 Uttermost Keanu, Heron Sculpture 19566 US $162.80 
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 Heron - Bird Design - Wall Clock (Choose from 7 Colors) -PP1198 US $20.99
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 Uttermost, Keanu, Heron Sculpture - 19566 US $162.80
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 LARGE BLUE HERON STATUE US $150.00
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 Great BLUE HERON Stained Art Glass RUSTIC Suncatcher 14x10 WINDOW Made in USA US $54.95
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 Heron Decal 3.75"x5" choose color! vinyl sticker US $2.65
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So many times, when I am out on the river with my play boat or creek boat, people on the river bank will ask, "What kind of boat is that?" Then, when I tell neighbors we are going on the river, they see our boats on top of our car, and say, "Are you going rafting?"
Where do I begin teaching that whitewater kayaking is not rafting?
Rafting is great fun for some, It requires teamwork, and if someone is not paddling, the raft can drift into rocks or flip. Personally, I like to be in control of my own boat, but with rafting, you are at the mercy of the other paddlers. I am also petite and light weight, so I'd probably be falling into the river all the time. Many outfitters do not require helmets, and when you fall into the river, it is wise to protect yourself. I have fallen into the river, but I can roll back up to avoid a dangerous swim.
To kayak, you have to decide what kind of water you like. There is recreation kayaking. That is the kind of kayaking that most people imagine. Recreation boats are pointy, long, thin hulled boats that go straight on a lake, or quiet river. Recreation kayaking is a wonderful way to learn paddling basics, and for a family to get on the water. Many lakes rent kayaks, so that is a good place to start. If you get bored after an hour on the lake, you may want to try whitewater kayaking.
Whitewater kayaking really is a niche sport. Not many people see us kayaking because the access to the river is usually remote, or designated just for whitewater kayakers. We are privileged to follow the flow down a river and be among nature's finest! Eagles, blue heron, ducks, fish, turtles, hawks and river rocks, sculpted from eons of constant water etching into them, delight our senses. You see us sometimes as you play in the water by the river and you want to try the sport. We really are having fun, building muscles from paddling, burning calories and getting a great cardio workout. You also make the best of friends, and it's easy to begin at any age.
Did your Doctor tell you to take up a sport or meet some new friends?
The best way is to join a local club and take a beginner's class. Tell them that you need gear to borrow for the class, or you may be able to rent gear. You will learn how to get inside the boat, the parts of the boat, how to exit the boat, "a wet exit" and basic paddling strokes. Then, there will be beginner trips where you will learn how to glide behind a rock in an eddy, called an "eddy turn", and learn how to get back into moving water, which is a "peel out". You will learn how to "read the river". Yes, you do need a few lessons. Some need more because they are starting later in life or you are not a natural like many of the very young. Once you have all of your gear, the river is free.
Eventually, you will learn the sought after "roll". When you are in a rapid, you don't want to "swim". It is safer to roll your kayak up instead of pulling your spray skirt to exit the boat in a "wet exit". You can get hurt among the rocks and it takes time to rescue you and slows your group down. Kayaking is a social sport because you never go alone down a river.
There is so much more to whitewater kayaking. Check with the local kayaking clubs for their winter pool sessions, and maybe you can get a head start before the next paddling season, and no, I am not rafting today!
Mary D. Bogin retired from teaching, met her husband, and they both ventured into the world of whitewater kayaking. She also values hiking and biking, in Northeast Pennsylvania, as ways to stay healthy. She would like to promote the sport because so many people have no knowledge about kayaking. Visit http://www.whitewaterkayaking.wordpress.com for more stories about kayaking.
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