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Where to Kayak in the Midwest
by Kay Fynne
http://www.fennkayak.com
The Midwest is where we find some of the finest kayak runs
in the USA. It is a paradise for the kayaker, with plenty
of secluded creek locations where rapids bounded by thick
wild banks shoot through the valleys and give way to big
lakes dotted with islands. Traditionally this is canoe
territory, but kayaks, especially the sea-going versions,
have certainly made their presence felt. Alongside the big
open canoes, the Sunfishes and so on, a kayak offers
something special, something individual and intimate that
cannot be easily found when using those other water-bourne
transporters.
The BWCA of northern Minnesota is home to some of the most
beautiful and peaceful scenery of the Midwest. Outfitters
not only specialize in helping people map water trips
through the northern pines and white birch that stretch from
the Gunflint Trail into Quebec but also supply kayaks for
rent or purchase. Depending on your idea of adventure, you
can be dropped off in a remote location and kayak back to
the outfitter or rough the outdoors for a week or more or
plan just a day trip. Most outfitters are stationed out of
historic Ely frequently fly kayakers into a location that
will offer both an experience with serenity and the rugged
whitewater caps. Many of the kayakers in this region decide
to explore the shores of many large bodies of water inside
places such as Voyageurs National Park and Canada's Quetico
Provincial Park. The advantage of sea kayaking through this
region boils down to easier portaging and the simple
connection between your surroundings and you. Many kayakers
find the sea kayak is spacious enough to store your supply
pack and camping gear. Along the many BWCA smaller rivers,
many kayakers decide to use an angler kayak, which makes it
possible to occasionally float along and snag a few
Northerns.
Wisconsin, the the west, is another kayaking winner. The
Namekegon River, hidden away in the north of the state, is
a gem. It sets out at Namekagon lake and runs a lonely
route down to the St Croix. The rapids are plentiful and
many are class I and II. You are going to need plenty of
wet water gear and maybe you should pack a fishing pole
since the river is famous for sturgeon. Or how about the
back country Wisconsin River? Starting in the north west
by the Mississippi it runs the entire state through to the
south west corner. Watch for wind here, which can through
your planning out, and the currents which are fierce - do
not go without your trusty personal flotation device (PFD).
The islands of Wisconsin's Apostle Islands and Door County
make kayaking the preferred mode of sightseeing among the
adventurous. Many resorts and waterfronts offer kayaking
lessons prior to renting these sea kayaks. Also, the many
islands of Michigan's Sleeping Bear Dunes and Les Cheneaux
Islands are a breeze to reach by kayak. Since the trip is
usually done in a matter of hours or less than a day, many
people find the recreational inflatable kayak a fun way to
tour the sandy beaches and tote their gear to a secluded
campsite.
While some kayakers are partial to the waters of Mexico or
the rapids of Colorado, kayaking the Midwest has its own
rewards such as getting off the beaten path so you can play
and relax at your own pace. To check out kayaks that are
specially suited for these kinds of excursions, visit
Cabela's (www.cabelas.com) wide selection of kayaks among
its selection of boating watersports.
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