Paddling is glorious. Slipping quietly through the water, you’ll see and hear places and wildlife that you’d never glimpse any other way. A paddling excursion is an ideal adventure for bonding with family, adventuring with friends, getting to know a partner, or luxuriating in solitary bliss. The rhythmic motion is a meditation of its own, as well as a great blend of cardio and resistance exercise.
Photo by Julien Lanoy.
getting started
Once you get your sea legs (or, more accurately perhaps, your paddle arms) you’ll find that there are nearly unlimited options in the Hudson Valley and Catskills, from mysterious swamps to peaceable ponds, from shimmering lakes to the quieter corners of the mighty river Herself. The region’s earlier residents, of course, paddled all over the place; the scenery is vastly changed in most spots, but paddling is one of a very few ways to catch just a faint whiff of what they must have experienced.
But as with anything worth doing, there’s a learning curve involved, and knowing a few basics before you head out is the difference between bliss and disappointment, or even disaster. Bliss is what we want for you, Dear Reader, so here are some things to know before you go:
Dress for success. In paddling, that means closed-toe footwear and stretchy clothing made from a fast-drying fabric. (Wet cotton or wool will stay wet and make you miserable.) Most importantly, always wear a life vest, even if you’re a strong swimmer.
Pack a lightweight, waterproof bag. Essentials include sunscreen, lip balm, water, a rescue whistle, and your phone in a waterproof case, along with a lightweight rain jacket. Binoculars and a snack are highly recommended extras.
As with anything worth doing, there’s a learning curve involved, and knowing a few basics before you head out is the difference between bliss and disappointment.
Photo by Christer Gundersen.
Photo by Alan Bishop.
Be smart about the weather, including water temperature and wind speed.
Make sure you let someone know where you plan to go and when you plan to return. If you’ll potentially be sharing a waterway with larger craft, think about timing your expedition to avoid rush hour, also known as weekend afternoons. Most boaters are lovely, but boats don’t have brakes, and kayaks or canoes can be invisible from some angles, especially close up. Give them a wide berth.
Choose the right kayak or canoe and the right paddle. Stability and a comfortable fit are key to a good experience. Consider your goals: do you want to explore nooks and crannies, or take on long-distance endurance tests? Will you want to try some fishing? How will you be transporting your craft? If you’re investing in a kayak or canoe, you want an expert salesperson who will listen well and help guide you to just the right choice.
Get a general idea of the moves involved. Getting into a kayak or canoe without tipping it over is easy once you know how, but knowing how is key. Paddling, done right, involves your entire body, from your fingers to your core and beyond; expect to discover and build muscles you barely knew existed.
Photo by Ian Keefe.
Happily, we live in an age of video; there are scads of resources out there that demonstrate ways of getting launched, basic beginner strokes, and the all-important moves called “self-rescue.”
setting yourself up for success
For the best possible experience, plan a visit to one of our favorite local outfitters. Nothing equals having a real-live human help you figure it all out, and you’ll find passionate experts who love nothing more than making sure beginners have a great time; many places offer free tutorials. You’ll find a wide selection of locations and watercraft choices, and many places offer guided tours of special spots and sunset or even full-moon expeditions.
No two adventures, of course, are ever alike, but moving at water level and a human-powered pace is practically guaranteed to deepen your strength and skill, as well as thrill your soul with unforgettable sights and sounds.
With the right equipment—and some experience—you’ll be all set to explore our vast array of watery wonderlands. No two adventures, of course, are ever alike, but moving at water level and a human-powered pace is practically guaranteed to deepen your strength and skill, as well as thrill your soul with unforgettable sights and sounds, leaving you dreaming of and planning your next journey.
Happy paddling!
