browser icon
You are using an insecure version of your web browser. Please update your browser!
Using an outdated browser makes your computer unsafe. For a safer, faster, more enjoyable user experience, please update your browser today or try a newer browser.

Kayaking the Monocacy River

Posted by on September 11, 2014

First timers take to the Monocacy River

Sometime last week, I got a call from the girlfriend asking if I would take a friend of her’s kayaking.  Apparently she had posted on facebook asking about wanting to try kayaking.  Who am I to turn down a day on the river.  I quickly agreed to take them both on the Monocacy River Saturday morning.

Monocacy river

 

Things to consider when taking someone out for the first time

This was actually the second time this year where I had the opportunity to introduce kayaking to someone interested in testing the water.  I always enjoy the chance to introduce someone to outdoor sports, be it kayaking, fishing, hunting, or even camping.  But as I am happy spending 3 or more days floating a river in a canoe with only a wool blanket to sleep with and one cast iron skillet to cook with, I also realize that is not the best way to break someone into a new endeavor.

Kayaking the Monocacy

After a long day of paddling, dinner is served, water front style.

The first trip should be a relatively short one.  When talking about floating a river like the Monocacy, a float of about 4 miles seems about perfect.  Any longer and participants can get a little worn out and any shorter and they do not seem to get the full effect and benefits of a quiet relaxing float down the river.

A new map has just been published covering all the put-ins and take-outs along the Monocacy River.

A new map has Just been published covering all the put-ins and take-outs along the Monocacy River.

I prefer a river like the monocacy or even some sections of the Potomac as good introduction rivers because the current helps the paddler along, provides a riffle or two to raise the adrenaline a little, but is small enough of a body of water not to intimidate the paddler.  The water is shallow and the river bank is never far off. Lakes can be too windy and if you venture too far from shore can cause the new paddler to feel a little uneasy out in the open water.

Kayaking the Monocacy

Our Afternoon Kayaking the Monocacy River

After dropping off the truck at the take out location, we drove up river and slide the three kayaks off the old trusty tacoma.  But before we started down river, I took a few minutes to explain a few basics.

First off, recreation kayaks are inherently very stable and difficult to tip over.  I asked both of them to try and  rock their boat while standing next to it and they soon found how hard it actually was to “flip” one over.

Second, I showed them how to easily climb in and out of their kayak.  From my experience, most people that get wet while kayaking climbing in or out of the boat.

Third, I explained how to paddle a kayak with long easy strokes.  I compared it to running versus walking.  Often times new paddlers feel like they need to pull on their paddle with all their strength.  Not the case, easy strokes like walking.

Kayaking the Monocacy

Next I gave a two minute explanation on how to read the water and choose a line through the rapids “only little riffles really” but adds to the fun and excitement to the new paddler.

Then finally I proclaimed, “keep the bow pointed down river, pick your line, relax and paddle through it and most of all just have fun with it.”  Humm?  that would be good advice with life in general.  Life wisdom though kayaking, I like that.

Kayaking the Monocacy

In the end we had a great few hours paddling, floating with the current, running a few rapids, dragging bottom in the low water sections, seeing some wildlife, seeing some history in the form of an old Indian fish trap and generally enjoyed a little escape at a river’s pace from the daily grid.

Read more about the kayak I have been paddling this summer.