Kayaking opens up waterways
Pennsylvania's diverse waterways are attractive to many watercraft enthusiasts, but kayakers use just about each and every one.
"It's affordable and there's a lot of lakes around. It's nice to be laid back and out in the water. Plus, as opposed to being in a boat, you get a workout," said Drew Spencer of North Hills.
Spencer, who has been kayaking for about three years, spent June 19 on Lake Arthur at Moraine State Park in a 12-foot touring kayak, which he says is faster and smoother on the open water than a whitewater kayak, which is slightly easier to handle.
"My favorite spot here is the Lost River (a tributary of Lake Arthur). You can only get in there with a kayak because it's very narrow," Spencer said.
Accessibility in such water as well as the almost endless ways to customize the kayaking experience through different gear are what make kayaking so attractive a sport.
"Western Pennsylvania has some of the most beautiful lakes and rivers around for paddling. We have so many different types of paddling for individuals based on what they like to do," said Chris Calhoun of Center Township.
"People paddle for fitness, social reasons — there's lots of groups that paddle — wildlife photography and to escape work pressures. Plus, it's a great family sport."
Calhoun is the coordinator of the parks and recreation management program at Butler County Community College, teaching river kayaking, swift water rescue and ice rescue, among other topics.
He said safety and knowledge make kayaking enjoyable for anyone.
"First and foremost, a person should wear a life jacket, and have the appropriate paddling skills for the environment they're going out into," Calhoun said.
"Make sure you know what the rules and regulations are regarding where you're going. And dressing for the environment is critical, especially in the spring and fall. People are kind of lulled into thinking that because its 80 degrees out, the water is going to be warm."
With the right tools, the calm waters of Lake Arthur, the surging swells of the Slippery Rock Creek at McConnells Mill State Park and the Allegheny River, a mix of rapids and tranquility are all within a kayaker's grasp.
Entry-level plastic kayaks can cost as little as $250, while fiberglass boats can cost up to $3,000, folding boats can be about $1,500 and doubles, which hold two people, can exceed $4,000.
There are three types of kayaks, said Anita LoVan of Wind and Water Boatworks on Route 8 south of Butler: whitewater, recreational and touring.
"What type of kayak you want depends on what kind of paddling you'd like to do," she said.
"Any of the kayaks have to fit you. It's kind of like buying shoes; It has to fit right or it just doesn't work."
LoVan said recreational kayaks, short, wide and stable, are good for beginners and preferred for fishing. Touring kayaks are best for covering long distances over open water and whitewater kayaks are best for rapids.
"Most beginners go with plastic boats. All whitewater and most recreational boats are made of a heavy, durable plastic," she said.
"When you get into the high-end fiberglass boats, the price goes up dramatically."
Calhoun, who has worked as a park service ranger in Pennsylvania, said kayaking is a great way to explore, adding that a person can put in at Warren at the base of the Kinzua reservoir and paddle all the way to the Point in Pittsburgh.
For information on kayaking on the Web, visit http://go.kayaking.com/.
