New outdoor adventures, especially those that allow me to meet new people, are always a thrill. For years I have been eyeing the sport of kayaking, but for some reason I had not yet tried it due to a feeling of timidity which is very uncommon for me. I am usually a girl that attacks all adventures head on. Kayaking seemed like one of those sports that required vast amounts of skill! The whole concept of staying afloat in a tiny box like flotation device while trying to paddle with rhythm, and oh yes not flip over and drown. All those variables didn’t add up well in my head. In fact I had the cat in water scenario playing in my mind.
This past week I decided it was time to put my Girl vs. Wild brave face on and paddle deep into the waters of kayaking. With fear in tow I met with Dave Lindo of OKC Kayak at Lake Hefner to try out my undiscovered kayaking prowess. OKC Kayak is located at 2nd and Western in downtown Oklahoma City.
Lindo is a man that knows kayaking. In fact he got his start kayaking A few years back when he went on his first kayaking trip. He loved it so much that when he got home and he purchased two Prijon Sea Kayaks. Dave says,
“I stacked the two kayaks on top of each other one night, and they multiplied like bunnies,” Lindo said.
Now Lindo runs Dave is running a top of the line kayak outfitter and guide service here in OKlahoma City and takes ing groups kayaking locally, across the United States and elsewhere.
First things first, Dave Lindo reassured me that I was not going to drown drowned in Lake Hefner kayaking. I reminded myself I was with a pro and had nothing to worry about. With that in mind I zipped up my life vest and we started covering the basics. Paddle technique, weight to kayak ratios, and the general concept of just having fun! Basics were set and I was ready to get my paddle wet. With growing excitement and anticipation I hopped in the kayak and was off.
Instantly kayaking gave me a freeing feeling that I had never experienced before. There is nothing like being in the water paddling. It’s absolutely euphoric. As soon as I got in the water I was a totally different person. All the cautions I had about kayaking disappeared and with all my fears of feeling like a wet cat gone instead I felt like a fast little duck!
Dave Lindo and the staff at OKC Kayak offer classes, trips, and rentals to fit your kayak adventure needs. From Quickstart Kayak Lessons to the Eskimo Rolling class OKC Kayak can have you paddle savvy in no time. Rentals are available too with single or double kayaks and rates are set hourly or for the day. This is perfect if you’re already paddling like a pro, but don’t have your own. Simply rent a top of the line kayak with no worries. I am most excited about the various trips and group activities OKC Kayak offers. Such as the Social Paddle held on Tuesday evenings or hey how about signing up for the Illinois River Daytrip, or better yet paddle big and join the SE Alaska trip!
No matter you kayaking skills be it novice or a pro OKC Kayak will have your paddle wet in no time.