Summer is right around the corner and the heat is about to turn up. Get ahead of the weather and try out kayaking! Kayaking is a great way to get some exercise, cool off, and explore enchanting waters. In this blog, we are going to tell you some tips and tricks about kayaking and the best spots to visit on your kayak adventure. Get your lifejacket and paddles ready and join us on an immersive deep dive of the best spots in America for a kayaking adventure.
Kayaking Tips and Tricks
For all you first time kayakers, here are some tips and tricks to make you a pro before you go! First off, it’s all about paddling, paddling is how you get your kayak to move in the water. It’s a pretty simple skill to pick up, all you have to do is use the flat side of your paddle to propel yourself in the water by doing forward strokes. Make sure to do strokes on both sides of the kayak to go forward and focus on one side if you want to turn. It’s hard to explain on paper, but, once you are in the water, you will definitely get the hang of it. Kayaking is not a hard activity, but it is important to be mindful of your surroundings. Be sure to always have a life jacket and be on the lookout for other kayakers, obstacles, and changing weather conditions. Now, let’s get into the best spots to Kayak at!
Fontainebleau State Park, Mandeville
First on our list is Fontainebleau State Park located in Mandeville, Louisiana. Fontainebleau State Park is a beautiful park that offers camping, watersports, and tons of different activities. The 2800-acre park is located on the shore of Lake Pontchartrain where boaters and water enthusiasts frequent for its calm waters. Additionally, this park shows off the best parts of Louisiana swamp nature like tall cypress trees and hanging Spanish moss. There is also a wide variety of wildlife in this park such as Common Loons, Horned Grebes, and Long-Tailed Ducks, you may even run into a Nutria (swamp rat) playing along the banks of the lake. Fontainebleau State Park is an amazing place to Kayak and well worth a visit if you are looking for fun things to do in Louisiana. With this park’s close proximity to New Orleans, you can use our self-serve stations to rent a kayak near New Orleans. With Bayou Adventure, we make it easy for kayak rentals near New Orleans.
Sam Houston Jones State Park, Lake Charles
Next up on the list is Sam Houston Jones State Park which is in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Lake Charles is in western Louisiana sandwiched between Lafayette and Houston and nicknamed Louisiana’s playground. Lake Charles has a vibrant culture of arts, food, and of course Lake Charles! There are tons of water activities you can do in Lake Charles and kayak rentals near Lake Charles is definitely one of them. Sam Houston Jones State Park calls to all nature lovers with its breathtaking water views and vibrant wildlife. Here at Bayou Adventure, we can help you have an unforgettable kayaking experience. With Bayou Adventure, you can use our self-serve station to rent a kayak near Lake Charles.
Caddo Lake State Park, Texas
Caddo Lake State Park is a swamp paradise in northeast Texas bordering Louisiana. Glide through a maze of towering bald cypress trees, their gnarled knees, and draped Spanish moss. Caddo Lake boasts over 50 miles of paddling trails, catering to kayakers of all skill levels. Whether you choose a leisurely float through the serene Mill Pond or embark on a more adventurous journey into the labyrinth at Big Cypress Bayou, you’re guaranteed breathtaking scenery at every turn. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for some of the magnificent wildlife that live in this environment. Spot playful otters frolicking on fallen logs, turtles basking in the sun, and a variety of bird species flitting through the cypress branches. Be patient and silent, and you might even catch a glimpse of the elusive alligator. Make sure to check out the kayaking scene in Caddo Lake State Park and have yourself an unforgettable experience.
Bear Lake State Park, Utah
In a similar vein, Bear Lake State Park in Utah offers scenic mountain views and a beautiful blue lake. This state park sits on the border between Utah and Idaho. The natural freshwater lake offers kayakers a unique experience with dramatic views and new perspectives. Bear Lake State Park is a paddling paradise for all levels, you can choose from three beaches to kayak at Rendezvous Beach, Bear Lake Marina, and East Side. For the more adventurous souls, you can choose to have a multi-day kayaking and camping trip along the banks. You can camp overnight in campsites along the lake and kayak all day observing the natural beauty that surrounds this unique landscape. Moreover, Bear Lake is also a haven for wildlife with bighorn sheep, ospreys, and even river otters living in the park. Kayaking in Bear Lake State Park isn’t just about paddling around a big lake; it’s about connecting with nature, immersing yourself in a unique environment, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Posey Island State Park, Washington
Posey Island State Park is one of the many beautiful wonders of Washington state. Out there, you can find stunning views of snow-capped mountains wrapped with evergreen trees and beautifully blue Pacific waters. This nature reserve is not just for explorers and backpacking enthusiasts, kayakers can find one-of-a-kind kayaking experiences in the park’s hidden coves and serene waterways. There is a lot of access to water but don’t worry, there are no strong currents because small islands protect the area from the Pacific Ocean’s waves; therefore, the park offers calm flat waters for beginner and intermediate kayakers. Kayaking allows you to experience this state park in a completely different way. You can navigate the waters finding hidden wonders in the moss-covered cliffs and rocky shores. The wildlife that makes their home in this park are beavers, otters, bald eagles, and black bears. If you are lucky you may spot one of these magnificent animals foraging around the shorelines or hanging out in the trees. Kayaking in Posey Island State Park is a once-in-a-lifetime experience where you immerse yourself in nature’s majesty and experience the thrill of exploration.
Get Kayaking!
If this blog hasn’t convinced you to get into kayaking, we don’t know what will. Between exploring beautiful landscapes, immersing yourself in geographical history, and exploring the many state parks that America has to offer, you will find yourself making lasting memories that you will cherish forever. Whether you’re cruising the calm waters of Lake Pontchartrain or exploring the evergreen-filled islands of Posey Island State Park, kayaking offers you unique experiences that you will be sure to treasure. So for all your kayaking questions and queries, make sure to hit up Bayou Adventures and get kayaking!
