I hope the 4th of July falling over the weekend didn't mess up the potential for an extra day off from work for any of you. I know I'll be enjoying a 3 day weekend of paddling...um...I mean with the family (of course there will be paddling).

If your plans, like mine, include some water sports, be sure to remember to put safety first. This weekend, along with Memorial Day Weekend, is one of the biggest boating weekends of the year. That includes not only non-motorized boats like canoes and kayaks but also wave runners and motor boats.

Just like motorcycles have to watch out for cars on the road, we paddlers need to steer clear of these motorized menaces. No offense to anyone out there!

Also be sure to Dress for Water Safety. Most people think that only includes wearing pfds. Well, this also means wearing sunblock as well as a host of other items.

If you haven't planned your weekend paddling out yet, you'd better get on it. There's only one day to go. And of course, have fun out there!

Photo © by George E. Sayour

This is really cool. The American Whitewater magazine (journal) is now available online. Of course you have to be a member of AW and have an online account with them, but that's easy enough. Check it out!

Alright, it's true. I did put the cart before the horse. My last two posts were regarding the necessary canoe and kayak equipment, respectively. What I failed to mention in either of them was that before you go out and buy equipment you will need to know what type of paddling you'll be doing.

Of course this goes without saying, but you'd be surprised. I've met a lot of people who decided one day they wanted to canoe or kayak. So they went to the nearest sporting goods store and simply bought the first boat and paddle they saw without any regard for where they would be paddling or if the boat was right for them.

It is important when Getting Started in the Sport of Paddling to understand some things before you buy any equipment. Be sure to do your research (on this site of course) and you'll be headed in the right direction.

Alright, since I just posted on the necessary canoe gear, I figured I'd give the kayakers comprable air time. If you want to know the specifics of the kayak gear you need to buy, the article The Essential Kayak Equipment will set you on your way. Happy Shopping!

When most people decide they want to get into canoeing they simply go to their local sporting goods store and buy the first canoe and paddle they see. While it is commendable to try new things, it is also wise to do some research to make sure you are buying the right stuff.

Every canoeist needs so much more than a mere canoe and paddle. If you are thinking of getting into canoeing or you have a friend who is about to make this purchase, be sure you buy or guide your buddy to buy all of the needed canoe equipment up front.

Also, don't forget to buy dress for water safety also!

While the summer generally features tamer whitewater, the weather is usually inviting enough to compensate for the lower flows. Summer whitewater rafting in West Virginia can be one of the most glorious outdoor experiences you'll encounter.

Whether you choose the Gauley, New, or Cheat Rivers in West Virginia, the warmth of the sun mixed with the chill of the water will provide a euphoric experience matched only by the breathtaking views of the scenic landscapes.

Our friends over at American Whitewater are doing it again. We have all grown to love their video and photo contests. Now they're running their 2010 calendar photo contest.

Have you ever had your pictures published? The deadlines for photo submissions to American Whitewater for consideration is July 19th. Read the contest details to be sure you are meeting their specifications.

Good Luck!

View some of our photo galleries:

• Kayaking The Bottom Moose River
• Surf Kayaking in Vero Beach
• Kayaking the Cheat Canyon

Back in February I wrote a post regarding the Omnibus Land Management Act. This proposed piece of legislation would have a widespread impact on the natural resources that we all know and love, namely our rivers and environment.

Well, I'm happy to report that this crucial piece of legislation has passed, resulting in 86 new Wild and Scenic Rivers and protection for about 350,000 acres of public lands. This marks a huge success for nature lovers, paddlers, and organizations such as AmericanWhitewater.

Watch or read the Presidents message of the signing of this historic piece of legislation.

In case my last post regarding surf kayaking peaked your interest, here are a few articles to help get you on your way.

• All About Surf Kayaking
• How to Go Surf Kayaking

If you haven't seen the surf kayaking photo gallery yet, now would be a good time. Don't forget to shoot me a note if you're in Florida and would like to play in the waves. I'm always looking for paddling buddies!

I recently had the opportunity to surf kayak in Vero Beach, FL over Memorial Day weekend. What a blast! Since I've moved back to FL I've had to take my whitewater where I can get it. Lucky for me, there's plenty of waves in Central and North Florida.

It really is amazing that more kayakers don't give it a shot. For whitewater kayakers, it's a great alternative to staying at home when the rivers aren't running. Sea kayakers and recreational paddlers will also find it an amazing experience, if not from a closed boat then while captaining a sit-on-top.

Check out the Surf Kayaking Photo Gallery from my Vero Beach trip to see what you're missing.