Kayaking has grown in popularity in recent years. There are dozens of reasons why, none of which are rocket science. Its a great, economical way to get on the water and get some exercise. Additionally, you dont have to spend a lot of money on the purchase and upkeep like you would with a boat. Kayaks can go stealthily where most motor boats can not go at all. It allows the paddler to see things that most boaters will never experience, except through the National Geographic Channel.

Deciding which kayak is right for you can be a difficult decision. It requires some thought into how you plan to use the kayak, where you plan to use it and many other factors.  Everyone is unique and a kayak that your friend has and loves might not be the right fit for you.

Specific Uses
You should first give thought to what sort of activities you’ll want to do from your kayak. Some of the options include:

• Sporting/ Angler styles-  hunting and/or fishing models with unlimited options for their sports.
• Recreational/ Flat- water padding- user friendly, multipurpose, great for the family.
• Sea kayaking-  offshore excursion ready, fast and long, slicing through the water.
• Touring/ Expedition- good stable ride with some storage for overnight and day trips.

There are kayaks with very specific purpose, as well as some that are multipurpose. Look at it as buying shoes.  You wouldn’t buy golf shoes to run a marathon or tennis shoes to play soccer but you might buy cross-trainers to play tennis and use on the walking track.

Sit-on-top or Sit-in

Kayaks fall into one of two categories: sit-in or sit-on-top. Which is better? It all depends on your preference or specific need.
If you are going to kayak in Canada in the fall duck season, I would probably suggest that you have  a sit-in. It will be cold and it might rain or snow, and being sheltered from the elements might be a huge plus.  Sit-ins tend to have more inside storage, although not completely watertight, it can keep your stored items away from majority of the water, splash  and  rain.

A sit-on-top might be prefered if you are going to be kayaking in the summer, packing in camping gear and enjoying the sunshine and a cool breeze. Easy accessible  storage on the deck space might be nice. You will have your legs out to feel the breeze.  A sit-on-top could offer a  more comfortable ride for a person with long legs. The paddler will not be as confined, allowing the knees more room to bend and stretch.

The Capacity of the Kayak
The next step is to address your needs to be safe and comfortable. Manufacturers  list weight capacity for each model of kayak. You’ll need to do some simple math to make sure that the kayak model will accommodate your weight and any gear that you would need to take with you.  You should also take into account your height, how long your legs are, and how much room you need to be comfortable in your seat.  If you plan to paddle on day trips, there will be times when you may be in your kayak for 2-3 hours at a time.  You will want to have some wiggle room if possible.  If you’re not comfortable and can’t wiggle around some, you’re not going to enjoy your time on the water.

There are many factors to consider when buying a kayak. It is not an item to be purchased without a test drive. You can research and research but  if you physically dont feel comfortable in the seat, then you won’t be satisfied.  We are in the business of Test Drives at Alabama Kayak Adventures, Inc.  We can schedule you some time on the water with a variety of kayaks and help you make a more educated decision when you decide to purchase a kayak.

AlabamaKayakAdventures.com

While studying for my Landscape Architecture degree at Mississippi State University, we often relied on stellar works in design as inspiration for our school projects. One of the projects that appeared often in the professors’ slide shows was the Crosby Arboretum in Picayune, Mississippi. Architecture, Forestry and Civil Engineering are all represented in the creation of this magnificent place.

I’ve known about the Crosby Arboretum for about 20 years and even lived within two-hours travel of it at one time. I have seen hundreds of photographs of the Pinecote Pavilion, but for the first time I experienced its massive space.  The pavilion fits so well within the environment that you literally walk into its shadow before you realize it is there. It is constructed of native materials, and the loose, unfinished edges seem to blend right into the surrounding trees. Its space is open but intimate. A popular spot to admire the pavilion is from across the pond. The building is without a doubt the most recognizable feature of the 104 acre site, but there are so many other elements that contribute to the arboretum’s beauty.

During the spring and summer, the Crosby Arboretum’s savanna is filled with thousands of pitcher plants and multitudes of butterflies feverishly work the wildflowers.  But it has much to offer in the winter season as well. The quiet woods and the bare trees branched against a bluebird sky emit a feeling of peacefulness. As we wandered through the woodland exhibit, the birds sang and enjoyed a feast of bright red fruits of the native Yaupon Holly.

As an active outdoorsman and an eight-year resident of the Gulf Coast, I have become very aware of invasive plants.  Two very common invasive species we see here on the Gulf Coast are Cogon Grass and Chinese Tallow Tree or Popcorn Trees.  They are growing out of control and are taking over our native landscapes.  While at Crosby, I sought out these two species and was amazed that we didn’t find either of them, not even on the roadside outside the boundaries of the arboretum. I don’t doubt that the staff regularly battles the invasive plants.

