Adventures for Beginners - Kayaking Lake Isabella is a blast
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Valerie Cassity - Special to the Sun
Author’s Note: For 2008, my New Year’s resolution is to try new things and explore the many recreational opportunities that the Kern Valley has to offer. My wonderful editor has given me permission to write about these experiences in this new column, 'Adventure for Beginners,' which will run intermittently as I experience exciting new activities. I hope you enjoy sharing my journey.
My Experience
On April 21, my husband and I celebrated our seventh wedding anniversary. We wanted to try something different to commemorate the occasion, and decided that lake kayaking would be adventurous enough to satisfy our desire for something different, but not so dangerous that we would end up spending the remainder of our special day in the hospital.
That morning, we suited up in wet suits, life jackets, and water shoes for him, Chaco sandals for me, and set out to the lake. We were the only vehicle in sight as we arrived at the launch point at Tillie Creek. As we put the boats into the water and began to get the feel of the kayaks and paddles, I noticed how beautiful the water appeared as the breeze made the peaks shimmer in the sun, like thousands of diamonds strewn upon the lake.
As we paddled out of the protected embankment and into the open lake, the light breeze became a stiff wind, with white caps and all. I was grateful that we had borrowed ocean kayaks, because it was very much like being in the middle of the sea. My husband and I decided we would paddle against the wind parallel to the shore, and did this for a while. When we started out, we had the notion to go to French Gulch, but as the wind picked up in intensity, we settled on a group of dead tree tops as our goal.
As we struggled through the waves side by side, I couldn’t help but think that it was very much like marriage. We were on the journey together, headed for the same destination, but each of us was working in our own way to get ourselves there. As I reached those dead trees, I lifted my paddle in the air and gave a whoop of delight before turning and riding the wind back to where we began. It was an anniversary adventure I will remember always.
I would like to give special thanks to Bill and Linda Diaz, who lent us ocean kayaks, wet suits, life jackets, and paddles so that we could fulfill our kayaking adventure dream! Tony and I are incredibly grateful to you both for your generosity!
History of Kayaking
According to an online tutorial about the history of kayaking provided by frontenac-outfitters.com, Inuit and Aleut peoples have been accredited with the development of the first kayaks approximately 4000 years ago. In the Inuit language the word Kayak means 'Hunter’s Boat' as the primary use of these small craft was hunting waterfowl, seals, walrus and even whales. Quiet, unobtrusive, efficient and versatile Inuit kayak designs were widely used throughout the far north from Labrador, Greenland to as far west as Siberia until the 1950’s.¬Ý
Today’s basic sea kayak shape and design principals remain largely unchanged from original Inuit creations. Advancements and modifications have largely been in construction materials, creature comforts and marketing appeal to satisfy the masses recreational purposes, rather than necessity.
What you Should Know
The water is cold! I almost decided against wearing the wet suit, but changed my mind at the last minute and was so glad I did. Even though I didn’t flip my kayak, the water does splash on you; my exposed toes felt painfully numb by the time we finished. Make sure to wear sunscreen and a hat or sunglasses. Once again, for the ladies or men with longer hair make sure to pull it back (I finally remembered this time!) and you will have a much more enjoyable experience. An interesting thing to note is that while I thought that the paddling would work my upper body only, it was my abdominal muscles that felt it the most. Set your own pace and enjoy the experience. It can range from a leisurely activity to a brutal workout depending on how hard and fast you paddle.
How to Get Started
If you are interested in trying kayaking on the lake for yourself, sit-on-top kayaks can be rented at French Gulch Marina. The single boats are $10 an hour, or $30 for 3-4 hours, and $50 for 5-8 hours. They also have two-person kayaks for $15 an hour, or $45 for 3-4 hours, and $70 for 5-8 hours. They take visa or Mastercard for the rental, but there is a $100 cash deposit per kayak. Life jackets and paddles are included in the rental price, but they do not have wet suits available. French Gulch Marina is currently open Thursday through Sunday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. or later depending on demand. During the summer season, they will open at 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. most days. If you have any questions about rentals, call the marina at 379-8774.
