Massachusetts Kayaking Destinations: Kayak Cape Cod

Cape Cod is an amazingly diverse body of water that offers some really unique kayaking opportunities not far from Boston. There are islands, harbors, coves, ponds and rivers, which offer more than 60 different kayaking routes. Some are excellent options for kayakers of all skill, levels, other like the South Shore beaches which offer surf kayaking, are best left for the more advanced kayaker. Kayaking around The Cape is also an excellent way to see wildlife in their natural habitats.

But with so many kayaking trails how do you decide which one to take on your Cape Cod adventure? Here will briefly describe a few of the many great places to kayak around Cape Cod.

Best places to Kayak in Cape Cod

Waquoit Bay, Falmouth

Waquoit Bay is a national research reserve on the south side of Cape Cod. Its protected from waves and rough waters of Vineyard Sound by two beautiful sandy barrier beaches offering a gentle paddle. It offers the chance to explore undeveloped Washburn Island and spot lots of birds and marine life.

Herring River, Wellfleet

The Herring River located in the mid Cape area runs through more than 200 acres of Harwich conservation lands. It offers something for kayakers of all ages and skill levels with an opportunity to see egrets, great blue herons, and ospreys in the marshes upriver.

Great Island, Wellfleet

From the Herring River basin, paddle along the glacial bluffs of Great Island, mainland Cape Cod’s most isolated coastline. Great Island is a 6-mile barrier beach and island system that separates The Cape from Wellfleet Bay. You’ll have a chance to see ospreys and oyster catchers, along with wading and shorebirds.

Bass River, South Yarmouth

You can enter Bass River from Yarmouth, Dennis, or the boat launch at Smugglers Beach on Nantucket Sound. It is the Cape’s longest river at 5 miles and provides some quiet, some livelier paddling opportunities with many coves and inlets to explore. You’ll also find a few of marinas that offer kayak and paddle board rental. They also make for a great lunch stop. Powerboats are allowed on the river, so you’ll need to keep an eye out, but speed and wake restrictions are in place making for relatively smooth paddle. Keep heading north and you’ll end up in Kelleys Bay, Dinahs Pond, or Follins Pond.

Nauset Marsh, Eastham

Nauset Marsh is a great place for beginner kayakers with its extremely calm waters, but the sights bring back even the most experienced paddlers. Nauset Marsh is one of the most productive saltwater march habitats in the world, making it ideal for spotting wildlife. It is particularly known for its birds and otters, but you may also see some sunbathing seals on the barrier beaches. Small streams run through the marsh, but there are also tidal creeks and more open bodies of water, including Salt Pond Bay. Just keep an eye on the tides before heading out. Low tides can create some mud flats that may leave you stranded.

Storing Your Kayak after Your Cape Cod Trip

With its many inlets, coves and harbors, Cape Cod’s shoreline provides a seemingly endless kayaking adventure. But at some point, all adventures must come to an end. Make sure your kayak is safely stored when it’s time to take it out of the water and that your shoreline stays neat and orderly with our hand-crafted kayak racks. Our kayak racks are made from 100% norther cedar logs and can safely and beautifully store and display your kayaks for years to come. The durable frames are naturally weather-resistant and can store up to eight kayaks. Shop our kayak racks online now or contact us for a custom kayak storage solution to meet your Massachusetts kayak storage needs.

Fall Kayaking Destinations: New York’s Hudson River Valley

The Hudson River is a kayaker’s dream, extending over 300 miles from northern Saratoga County in the Adirondacks all the way down to Battery Park in Manhattan. It’s a wonderful choice for reconnecting with nature and escaping the hustle and bustle of New York City and there’s no better time to experience it than during peak of fall color change.

Spend a relaxing afternoon paddling along the river itself or any of the many creeks and rivers that crisscross through the Hudson River Valley while taking in some of fall’s most spectacular colors or plan a multi-day excursion and see all there is to see.

Kayaking the Hudson

The Hudson River itself offers the longest paddle and is simply a wonderful river for a fall kayaking trip with many notable sites to see right from the river. Attractions include such things as marshes, islands and swamps; a plethora of bird species including bald eagles, great blue herons, spotted sandpipers, snowy egrets, kingfishers, cormorants, ospreys and several duck varieties; historic sites, downtowns, and hiking trails.

Plan your trip wisely and you can kayak past places such as Culinary Institute of America, Bannerman Island, West Point Military Academy and Constitution Island. There are also seven lighthouses that remain along the Hudson. Many of which now offer refuge for a host of wildlife.

