Kayaks & SUPs
Ever been up the river without a paddle? Ever been on a “pleasant jaunt” out on the water when it turns so bumpy you put the yak in kayak? Choosing proper water gear can be intimidating, to say the least, and dangerous at its worst, but allow us to steer your ship in the right direction.
Kayaks
If you’re looking for a mostly dry activity on the water and don’t mind a little bit of an upper body workout, kayaking is the way to go. It’s great for sightseeing and covering more distance than taking out a paddleboard. Kayaks lend themselves to smooth sailing on the Sound and, at times, rigorous maritime adventures on the ocean. Kayaks are typically either single or double with each rower using one long paddle to power and steer the vessel. If you’re an inexperienced “yakker,” you have a few relatively inexpensive options for giving the pastime a whirl.
Consider your location. You’re at the beach! Though the impulse to pick up a new hobby can be a strong one —especially in these times when knitting, learning Portuguese, and making sourdough are essential to staying sane—don’t go out and buy yourself a brand new kayak and all the matching accoutrement before your first trip. Chances are someone has a kayak you can borrow, or can at least point you in the right direction of one. If you’re down here on vacation, rent one. There are tons of beach equipment rental companies that rent ocean and sound kayaks by the day or week and most will deliver right to your door. Pro- tip from a seasoned beach equipment renter: don’t rent for a full week unless you’re a dedicated kayaker.
Renting by the day is cheaper and, according to our rental expert, most people don’t end up using their equipment every day because, let’s face it, you’re here to relax, not to ferry people down the River Styx.
Once you’ve procured your kayak, there are a few basics rowers of every experience level must know. Never paddle alone. While the activity seemed incredibly mild when Ryan Gosling was rowing through droves of swans in The Notebook, kayaking can turn dangerous with quickly-changing weather and currents. Take somebody with you; this makes the trip safer and more fun. Always let your landlubber friends know your itinerary so they can have your happy hour order placed in time and a bottle of aloe cooling in the wet bar. You’ll likely need both after a long day of paddling.
When you make it to the water, make sure you have the essentials: a PFD (personal flotation device, required by the US Coast Guard to be on the vessel but is best if worn on the body), drinking water, sunblock, and some sort of communication device (best in a waterproof case or plastic bag). Other recommended items include a shirt with sleeves for when you start to bake out there, ‘yak beers, and Ryan Gosling.
A few more key pieces of advice: row into the current at the beginning of your journey. This will help tremendously on your ride back when your arms feel like jello. If using a double kayak put the heavier person in the back to avoid easily tipping. Should you tip over, remain calm. Right your kayak, throw your arms across the vessel short ways, pull your upper body onto the kayak first, then swing your legs in and sit. If you’re a beginner, don’t kayak on the Sound when you see whitecaps.
Sound Kayaks
Sound kayaks, or “touring kayaks” are closer to a canoe in looks. The rider sits within the kayak, level with the surface of the water, making sound kayaks less suitable for larger riders who may not want a snug fit. For them, an ocean kayak with a raised seat may be more comfortable. Pro-tip: when renting an ocean kayak, make sure to ask for the backrest. It’s a game-changer. Try launching your ‘yak in the Kitty Hawk Woods Maritime Forest. It is one of the easiest and most visually interesting areas on the Banks to navigate. Other great spots include the Whalehead Club in Corolla, the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge down Buffalo City Road, and the marshes around Pea Island.
Ocean Kayaks
While the trip can be more intimidating than navigating the smooth waters of the Sound, ocean yakking can provide you with sights and splashes exclusive to the adventure. Pro-tip: when getting your kayak out beyond the breakers, head straight into the wave with the nose of the vessel pointing toward the horizon, this will help prevent flipping and use the yak’s angular hull to cut through the waves. The rider sits atop the kayak’s seat and legs are exposed rather than within the vessel. If you’re considering renting or buying and are unsure where you’ll be using it most, go for an ocean kayak. These can be used on either body of water, but sound kayaks are not suited for the ocean.
Stand-Up Paddle Boards or SUPs
For those with good balance and no qualms about a dunk, SUPs are a great way to go. Essentially an uber-buoyant long surfboard, SUPs are made for standing or kneeling and propelling the craft with a long paddle and can be easily taken on the Sound or ocean. Like kayaking, paddling is a finesse sport, not one of brute strength. Understanding how to paddle efficiently is key to having a good time as the activity uses tons of upper body and core strength. Just as with kayaks it is easiest to begin paddling into the current for a smooth return trip. Begin getting your balance on the board by kneeling at first and gradually figuring out how to stand. SUPs can be surprisingly expensive to rent but are available hourly, daily, and weekly at the same equipment rental companies. If you know someone who has one, borrowing is always a great place to start before committing to a purchase or
long-term rental.
Foam Boards or Soft Tops
Unlike kayaks, SUPs do not vary depending upon where you use them. The right SUP for you will work just as easily in the ocean or on the Sound. Soft top or foam boards are best for children or people under 100 lbs. These are incredibly buoyant and will likely flip your average-sized adult before standing on the board is even within the realm of possibility. Foam boards are typically around nine feet long— the longer the board the easier it is to balance.
Hard Top SUPs
Hard top SUPs are most likely what you will need. These boards, while still incredibly buoyant, are made to hold more weight. Hardtops typically come in 10’6 or 11’4 measurements with the 11’4s best suiting people over 200lbs or 6’4 and 10’6s suiting nearly everyone else. Accompanying paddles are pretty much universal in length for adults— this is nothing like the putt putt foot-to-hip measurements you exacted with the kids.
For beginner paddlers, the sound is the easiest place to get your bearings as balance is tricky when you’re being pounded by waves. Should you get straight into ocean paddling, get yourself beyond the breakers by paddling out on your stomach like a surfer rather than kneeling or standing. While those on the beach may find your misfortunes a treat, a face full of saltwater in the first minute may discourage you. This brings us to another pro-tip: have fun! This is not a competition, nor are you earning style points for cool tricks. Paddleboarding is a leisure activity, so go out there, do some yoga, dunk your head in, get a tan and relax.
If there’s anything you take away from this, let it be this: don’t take any of these activities too seriously. While your safety is of the utmost importance, a close second is having a good time. Find somewhere beautiful to poke around, borrow or rent your equipment and make some friends along the way. If you just can’t get enough, buy a kayak or a SUP of your own. One final fiscal pro-tip: the equipment rental companies usually sell their older merchandise around September for a fraction of the usual cost. The boards and boats are still in great shape and, because they were bought with the intention of lasting a long time, are usually top brands.
Author: Emily Moliken
