On June 13, 2011, a Coast Guard boat crew rescued two kayakers from the water near Riverside Beach in Newport News, Virginia. One kayaker had called 911 after their kayak capsized.
A 25-foot response boat from Station Portsmouth responded to the call. The rescue boat crew arrived on scene, located the two kayakers and their kayak, and safely transferred them to a Newport News fire boat that was also dispatched for the rescue.
Also responding were the Virginia Marine Resources Commission and Isle of Wight County rescue boats.
"They both had lifejackets on, and the constant cell phone contact with the dispatcher helped in the quick response of all units involved," said Jerry Besecker, operation unit specialist at Sector Hampton Roads.
source: USCG 5th District press release
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Friday, June 10, 2011
Things To Do With Recreational Kayaks
Recreational kayaks are among the most popular of all watercraft. Their light weight, ease of handling and versatility make them an ideal craft for a wide range of activities.
This list highlights uses for recreational kayaks and things to do while kayaking:
exploring local waterways
exercise - kayaking is a great way to exercise
group activities - tours, field trips, etc.
meditation - peace and quiet
sports - fishing, clamming, crabbing, hunting
outdoor hobbies - birdwatching, outdoor photography, en plien air art, camping, picnicking, viewing North American wildlife
science related activities - research, education, environmental studies
transportation - floods, disasters, emergency response, search and rescue
This list highlights uses for recreational kayaks and things to do while kayaking:
exploring local waterways
exercise - kayaking is a great way to exercise
group activities - tours, field trips, etc.
meditation - peace and quiet
sports - fishing, clamming, crabbing, hunting
outdoor hobbies - birdwatching, outdoor photography, en plien air art, camping, picnicking, viewing North American wildlife
science related activities - research, education, environmental studies
transportation - floods, disasters, emergency response, search and rescue
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Birdwatching by Kayak
 |
| Prothonatary Warbler |
Birdwatching by kayak is a great way to see some of America's most beautiful birds, including seldom seen bird species. Kayaking is a good way to explore aquatic habitats where many of these elusive birds are found.
In spring, several species of warblers begin seasonal migrations across North America. Many of these tiny songbirds prefer streams, creeks or swampy woodland habitats.
Among the most beautiful are yellow warblers and prothonatary warblers, two species that prefer semi-aquatic environments. Mid Atlantic birdwatchers often spot these beautiful birds along creek banks while exploring by kayak.
The indigo bunting is another small but brilliantly colored songbird that is sometimes seen around ponds, creeks or streams. These opportunistic feeders also like overgrown areas and shoreline brush.
Swallows are another type of specialized bird that orient to aquatic environments. These amazing birds catch and eat tiny insects. Look for them along rivers, lake shorelines, or other areas.
The Baltimore oriole is another tree-orienting songbird that is sometimes seen by Mid Atlantic kayakers. These colorful birds prefer a diet of insects and nectar. Baltimore orioles are often found along river banks where flowering plants and berries are abundant. Orioles are known to be shy but sometimes tolerate the approach of a slow moving kayak.
In cypress swamps and other low-lying woodlands, many birds specialize in feeding around fallen trees, cypress knees and low lying vegetation. Towhees and members of the sparrow family search the ground along streams and creeks, sorting thru leaf litter for insects and invertebrates.
Songbirds seen along Mid Atlantic streams and creeks are popular among photographers and artists, especially some of the more colorful species such as summer tanagers, prothonatary warblers, and Baltimore orioles.
As expected, members of the heron and egret family are easily seen by kayak. By moving unobtrusively, kayaks are often able to approach quite close to these birds and observe their antics. Other fish-eating birds are also commonly seen by kayakers, including kingfishers, ospreys, bald eagles and other species.
Depending on the region and season, kayakers may see ducks, geese, brant, swans, or other waterfowl. In coastal estuaries, sandpipers, plovers, oyster catchers, marsh hens, coots, loons, terns, gulls and other aquatic birds can be observed and photographed by kayak.
In spring, several species of warblers begin seasonal migrations across North America. Many of these tiny songbirds prefer streams, creeks or swampy woodland habitats.
Among the most beautiful are yellow warblers and prothonatary warblers, two species that prefer semi-aquatic environments. Mid Atlantic birdwatchers often spot these beautiful birds along creek banks while exploring by kayak.
The indigo bunting is another small but brilliantly colored songbird that is sometimes seen around ponds, creeks or streams. These opportunistic feeders also like overgrown areas and shoreline brush.
Swallows are another type of specialized bird that orient to aquatic environments. These amazing birds catch and eat tiny insects. Look for them along rivers, lake shorelines, or other areas.
