Basics of River Kayaking

                  Welcome to Arizona – where the temperatures reach 100 degrees while everywhere else is defrosting into Spring. Lucky for us, we have the Verde River; 170 miles of cool waters and beautiful views. And the best way to enjoy it is kayaking down it. Of course, you’ll want to learn some basics of river kayaking before you go. Check out our tips below!

Types of Kayaks

                  There are two types of kayaks: hard shells and inflatables. Hard shells are great for rougher waters, such as kayaking in the ocean or white-water rafting. The Verde River is much calmer, which is why inflatables are the perfect choice. They’re comfortable, track well in rocky, shallow waters, and allow you to get wet and cool off. It may seem counterintuitive, but our inflatable kayaks have holes on their floors. This makes it impossible to sink your boat – any water that comes in just goes right back out.

Passengers per Ride

                  One question you’ll always hear when it comes to kayaking: single or double? This simply means you can either kayak alone or with a partner. Contrary to popular belief, single kayaking is much easier than double. You can maneuver your boat easier and explore at your own pace. In a double kayak, the person in the rear steers while the person in the front is the speed. Which means if you’re running into trees, you know exactly who to blame.         

The Gear

                  Some people say a life jacket is the most important item to have while kayaking, others argue it’s your paddle. We say, why not both? Check out our list of other items that can make the experience more enjoyable:

• Sunscreen
• Water
• Sunglasses
• Water-proof phone case
• Snacks
• Water shoes
• Lip balm

Paddle Techniques

                  Now that you have your boat and gear, it’s time to learn what to do with that weird looking stick. Your paddle is the difference between an enjoyable ride down the river and going headfirst onto a bank. A forward stroke means the paddle starts at the front of the boat and you scoop the water toward the back. This pushes you forward. A backward stroke means the paddle starts at the back of the boat and you push the water forward. This helps spin you around or back up. With either stroke, your boat will move to the opposite side of your paddle. For example, if you paddle on the right side, your boat will go left.   

Now you have the knowledge, go enjoy the ride! Kayaking can be a relaxing, calm experience or a thrilling adventure. You can enjoy the scenic views, see various wildlife, and go for a swim. It’s the perfect way to enjoy this unique Arizona weather.

– The Creek Geeks at OAC Tours