The Hudson River Greenway Waterway

There are a surprisingly large number of kayak launch spots as well as camping accommodations along the Hudson thanks to the Hudson River Greenway Water Trail. The National Water Trail was developed with the goal of providing one or more designated launches and take-outs every 10 miles along both shores of the Hudson to provide a wealth of access points for kayakers of every level. With more than 100 designated access sites along the 256-mile trail, it’s safe to say they succeeded. It’s a great resource for planning your trip as they maintain a listing of itineraries as well as locations of kayak racks available for securing your kayak with your own lock.

Kayaking the Hudson River Valley

Taking on the 300-mile long Hudson is a challenging feat. The river is large and can be well-trafficked. Luckily, the Hudson River Valley offers many side paddles that can provide an equally stunning kayaking experience.

Constitution Marsh

This popular Hudson River side paddle is a 270-acre bird sanctuary that is part of the Hudson Highlands State Park, adjacent to Constitution Island.

Lake Taghkanic

Located east of the Hudson River and easily accessible by car, you can kayak your way around the entire Lake Taghkanic in about an hour. It’s an easy entry-level paddle with a great sandy beach for swimming in the summer and thick woods filled with oak trees that light the shore in bright yellows and reds in fall.

The Lower Esopus

West of the Hudson lies Harriman State Park with many lakes great for kayaking. Check out Lake Welch, Lake Sebago, Lake Tiorati, and Lake Kenawaki and you may spot herons, turtles, ducks, and eagles among the beautifully changing fall leaves.

Storing Your Kayak

Whether you’ve reached the end of your Hudson River Valley kayaking vacation or you own the vacation hot spot, there comes a time when you have to put the kayak away. Keep your shoreline neat and orderly with our hand-crafted kayak racks. Our kayak racks are exquisitely crafted out of 100% norther cedar logs and can safely and beautifully store and display your kayaks for years to come. The durable frames are naturally weather-resistant and can be custom built to accommodate a number of kayaks. Our kayak storage racks can be wall mounted, dock mounted, buried in the ground or free-standing. View our standard kayak racks online or contact us for a custom kayak storage solution.

Minnesota & Wisconsin Fall Leaf-Peeping Kayak Trips

While many kayakers think of summer as the ideal paddling season with its long days and warmer weather, fall can be just as good. Especially if your goal is to glimpse the beautiful fall foliage. Leaf-peeping from your kayak or canoe is the perfect way to enjoy the brilliant autumn colors. So, if you’re in no rush to store your kayak and want to experience the vivid colors of fall’s foliage from the water, check out a few of our favorite places in Minnesota and Wisconsin for fall color paddling.

Kayak Through Minnesota’s & Wisconsin’s Fall Colors

Minnesota and Wisconsin are famous for their fiery fall foliage, bringing in tourists from all over. Leaf-peeping traffic can get heavy, especially at peak. But most recreational kayakers have already begun storing their kayaks for winter, leaving waterways free and clear for an even more peaceful experience for taking in the wonder of fall. Instead of getting in line for a drive or an overcrowded hike, experience fall colors from a different angle and watch it dance off the reflective water. To make sure you get the best color, both Minnesota and Wisconsin offer online peak color tracking. Check the links and plan your leaf-peeping kayaking trip.

Peninsula State Park – Fish Creek, WI

Peninsula State Park is the third-largest state park in Wisconsin. It is located in Door County and offers over eight miles of shoreline to kayak. In addition to the changing colors that line the shore every fall, kayakers can see other popular attractions like the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse, Horseshoe Island and Chambers Island, and lots of wildlife.

Kickapoo River – La Farge, WI

Kickapoo River is known as the crookedest river in the world. It begins just north of Ontario in Vernon County, Wisconsin and winds to meet the Wisconsin River at Wauzeka in Crawford County, Wisconsin. Near the start by Ontario, the river carved out breathtaking sandstone cliffs that are now covered with foliage. As kayakers make their way down the river they can set their eyes on more than 300 different plant species, over a 100 bird species and many other mammals.

Interstate State Park – Taylors Falls, MN

The St. Croix River Valley forms much of the border between Minnesota and Wisconsin and is ablaze in red, orange, and yellow leaves in the fall. Interstate State Park at Taylors Falls is small, but geologically distinctive park having been carved out by massive glaciers retreating from the area about 10,000 years ago. Rushing currents and whirlpools carved deep, circular “glacial potholes” from the sandstone down into the basalt leaving behind stunning cliffs, that are especially awe-inspiring at peak of fall color.