The Baltimore oriole is another tree-orienting songbird that is sometimes seen by Mid Atlantic kayakers. These colorful birds prefer a diet of insects and nectar. Baltimore orioles are often found along river banks where flowering plants and berries are abundant. Orioles are known to be shy but sometimes tolerate the approach of a slow moving kayak.
In cypress swamps and other low-lying woodlands, many birds specialize in feeding around fallen trees, cypress knees and low lying vegetation. Towhees and members of the sparrow family search the ground along streams and creeks, sorting thru leaf litter for insects and invertebrates.
Songbirds seen along Mid Atlantic streams and creeks are popular among photographers and artists, especially some of the more colorful species such as summer tanagers, prothonatary warblers, and Baltimore orioles.
As expected, members of the heron and egret family are easily seen by kayak. By moving unobtrusively, kayaks are often able to approach quite close to these birds and observe their antics. Other fish-eating birds are also commonly seen by kayakers, including kingfishers, ospreys, bald eagles and other species.
Depending on the region and season, kayakers may see ducks, geese, brant, swans, or other waterfowl. In coastal estuaries, sandpipers, plovers, oyster catchers, marsh hens, coots, loons, terns, gulls and other aquatic birds can be observed and photographed by kayak.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
1 Person Kayaks vs. 2 Person Kayaks for Fishing
For many kayak anglers, a choice must be made between owning a one person or two person kayak.
What type of kayak is best for fishing?
Before buying a kayak of either type, paddlers may want to ask themselves several questions:
Will anglers be fishing most often as a pair or solo?
How much kayaking experience does each angler have?
What type of waters will be fished?
Are kayak rentals available nearby?
Advantages of 2 Person Kayaks
In most cases, fishing is easier as one angler can control the kayak while the other fights a fish or deals with other tasks.
Having 2 paddlers can increase speed, range and safety.
A single craft costs less than 2 individual kayaks.
Equipment can be shared by 2 people on these models.
Advantages of 1 Person Kayaks
Solo kayakers have more freedom.
One person kayaks tend to maneuver easier.
One person kayaks tend to be lighter and easier to transport.
One person kayakers are usually less expensive per unit than 2 occupant models.
What type of kayak is best for fishing?
Before buying a kayak of either type, paddlers may want to ask themselves several questions:
Will anglers be fishing most often as a pair or solo?
How much kayaking experience does each angler have?
What type of waters will be fished?
Are kayak rentals available nearby?
Advantages of 2 Person Kayaks
In most cases, fishing is easier as one angler can control the kayak while the other fights a fish or deals with other tasks.
Having 2 paddlers can increase speed, range and safety.
A single craft costs less than 2 individual kayaks.
Equipment can be shared by 2 people on these models.
Advantages of 1 Person Kayaks
Solo kayakers have more freedom.
One person kayaks tend to maneuver easier.
One person kayaks tend to be lighter and easier to transport.
One person kayakers are usually less expensive per unit than 2 occupant models.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Gift Ideas for Kayakers - Equipment, Accessories, Gadgets
When choosing a gift for kayaking enthusiasts, shoppers are faced with an overwhelming a variety of kayaking-related gear.
This list includes several equipment categories as well as examples of products from each category:
Storage and Transportation - car top carriers, loading mats, straps, trailers, bungee cords, security cables, locks, skirt, kayak covers, dry bags,waterproof pouches for electronic devices
Clothing - kayaking shoes, boots, waders, hats, eyewear, water resistant pants, shirts, gloves
Navigation - compass, charts, GPS
Convenience - hi tech towel or chamois, bucket or tub, zipper bags, pliers, knife, fold-out seat cushion
Fishing - gripper, pliers, de-hookers, rags-towels, stringers, nets, rods, rod racks, lure assortment, lure organizers, tackle bags, live baits
Gadgets - cell phone, camera, PLB, fish finder, satellite messenger, trackstick, VHF-wx radio
Safety - personal flotation devices (PFDs), paddle lanyards, hand pumps, bladders, anchors, rope, d-rings, clevises, grapnel hooks
This list includes several equipment categories as well as examples of products from each category:
Storage and Transportation - car top carriers, loading mats, straps, trailers, bungee cords, security cables, locks, skirt, kayak covers, dry bags,waterproof pouches for electronic devices
Clothing - kayaking shoes, boots, waders, hats, eyewear, water resistant pants, shirts, gloves
Navigation - compass, charts, GPS
Convenience - hi tech towel or chamois, bucket or tub, zipper bags, pliers, knife, fold-out seat cushion
Fishing - gripper, pliers, de-hookers, rags-towels, stringers, nets, rods, rod racks, lure assortment, lure organizers, tackle bags, live baits
Gadgets - cell phone, camera, PLB, fish finder, satellite messenger, trackstick, VHF-wx radio
Safety - personal flotation devices (PFDs), paddle lanyards, hand pumps, bladders, anchors, rope, d-rings, clevises, grapnel hooks
Friday, April 29, 2011
Kayak Fishing for Sunfish: Spring Techniques
 |
| bluegill sunfish (bream) |
Most sunfish feed aggressively leading up to the spawning season. This is a good time to practice early season fishing for sunfish. Prior to the spawning season, sunfish species migrate into spring habitats and begin feeding right away. Most will attack small jigs, soft plastics, or other lures that imitate food sources. Natural baits also work well for sunfish, especially nightcrawlers, insect larvae, tiny minnows, or small crayfish.
