Bluewater kayaking: a sport for everyone.If you paddle an ocean kayak for the first time, you are bound to become addicted. On the water, you will relish the graceful sensation of gliding over sleek, rolling waves. On shore, you will find yourself planning trips and craving the feel of a paddle in your hands. Ocean kayaking is remarkably accommodating; it's easy to learn, it's great exercise, it's educational and it's fun. The best thing about ocean kayaking is that it is suitable for all ages from the pre-teenager to the senior enthusiast. All you really need is some basic instruction and a desire for adventure. As a recreational activity, ocean kayaking has only come upon the scene in the last decade. Today, the sport has gained unprecedented popularity. Tour groups and sports stores cater to the kayak enthusiast. Extended expeditions or weekend excursions are available to explorers, naturalists or the casual paddler. Ocean kayaking is quickly becoming one of the most popular self-propelled recreational activities in North America North America, third largest continent (1990 est. pop. 365,000,000), c.9,400,000 sq mi (24,346,000 sq km), the northern of the two continents of the Western Hemisphere. . Frequently referred to as `sea kayaking' or `bluewater kayak touring,' the activity originated as a practical method of hunting and traveling by the Aleutian Innuit of the high Arctic High Arctic Noun the regions of Canada, esp. the northern islands, within the Arctic Circle . In the late 1970s, kayakers started appearing in coastal regions near the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Since then, explorers and eco-tourists have adopted the sport as a favored method of traveling through wilderness areas with minimal impact. Today, ocean kayaks are found wherever there is a body of water; on wilderness lakes, in rural and urban waterways, near city beaches and along open shorelines. Ocean kayaking is as different to river kayaking as downhill skiing is to cross-country skiing cross-country skiing Skiing in open country over rolling, hilly terrain. It originated in Scandinavia as a means of travel as well as recreation. The skies used are longer, narrower, and lighter than those used in Alpine skiing, and bindings allow more heel movement. . The ocean kayak is a larger, sea-worthy craft designed to remain upright in moderate to heavy waves. Unlike a river boat, the ocean kayak is not designed for speed or maneuverability, but rather for stability and comfort. The craft is ideally suited for younger or older paddlers with little or no experience, and many recreational centers are quickly adding ocean kayaking to their itinerary of leisure programs. People who are physically challenged physically challenged adj. Having a physical disability or impairment, especially one that limits mobility. See Usage Note at challenged. n. (used with a pl. (particularly those with lower limb disabilities) are finding sea kayaking to be one sport in which they can be in control. Other benefits to the physically challenged include good aerobic exercise aerobic exercise, n sustained repetitive physical activity, such as walking, dancing, cycling, and swimming, that elevates the heart rate and increases oxygen consumption resulting in improved functioning of cardio-vascular and respiratory systems. , being out in natural environments and experiencing a feeling of equality with other paddlers who are not physically challenged. Some minor adaptations may be necessary and will vary, depending on the level or nature of the paddler's disability. Adaptations could include the design of the boat itself (seat, rudder, paddles), techniques for entering and exiting the kayak and possibly variations in landing or launching the vessel. Some paddlers may elect to paddle in a tandem kayak and avoid the technicalities of having to manipulate or operate a single kayak on their first exposure to the sport. It is recommended that all paddlers--abled and physically challenged--begin paddling in groups that include a few skilled paddlers who are familiar with the novices' level of skill and physical conditioning. One attraction to ocean kayaking is its quick learning curve. With the right supervision, beginners can start paddling efficiently on their first attempt. Turning the boat is quite simple: a foot operated rudder controls the direction of the boat (or with hand operated modifications for those with lower limb disabilities). In most kayaks, bulkheads separate the bow and stern hatches and allow for equipment to be carried in sealed compartments. Rigging is stretched across the deck for the attachment of bird-watching guides, aquatic maps, chocolate bars or anything the paddler may want to keep handy. For additional stability (for teaching young or physically challenged children), inflatable sponsons are available to make the craft virtually unsinkable: beginning paddlers can safely and confidently travel on short orientation trips to become familiar with the sport. Ocean kayaking can also be considered a stepping-stone for developing many other interests. Bird-watching and wildlife photography are naturally associated with sea kayaking. Paddlers are able to travel into environments rich in pelagic pelagic living in the middle or near the surface of large bodies of water such as lakes or oceans. and shoreline wildlife. Whales, seals, moose, waterfowl waterfowl, common term for members of the order Anseriformes, wild, aquatic, typically freshwater birds including ducks, geese, and screamers. In Great Britain the term is also used to designate species kept for ornamental purposes on private lakes or ponds, while in and shorebirds are all easily seen from the seat of an ocean kayak. As with many other adventure sports, safety must always be remembered when traveling on the water. Life jackets or government approved personal flotation devices (PFDs) are a must. Novice kayakers are often misled by irresponsible veteran paddlers who refuse to wear a life preserver life preserver, a personal flotation device (PFD) intended to keep the wearer afloat, particularly in case of shipwreck. A Type I PFD will keep even unconscious people afloat in a face–up position; it is the most common type used at sea. . Such mistakes sometimes lead to tragedy. Experienced paddlers have learned that certain self-rescue techniques are also a fundamental part of ocean kayaking. For