In addition to the fall colors, kayakers and canoers will likely spot eagles, herons and dozens of other bird species, along with the chance to see mink, beaver, whitetail deer, fox and maybe even black bear.

Afton State park, Afton, MN

Afton State Park is within an hour of the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, making it the perfect destination for a day kayaking trip. The park caters to those seeking a remote, rustic experience close to the metro. It is located on the southern section of the St. Croix River and provides an excellent opportunity for catching some of the river’s largest fish species, river sturgeon and flathead catfish. Paddling the densely wooded banks of the river near Afton is by far one of the most peaceful and immersive ways to experience the fall colors.

Storing Your Kayak

Be sure to head out and enjoy nature’s fall color show from the water before storing your kayak for the season. Fall can be a truly beautiful time to kayak or canoe.  But when it is time to put your beloved kayak away, remember we offer a selection of all-weather outdoor and indoor storage solutions for kayaks, canoes, and SUPs. Shop our quality kayak, canoe, and paddle board storage racks online by phone at 1-715-543-2006 or send us an online message.

Where to Kayak? Sea Caves of Madeline Island, Wisconsin

With their famous sea caves, the Apostle Islands offer some of the best kayaking in the world and among them is Madeline Island.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is a 22-island archipelago with more than 500 square miles of Lake Superior and the shoreline. Some of the islands are commercialized and some remain uninhabited, but it’s the islands sea caves that most people come to see.

Over time the waves and weather of Lake Superior carved away at the red-brown sandstone, leaving breathtaking passageways, arches and caverns and a watery wonderland for kayakers in the summer. Its no wonder that Madeline Island has become a popular tourist destination for kayakers.

Kayaking Madeline Island

One of the best ways to enjoy the island is from the lake. Views of the sea caves, cliffs, beaches and the lagoon can only be accessed by kayak. You can kayak directly out to Madeline Island. There are two kayak launches on the mainland section of the Park, one at Meyers Beach and another a Little Sand Bay Visitor Center. It would be a much shorter kayak to use one of the launching areas outside the park in Bayfield or Red Cliff if you are planning to kayak directly to Madeline Island. Alternatively, you can take the ferry from Bayfield and rent kayaks in La Pointe.

The sea caves and cliffs are an amazing site and are on the south side of the island. Big Bay State Park has a lovely beach for a break or lunch. Big Bay Lagoon is also not to be missed. The water there is warmer and calmer, great for summer kayaking. And there’s also an abundance of wildlife.

Guided Kayaking Tours of Madeline Island

It is strongly recommended, unless you are a seasoned kayaker, to take advantage of a guided kayaking tour. There are many options for day trips as well as multi-day kayaking trips. The US National Parks Service actually partners with a bunch and you can access their list of authorized Apostle Islands kayak outfitters here.

Adventure Vacations is one and is actually located right on Madeline Island. As such, you’ll get a much more thorough tour of the island sea caves as opposed to the sea caves on the mainland. They offer half day Apostle Islands sea caves kayaking tours as well as boat tours, boat taxis and hiking tours around Madeline Island.

Plan Your Kayaking Trip to Madeline Island

Many people come to Madeline Island seeking adventure. Exploring the area by sea kayak is fun and exciting, but it can also be extremely hazardous, especially if weather conditions become unfavorable. It is important to be prepared. Make sure you follow all the proper precautions outlined by the Nation Parks Service for kayaking the Apostle Islands for a safe and successful kayaking trip.

And when your trip is over, make sure you have a proper place to store your kayak. A custom kayak storage rack will help preserve your kayak, so it lasts longer and requires less maintenance. That means you’ll get to spend more time on the water enjoying your kayak. For specific questions, inquiries, or custom orders, contact Log Kayak Rack at 1-715-543-2006.

How to Safely Kayak with Your Dog

If you love being out on the water kayaking or canoeing and have a dog, it’s time to bring your two loves together. Paddling with your pup can be a fun bonding experience, especially for dogs who enjoy the water. Even if your dog doesn’t enjoy swimming, they may just enjoy being with you and taking in all the sights, sounds and smells of being out on the water.

If they do like to swim, then kayaking is not only a great workout for you, but also a great cross training workout that’s easy on the joints for them. Break up your walk routine and kayak with your dog.

