Click this [Card Icon] for more details

Sea kayaking in Okinawa The great attraction of canoeing and kayaking is the opportunity to journey amongst the wilderness of our natural world. Your options are endless, from having a leisurely paddle to a great outdoor adventure. There has been an explosion of interest and activity in kayaking in Okinawa in recent years. This seems only natural in a country surrounded by some of the most spectacular coastlines and blessed with a splendid variety of islands. Every river is a universe waiting to be explored. You can even travel along Okinawa's coastal lines to its many subtropical islands. Types of Kayaks Kayaks and canoes are strikingly similar. Their only difference is that in a kayak the paddler uses a double-bladed paddle and sits with legs straight out. A canoe uses a single-bladed paddle and the paddler either sits or kneels with legs bent underneath. The range of kayaks available is large, covering many varied paddling experiences. Among the most popular types of kayaks are the Sea Kayak, the Sit On Top Kayak, and the Canadian Canoe. Sea/touring kayaks are long narrow closed-deck boats designed to slice through open water very efficiently, thus enabling the paddler to travel faster and with less effort. They track (go straight) very well and have fairly small cockpit openings. Deck hatches fore and aft give access to storage spaces. Sit On Top kayaks are exactly what they are called. Unlike other types of kayaks where the paddler sits inside the hull, a sit-on-top has the cockpit recessed into the top deck so the paddler just "sits on top" of the kayak. Folding kayaks are made with removable fabric covers stretched over hinged wood or metal frames. These knock-down crafts can be folded into small bags for easy transport and storage. Racing kayaks are highly technical boats designed to compete in specialized categories. Some are designed for speed, others for maneuverability, and still others try for the highest combination of the two characteristics. River kayaks are generally short and round and perfect for the casual paddler or beginner. Extremely stable and easy to handle, these kayaks have enclosed cockpits and are ideal for paddling on lakes, slow-moving rivers and protected coastal waters. The Canadian canoe originated from the native American people, where it was used to travel across the large expansive lakes of Canada. The Canadian Canoe or Open Canadian is immediately distinguishable from a kayak because it is paddled alternately on both sides, using a single-bladed paddle.Open-decked to accommodate large amounts of luggage and equipment, these canoes can be paddled by one to four people. The attraction of sea kayaking If you plan to paddle over large lakes or in the ocean, sea kayaks are perfect. They are ideal for use on the ocean and open water. Want to go on that camping trip to some uninhabited island? That should not be a problem. One particular attraction of sea kayaks is the large amount of luggage they can carry. Their long narrow hulls offer ample storage space for camping gear and provisions - perfect for day tripping, weekend camping, even extended wilderness expeditions. If you want to experience a true ocean adventure, try sea kayaking in Okinawa. You can rent kayaks in most major hotel resorts on the island or purchase your own at any of the island's water sports shops. The feel of gliding across ocean waters to unexplored territory, letting the water take you along for the ride is one of life's most awesome experiences. And while kayaking itself is somewhat of a challenge, still it is undeniably one outdoor activity that offers a true escape to nature. All-season kayaking in Okinawa The smooth waters along the coastline of Okinawa and its spectacular array of islands make Okinawa a great place to enjoy sea kayaking. You can go practically anywhere your mood takes you, shuttle from one island to the next, camp in deserted beaches, and explore Okinawa's waters in a way you never thought possible. Okinawa enjoys the only subtropical oceanic climate in Japan. Its weather remains mild throughout the four seasons, making it the perfect place for water sports. Kayaking knows no season in Okinawa. With an average temperature of 22.5 degrees centigrade and a winter temperature that rarely goes below 10 degrees centigrade, you can enjoy kayaking in Okinawa all year round, even in winter. A guide to safe kayaking Here are some tips to make your kayaking experience more fun and enjoyable. Sea kayaking is for everyone and anyone. Just take it slow and enjoy. Use your common sense and only participate in trips that are at your level. Whether you are an experienced paddler with superb swimming abilities or a beginner with little or no swimming skills, make sure you don your life jacket and wear it all the time you are in the water. You are on the open water, the sun is bright, it is hot and you are wet with spray. Get sunglasses that actually protect your eyes (with UV rating and coverage). Reapply sunscreen frequently, wear long sleeves, and a hat that protects your ears and the back of your neck. There is danger in the seas Kayaking provides the best opportunity for you to come close to the fascinating friendly creatures of the water world. However, it is just as possible for you to encounter its more dangerous denizens such as sharks and sea snakes, especially if you cross open bodies of water. Remember that you do not have to cross the oceans to enjoy sea kayaking. Exploring hidden shorelines and inlets is a wonderful way to spend your day. The basis of safe sea kayaking is sound judgment, self-responsibility, and technical competence. Join a club, take a class, read books, and consult competent local experts to learn all you need to know about the sport. With good training, your kayaking adventures in Okinawa will be memorable fun-filled experiences you will treasure for a lifetime.