So, you want to buy your first kayak?

Or, five tips to follow BEFORE you buy your first kayak!

During my paddling adventures, folks will come up to me at various put in / take out areas and ask about getting into paddling sports. Here's some advice I learned over several years of paddling kayaks, to pass on to any person thinking about getting into this wonderful sport!

Paddling on the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway!

Location: Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, near Myrtle Beach, SC. Temperature: 90F Wind: Light 0 - 5mph Conditions: Sunny and Hot

Our family took a short vacation to Myrtle Beach, SC. (June 21 - June 24). We partook of the "usual" vacation activities; going to the beach, eating seafood, playing putt-putt golf, and just being "lazy." But, being the Durhamblogger... I was able to also incorporate a morning paddle on the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway! Rachel and I headed south of the Myrtle Beach area and found our way to Island Adventure Watersports, located on the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, just off Dick Pond Road (guys I don't make up these names!)

Gear Review: Teva Fuse-ion Water Shoe

Gear Reviewed:Teva Fuse-ion Water Shoe (Men's Size 11)

  4 out of 5 kayaks rating

Net: A stylish, breathable, comfortable, and well-made water shoe that performs equally well in the water or running errands. 

Price: $90.00

Manufacturer: Teva

Pros: Nice "earth tone" color, water resistant, quick drying, breathable shoe with a sure-grip rubber sole. Doubles as both a water and casual shoe. 

Cons: Some users may prefer a non-laced shoe (e.g. slip on or elastic cord)


Details: I put the Teva Fuse-ion water shoe through its paces during an actual paddling trip. I wanted to see how it handled in the "real paddling world" as opposed to looking "pretty" in a show room.

After Work Paddle at Beaver Dam Lake!

Location: Beaver Dam Lake, Wake Forest, NC. Temperature: 78F Wind: NE 10-13 mph Conditions: Mostly Sunny

Hi everyone! Friday (June 15, 2012), I finished my work early and made plans to meet Rachel and some friends at Beaver Dam Lake, for an afternoon of paddling! I loaded both our kayaks - Aquafusion Liberty 13 (single) and Mainstream Escapade (tandem) into the back of my truck, packed my gear and drove to Beaver Dam Lake... arriving early afternoon. Rachel and our friends were unable to leave their work until after 5:00 PM... so (darn? Not!) I was able to get in some quality paddling before their arrival! I was excited since I normally don't get much time in our yellow Aquafusion Libery since when Rachel accompanies me, we usually end up taking the tandem kayak.

Gear Reviews - A New Feature at Durhamblogger!

I'm excited about offering gear reviews here at Durhamblogger!  I'll list the "pros" and "cons" of submitted paddling gear and accessories! Put the gear through its "paces"... and let you, the reader / potential buyer... know if its worth your time and investment dollar to purchase and use!