Kayak Oklahoma Blog

Kayaks Earn Real Interest, Saving Barely Earns Money

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 14:53:00 +0000

Kayak Oklahoma Logo, a photo by FreeWine on Flickr.

Oklahoma Kayaking News

Recent rains have raised the Washita River in Southern Oklahoma to paddling level. So, check your local river gauges for kayaking conditions. Other outdoor fun available to Okies this week include festivals & fun all over.

The latest Oklahoma Paddle Sports Association newsletter is out.
Get in on a Kayaking Roll class this Sunday!

Two Oklahoma Wine Festivals will be held this weekend. Tres Suenos Vineyards & Winery in Luther, Oklahoma and Stone Bluff Cellars in Haskell, Oklahoma are both hosting events. There is also a festival being held in Slick, Oklahoma on Saturday. Nuyaka Creek Winery will be there pouring Oklahoma wine tastings.

Convertibles & Kayaks Earn Real Interest, Savings Barely Earn Money

Maybe it is just my mid-life crisis talking here, but lately I feel like my toys are preserving my true wealth more effectively than my so-called investments. Example: we recently sold our old motor boat for nearly enough money to buy a cute little Miata ragtop. Once our Burgman scooter sells, we should own the little car free-and-clear. Meanwhile, my 401K plan sends out an annual report that begins with "abandon hope, ye who enter' and the so-called 'interest' my bank savings earn is anything BUT interesting!

Real Assets Give You Options

Many years ago, my wife and I decided to risk a bit of credit and buy some stuff to improve the quality of our lives. These toys encouraged us to get out and live life a little fuller and they even manage to hold some value. Sometimes the toys succeed and sometimes they fail. When the toys no longer inspire, I find I can often trade my old dream toy for someone else's toy...or the rent!

Real Assets Help You Experience Life

I need to increase many things in my life. My faith, my friends and my forgiveness are areas more worthy of my efforts than simply pursuing higher net worth. That is why I plan to pursue more Pies and fewer Pie Charts.

See you under the sun!

Lower Mountain Fork River Kayaking

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas) — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 14:19:00 +0000

This Saturday my wife and I decided to ignore the rain in the forecast and head to Broken Bow, Oklahoma for some kayaking. It has been too long since we last paddled this fun few miles in southeastern Oklahoma. I love this river!

My buddy Yakker joined my Wife and I on this river trip, so we were able to self-shuttle for a change. I like to self-shuttle... not so much to save money (I'm not sure it does), but in order to get on the water earlier. This sort of worked because we did arrive at the put-in before any of the outfitters starting dropping off paddlers. Sadly, it was raining buckets at the time!

This part of Oklahoma has not gotten enough rain to even settle the dust this summer, but they made an exception for us. As usual around Nine o'clock the outfitters started dropping off paddlers. Some had rain gear, others only had their high hopes of improving conditions.

We decided to burn another hour before launching, figuring it couldn't rain for long. We were quickly rewarded with a cloudy but rainless sky and it just got sunnier all day after that. As always, I had a ball weaving through the rocks, slipping down the chute and splashing down the tiny waterfalls. The light was not all I hoped for, but at least I made it on an off the river with my camera still in functional!

Launching as late as we did on a Saturday means you get to enjoy a lot more company on the water. Picking your line through the Rock Garden or The Chute requires dodging many canoe paddlers struggling to rescue their water filled boats. For added fun, stop and help from time to time. However, pace yourself you cannot help them all!

Here's are a few free tips for first time paddlers on the Mountain Fork River:

Paddle a SOT kayak alone. Sharing a canoe with another novice paddler is just about the worst choice you can make.
Bring nothing with you but sunscreen... and even the sunscreen needs to be waterproof!
Towels, wallets, dry clothes & electronics stay in the vehicle, not in the canoe.
Reserve your boats in advance with one of the LMF River paddling outfitters.
To rescue your canoe with your friend: move the canoe out of the current, grab it by the ends and lift it out of the water while you rotate it 360 degrees.

For the most part the boat will find its own way downriver, if you keep the nose pointed down river. Even backwards is OK. However, IF your boat turns sideways to current, it is likely to fill with water the minute it hits an obstacle. Because canoes are usually around 16 feet long...you will hit just about any obstacle in the area.

Renting a SOT kayak puts you in a 9 foot long boat that can turn on a dime and WON'T fill up with water. First time paddlers on this river find more success by renting a sit-on-top kayak and even if you do run into a problem, they are much easier to self-rescue.

Fall starts this week. Summer is the most popular time for trying out kayaking, but experienced paddlers usually prefer the Spring & Fall months due to better water levels, fewer crowds and cooler weather. Check out some of the paddling locations described on the OklahomaRoadTrips.com website and plan a kayaking trip soon!

Moonlight Paddle Trip with Oklahoma City Riversport

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas) — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 15:43:00 +0000

Take a kayak trip on a local OKC lake or river to enjoy the sunset just as the full moon is rising. You’ll enjoy great scenery, majestic views and a unique kayaking experience.

The event is weather dependent and takes place two to three evenings per month from May to September. Price for ages 16+ is $25 or $12.50 for RIVERSPORT Row/Kayak pass holders. While you are there learn all about the Oklahoma Regatta Festival October 1-2, 2011.

Check the OKC Riversport website for details at: http://riversportokc.org/kayak/guided-paddles

Also remember, the Illinois River in Tahlequah, OK is still running at a great level for paddling trips!

Summer Fun on Oklahoma Waters

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas) — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 22:20:00 +0000

Kiamichi River Spring, a photo by FreeWine on Flickr.

Summer is here and Oklahoma is actually getting some rain from time to time. In fact, the Illinois River is at a great level for kayaking now. I won't be able to hit that lovely river this weekend, as I had a trip already planned. (Testing out my new Teardrop Travel Trailer)

But don't let that stop you from kayaking the Illinois River this weekend! The new Oklahoma Paddle Sports Association has an Illinois River Kayaking Trip planned (non-members allowed). Checkout their website at: http://ok-psa.org if you would like to join them. You can even see my devoted spouse in their most recent newsletter!

FYI - The 12th Annual Okie Noodling Tournament is July 9, 2011 and the sign-up form is online now deadline for registration is July 6, 2011. Join in or just attend and check out the massive catfish they catch at this Pauls Valley, Oklahoma Summer event.

