One day, over two years ago, my Hunny Bunny and I decided to drive down to Great Falls (along the Potomac) for a little walk. When we got there there were all these people kayaking, and Beth said that looked like fun. At first, for some reason, I thought the idea of kayaking was ridiculous. A boat that you strap yourself into that is designed to roll over? But then, as happens so often, I realized she was right.

I became somewhat obsessed with kayaking - I bought books and searched the internet - I did everything except actually get my arse into an actual kayak. Then, this last summer, Beth and I were visiting relatives in New Hampshire, and they had a little lake where you could rent kayaks. They were so easy to maneuver - and they didn't seem any less stable than your basic canoe (although getting in and out was a little more tricky). So we decided to Just Do It. We bought brand new, bright yellow Prijon Calabria kayaks and have been out on the Potomac several times. We are even acquiring wet suits and other gear to enable us to be more or less year-round kayakers.

I started this page two years ago during my "obsessing-but-not-kayaking" phase. Right now I am clearing out the "dead-wood" and adding new links - and I hope to start posting pictures of Beth and I in our kayaks soon! I want to thank all the little people who have stood by me during this time of crisis and need.....

tours/rentals/outfitters
Denali Outdoor Center Kayaking, rafting and mountainbiking near Mt. McKinley, Alaska
Atlantic Kayak Co. Kayaking tours, classes and supplies in Alexandria, Virginia
Wild River Outfitters, Inc. Kayaking trips, classes and supplies in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Spirit Walker Expeditions Another Alaskan outfitter - maybe next summer....

retailers
Prijon Kayaks This is the type of kayak Beth and I have - we got the Calabria
Baidarka Boats: Sea kayak specialist since 1977. Boats and accessories - but no prices
Rutabaga Page of Domesticity (Home Page) A nice site - with lots of tandems! But no prices
Used Kayaks repair, reuse, recycle....
Inflatable Boat Specialists - Sevylor Inflatable Boats Sevylor's own page - with prices
Check out Outdoorplay.com - they have cool boats and other neat stuff.
REI has all kinds of paddlesports stuff - from boats to bilge sponges (you gotta have bilge sponges!)

general information
Sea Kayaking in the Washington Baltimore and Chesapeake Areas a few useful links here
INFOHUB Canoeing/Kayaking Page A buncha links here - including the sea kayaking FAQ

back to Curt's more interesting page