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Being on the water in your kayak can be both a blissful and energizing experience. Combining this experience with a yoga class prior to paddling, and a yoga class at the end of your paddle, is the ultimate way to enjoy your time on the water. The beginning session, creating flexibility and strength in your arms, shoulders, back muscles, hips and legs, will prepare you to sit comfortably in your kayak. Breathing techniques will help to reinforce the place of stillness and calm that you are ultimately looking for when you take your kayak on the water. The ending session will help to release the tension and soreness that my build in the muscles during the paddle.
Yoga and Kayaking Tour – If you have never been kayaking you might find these Frequently Asked Questions helpful.
Q Do I need to have yoga experience?
A: No, you will benefit from the stretching of paddling specific muscles whether you have experience with yoga or not.
Q: Do I need to bring a yoga mat?
A: If you have your own mat do bring it. You can store your mat in the well of the kayak where it will stay dry. Alternatively you can bring a large beach towel.
Q: Do I dress any differently for the yoga paddle?
A: Dress as you would for the paddle, comfortable and loose.
Q: I've never been kayaking before and I'm a little nervous. I'm wondering if this tour is going to be doable for a complete beginner like me.
A: Yes, all of the Merrimack River tours offered by Plum Island Kayak are quite suitable for beginners. The certified guides at PIK provide a basic paddling overview before the tour. Additional instructions are given out on the water as needed. We'll be in flat water the entire day, which makes for a nice, relaxed paddle.
Q: How long is the tour and whereabouts do we go out on the river?
A: The half-day paddle tour runs approximately 3 hours. Where we put in on any particular day is determined by the tides and weather conditions. Plum Island Kayak will shuttle everyone (and their kayaks) to the best part of the Merrimack for that day.
Q: I'm coming on the tour with a friend who, like me, is new to kayaking. Would a tandem kayak be OK for two beginners?
A: Tandem kayaks are longer, heavier and generally more stable in the water than single kayaks. In addition, with two people per boat there's twice as much paddling power, so you can move pretty quickly out on the water. The person seated at the rear of the kayak controls the rudder and thus the direction of the boat. Feel free to discuss the question of single vs. tandem kayak with the PIK staff when you register.
Q: What should I bring with me on the tour?
A: All necessary equipment, including personal flotation device (PFD), is provided by Plum Island Kayak. You should plan to bring a water bottle (20 oz. sports bottle recommended) and a small snack to eat when we land on shore for a break midway through the tour. Granola bars, sports bars, trail mix, etc. are good choices, as is a piece of fruit. A small insulated lunch bag will keep these items fresh and out of the way until it's time to take a break. Sunscreen is a must!
Q: What do I do with my car keys, wallet, pocket book, cell phone, etc.?
A: Try to travel light, if at all possible. If you're worried about losing your car keys or other valuables, the staff at Plum Island Kayak can place them in a special water tight 'dry bag' that will keep them safe. Alternatively, you can opt to leave these items at the shop for safekeeping until you return from your paddle.
Q: What should I wear?
A: Loose-fitting nylon or similar pants (short or long, your choice), light T-shirt, windbreaker or fleece sweatshirt (if it's breezy), hat, sunglasses, rubber beach shoes (or old sneakers that can get wet). Cotton jeans tend to restrict movement and are generally not recommended for kayaking.
Important: Don't forget the sunscreen!
For further details on these special tours, and to register, visit www.plumislandkayak.com or call (978) 462-5510
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