Thousand Acre Lake -a Brief Return to DFWR

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas) — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 17:25:00 +0000

White Oak Area of DFWR, a photo by FreeWine on Flickr.

Recent rains in the Okmulgee, Oklahoma area have brought the Deep Fork River out of its banks and re-flooded the normally dry 'Thousand Acre Lake'. We went kayaking here after work yesterday. It was a bit breezy, but very fun paddling between the thorn bushes and pecan trees. We saw many large fish.

Finding the Elusive Thousand Acre Lake

From Highway 75, Take 20th Street, in Okmulgee, West until you reach the first STOP sign at the Okmulgee Coke Plant. Continue to folow that road west, it is now called Sharp Road. Thousand acre lake is a mile or two down Sharp Road.

Look for a parking area on the left with signs identifying it as the Deep Fork Wildlife Refuge - White Oak area. Folks are likely to be sitting there fishing. If you reach the Deep Fork River bridge on Sharp Road...you went too far.

Thousand Acre Lake is not my favorite Okmulgee County kayaking spot, but it is the most rare. It offers that 'flooded forest' vibe that makes Caddo Lake so attractive to me. I am not sure how long the water will remain, but there was plenty of water for paddling and fishing on Thursday evening.

Kayaking Thousand Acre Lake in Spring 2011

Spring Kayaking Around Oklahoma and Arkansas

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas) — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 22:50:00 +0000

Earth Day Eve Kayaking, a photo by FreeWine on Flickr.

A couple Oklahoma rivers are up, but conditions are still very dry here in the Sooner State.

However, the Spring waters are flowing well in Arkansas these days. Great Ozark scenic rivers like the Buffalo River and the Ouachita River are flowing well for kayaking trips. Thrilling whitewater favorites like the Cossatot River and the Mulberry River are also runnable these days.

~~Tulsa area kayak fishermen are meeting up this weekend at Sequoyah State Park~~.- CANCELED
The Oklahoma Paddle Sports Association is hosting a Camping / Paddling get together at Lake Thunderbird’s West Hog Creek Campground.

As usual, Spring brings a number of great paddling events like the OGAR.

The Ozark Greenways Adventure Race will be held on Saturday, May 21, 2011.

The Ozark Greenways Adventure Race (OGAR) is a sprint adventure race (8-14 hours) which features running, trekking, mountain biking, orienteering and paddling. The Ozark Mountain Paddlers will be providing safety support for the paddling leg of this event. Learn more about the race at www.greenwayrace.org.

Paddle On, Friends!

Kayak Fishing and Whitewater Paddling

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas) — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 02:55:00 +0000

Kayak fishing season is in full swing here in Oklahoma. Don't let the parched conditions fool you. In fact, this is a great time to get to know the shoreline cover around your favorite lake...because it is probably exposed.

The Kings River in Eureka Springs, Arkansas is up at a nice level for float trips this week.

Big whitewater is running on the Mulberry River in Ozark, Arkansas.

NEOKA Club Meeting: April 23, 2011 - Fort Gibson

The next Northeastern Oklahoma Kayak Anglers Club meeting will be April 23rd at Fort Gibson lake at Sequoyah State Park. The crappie spawn should still be going strong, and Ft Gibson offers a variety of other species such as Large Mouth, Wiper, and Catfish as well! Lunch will be provided for those that RSVP by via the NEOKA Facebook group.

These meetups are the perfect place to check out a vast array of recreational kayaks and kayak fishing gear. We fell in love with the new Coosa fishing kayak at a NEOKA event.

Coosa Kayak Catfishing and Blue Hole Returns

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas) — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 02:12:00 +0000

What an excellent weekend! We paddled our kayaks on the Deep Fork River both Saturday & Sunday. Dianne set some lines and brought home some very nice-sized catfish. Between runs, we made a quick trip to visit Dave Lindo at OKC Kayak to stock up on kayaking t-shirts and other goodies.

OKC Kayaks has an amazingly wide selection of kayaks and kayaking gear. You can test paddle kayaks in countless sizes, styles and brand names. OKC Kayak is quite close to the Oklahoma River, but we didn't bother test paddling any kayaks. Dave had sent me a Facebook message announcing the arrival of the vivid yellow Jackson Kayak Coosa we asked for. The Jackson Kayak Coosa is a sit-on-top kayak designed for river fishing. It is made-in-America by a cool family of paddlers and offers a wealth of unexpected features. We moved fast to grab one!

The Coosa provides a real dry ride, loads of storage and moves through the water pretty well for a SOT. We also picked up an extra-long Werner Skagit paddle that really speeds things up. Dianne immediately put the Coosa to the test by landing two very large flathead catfish this weekend. The stand-and-fish stability of the Coosa must be seen to be believed. I was standing in this kayak during my first demo of the boat and I am as clumsy as a hog on ice.

The good folks at OKC Kayak also helped me out by installing a new Skwoosh Pro Angler Supreme Kayak Seat in my old Perception Swifty kayak. The seat has a back rest with adjustable side wings, a rod holder and a gel seat pad. My old kayak is now better than new!

Spring River Paddling News

Planning a float trip on Oklahoma's scenic Spring River? Good News paddlers: Chet Brewington has Blue Hole Canoe Floats back in business for 2011! More info on the Spring River & Blue Hole Floats at: http://www.oklahomaroadtrips.com/Spring-River.htm

Kayak Fishing Meetup March 19 at Okmulgee State Park

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas) — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 17:57:00 +0000

Oklahoma has been blessed with some beautiful weather lately. Kayak fishing season is on! Load of the kayaks and head to Okmulgee State Park to meetup with some other Oklahoma kayak anglers. The place is Hickory Point Boat ramp at 7am Saturday morning. Kayak fishing is not really a team sport, but it is fun to get together and see how everyone customizes their boat. No special permits are needed for paddling on the two lakes at the State Park, just make sure you have your boat registered and your fishing license handy.

Kayak fishing for Bass is a great way to get outdoors and have some low cost fun. Okmulgee State Park offers to excellent lakes for paddling and fishing. For shady, peaceful paddling with friends try finding the put-in at the top of Salt Creek and paddling down to the Hickory Point Campground. If you like kayaking between the trees and chasing trophy Bass launch onto Dripping Springs Lake from the boat ramp at Clovis Point Campground.