Safety Tips for Kayaking with Your Dog

Before you hit the lake on your kayak, here are a few tips to keep in mind about kayaking with your dog.

Get Your Dog a Personal Floatation Device (PFD)

Just like you, even if your dog is a good swimmer and experienced on the water, it’s important to always wear a flotation device. Here’s why. If your dog falls out or jumps out without your permission and gets scared, the PFD will hold him/her up until you can get to them. Dog PFDs have a handle that makes for easy “pickup” which will aid you in getting your dog back into your kayak or up on the dock. If your dog is too big to be lifted by the handle it will still give you something to hold onto and steer them in the right direction.

Get Your Dog Familiar with Your Kayak

Some dogs are not good at sitting still and get very anxious in the kayak. Start by having your dog sit in the kayak while it’s still on dry land to get familiar with it. Move it around a bit so the get a feel for how it might rock and show them that there’s nothing to be afraid of. This is also a great time to determine what size kayak you need for kayaking with your dog. Some will sit fine in a one-person kayak, others will be more comfortable in a tandem kayak and depending on the size of your dog, you may need a tandem to be able to paddle.

Give Your Dog a Comfortable Place in the Kayak

Your dog’s comfort is key to a successful kayaking trip. For your dog to be comfortable in the kayak, you may need to cover the floor so he or she isn’t slipping and sliding when the kayak is in motion. It’s important to find something that won’t move when water gets under it as well. Indoor-outdoor carpet is good option for covering the floor of a canoe. For kayaks, the adhesive traction mats that are sold for stand-up paddle boards tend to work well.

Build Up Your Confidence as a Paddler

Before you head out with your dog, make sure you are sure of your own skills. You don’t have to be an expert kayaker by any means to enjoy a kayaking trip with your dog. There are plenty of still lakes with few distractions, but in general you’ll both have a much better and safer time together if you and your dog aren’t both uncertain and inexperienced on the water.

Train your Dog to Get in and Out of the Kayak

Before taking off, it’s a good idea to brush up on some basic obedience commands for your pup. Sit, stay and down are all good ones, but make sure you add a command for getting in and out of the kayak as well. And it’s not a bad idea to practice these commands in the kayak on dry land before heading out for the first time.

Take it Easy at First

For your first outing the ocean or a fast river is probably not the best option. Try a calm lake, pond or bay that you are familiar with. Try to stay where your dog could easily swim back to shore if needed. And pick a time of day when there will be fewer people and dogs out on the water so there will be less distractions for your dog. You may even want to bring along another person, so you have an extra set of hands in case you need help keeping your dog calm.

Teach Your Dog Good Paddling Etiquette

We all share the water, so it’s important to practice and instill good paddling etiquette with your dog. Teach your dog not to jump out of the kayak unless given the command. You don’t want them dashing off the kayak every time something catches their eye. You should also train your dog not to bark at or harass the wildlife or other paddlers out on the water. Also always clean up after your dog to keep our waters clean and safe.

Safely Store Your Kayak until Your Next Adventure

Although no one who loves being on the water wants to put their equipment away, a kayak storage rack will keep your property looking cleaner, your equipment lasting longer and allow you to get back out on the water faster. The durable storage systems from Log Kayak Rack are weather resistant, which allows them to be utilized as both indoor and outdoor storage solutions. Shop our quality kayak, canoe, and paddle board storage racks online or send us a message for a custom kayak storage solution.

Best Places to Kayak: Pocomoke River at Porters Crossing Maryland

The Pocomoke River is another must paddle for many kayakers and canoers. The Chesapeake area river runs for about 66 miles from southern Delaware through southeastern Maryland. A favorite kayaking trail is the four winding water miles from Porters Crossing to the rural village of Snow Hill.

Grain field, drainage ditches and chicken houses dominate much of the landscape that was once home to a huge refuge of black bears. But the Pocomoke retains much of the region’s natural forests including centuries old bald cypress trees and a variety of wildlife. It’s like a hidden gem, untouched by time that makes for one of the best places to kayak in the US.

Kayaking from Porters Crossing, Maryland

Just a few strokes out of Porters Crossing and you’ll have left the modern world behind for at least the next few hours. The river is no more than 50 feet wide and both shores are lined with some of the biggest, oldest trees you’ll ever see. Maples, gums, river birch and cypress overhang the Pocomoke, filtering the sunlight and creating a peaceful canopy.

