The STAR paddles its way in a kayak
Matt Macaulay, Staff Writer

With the bow of the kayak slicing through otherwise tranquil waters, the sun settles on top the golden hills of Northern California sending a rusted red luminescence over the lake, and for the moment, the world is flawless.

One is in need of a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life or in search of an exciting outdoor adventure, little else offers more enjoyment for the novice and veteran alike than kayaking.

It allows for the peace and serenity that only nature can provide. It gives a sense of freedom that comes with leaving the noise of the civilized world behind. It’s easy, cheap, and good for the heart and soul.

Don’t worry if you’ve never been on a kayak before. There’s really nothing to it. You get in, shove off, and paddle away. What may seem like a bit of instability in the boat will quickly become a distant memory as you get accustomed to the movement.

Kayaking is a relatively inexpensive activity – if you rent. Buying your own kayak could run you over $800 on the low end, while a weekend rental costs about $65 to $80 for the kayak, paddle, and lifejacket.

Most rental stores will have an assortment of kayaks available, and being able to tell the salesperson where you are going and how much experience you have will help you best decide on which kayak to rent.

Kayaks are made specifically for the type of water on which you plan to paddle. Kayaking in the open ocean requires a longer, faster boat than needed for paddling on a lake or a calm river, but longer boats may feel a bit too unstable for a beginner.

Kayaks also come in single-passenger and double-passenger styles. A double can be a lot of fun for a couple or for an adult and child, but a single will allow for the most freedom and maneuverability.           

A wider kayak usually means that it will initially be more stable in the water than a narrow boat, but it will be slower and harder to paddle.

Some kayaks come with a very adequate seat cushion, but most do not. Most stores will rent these out for an additional price, but whatever the cost it’s worth it. Don’t rely on a folded up t-shirt to sit on. It won’t do the job. Get the cushion.

Make sure that the kayak has enough storage space for whatever stuff you want to bring along. It’s a good idea to bring a dry set of clothes wrapped in a waterproof bag just in case you get wet. Packing a picnic lunch and paddling out to a secluded spot on the shore is a wonderful way to spend a Saturday afternoon in early October.           

While kayaking can be a beautiful and relaxing experience, it can sometimes be a bit of a workout for a beginner. Paddling against the wind or current can be taxing for somebody unaccustomed to aerobic activity. Make sure to remember that the farther you paddle out, the farther you’ll have to paddle back. It’s best to stay along the shoreline at first just in case you need a rest.

Residents of Sonoma and surrounding counties are especially lucky in that a variety of waterways are literally an hour drive away.

Spring Lake in Santa Rosa offers the gentle waters that would best suit a beginning kayaker. No motorized boats are allowed on the lake providing a more peaceful experience than lakes where decapitation by speedboat is always a possibility.

The Jenner Estuary, where the Russian River empties out into the Pacific Ocean in Sonoma County, is a perfect destination for the beginner wanting to experience nature. Harbor seals and river otters are both frequent visitors to the area, and many guided tours are available there for as little as $60.

Napa County offers an assortment of destinations as well. Lake Berryessa is an enormous lake that would take more than just a weekend to completely explore. It’s a great place to get out of your kayak and do a little hiking along the shore or into the woods. Be prepared for motorboats though if you dare venture out of the no-wake zone.

Napa River is another popular and scenic kayaking waterway. It weaves its way through one of the largest protected marshlands on the west coast and provides ample opportunity to relax and enjoy the wildlife while floating down the river.

Bring plenty of water and sunscreen. While there’s a lot of fun to be had out there on the open water, there’s not much shade.