See you on the water!

Caddo Lake Winter Kayaking

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas) — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 22:03:00 +0000

We had record snowfall leading up to our 17th anniversary celebration trip to Caddo Lake. Thankfully, we were blessed with shockingly great weather right afterwards. The great weather was throughout the region too, not just at our cabin in Uncertain, Texas. The northeastern part of the massive Caddo Lake is about five hours from our home in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. We picked up a fishing license for Dianne at the Wal-Mart in Marshall, Texas but you can save some money by just doing your fishing at the nearby Caddo State Park. It has a two dollar entrance fee, but no license is required for fishing there.

This time of year, Caddo Lake is popular among Bass and Crappie fishing enthusiasts. However, we arrived a bit early for the kickoff of the spawning season. This lake is so full of fish that Dianne actually caught a Bass on her limb lines last summer. Bass normally require a bit more finesse than the oiled twine and massive hook of a catfish set, but I suppose they are just a bit more eager in these parts. If you can't catch your own, try the River Bend Restaurant for waterfront views plus catfish & gator with all the trimmings. We were surprised at the quality of food and wine at this hidden jewel in Uncertain, Texas.

Dianne did catch catfish on this trip, but we spent most of the time exploring Caddo Lake in our kayaks and driving around the 'Ark-La-Tex' as they call it around here. If you visit Caddo Lake, I highly recommend you make a quick side trip to Jefferson, Texas. Grab a breakfast that just can't be beat at The Bakery restaurant in downtown Jefferson. There is also history to learn and shopping to do in Jefferson, but we were there for the grub. While we were walking around, we noticed a big old free boat ramp right there in town. When we return next time, we will definitely be using that boat ramp for a quick paddling trip on Big Cypress Bayou! Like most of Caddo, it appears to be narrow, shady and curvy...just the way I like 'em! Perfect for paddling or kayak fishing in any season.

Speaking of kayak fishing, we had breakfast at Crip's Camp (another Caddo Lake lodging operator) one morning and got a tip from the owner. He said the locals all use hot dogs for catfish bait. Dianne had never tried fishing with weenies, so she set four hooks out with some leftover Mt. Pleasant Meat Market jalapeño cheddar sausage. Sure enough, she caught a small flathead the next morning. That tip turned out to be as sweet as the homemade Mayhaw Jelly Crip's Camp serves with breakfast. (Yes, we ate breakfast everywhere...that's what makes it a holiday!)

A couple of the mornings started out quite cold this vacation weekend. My first day of paddling, I launched before dawn to catch that great early morning light. The season had stripped the bald cypress trees of their color, but the Spanish Moss that drapes their limbs was unchanged by winter's icy embrace. Caddo Lake has a gloomy beauty that is still present in February, but it is much diminished. More Caddo Lake pictures to come, watch our Flickr photostream.

Spatterdock, the cabin we rented, offers a lovely view of the bayou from a large screened porch. Canoes and bicycles are provided with the cabin rental, plus there is a boat ramp just a few steps away. The cabin can sleep as many as nine and is just one of four cabins that Billy and Dottie Carter operate on Caddo Lake. You can also hire Billy for a guided boat tour of Caddo Lake: http://www.spatterdock.com/. A guided boat tour is great idea, if you want to see the biggest, oldest, most impressive Cypress trees on the lake. They also teach you quite a bit about the local history. During the warmer months your tour includes boating through a sea of lily pads and lotus blooms. It is breathtaking.

Winter kayaking on Caddo Lake is not as colorful, but it is more solitary. Since it is the off-season you enjoy lower rates and no waiting in town. On the water, the maze-like corridors of tall Cypress trees provide countless miles of great exploring and paddling. Moving quietly through the shadows allows you to slip-up on wildlife for close observation. If kayak photography is your thing, Caddo Lake is unbeatable. Even on a windy day, you will find the sheltered lanes offer calm water and amazing light filtered through the treetops and moss. Caddo Lake even sounds strange. The tops of the Cypress trees rub together when the wind blows, creating random squeaks and moans that echo across the water.

Caddo Lake is a kayaking experience too uniquely wonderful to be missed.

Sunset Kayaking on a Warm Winter Day in Oklahoma!

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas) — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 09:18:00 +0000

Saturday was perfect for kayaking in Oklahoma. I hope you got outside. Dianne, Greg and I took the plastic navy to Dripping Springs Lake. They were kayak fishing while I was busy watching the skies for some of our local fishing birds. I spotted two Bald Eagles and had a great day in the sun paddling. More pics on Flickr, as usual.

The water level is still very low on Dripping Springs Lake. It has been a wickedly dry year. The Deep Fork River is not even red because Oklahoma has been dry for so long. Although the air was warm today, we realize that the water was still very cold. It is important to wear quick drying synthetics or waterproof clothes when you are doing any winter kayaking in Oklahoma.

The nylon strap that supports the seatback on my Perception Swifty just broke on this trip. It has been a tough kayak, this will be my first repair for the Swifty. Hopefully, I can grab some good pictures to share with you in February. Dianne and I are planning a trip back to Caddo Lake to see how it looks in the winter and hopefully do some kayak fishing.

I'm told the Bass fishing on Caddo Lake is excellent from Jaunary through May, so we should be right on time. It would be great to have more weather like today for our trip.

Get An Oklahoma Water Atlas While They Last

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas) — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 19:18:00 +0000

Good news from Dave Lindo at OKC Kayak!

The Oklahoma Water Resources Board and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation have updated and reprinted the Oklahoma Water Atlas.

This is a nice publication that Oklahoma paddlers are fortunate to have reprinted considering the condition of state and local budgets. The first run disappeared quick so don't delay. It is an ideal resource for kayak fishing in Oklahoma and it makes a great gift too.

You can pick up a free copy at the Water Resources Board or download PDF version of individual lake maps online. These lake maps show boat ramps, campsites, depths, and more for lakes all over Oklahoma. I mainly use them to discover how to find the shady, narrow, feeder creeks that offer better kayaking conditions and less motor boat traffic than the more open areas of the lake.

