Kayaking on Lake Cowan

[BirdbyBird]

The Lake is known for sailing and only small motors are allowed. It is only about 30 minutes from my house. The temperature was only in the 70's. It was glorious. Stuart keep trying to go out on the prow of the kayak thinking he should retreive the toggle attached to the prow. Of course everytime he tried the prow was too slippery and he would slide into the lake. He did enjoy the swimming.



Took the picture after we had been on the lake. Still all Stuart could do was sit and stare.....at all the water. He loves swimming soooo much!

[mitch5252]

That is so cool Stuart gets to go kayaking! He's one lucky, lucky pooch!

Someday, why don't we put together an All-Girls' Kayaking Expedition to Palau?
Wouldn't that be a trip? (does rv'ing include tenting? If so, think of the pictures we could post here!)



Takes a bit of time to get there, but anything worthwhile takes time, doesn't it?


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[Acadianmom]

I like the looks of your kayak, what kind is it. The ones I have seen around here look like you are sitting on top of a surf board.

Martha

[BirdbyBird]

It is a Perception - 9.5 feet long I think. My daughter the white water kayaker told me I couldn't trade it in for a ride on top! They would sure be easier to get on top of rather than in and OUT of. The out seems to require a balance I don't have a lot of. It manuvers fairly well and after my daughter borrowed it she returned and gave me her "Skirt" to use. It comes in handy keeping the splashing white water out of the kayak, keeping one dryer. It also worked to keep dripping wet dog from flooding the kayak! I really haven't done enough to tell you much about it or compare it with anything. The daughter, again, who is now on her fourth kayak..... told me that it was a very good basic kayak. She and her significant other kayak white water in NC and also at the white water center outside of Charlotte. The both do it enough that they went a few months ago and completed a weekend course on white water rescue. I have been interested in finding out more about the Sea Eagle inflatable kayaks. They seem very practical for hauling around in the RV... Any one know from experience how stable they are and how easy they are to paddle?

[kelpie]

Whetrendd you get the flotation device for your dog? I just bought an inflatable kayak for myself and plan to take my dog with me once I get everything.

[Paulette]

I have the sea eagle, but havn't had it on the water yet. I'll use it next month )hopefully) and will let you know then. It felt pretty stable on my living room floor!

[BirdbyBird]

I got the dog's vest at the kayak store, but you can get them a Petsmart and/or order through the internet.

[VickieP]

I salute you all for your ability to do this. I will go out of the water in a boat (provided it's big enough), but have a fear of drowning. But I'll stand on the shore and WAVE to yall

[Nasoosie]

I have an 18 pound open kevlar canoe that can seat two. It's made by a man famous for his canoe construction up here, and I love being able to heft it with one hand/arm and carry paddle and life jackets in other hand. I bought outrigger stablizers for it, making it easier to get in and out of, and more stable when Molly rides with me. She wears a cheapy-brand of life jacket with a handle on the back, so I can scoop her up if she falls overboard. She HATES the water, so won't go in willingly! The seats are closed-cell styrofoam on the floor, with backs on them....adjustable and rremovable. It has a yoke for carrying long distances, if I were to go on a canoe trip where portaging all my stuff would be necessary. With the outriggers attached, (made from aluminum and closed-cell foam of some sort----adjustable in how far from canoe you wish to have them----I can actually stand up in the canoe! Amazing!

Will have to take pictures of what I have when I get them out for the summer.

[BirdbyBird]

Yes, pictures. Especially traveling with four paws I would think the stability would be a real plus. After Sunday though I am thinking a dog that doesn't like water would be nice. Stuart was so torn between getting in the water and swimming or thinking that he might want to sit on the kayak and LOOK at everything!

[Cedar518]

whooeee Soos,.. you have a Hornbeck? We had some among the staff at The Nature Conservancy. I was so used to my heavier canoes that when i got in the kevlars I felt tippy! Love the pics of Stuart, Bird!

[Acadianmom]

When I look at the sit on top kayaks I think about being alligator bait around here. I have canoed a few times but have never been in a kayak. I have a 14' aluminum boat and I usually ended up in the lake trying to launch or load it. I was wondering how the sea eagles were too. That would be a lot easier to haul around in an RV.

Martha

[OutandAbout]

Hi ladies,

I have a sea eagle 330 kayak. I can't really give much in the way of info, as I've only had it on a lake once. Most of the water this kayak has seen was in a pool while I practiced getting in and out without too much embarrassment when in public. (HA) I also cannot compare to a regular kayak, as I have not tried the non inflatable. I had no trouble paddling it and was able to keep it pretty straight. I probably was not going too fast either. I also felt the kayak was stable while paddling. I did enjoy using it and hope to keep on paddling. The kayak is also easy to inflate and takes a few minutes to do so. Storing the kayak is simple. It comes with its own carry case. I do have to keep it in the truck as there is no storage space for it in the camper. Hope this helps. linda

[BirdbyBird]

Thanks ...all input is welcomed. I am trying to compare the benefits of the original 330 and the newer 370 which is 14 inches longer (more leg room) and slightly thicker material....I keep thinking about the paws.....

[Paulette]

I think mine is the 330 also...not sure. But it will seat 2 (as I intended for my GD to be able to be in with me). I can't wait to use it next month and will report back after I do! I'm fortunate that I have a large bay area in the RV where it fits.