During early spring, sunfish are sometimes found in near shore vegetation where they can feed as well as seek shelter. In some cases, kayak fishing is the only possible means of access to these areas.
In slow moving rivers, creeks and farm ponds of the Mid Atlantic, water lilies appear in spring. Sunfish quickly take up residence among the beds. As the spring season progresses, a food chain develops. This aquatic micro-system begins with tiny insects and invertebrates that come to feed on lily pads or algae. These inhabitants attract minnows, sunfish, and other species of fish.
As the season progresses these areas become important feeding areas for crappie, bluegill, and other sunfish species. Most kayak anglers are familiar with these habitats and have a preference for this type of fishing.
Some anglers carry a second rod which is rigged for largemouth bass and chain pickerel. Both species are frequently found in the same structure and are known for their habit of attacking angler's hooked sunfish.
Wye-Tri Adventure Race
The Wye Island Natural Resources Management Area (NRMA) in Queen Anne’s County is registering participants for the inaugural Wye-Tri Adventure Race on May 7.
The event is sponsored by the Maryland Park Service (MPS). The Wye-Tri Adventure Race has been designed in a triathlon format and will consist of three segments: running, kayaking and biking.
The first leg is a 2.5-mile run over wooded and open field trails along Dividing Creek, followed by a 0.75-mile paddle on the Wye River and Granary Creek, and finally a 4.5-mile bicycle course along Wye Island Road and back onto the island’s trail system.
The Wye-Tri Adventure Race is open to anyone 14 or older in good physical health and costs $15 per person. Each participant will receive a souvenir event shirt.
Kayaks of all sizes will be permitted and a limited number of vessels will be available for rental the day of the race (for an additional $5). Personal flotation devices (PFDs) are mandatory for those under 16 years of age and strongly encouraged for all participants.
Wye Island NRMA is a State Park located in the tidal recesses of the Chesapeake Bay between the Wye River and the Wye East River and is managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for resource management, nature-based recreation and agriculture. A major emphasis at Wye Island is providing quality habitat for wintering waterfowl populations and other native wildlife.
For more information or to register for the Wye-Tri Adventure Race, contact the Wye Island NRMA office at 410-827-7577 or the Tuckahoe State Park office at 410-820-1668. Visit the Wye Island park website at dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/eastern/wyeisland.asp
The event is sponsored by the Maryland Park Service (MPS). The Wye-Tri Adventure Race has been designed in a triathlon format and will consist of three segments: running, kayaking and biking.
The first leg is a 2.5-mile run over wooded and open field trails along Dividing Creek, followed by a 0.75-mile paddle on the Wye River and Granary Creek, and finally a 4.5-mile bicycle course along Wye Island Road and back onto the island’s trail system.
The Wye-Tri Adventure Race is open to anyone 14 or older in good physical health and costs $15 per person. Each participant will receive a souvenir event shirt.
Kayaks of all sizes will be permitted and a limited number of vessels will be available for rental the day of the race (for an additional $5). Personal flotation devices (PFDs) are mandatory for those under 16 years of age and strongly encouraged for all participants.
Wye Island NRMA is a State Park located in the tidal recesses of the Chesapeake Bay between the Wye River and the Wye East River and is managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for resource management, nature-based recreation and agriculture. A major emphasis at Wye Island is providing quality habitat for wintering waterfowl populations and other native wildlife.
For more information or to register for the Wye-Tri Adventure Race, contact the Wye Island NRMA office at 410-827-7577 or the Tuckahoe State Park office at 410-820-1668. Visit the Wye Island park website at dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/eastern/wyeisland.asp
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)