I use my old copy of the Oklahoma Water Atlas constantly, but the high quality materials and binding have allowed to to remain in superb condition. You may prefer river kayaking to lake paddling, but during Oklahoma's regularly occuring droughts, lake paddling may be your only choice that does not require five hours of driving.

Speaking of OKC Kayak, they have a great selection gifts for kayakers of every kind. If you don't want to shop online for kayaks and paddling gear or you need some expert advice, stop by OKC Kayak and meet Dave Lindo...you won't be disappointed. He's a standup guy...ask anyone. OKC Kayak is located at 220 N Western Ave Oklahoma City, OK. Phone: 405-553-9988.

See you on the water!

Halloween Paddling Spot - Grave Creek

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas) — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 23:39:00 +0000

Halloween Paddling Spot - Grave Creek
Originally uploaded by FreeWine

Still not enough rain in my part of the Ozarks to enjoy any river paddling. My schedule has been too hectic to get out much these days anyway. I hope you have been enjoying the mild temperatures. I got out on Grave Creek yesterday afternoon for some much needed recreational paddling. Like most spots, Grave Creek is very low this Fall. However, there is enough water to paddle upstream a ways and Grave Creek always offers water enough to paddle down to Lake Eufaula from the boat ramp.

It was a windy afternoon, but Grave Creek is pretty well sheltered from the wind. The fish were very active and several groups of folks were out pursuing a fish dinner. Since Dianne was stuck at home with Dylan (both have beeen sick with a cold all week), I didn't bother to try any fishing. I just enjoyed a lovely evening of flatwater paddling, no permit required. Although the totally clear skies made for a lackluster sunset, the curvy nature of the creek means there are many spots where the light filters through the treetops in a way that pleases me.

For whitewater adventures, it looks like I will have to settle for my favorite Kayaking DVD's this season. During the cold season, I enjoy the exotic locations and fun soundrtrack music of both whitewater kayaking movies & kayak fishing DVD's.

In fact, the local heros from the Arkansas Canoe Club offer a cool whitewater kayaking flick called ARKAYAKANSAS. Check it out in the online store on their website: http://www.arkansascanoeclub.com. I've watched it many times and I think the Arkansas whitewater footage is pretty awesome.

Kayaking at Okmulgee Lake with the OFP

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas) — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 02:37:00 +0000

I got to meet some of the kayak fishing enthusiasts from the Tulsa area this Sunday. Several of the Oklahoma Flatwater Paddlers (OFP) had planned to test their skills at Okmulgee State Park. I met up with about half a dozen NE Oklahoma area paddlers at 6:30am at the Hickory Point Campground in Okmulgee State Park. Okmulgee's two lakes are a popular destination for Oklahoma kayakers due to the lovely scenery, the wildlife and the lack of city permit requirements for boaters. For launching kayaks and camping, I prefer Clovis Point on Dripping Springs Lake and Hickory Point on Lake Okmulgee. Both lakes have clean water, good camping facilities and fishing for crappie, bass and catfish.

As usual Dianne did all of the fishing, while I shot the sunrise and 'shot the bull' with the other paddlers. Dianne caught several small Bass and I got to see two osprey splashing down on the surface of the lake as they worked toward the same goal. I got some pictures of the Osprey, but the quality is pretty crappy as we had low light and they were much too far away for the 12X zoom on my camera.
Herons and crows and such will pass over head occasionally, but eagles and osprey circle high in the sky, then they hover and then drop suddenly to the surface of the water with a tremendous splash. Amazingly they fly off with a fish between their toes without even buying bait!

If you have a better camera and want to get a picture of an Osprey flying away with a fish, here's what you do. First, buy a kayak. Then, launch your kayak at the Hickory Point Campground boat ramp as early as possible and paddle, quiet as a mouse, left toward Salt Creek. Keep your eye on the sky and look for large birds hunting. If you see birds hunting sit still and get your camera ready for Sports mode shooting that will freeze the action using a ISO. About half a mile up Okmulgee Lake from the boat ramp, you should start seeing a large patch of weeds in the lake just before the entrance to Salt Creek. This shallow water portion of the lake is popular with birds that eat fish. Find a shady spot and sit still in your kayak. Watch the skies and you should see some of the amazing hunters at work.

One of my favorite things about kayaker meet-ups with the OFP is the chance to see what kind of gear the other paddlers purchase. Since the group was made up mostly of fishermen, the majority of the kayaks were Sit-On-Top kayaks fitted with many upgrades and sporting at least three fishing poles per kayak. I saw a Wilderness Systems Pungo & Tarpon, an Ocean Kayak Prowler, and even a couple of those new Ascent SOT kayaks.

This was my first time meeting most of the folks on the trip. Big thanks to everyone who made the trip to Okmulgee. I hope to kayak with you folks again soon!

Lake Sardis in Clayton Oklahoma

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas) — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 19:32:00 +0000

Lake Sardis in Clayton Oklahoma
Originally uploaded by FreeWine

Dianne and I went kayaking at Sardis Lake, near Clayton, Oklahoma this weekend. Although this was my first visit, I think Sardis is one of the most beautiful lakes in Oklahoma. It has very clear, cold water a rocky bottom and it is surrounded by heavily forested hills of hardwood and pine. I wanted to visit Lake Sardis soon, as the future of this lake is very much in jeopardy.

Oklahoma City has agreed to pay $27 million to acquire the water storage rights by paying off the debt owed by the state of Oklahoma to the Army Corps of Engineers who built the lake in the early 1970's. Local residents enjoy this lovely lake, so they are trying to preserve it. See www.ORWP.net for more info on the water dispute. You know what they say: 'whiskey is for drinking, water is for fighting'.

In fact, the Choctaw and Chickasaw tribes offered to pay the $5.2 million installment payment that was due by July 1 of this year, but that offer was rejected. The Oklahoma Water Resources Board then signed a contract to sell the storage rights at Sardis Lake to the Oklahoma City Water Utilities Trust.

Located in the Ouachita Mountain Range, Sardis Lake is so lovely that turning it into OKC tap water seems a bit short-sighted once you have camped here.

For our visit, we camped at Sardis Cove campground. The camp host was very helpful and the outhouse-style restrooms were the cleanest I have seen in quite sometime. The clouds of disgusting insects that plague most campsite restrooms were nowhere to be seen!