The river is full of beautiful side channels you can explore on your kayak if you are looking for a chance to see more wildlife. Turtles, water snakes, herons, wood ducks and even otters can be seen. Just follow the flow of the dark, tea-colored water to find your back to the main channel.

The Hidden Forest

At about the midpoint of the trek to Snow Hill the Pocomoke will widen, the canopy will fall away, and the bank will rise steeply to the northwest. Here you will see more than a dozen species of trees including cypress, oaks, loblolly pines, gums, poplar, and ironwoods, very near to the size and diversity of the original Delmarva forest. This hidden patch of preserved forestry is private with no access, meaning your only chance to see it is from the river. And there’s no better way to take in the shear beauty than from your kayak.

Kayak Day Trip to Snow Hill

For the perfect kayaking day trip, you can end your journey from Porters Crossing at Snow Hill. The quaint village boosts a couple lovely bed and breakfasts and a few places to grab a bite. Or you can continue your kayaking adventure onto the main Pocomoke River, where you can continue kayaking for a few more days through untouched landscapes without seeing much for signs of human development.

Kayak Storage

But whenever and wherever you do pull your kayak from the water, be sure to keep it at the ready and safely stowed with a durable kayak rack. Proper kayak storage will help preserve your kayak so it lasts longer and requires less maintenance. That means you’ll get to spend more time on the water enjoying your kayak and less time repairing it. Give us a call at 715-543-2006 for a custom storage solution or shop the wide selection of canoe and kayak storage racks we have for sale online.

What Should I Wear Kayaking in the Summer?

No matter when you are kayaking, whether it’s in the warm summer months or cooler fall and winter, you should always dress for submersion. There’s always a chance that you may end up in the water so you should dress for it. That means two things.  You need to dress for the temperature of the water, not the air, and dress in clothing that can get wet and you can swim in if needed.

If you are kayaking in the summer, protection from the sun will also be important. That may mean slathering on the SPF or sporting a long-sleeved rash guard and hat. But no matter what you wear, make sure it’s comfortable and allows freedom of movement.

Summer Kayaking Clothes Guide

Here’s a quick guide of what to look for when picking out what to wear kayaking in the summer.

Quick-Drying Fabrics

You’re going to want to wear something that’s going to dry quickly if it gets wet. Synthetic polyesters or quick-dry nylons like rash guards are great. Merino wool is good too because it will also wick away moisture and dry quickly. You’re going to want to avoid anything cotton. It might keep you cool and wick away sweat, but it because it absorbs water, it takes forever to dry.

Tough but Comfortable

You’re going to want something lightweight and comfortable, but nothing too thin. Kayaking requires constant shifting in your seat, so super thin materials like yoga pants, just don’t hold up. Jean on the other hand are too binding and chafe. Pick something in between.

Sun Protection

In addition to sunscreen, you can wear clothing that will provide you with protection from sun exposure. Long-sleeves rash guards and other clothing made from UPF rated fabric will offer the protection you need for a long day out on the water.

Footwear

As far as footwear goes, you just want something that’s going to protect your toes and the bottoms of your feet. Many people choose to wear old tennis shoes, which can be fine, but they tend to stink and are hard to swim in. If you don’t have or want to invest in specific neoprene paddling booties, we’d recommend something more like a hiking sandal that has a back strap. These also dry quickly so your feet are less likely to get irritated. Flip flops will be too difficult to keep on if you do go over.

Gloves

You might not need these depending on the water temp, but if you are paddling in a glacier fed river, you may want you can get a pair of neoprene paddling gloves. Your hands will have the most contact with the water, and gloves will prevent them from freezing as well as protect them from blisters.

Hat

A wide brim hat can offer even more protection from the sun. Just make sure it’s attached securely to your head so that it doesn’t blow away.

Sunglasses

The sun can reflect off the water pretty strongly and those UV rays can be damaging to your eyes. A good pair of shades on a sunny day is a good idea and a retainer strap can help make sure they don’t get lost if you fall overboard.

Wet Suit

Do you need to wear a wet suit even in the summer? For the most part, your spray skirt will protect you from the cold when kayaking in the summer. But if the water you are kayaking in is significantly cooler than the air temp, you may want to consider a wet suit. A good rule of thumb we found is to add the water temp and air temp together and if it’s below 100 degrees, you should suit up just in case you end up in the water. They make 2mm-thick shorties that extend to the knees and elbows – enough to protect you from a plunge into the chilly water, but not too much so that you’re overheating when not being splashed.

