Thanks for visiting our site! If you’re here to learn more about sea-kayaking in the Pacific Northwest, you’ve come to the right place! See for yourself through our stories and pictures, why sea kayaking has exploded in popularity. Kayaking our Pacific Northwest waterways gives a fresh new perspective of our region and conveys the full flavor of God’s beautiful creation in this area. Kayakers see first hand, the results of powerful geological forces that shaped the Oregon coast, the inland waterways of the Puget Sound and the ecology of the Columbia River where nature abounds.
More than anything, paddling a sea kayak is just plain fun, safe and easy to learn. With each stroke of the paddle, you and your kayak glide silently across the water allowing you to observe wildlife and our environment close up. Even if, as a child, you never dreamed of growing up to explore the northwest just like Lewis & Clark, it’s never too late to find adventure!
Anyone healthy and fit with a positive attitude can enjoy kayaking.In the hands of an experienced paddler, a kayak is an amazingly seaworthy craft. However, if you are a beginner, you must realize how vulnerable you are to adverse weather and water conditions. A thorough knowledge of your kayak, standard equipment, safety gear, proper clothing, your skill level and how they all interrelate is very important to the sea kayaker.
Since we at tote-n-float are concerned for your safety, we strongly encourage you to take time to learn basic paddling skills and understand the fundamentals of good seamanship before you take your first trip. Many good courses are available to help you learn the fundamentals of sea kayaking. When signing up for a course, look for qualified instructors and do not be shy about asking for their qualifications.
Once you have had some training, you should always paddle with at least one other person so that there is someone available to assist you in the event of a capsize. You should also learn and practice self-rescue in case your partner cannot assist you, or if you find yourself alone.
Enjoy our site and all the information we have to offer. If you have questions, feel free to contact us by email or through our “Forum” in the “Tote-n-Float” home page.