We chose Sardis Cove campground because it is on the more shallow side of the lake. Boats tend to run slower here to avoid submerged trees and The Narrows, a shady, curvy bit of the lake, is much closer than the more crowded campgrounds and boat ramps at nearby Potato Hills on Highway 2.

Good fishing, camping and scenic paddling make Lake Sardis an obvious choice for kayakers eager to experience Kiamichi Country before it is transformed into a hilly desert.

Kayaking the Illinois River is Back!

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas) — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 19:08:00 +0000

With a water level well over four feet, The Illinois River in Tahlequah Oklahoma offered some great kayaking this weekend. Dianne and I had recently spotted the Hmong Cafe around 31st & Garnet and we had been curious about Hmong cuisine since we saw Gran Torino. I mentioned to Dianne that since we were going all the way to Tulsa, we may as well hit the Illinois River in Tahlequah afterwards. OK, it isn't exactly right on the way but she reluctantly agreed anyway. Recent rains left the water more green than clear, but running fast. We had fun and we both tried out new Paddling PFD's.

The full trip report for our latest Illinois River kayaking trip, including our visit to the Hmong Cafe, in Tulsa is on our Illinois River page.

The annual Outdoors expo is coming up, so Dave Lindo at OKC Kayak is looking for folks to volunteer to help with the kayak demo pool. It is a fun event to participate in, great folks to work with and it is all for a good cause.

I'm hoping to join up with some of the Oklahoma Flatwater Paddlers for kayaking at Okmulgee Lake on September 19, 2010. If you happen to be camping at Okmulgee State Park this weekend I want to let you know that the Nuyaka Creek Winery Wine Festival is going on Saturday, September 18. Did you hit the water this weekend?

Fall Kayaking is the Best!

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas) — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 13:24:00 +0000

Sunset Kayak on Grave Creek
Originally uploaded by FreeWine

The water levels are rising and the weekend forecast calls for low winds and temps less than 90 degrees! It would appear that the Fall paddling season is ready to begin.

Fall is my favorite season for kayaking around the Ozarks. I enjoy the faster water for paddling combined with the color changes in the trees. You will also find mmuch less traffic at popular kayaking destinations like the Elk River in Noel, MO or the Kings River near Eureka Springs, Arkansas. The mighty Mulberry River in Ozark Arkansas is too high for paddling now, but keep an eye on it as it should start falling soon.

I don't know where I will be putting my kayak in this weekend, but I like the looks of The Kings River level today. On Sunday, September 19 some of the Oklahoma Flatwater Paddlers are meeting at Okmulgee Lake. I hope/plan to head out there and paddle Salt Creek with some of the gang. You should grab a kayak and join in!

The Illinois River was rather low when I wrote this posting, but the forecast is for it to rise very fast. Watch out for downed Willow trees, if you paddle in Tahlequah this weekend.

Kayaking at Okmulgee Lake

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas) — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 02:15:00 +0000

Oklahoma was blessed with some relief from the Summer heat this week. Kayaking conditions are still too dry on the area rivers to enjoy much floating. Because the prospect of a cool morning was too inviting to pass up, I decided to enjoy some flatwater paddling at Okmulgee Lake. I hit the water at about 7am, but I really should have gotten there an earlier. The morning light was golden and lovely reflecting off the mists and water.

Okmulgee Lake is within Okmulgee State Park, so there are no additonal city fees to kayak on Okmulgee Lake. Paddling from the base of the Dripping Springs Lake dam down Salt Creek and taking out at the Boat Ramp at Hickory Point campground on Okmulgee Lake is a safe and shady flatwater trip.

I only stayed out paddling for a couple of hours this Saturday, but it was quite pleasant crossing the glassy waters while the early light came pouring through the trees. I was glad to see that I was not paddling the only kayak on Okmulgee Lake Saturday morning. When I returned to the Hickory Point boat ramp, I saw two more kayaks had just landed.

Hopefully, the Fall rains will come along soon and raise our rivers back up again.

In other Oklahoma paddling news...
Oklahoma City's ban on water skiing on Lake Hefner and the Oklahoma River was expanded to include banning tubing after the OKC city council members approved the change on Tuesday.

Kayak paddle upgrade choices.

Mothership Kayaking Deep Fork River Style

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas) — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 01:11:00 +0000

Dianne has had some elbow pain lately, so she decided to run this weekend's catfishing limblines via motorboat. I figured it would be a good time to try and expand my summertime paddling range by doing some 'Mothership Kayaking' - where you move your kayak on a motorboat to cover more distance. I've read about kayaking vacations in Alaska and Canada that use bigger boats to take paddlers deep into some of the most scenic waters in the world. We were only going a few miles up the Deep Fork River, but it would give me chance to try moving my kayak upriver, launching my recreational kayak from the motorboat and re-boarding the motorboat from my kayak.

It takes a shallow running, but very stable boat to chase catfish in the Deep Fork River during the late Summer. Dianne's Generation III Pro Shadow is a 15 foot flatbottom and it works well on these narrow, curvy and shallow Oklahoma rivers. There is room onboard to haul my Swifty 9.5 Sit-Inside kayak, but we found it works best to just tow the kayak on a rope tied to the stern of the motorboat. I tried towing the kayak both empty and while inside the kayak and towing it empty works the best by far. Tow the kayak empty and it follows along behind you like a little puppy. We drive our little fishing boat quite slow, so it was not a thrill ride to get towed in the kayak, but it is still difficult to keep the kayak traveling on a safe course.

Once we got upriver, much farther than I would have paddled on this hot day, it was easy to slip into my kayak off the back of the flat-bottomed boat. While Dianne set out some fishing lines, I paddled around taking pictures as usual. After the day got hot, I eased back into the motor boat and we started towing the kayak back to the boat ramp. Dianne even caught catfish, what a perfect first attempt at Mothership Kayaking...almost.

Did I mention that neither of us have much experience piloting motorboats?

About two thirds of the way back to the boat ramp...we ran out of gas. That is when I got to try my hand at 'Fathership Kayaking'- where you tow your motorboat using your kayak. I predict that Fathership Kayaking will not take off with the popularity of Mothership Kayaking. Mostly, this will be because of the backbreaking labor involved... and the slow progress... even going downstream.