Life Jacket

No matter how hot, how calm or how long you are going to be in the water, how much experience you have or how cool you think you are, you should always be wearing a PFD.

Summer Kayak Storage

Now that you know how to dress for kayaking this summer, make sure you’re storing your kayak properly to keep in great shape all summer. Our beautiful, hand-carved cedar log storage racks will keep your kayak stored safely and at the ready so you can spend more time kayaking and less time caring for and transporting your kayak. We offer a variety of wall-mounted and free-standing racks for kayaks, canoes and other small boats. Check out our standard kayak storage racks online or send us a message for a custom storage solution.

Best Kayaking Destinations: Lake Erie

Have you ever dreamed of kayaking one of the Great Lakes? Take in the wonder of the breathtaking and serene beauty of Lake Erie on a kayak. Filled with beautiful bays, alcoves, and an abundance of wildlife, this Great Lake is a must kayak. Here are some popular water trails to help you explore Ohio’s 312 miles of Lake Erie shores.

Mainland Trail

Ohio’s mainland shoreline of Lake Erie offers views of the Great Lake, Sandusky Bay, Kelleys Island and South Bass Island. There are several points of entry from Catawba Island State Park on the west side to the Marblehead Lifesaving Station on the east. Explore rocky shorelines, marshes, wetlands and more as you paddle along the Egret Marsh Preserve, the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge and Marblehead Lighthouse, the oldest continuing operating lighthouse on the Great Lakes.

Kelleys Island Trail

Kelleys Island is Ohio’s largest island in Lake Erie at 2,800 acres. The State Park offers camping, trails and 430 feet of glacial grooves. With a rich history of viticulture and quarrying there’s much to see from your kayak. The North Pond State Nature Preserve is a wetland separated from the lake by a barrier dune. Scheele Preserve offers a land trail to the state-threatened rock elms savanna. Inscription Rock has nearly 100 Native American pictographs. The west side of Kelleys Island’s shoreline is dotted with Victorian-style homes. The North shore houses the North Shore Alvar State Nature Preserve with its unique ecosystem created from soil scrapped from the limestone by ice, wind and water.

South Bass Island Trail

This is one of the most visited islands in all of Lake Erie. It offers a wide variety of activities and spectacular kayaking. Paddle around the shoreline of the Oak Point State Park and catch views a beautiful rock arch. The Massie Cliffside Preserve offers breathtaking views of cliffs, woodlands, and a dock with a trail system for dry land exploration. Scheeff East Point Nature Preserves North and East have a total of eight acres of lakefront preserve with a trail and The Village Bathing Beach offers a sandy place to stop and visit.

Middle Bass Island Trail

Named “Isle des Fleurs” by French explorers, Middle Bass Island has a rich history of grape growing and winemaking. Paddle around the island for views of rocky cliffs, a historic boathouse, wet woodlands housing several threatened and endangered plants and amphibians and Bald Eagles.

North Bass Island Trail

Also know as Isle St. George this island is less than 2 miles from the Canadian border, making it an important stop for migrating birds island-hopping across the lake. Much of the island is undeveloped, offering a spectacular experience for nature loving kayakers. As you kayak around the island, you’ll have views of Fox’s Marsh State Wildlife Area, one of the few natural coastal wetlands remaining on the islands, undeveloped shorelines, a sand beach and small wetland area great for wildlife watching by Honey Point Wildlife Area.

Planning Your Lake Erie, Ohio Kayaking Trip

There’s much to see and explore along Ohio’s Lake Erie shores from historic sites and wildlife, sandy beaches and wooded trails, making a great destination for kayakers and nature lovers of all kinds. And what could be more thrilling than kayaking a Great Lake?

And when your trip is over, make sure you have a proper place to store your kayak. A custom kayak rack will help preserve your kayak, so it lasts longer and requires less maintenance and allows you to spend more time on the water. For specific questions, inquiries, or custom orders, contact Log Kayak Rack at 1-715-543-2006.

Father’s Day Gift Ideas for the Kayaking Dad

Shopping for dad is not always easy, but if you have a dad that’s at his best when he’s on the water with a paddle in his hands, we have a few father’s day gifts ideas that are sure to float his boat. (Some quite literally.) Here’s our Father’s Day gift giving guide for dads who kayak.

