Kayaking in Louisiana: Paddle in Paradise
There is no better place to kayak than Southern Louisiana. Southern Louisiana is an aquatic paradise with a maze of bayous filled with lush swamps and majestic wildlife. The waterways of Southern Louisiana provide kayakers with an ideal environment to explore the Louisiana Bayou and get to know Louisiana nature more personally. In south Louisiana, you can glide through the calm waters and observe the intensity of how nature takes over the swamp. Try to spot some friendly alligators, herons, egrets, and many more swampland creatures as you connect with nature and learn about the cultural heritage of this Louisiana region. We are here to help you with any and all questions about kayaking in Southern Louisiana.
Where to Go Kayaking in South Louisiana
Bayou Adventure offers self-serve kayak rental kiosks for kayaking at Fountainebleau State Park, kayaking in Sam Houston Jones State Park, kayaking in Jefferson Parish, and kayaking in Grande Isle State Park. Bayou Adventure continues to work to secure more locations for our convenient kayak rental kiosks.
The Perfect Kayak For Louisiana’s Waterways
Kayaking in Louisiana is a relatively easy endeavor, however, whether you are a pro or a beginner, kayaking requires a lot of preparation and patience. Here, we will help you set yourself up for success, by giving you tips on how to be the best kayaker you can be! The first thing you need to assess when thinking of embarking on a Louisiana kayak adventure, is what type of kayak to use. There are two main kayak types to consider:
Sit-in Kayaks: Sit-in kayaks offer you a more secure experience. The kayaks are equipped with a section for you to actually step into the kayak. These kayaks are good for more experienced kayak users. Sit-in kayaks are for prioritizing speed and a streamlined kayaking experience, however, they are harder to maneuver and are less stable than other kayaks. While kayaking is relatively easy, we recommend first timers to use sit-on-top kayaks rather than a sit-in kayak.
Sit-on-Top Kayaks: On the other hand, sit-on-top kayaks allow the user to sit directly on the kayak. These kayaks are easier for beginners to maneuver and navigate. This is the ideal kayak for those who want to leisurely explore the waters and take in the natural scenery. While they are good for those who want a more laid-back experience, they are not as fast as sit-in kayaks, so opt for this type of kayak if you want a relaxed time exploring the bayou.
Packing List
Kayaking is an outdoor adventure, so naturally, you need to be prepared for the day with this comprehensive packing list. Here is all the gear you need to ensure that your Louisiana kayaking experience goes safely and smoothly:
● Life Jacket: A life jacket is a non-negotiable element when it comes to kayaking in Louisiana. While kayaking in Louisiana’s waterways is a safe activity, it is always best to prepare for the worst. Better be safe than sorry, and accidents happen, so take the necessary steps to protect yourself and others, and wear a lifejacket. When choosing a life jacket make sure you have one that is comfortable and approved by the coast guard. You usually do not need to buy yourself a life jacket as most rental facilities in Southern Louisiana provide you one.
● Paddle: It may seem obvious, but you definitely need a paddle for kayaking. Select a paddle that is appropriate for your type of kayak. Most kayak rentals in Louisiana already have paddles included in the rental and the facility does all the work for you, but if you plan on getting a personal paddle, make sure it works with the measurements and type of kayak you plan to use on your adventure.
● Comfortable Clothing: You are going to be outside all day and one thing to note about Southern Louisiana is its heat. It is imperative that you wear clothing that is comfortable and breathable. Kayaking in Louisiana, while it seems peaceful and easy, is actually quite vigorous. While it is a more laidback aquatic activity, it is important to be comfortable on the water.
● Sunscreen: Pack sunscreen. Just do it. You need it. Especially when kayaking in Southern Louisiana. SPF 30 or higher, and reapply at least twice.
● Proper Footwear: Shoes are an important part of any outdoor activities, and kayaking is not exempt from this rule. The ideal shoes for a Louisiana kayaking adventure are water shoes, but if you don’t have any water shoes, regular athletic shoes are a close second. While it makes sense that flip flops and open-toed shoes are convenient, especially for aquatic activities, it is best to avoid these shoes because they can easily slip off and get lost in the water.
● Water Bottle: Water bottles are crucial to outdoor activities and kayaking in Louisiana. While you are surrounded by water, it is important to have some you can drink, and the murky water of the Louisiana swamp is not exactly hydrating. So, remember to take a water bottle with you and make sure it can last you a couple of hours, especially if you are doing a longer kayaking trip.
● First-Aid Kit: While you will probably not use a first aid kit while kayaking in Louisiana, it’s good to have bandaids and alcohol on hand if you encounter a situation that could leave you with blisters or scrapes. It is better to be safe than sorry.
● Dry Bag: Lastly, you need a dry bag to store all the things you can’t get wet. For example, your phone, wallet, and car keys.
What to Expect When Kayaking in Louisiana
Southern Louisiana is a magical place full of natural beauty and biodiversity. There is a wide variety of natural and unique scenery that you won’t find anywhere else. Here are examples of the unique waters you can explore:
● Bayous: Bayous are slow moving bodies of water that are full of wildlife. In these bodies of water you can find alligators, pelicans, herons, turtles, fish, and egrets. These calm waters are perfect for beginners and people just starting out.
● Swamps: Paddle through the swamps to get the most out of nature. Swamps are the most biodiverse of the three bodies of water and you are sure to see some aquatic creatures on this adventure. While beginners can kayak on swamps, we would recommend exercising caution as there is a lot of natural debris that surrounds the swamp.
● Lakes: Lastly, lakes are the easiest to paddle through. Lakes have majestic natural beauty and offer stunning views of nature. However, we ask that beginners be mindful of wind conditions as they may form a current which could lead to a potentially unsafe environment for a beginner.
Have fun!
Remember paddling is meant to be a fun experience for everyone involved. While safety is our topmost priority for new beginners, fun is a close second. We are confident that after reviewing this blog you will be fully prepared for any kayaking adventure that waits for you in Southern Louisiana!
Bayou Adventure offers self-serve kayak rental kiosks for kayaking at Fountainebleau State Park, kayaking in Sam Houston Jones State Park, kayaking in Jefferson Parish, and kayaking in Grande Isle State Park. Bayou Adventure continues to work to secure more locations for our convenient kayak rental kiosks.