those who develop a serious interest in the sport, supplemental courses and workshops are offered by a number of regional sports stores and tour outfitters. Kayaking clubs and watersports organizations are listed in recreational magazines or at your local library, and can often provide information about special needs, beginner, intermediate, or advance paddling programs available in your area. After being introduced to ocean paddling, you will most certainly want to continue expanding your new-found skills. Begin by joining a paddler's group; you will quickly be going on day or weekend trips, and soon you will be planning your own expeditions. Rental kayaks and tour packages make it easy for beginners to get into ocean paddling, but do not be surprised if you find yourself yearning to own your own boat. Ocean kayaking is a way to experience the natural world in a symbiotic symbiotic /sym·bi·ot·ic/ (sim?bi-ot´ik) associated in symbiosis; living together. sym·bi·ot·ic adj. Of, resembling, or relating to symbiosis. , environmentally responsible fashion. Paddling is a sport that blends naturally with the movements of the water, wind, waves, and currents. All play a noticeable part in ocean kayaking, and the experience of paddling under these conditions encourages one to think about the environment from a personal, more intimate perspective. Ocean kayaking is as healthy for the mind as it is for the body. Give it a try; get into a boat and learn to float with the gentle offshore currents. No doubt, you'll find yourself joining the ranks of devoted "yakers" all cross the country. HEAD, RECREATION BRANCH NF-1101-05 $60,000-$65,000 Serves as manager for world-wide NAF NAF National Arbitration Forum NAF National Academy Foundation NAF National Abortion Federation NaF sodium fluoride NAF Naval Air Facility NAF National Ataxia Foundation NAF New America Foundation (think tank) Marine Corps recreation and sports programs. Develops and promulgates approved procedures and techniques for planning, implementation, operation, and promotion of recreation, sports, recreational fitness, and dependent youth activities. Initiates, coordinates, and administers all changes/revisions to policy directives; provides interpretation of existing policies/provisions or directives and coordinates granting of exceptions thereto. Assists in development and monitoring of planned program for construction and improvement of recreation facilities world-wide. five years of supervisory/managerial experience in recreation/leisure services management. Excellent benefits. Send resume to Personnel Manager, Code 14-96, 3044 Catlin Ave., Quantico, VA 22134-5099 EOE EOE See: European Options Exchange . PLEASE CIRCLE READER SERVICE CARD NO. 20 Recreation Center Director The City of Alexandria, VA, a beautiful and diverse community located on the west bank of the Potomac River Potomac River River, east-central U.S. Rising in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia, it is about 287 mi (462 km) long. It flows southeast through the District of Columbia into Chesapeake Bay. It is navigable by large vessels to Washington, D.C. , six miles below Washington, DC, seeks an outstanding recreation professional to plan and direct the operations and programs of a large, modern, and diversified recreation center. Staff of 10 employees and a $571,000 budget. Position requires at least five years of supervisory experience as a recreation center director or equivalent. Outstanding supervisory and public relations public relations, activities and policies used to create public interest in a person, idea, product, institution, or business establishment. By its nature, public relations is devoted to serving particular interests by presenting them to the public in the most skills are essential. Starting salary range: $39,137-$48,475 (DOQ DOQ Depending On Qualifications DOQ Digital Orthophoto Quadrangle DOQ Documentation Quality DOQ Digital Ortho Quads ). A criminal records check and pre-employment drug testing are mandatory. For complete information and required application call 703-838-4422. Position closes August 30, 1996. Ref. #: 72523. AA/EOE. RELATED ARTICLE: Organizations That Support Differentially Abled abled Adjective having a range of physical powers as specified: less abled, differently abled Paddlers American Canoe Association The American Canoe Association (ACA) is the nation's largest paddle sports organization, promoting canoeing, kayaking, and rafting. The ACA sponsors more than seven hundred events each year, along with safety education, instructor certification, waterway conservation and public Committee for Disabled Paddlers 8580 Cinderband Road Suite 1900 P.O. Box 1190 Newington, VA 22122-2290 (703) 451-0141 Nantahala Outdoor Center The Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) is a commercial outdoor guide service and retail store. It opened in 1972 when Payson and Aurelia Kennedy and Horace Holden Sr. took over the old Tote 'N Tarry Motel. Box 41 Bryson City, NC 28713 (704) 488-2175 Wilderness Inquiry Wilderness Inquiry (WI) is a non-profit organization whose activities are based on the concepts of inclusion and social integration. WI conducts outdoor trips and programs for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities, including those with physical and cognitive disabilities. II 1313 Fifth Street SE Box 84, Minneapolis, MN 55414 (612) 379-3858 Environmental Traveling Companions (ETC ETC - ExTendible Compiler. Fortran-like, macro extendible. "ETC - An Extendible Macro-Based Compiler", B.N. Dickman, Proc SJCC 38 (1971). ) Fort Mason Fort Mason in San Francisco, California is a former U.S. Army post located at the northern Marina District, alongside San Francisco Bay. Aquatic Park is adjacent to the east and the Marina Green is adjacent to the west. Center Landmark Building C San Francisco San Francisco (săn frănsĭs`kō), city (1990 pop. 723,959), coextensive with San Francisco co., W Calif., on the tip of a peninsula between the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay, which are connected by the strait known as the Golden , CA 94123 (415) 474-6772 Norwegian Arctic Tours P.O. Box 700 Enfield, NH 03748 US Association for Disabled Sailors Keith Clark, President, Southern California Chapter 901 Fathom Avenue Seal Beach, CA 90740/ (213) 431-4461 |
|
||||||||||||||||||
Printer friendly
Cite/link
Email
Feedback
Reader Opinion