The Perfect Paddle

A paddle, aside from the kayak itself, will have the biggest impact on your performance in the water. If your dad is doing more battling than paddling, maybe it’s time to upgrade his paddle. There are many options when it comes to paddles, so make sure you get the right kind of the type of kayaking your dad does.

Hand Crafted Kayak Storage Rack

Whether you dad has one kayak or an entire fleet, show your dad’s kayak some love with a sturdy hand-crafted storage system from Log Kayak Rack. Proper storage can greatly extend the life of his boat. Our hand-crafted kayak storage racks are made from beautiful norther white cedar logs and can hold anywhere from one to eight kayaks.

GPS Watch

Kayaking is all about adventure and exploration, but make sure you dad stays the course with a GPS watch. A reliable GPS watch for kayaking will put your dad at ease and allow him to navigate the waters with confidence.

Waterproof Bags

Help dad keep his valuables dry with a waterproof bag. Even for the casual kayaker having a dry bag is handy for bringing along a book, phone, snack or basic first aid kit.

Gloves

Paddling gloves aren’t just for winter. Many are made specifically for summer paddling. In addition to fighting off cold, paddling gloves can offer protection from blisters, calluses, sharp rocks, the wind, and UV rays. Help your dad protect his hands with a new pair of kayaking gloves for Father’s Day.

Paddle Floats

Capsizing can happen to anyone, even the most experienced of kayakers. Give your dad, and yourself, peace of mind knowing that he is prepared if it happens to him with a paddle float. They offer additional stability and safer reentry.

Quality Time Together

Whether you take your dad on a once-in-a-lifetime epic kayaking trip around the world or you head to his favorite local kayaking spot, you can’t beat spending a day with your dad doing his very favorite thing in the whole wide.

Where to Kayak in Colorado Besides the Colorado River

The famed Colorado River makes almost everybody’s ten best places to kayak list. There’s 1,450 miles of beautiful scenery stretching and winding through seven states. Each with their own stunning and unique offerings. It is in fact the river that carved out the eighth wonder of the world, and if it’s not on your kayaking bucket list it really should be. But Colorado is home to the headwaters of nearly 20 other rivers. So if you love kayaking and you love Colorado, be sure to check out these other must-paddle places in the state.

Places to Kayak in Colorado

Colorado is considered the go-to place for kayaking and whitewater rafting. And the Colorado River gets most of the attention, as it rightfully should. It’s a magnificent river that all levels of paddlers can enjoy and really is an experience of a lifetime. But Colorado has a long kayaking season, typically May through September, giving you plenty of time to check out some other must-see sights and rivers.

Here are five other places, beside the Colorado River, where you should kayak in Colorado.

  • The Arkansas River

This river starts in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and flows through Kansas, Oklahoma and Arkansas for 1460 miles before joining the Mississippi River. It is one of the most popular rivers for water sports in Colorado offering stunning views of the state’s massive mountains as well as the ultimate water rafting experience.

  • Rifle Gap State Park

This is another remarkable kayaking destination with it’s crystal-clear waters. Rifle Gap is known for boating, fishing, jet skiing and kayaking. The waterways of Rifle Gap Reservoir make for a terrific paddle, plus there are plenty of fish if you enjoy kayak fishing.

  • Shadow Mountain Lake

Explore the beauties of nature from this gorgeous man-made lake. Shadow Mountain Lake offers a beautiful and serene setting with amazing views of the Rockies. It’s deep blue waters make for a very tranquil experience and the lake is vast enough to never feel overcrowded.

  • Cache la Poudre River

Wild Poudre, as it’s known, offers epic, challenging rapids, everything from Class-II to Class-V whitewater. Plus, excellent scenery with granite corridors and falcons soaring overhead. When you think of Colorado whitewater rapids, this is it.

  • Tarryall Reservoir

Finally this medium-sized reservoir is just about as quiet and peaceful as it gets. Perfect for a peaceful day on the water or fishing. Bonus, the pristine body of water is surrounded by 17 free, first-come, first-served campsites.

Store Your Kayak Between Trips

We understand it’s hard to put the kayak away, but you can’t always be on the water. The best way to keep your kayak in top condition and make sure it’s ready for your next adventure is with proper storage. We offer custom log kayak storage racks that can hold up to eight kayaks or canoes, paddle boards and other small recreational water sport vehicles. View our standard kayak racks online or call us at 1-715-543-2006 for custom orders.