recreational sports. They are a priority in my life now and I know always will be in the future.

When I think about kayaking I feel a mix of calmness, excitement and anticipation.  Kayaking can be a different experience for everyone and there are lots of reasons to take up paddling.  Below are eight big reasons that come to mind for me.

Why Kayak?

1. Exercise – Kayaking offers an unbelievable core workout. Besides working the arms, shoulders and back it also directly works the core muscles that often get neglected. It is a fantastic aerobic activity.
2. Relaxation – Have you ever experienced just sitting in your kayak as it laps slowly with the calm waves and watched a sunset or perhaps a sunrise. It provides a feeling of utter calmness that cannot be matched and complete relaxation that is so often lacking in our daily lives.
3. Friends – Fellow kayakers have a bond of their own and whether you are sharing your paddling experience with friends, family or your dog, it is an incredible way to bond, share and laugh with those that you love.
4. Adventure – We often think of whitewater kayaking as the most adventurous type of paddling but the truth is that all kayaking can be a huge adventure. Whether you are racing the rapids, exploring new areas or watching wildlife, when you go on a kayak trip there is no doubt there will be some kind of adventure.
5. Keep Cool – During the summer months when it is sweltering hot, it can often be difficult to do any type of outdoor activity for too long without working up an incredible sweat and possibly a sun burn. Kayaking offers a cool alternative. Usually there is a nice breeze on the water and if you get hot you simply have to splash some water on yourself. Just make sure you are fully sun protected!
6. Nature – To go out kayaking offers a chance at being close with nature, watching the birds, the fish and the wildlife. Whether kayaking in an ocean, a lake or in the river you can bet you will be completely surrounded and connected with the living presence of nature. There is nothing more beautiful than that.
7. All Ages – Any person of any age can enjoy the kayaking experience. Even if you have reached an age where you just don’t think you have it in you there is always an option. A tandem kayak can allow an older person to enjoy the ride and contribute when they feel like it. How wonderful it is that multi-generations can enjoy this sport together.
8. FUN – Above all else what is the biggest reason to kayak? Kayaking is absolutely a fun and enjoyable experience. It is pretty hard to be anything but happy when paddling in the water. There is no better reason to try an outdoor activity then to simply have fun and put a smile on your face.

These are the eight biggest reasons for me to get out and enjoy the sport of kayaking. How about you? What are your reasons for kayaking?

Need more reasons? How about travel?… Check out our top one day kayaking trips in the U.S.

Using a Kayak Skeg

Whether your kayak is an inflatable kayak or a hard-shell kayak it will likely have the option for either a rudder or a skeg. A rudder is used for steering but a skeg is simply used to help keep your kayak straight with minimal effort.

There are other specifics that are also important to know so that you get the optimum performance from your kayak. Below we will describe important facts to know about using a kayak skeg. 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

Beginner Kayaking Mistakes

The first time out in a kayak can be not only fun but extremely exhilarating. There are a few mistakes that many new kayakers make however that are good to be aware of.

Beginner Kayaking Mistake # 1

The first mistake that many new kayakers make is choosing the wrong kayak. Whether you are renting, borrowing a friends or perhaps purchasing, lots of newbie will want to use the sleekest and the fastest kayak available. This is a huge mistake for one very big reason… Read more

Tall Back Kayak Seat – Pure Comfort

There is nothing worse than an uncomfortable kayak seat. I’ve sat in many and suffered the consequences with my overly sensitive back. The only way to paddle is in comfort and this tall back kayak seat is the best! It has a high back (18’’) with good support and a great zippered storage pack in the rear which is an excellent feature that you will likely use all the time… it is a great place for snacks.

This seat will fit into any inflatable kayak or hard shelled kayak as long as there are d-rings for attachemnt. It is made of thermal molded foam and gives a low sitting position. This will maximize your stability as well as improve the back support. The tall back seat weighs only 2 pounds and is highly recommended for any kayaker who has ever suffered from annoying aches and pains. This seat is worth the small investment and will likely be the only one you ever have to buy.

The tall back kayak seat is available at:

• SeaEagle.com – Tall Back Kayak Seat

View more reviews of popular kayaking gear.

Next Page »