Eventually, we decided it would be easier for her to park the Shadow Pro and fish while I paddle back to the boat ramp and go buy some more fuel. Yes, my old Perception Swifty Kayak saved the day proving once and for all...that simpler boats are better for fool's like me!

Kayak Fishing Gear

Oklahoma Summer Kayaking on the LMF River

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas) — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 20:46:00 +0000

LMF Cypress Tree
Originally uploaded by FreeWine

This Sunday, I dropped my son off at Hale Boy Scout Reservation in Talihina, Oklahoma. Since he didn't have to be there until 1pm, I decided to sneak in a paddling trip on the Lower Mt. Fork River in Broken Bow, Oklahoma. These days, I rarely find an opportunity to break out the Sprayskirt and ride the current. The LMF is typically the only whitewater paddling to be found in the Oklahoma summertime. Don't be surprised if you AT&T phone doesn't work anywhere in Broken Bow, mind didn't. Luckily Ambush Adventures is right at the take-out and they shuttled me and my boat back to the put-in for a mere five dollars!

While my Wife & Son slept in, I hit the LMF River at about 6:30am and practically had the river to myself for a few hours of pure serenity. At this time of day on the Lower Mt Fork, the river is misty and quiet. The herons hold court as the morning light slowly changes from gray to green to golden. As the sky cleared, the heat & humidity rose too late to spoil a perfect morning of paddling. More of our LMF kayaking pictures in this Flickr photoset.

The water flow was nice at around 35-400 cfs, so the Rock Garden section was a bit bumpy, but loaded with great eddys to 'park' the kayak in and take pictures. The narrow bit before the falls is the most exciting part of the paddling. The current is strong here and the rocks and snags are many. However, if you go with the flow and only use your paddle to keep your bow pointed downriver and to brace when you bump something, you should get through it fine. If you want to avoid the falls, you can cut hard to the right at the end of the narrow section. This will allow you to 'park in an eddy' and take pictures or pick the best spot to go over the falls.

The one downside of paddling the LMF River so early in the day is that I didn't get to photograph the usual fleet of strangers picking their own way down the three-foot Presbyterian Falls. You can capture some very honest emotion on the faces of folks when that ice cold water hits them in the lap as the go over Presb. Falls. On my way home, at the end of my latest Mt. Fork River float trip, I saw loads of people lining up to enjoy the ride. I think Broken Bow offers the 'most fun four miles in Oklahoma' - Kayaking The Lower Mountain Fork River. Don't miss it this summer.

As usual, no kayaking t-shirts were available for purchase. So, I bought myself this kayaking t-shirt online.

There were two major problems on this trip. I hesitate to bring them up, because I prefer to keep my trip reports positive. However, I must warn you that my AT&T cell phone had no signal anywhere in or around Broken Bow, Oklahoma...total deadzone. All the local folks apparently use Verizon. This caused me some issues. I had gotten a kind offer of shuttling from the folks at Broken Bow Canoes

Also, upon arrival at MicroTel in Broken Bow, OK I was informed that despite my so-called "Reservation" and "Confirmation Number", they were full up. The clerk seemed pretty amused by the whole thing. She had they same wry expression on my previous visit to this very flophouse, where they failed to honor the deal we had reserved online. Luckily, someone built a brand new hotel right next door. I did not waste more than a couple minutes in the Microtel and next time I will waste even less.

Bayou Kayaking at Caddo Lake in Texas

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas) — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 03:40:00 +0000

Caddo Lake in Uncertain Texas

If you have ever visited our Kayak Texas page then you know I have long wanted to visit Caddo Lake. Caddo is an old, natural lake that is more like an elaborate river system than a lake. It flows down from the Big Cypress Bayou in a series of interconnected fish laden, tree-lined canals, ditches, ponds and shallow lakes. This lake offers more shade than any other body of water I have ever seen. We just got back from a two night stay on Caddo Lake. We did a little bit of fishing, a whole lot of kayaking and we even shelled out the doe for a guided boat tour. If you enjoy the Cypress trees on the Lower Mountain Fork River in Broken Bow, Oklahoma, visit Caddo Lake soon. This shade-tree paddler was in flatwater heaven.

Guided Boat Tour

Normally, Dianne and I won't consider spending our outdoor time enduring the noise and odor of a motor boat. It is one thing to watch them pass by, but being out the water without hearing the birds holds little charm for me. However, Caddo Lake is vast and varied and our time was short. We decided to take the one-hour lake tour at the last minute. To my shock, Billy Carter's Go-Devil® Tours was the highlight of our trip to Caddo Lake. I wish we had taken it earlier in our trip and I will definitely take the tour again upon our return to Caddo Lake. The river guide was able to show us the oldest most scenic areas in this ancient flooded forest.

Caddo Lake is an ancient flooded forest of Bald Cypress trees. The huge water trees are 'curtained' with thick garlands of Spanish Moss that capture moisture from the early morning air. As the moisture evaporates, it has a cooling effect. The tea-colored waters are teaming with unusually large Catfish, Bass, Sunfish and Crappie. Lily pads abound on the Caddo. Lovely white water lilies and bright yellow Lotus border small tree lines in some places and fill lakes in other area. On Caddo Lake you can paddle your kayak into a 'field' of thousands of water lily blooms. Caddo Lake is paradise for fishermen and photographers.

Caddo Lake Lodge

We spent our two fabulous nights at Caddo Lake Lodge, in the small town of Uncertain Texas. The Wells family was nice enough to offer us a discounted 'press' rate to facilitate of first trip to this paddler's paradise. The lodge offered plenty of room for Dianne and I plus our son Dylan and Dianne's mother. The house has ceiling fans everywhere, cold A/C, a large, deep, soaking tub, spacious deck and other luxuries. The large dining room was great at mealtime. The Caddo Lake Lodge website has pictures of the rooms, but my favorite feature was the private canoe launch and fishing docks. The height of luxury in the perfect location. The dock is located on a narrow section of Caddo Lake called Clinton's Chute. We paddled our kayaks a short ways down to an even more narrow and shady branch called Clinton's Ditch. This part is too narrow and shallow to appeal to the speeding Bass boats.

