and paddle shops along waterways allow you to test ride a few of the kayaks ( failing that , find a boat rental place and take one for a spin ). If you can , test-paddle several before buying .
In particular , test the seat comfort – which can be an issue with cheaper boats – and how you feel in the cockpit . Then consider how much it weighs . Will you carry it into remote locations , or take it by trailer to launch ramps ?
As for options , do you want rod holders , gear storage , a rudder , anchor assembly , paddle rest , racks for holding electronics , cameras , a net , etc .? Consider your “ must-have ” features , then determine if they ’ re built-in or if you must buy and add them yourself . “ Dry bags ” are a good idea for phone , camera and wallet .
Then come the critical purchases with your ’ yak , a paddle and a PFD ( life jacket ).
“ Get the best paddle that you can afford ,” Briones says , “ because that means it ’ s going to be a light paddle , better made and it will allow you to enjoy longer days on the water .” Heavier paddles lead to neck or shoulder pain .
As to safety , bulky PFDs that work fine in a larger boat or canoe might be restrictive in a kayak . So , if you already have a life jacket , you might want a different model for kayaking .
Fishing kayaks are stable , but it ’ s important to know how to get out if it tips – particularly a sit-in model . Take a course , then practise once you ’ re comfortable with the technique . And learn how to re-enter the boat and practise that manoeuvre too . If you aren ’ t comfortable doing it , capsizing can lead to disaster if you are stressed , cold or unnerved .
Once you ’ ve tested the craft and paid your money , you ’ ll enter a world where previously inaccessible waters flow effortlessly under your bow in shallow bays , small rivers and creeks , out-of-theway lakes and ponds . It ’ s more peaceful and relaxing , great for physical fitness . And a near-silent approach gets you closer to wildlife , a bonus for photography .
Briones discovered another benefit . “ You become a better angler , because of the limited area you can cover . So , it forces you to work on your techniques to catch more fish .”
The Kayak Anglers Association of the Outaouais is on Facebook , at www . kaao . ca on the web or kaao . ca on Instagram .
AVOID TICKS AND LYME DISEASE
By Don Wilcox
An increase in cases of Lyme disease in Ontario this year means outdoors enthusiasts should beware .
A short , warmer winter resulted in a bumper crop of ticks . That means more people – and animals – will come into contact with the bugs which can transmit the potentially debilitating disease .
“ Every year it fluctuates based primarily on the weather ,” said Ottawa public health inspector Ann Stanton-Loucks . “ This year we are seeing more .”
The black-legged tick ( deer tick ) is the culprit which spreads the disease . They love leaf litter on deciduous forest floor , brushy areas and tall grasses . Loucks recommends simple protective measures :
• Use bug repellents containing DEET
• Stay in the centre of marked trails where possible
• Wear long pants , long-sleeved shirts
• Tuck pants into socks , use duct tape around boot tops and cover shoe eyelets
• Thoroughly wipe yourself ; check your entire body after outdoor activities Pets can easily transport ticks into your home . Though cats can ’ t get Lyme disease , dogs can , so ask your vet about preventive treatments .
If a tick bites you , remove it gently using tweezers and keep it for analysis by medical staff . It usually takes 24 hours ( or more ) to transmit the disease , and not all deer ticks are infected . Contact your public health unit , or your doctor .
If you develop a bullseye-looking skin pattern or patchy rash , fever , headache , joint or muscle pain , see your doctor .
“ People don ’ t need to panic if they are out in the bush ” Stanton-Loucks said . “ Just make this part of your routine .”
For more , visit health . gov . on . ca / en / public / publications / disease / lyme . aspx
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