Photopaddling on Caddo Lake

The mix of land and water on Caddo Lake is unusual. It allows you to slip silently through the forest in your kayak. Paddle quietly and you are sure to sneak right up on a wide assortment of interesting wildlife. Such a wealth of trees is of course ideal for Dianne because she loves to set and run limb lines for Catfish and Bass. For the photopaddler, Caddo Lake offers filtered light on the brightest of days, loads of reflections and a unique blend of light and shadow that is like nothing I have ever seen before. Taking the guided tour earlier in our trip would have improved my photopaddling success as the guide took us to see several more ditches through the bayou. On future trips I hope to launch from a few different boat ramps to see more sections of this amazing lake.

I expected the swampy bayous of Caddo Lake to be stinky and crawling with snakes. I surprised to find neither was the case. I only saw one snake the entire time I was in the area and it was being carried away by a hawk at the time! The smell of Caddo Lake was lovely during the hot, muggy season we visited. I have never spent so much time on the water and still avoided sunburn. Dianne and I both bought short-term fishing licenses, but as usual Dianne did all of the fishing, I was too busy exploring the boat lanes, duck blinds and 'bayou architecture'. It is like the Lower Mountain Fork River, but with much larger Cypress and much flatter water.

Kayak Fishing in the Bayou

Neither Dianne nor I have ever found a spot that was so ideal for limb lining. The large amount of cover on Caddo Lake allows the fish the time to grow enormous and there is always a handy limb to set a hook. The trees are often surrounded by very deep water, which is excellent for fishing or very shallow water which is excellent for catching bait. Catching limb line bait just takes a Minnow Trap, Seine or a few minutes with the casting net. You can also buy bait at a number of places like: Jonhson's Ranch, Crip's Camp and other fine local establishments. Dianne had no trouble catching a whopper Bass at Caddo Lake, but it takes a mighty big one to get the record...over 16lbs the last I heard!

Uncertain, Texas is a very economical travel destination for any Oklahoma paddler who is eager to explore water trails that have more in common with a rain forest than with the Great Plains. Check out Caddo Lake photoset on Flickr to see more of our pictures from this great road trip.

I can't wait to go back!

Catfish and Mayflies on the Deep Fork River

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas) — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 03:23:00 +0000

Early Summer is a great time for fishing in the Deep Fork River. Dianne and I met up with our friend Greg for some excellent kayak fishing action this weekend. Dianne and Greg ran the limb lines with strong results from Friday evening through Sunday. I chased them around with my camera and tried to stay in the shade as best I could.

Limb lining is one of the most effective ways to catch catfish using a kayak. They like to lay in deep muddy holes in the riverbanks on Deep Fork, but they will come out of their holes for a small perch or goldfish dangling seductively from a tree limb. Blue catfish, Channel Cats and Flatheads grow very large in the Deep Fork River, so choose your hooks accordingly. You can also expect to see quite a bit of action from Aligator Gar, a toothy prehistoric fish that is best handled with fish handling gloves and much caution.

This weekend the fish and birds were very active due to large clouds of Mayflies in the air and covering nearly every leaf on many trees. Once mayflies have molted, they usually gather in swarms over the river to mate. The Mayfly (AKA Ephemeroptera) is considered to be among the first group of organisms to have ever taken flight. That is no surprise to me, since the Mayfly normally only lives for one day...it requires the extra speed of air travel.

It was an epic weekend, we even stapped the lights on our kayaks and did some night kayak fishing. I heartily reccomend it if you like the taste of insects. Dianne and Greg both caught the biggest catfish they had ever hauled into their kayaks...several times. I got some great pictures and had a ball watching the action. You can check out a few of the pictures that I felt were not too bloody to upload on my Flickr page at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/freewine.

Remind me to give you Dianne's fantastic recipe for pan-fried catfish fillets sometime. See you on the water!
Update 6-19-2010 - Check out the new Kayak Fishing page at OklahomaRoadTrips.com for all the details on limblining for Catfish in the Deep Fork River.

Kayak Fishing and Fathers Day

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas) — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 20:47:00 +0000

Kayak Fishing at Okmulgee Lake
Originally uploaded by FreeWine

With Father's Day Weekend right around the corner, Oklahoma's Summer heatwave has kicked in right on time. Float trips on the Illinois River, The Elk River and other area waterways are way up. Fishing season is in full swing whether you are pursuing Bass, Catfish or Crappie. Dianne is catching fish everywhere she wets a line these days. My kayak fisherman friend Scott reports that the Gar are up on Spavinaw. I am glad Summer is here!

The Father's Day holiday has long been a favorite of mine since it usually means Dianne will agree to going paddling in Broken Bow, Oklahoma. I haven't taken a trip down the Lower Mountain Fork River in far too long! Since we have a Texas kayaking trip to Caddo Lake planned this Summer, I may not be able to get a 'haul-pass' to the LMF anytime soon. BTW, I just added a new outfitter for the LMF River page: Broken Bow Canoes (that name sounds a bit grim, eh?). Check them out sometime and let me know what you think: www.brokenbowcanoes.com.

In Northeastern Oklahoma, The Spring River levels have been looking quite good lately. Of course, there are no outfitters working on Oklahoma's Spring River, so plan to self-shuttle if you make the trip. I think it is a lovely river offering an easy Class I paddle from Baxter Springs KS down to Quapaw, OK.

FYI - Fleet Feet Sports in Tulsa, Oklahoma is seeking kayaker volunteers for The Tulsa Triathlon on Skiatook Lake (out in the water in case a swimmer falters). Sunday June 13, 2010 at 7 am.

Free meal and tons of good karma for helping post watch on the water in your kayak, just in case a swimmer falters and needs some help. This is the 28th anniversary of the Tulsa Triathlon, an International distance triathlon on a moderately challenging course. To volunteer, contact Drew Barton at 918) 492-3338. www.fleetfeettulsa.com

Hobie Mirage Kayaks in Wichita Kansas

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 00:28:00 +0000

Test Paddling the Hobie Mirage Kayaks

We test paddled two Hobie Mirage kayaks at Santa Fe Lake near Wichita, Kansas on Memorial Day weekend this year. My son Dylan paddled the inflatable version: the Hobie Mirage i12s and my wife and I both paddled the hardshell version: the Hobie Mirage Outback SUV. Both kayaks were rented from Brooks Canoe and Kayak in Augusta, Kansas.

To my knowledge, Brooks is the only kayak outfitter in the region that is offering the Hobie kayaks for rent. The kayaks are quite costly and require some special handling to avoid damaging the cool pedal propulsion system that makes these particular Sit-On-Top kayaks so different from others. That being said, these are lake kayaking boats that just might change your whole attitude about what kayaking can be. We were stoked to find someone to rent them to us!

Hobie Mirage i12s Specs:
Length: 12'/ 3.66m
Width: 36"/ 0.91m
Weight: 53 lbs./ 24.04 kg
Mirage Drive Weight: 6.6 lbs. / 3 kg
Capacity: 500 lbs./ 227 kg

Hobie Mirage Outback Specs:
Length: 12' 1"/ 3.68m
Width: 33"/ 0.84m
Weight: 62 lbs./ 28.12 kg
Mirage Drive Weight: 6.6 lbs. / 3 kg
Capacity: 400 lbs./ 181 kg

Steering the Hobie Mirage is handled by a small lever near the handrest. A lever one one side operates the rudder and I found it quite intuitive and easier to use than most. The lever on the opposite side is used to stow or deploy the rudder. The rudder combined with the pedaling makes it turn pretty fast for such a wide and stable SOT kayak. Both versions of the kayak performed well, even in lots of boat wake like we were enjoying on Santa Fe Lake. We used narrow docks to launch and land the kayaks, rather than sliding off a muddy riverbank as is my custom. This is a good idea for protecting the pedal drive system.

The Mirage Drive - Hobie's Patented Pedaling System

Hobie kayaks offer an innovative pedal-driven kayak propulsion system. It uses flippers under the hull to move your kayak forward much like a penguin swims. It moves the kayak much more quickly and quietly through the water than paddling a normal SOT kayak. This means you can travel much farther across the lake to reach that special fishing spot. It also leaves your hands free for fishing and photography. You still carry a paddle stowed on the side of the kayak, but it usually only comes out for movement through shallow water OR if you want to go in reverse. This is a good thing because I really didn't care for the Hobie paddle...too much flex.

Tons of Optional Features

Ever want to try kayak sailing or add an electric motor to your kayak? Hobie makes it easy to add those features to their Mirage kayaks. Hobie offers tons of great kayak and fishing accessories. Heck, you can even get a Hobie Bimini Sun Shade and carry your shade anywhere you paddle!

If you have the scratch, Hobie makes some amazing lake kayaks. I'm not convinced the system is rugged enough for river use, but it is removable, so you don't have to risk your Mirage-drive bouncing down the Lower Mt. Fork River.

What About Kayak Pedaling in Oklahoma?

My wife tells me that Dave Lindo at OKC Kayaks has a couple of pedal-powered kayaks made by Native Watercraft. So, there is another handy excuse for heading to Oklahoma City to visit with our state's newest outfitter. Much like Brooks Canoe & Kayak, OKC Kayak offers a suprisingly vast selection of kayaks to rent. Renting is the best way to find the perfect kayak for your needs and it is a whole lot of fun.

Know your needs, know your budget and know how you are going to transport your kayak to the water...before you buy. If you want all of the gory details of our Wichita, Kansas Hobie pedaling trip just visit our new Kansas Kayaking page at OklahomaRoadTrips.com.

Happy Paddling!

Low Water Paddling in Oklahoma

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas) — Sat, 08 May 2010 03:06:00 +0000

Such a dry Spring, like we are having here in Oklahoma, can really harsh a guy's kayaking plans. Not so long ago, you could count on a regular Thursday night water release from the dam in Broken Bow to keep the Lower Mountain Fork River rocking for the weekend. These days, checking the Oklahoma river levels on American Whitewater's site shows not much fast water for early May. I, for one, am praying for rain!

Lake kayaking is the best way to get out and enjoy that new recreational kayak when the rivers just are not right. Good planning is the key to enjoying paddling the nearest wildlife refuge lake or your local reservoir lake. Most lakes have some secret waiting to be discovered like lovely lily pads on Beggs Lake or creepy drowned trees on Dripping Springs. Bald Eagle sightings on Oklahoma's lakes are quite common. You need the right timing, the right recon and the right bait to enjoy lake kayaking in Oklahoma.

The Right Timing

Time your trip to capture the so-called 'magic hours' just before and after sunrise or sunset. Any weather website will provde the daily time of the sunrise and sunset. It doesn't matter if you are fishing for photos or for flatheads. You will see more action during these magic hours. You may need to move your meal times or carry a sandwich, but do seize these hours on the lake. Until the dry weather passes or your wife agrees to that road trip to Arkansas to paddle the Mulberry River, the White River or the Buffalo...lake paddling beats walking any day.

The Right Recon

The right recon work will provide you with a good idea of where to find the slimmer, shadier more scenic parts of the lake. They tend to be the parts most distant from the dam. Launching from the right spot can save you a lot of baking in the sun paddling across open waters playing chicken with Bass Boats. Ask the locals about no wake zones on the lake for the most peaceful paddling. Position your boat in the shade and photograph your subject in a spot of illuminated water between spots of shade. It makes a lovely shot that is tough to setup on even mild whitewater, but is easy in some shady wading cove. Small lakes are low-wake-lakes, so the Oklahoma kayaker can enjoy lakes that are off limits to larger boats. Smaller lakes often offer more shelter from the wind as well.

The Right Bait

If you are looking for action, you need more than hungry intentions...you got to have bait. My wife swears by goldfish for gathering catfish and she turns her nose up at mere minnows. To quote the great bluesman Taj Mahal: 'plenty fish bite if you got good bait'. Paddle slowly and quietly if you are kayak fishing or pursueing wildlife photography via kayak. Nature is attracted to stealth.

Personally, I don't have the knot-tying prowess or the patience to enjoy much fishing, but I also need good bait for kayak photography. Oklahoma lakes rarely offer snow capped peaks on the horizons of my lake photos. However, our unique weather patterns can provide some powerfully colorful light, shadows and cloud backgrounds that simply cry out for a foreground...a subject...some small bit of action. The best bait to draw this kind of action from your lake paddling trip is good company. Whether it is your kids, your lover or your very best dog, a paddling partner improves any trip. Take some friends kayaking this year. Don't let low water keep you out of your kayak.