Outside the 104-acre interpretive center site, the Crosby Arboretum also manages 700 acres in seven associated natural areas.The assemblage of carefully selected and protected lands nurtures over 300 species of indigenous trees, shrubs, wildflowers and grasses. Rare, threatened, or endangered species of plants and wildlife are present throughout the Arboretum’s preserves.

http://www.crosbyarboretum.msstate.edu/index.php

Thanks to Laurel Fleming for editing.

Thanks to Michelle Rolls-Thomas for the photos.  Please be sure to click on them and see them full sized. They are great pictures.

www.MrtImages.com

View a video of our visit to the Crosby Arboretum here:  

http://www.youtube.com/user/thekayakcaptain?feature=mhum

Upon arriving at the reserve, we stopped at the headquarters to inquire about maps or information.  The most striking bit of information that I found was a dry-erase board on the wall at the desk.  It listed “sightings.”  There was quite a list, including multiple eagle sightings, white ibis, deer, wild turkey and even manatee seen back in May!  I immediately had to get my bird book out to find out what Ibis look like! (If you don’t know what an Ibis is, you should look it up; it’s quite the “looker”).

We launched at the boat-ramp, where every tree I saw looked like it was five miles away.  My first thought was Montana, oddly enough, because the sky seemed to go on forever and so did the grass. The clouds were high, transparent shaped by the winds.  It was a spectacular sight.              

Grand Bay would definitely be a place to avoid if there are any substantial winds, because there is absolutely no protection out there.   It’s a classic salt-marsh, just like you would think of seeing in Louisiana.   The aroma of salt is strong and a steady littering of oyster shells was present from beginning to end.  Shrimp were skipping at every inlet, Mullet were plentiful and Redfish (Red Drum) were sighted with very little effort.  The water was clear and clean.  It is obvious why estuaries are so important to our seafood industry.  These nutrient rich waters and habitats serve as nursery and breeding grounds for many of the species that end up as table fare.   

I am no bird expert, but after seeing the list on the dry-erase board in the research office, I must say I was anticipating some good experiences.  I was able to identify a blue heron immediately (well, it was Bayou Heron, so that one was a “Gimmie”). I saw a SPECTACULAR display from not one, but three Great Egrets. First, we were able to watch one wading and scanning the waters for lunch, and then taking to the air only to join another in a small inlet just yards away. Two Willets (a new species to my experiences) worked a shore line and an oyster covered sunken boat, while a smaller Least Sandpiper scurried around between them.  Multiple Belted Kingfishers buzzed around and some unidentified tiny shorebirds worked the exposed grass lines during low tide.  

The silence is as big as the sky in the marsh, only occasionally disturbed by hidden birds calling from the grasses, jumping fish and an occasional aircraft or boat.   We encountered six boats while we were on the water.  Every boater passing us was kind enough to slow to idle speed.  The only complaint that I would have about the entire trip, was that there were some very hungry gnats that came to dinner around 2:30 p.m., and apparently they use bug spray as a condiment! I have to say, I was a little disappointed that I did not see a White Ibis. However, if I see one from now on I will know what it is and will be sure to tell you about it.

Your comments on this article & its content are greatly appreciated.   Please write them in the Box at the bottom of this page.  

You can schedule your own Kayak adventure with us by visiting our website @ www.alabamakayakadventures.com

You can learn more about the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve here http://grandbaynerr.org/.

video from the adventure:  http://www.youtube.com/user/thekayakcaptain?feature=mhum

Pictures provided by Michelle Rolls Thomas  &  www.MRTImages.com

We hobbled down to the water, carrying the kayaks, gingerly stepping in an attempt to NOT to break our necks.  The clear water was still and dotted with fallen leaves.  One could see seven feet below the surface in places.  We could see limbs on the bottom and were unable to touch them with our paddles.  I was wary about this trip in the beginning and kept thinking, “We are near Mobile Bay, there are a multitude of folks who live within a stone’s throw, and this is a known boat launch.”  My perception changed within ten minutes.

We typically paddle salt water, and were intrigued by the differences in the two eco systems. We encountered many gar fish as they rolled in the water’s surface. Crows, rather than sea birds, called in the distance.  We paddled 30-45 minutes before running into humans and their habitats.

When paddling a new area, I attempt to explore every cove and stream I can get into.  On this day, the less-traveled path revealed a white tail deer near the water.  Staying close by the creek banks allowed me to see past the trees and into the forest.  There was a steady sprinkling of white pitcher plants on the banks.  We had no expectation of seeing such, and initially wrote off the first bunch as a freak occurrence.  Within minutes we realized these plants were numerous and quite happy! Paddling slowly along the  shaded edge also provided visual access to all sorts of  interesting things lying on the creek bottom.  There was a multitude of beautiful stumps , cypress knees, and full-length trees that had taken the impacts of  sediment and water wearing at them for years.  There were timbers and planks that were no doubt deposited by the many storms over the years.  But be forewarned:  Cruising water shaded by low limbs can be a little more thrilling than expected.  We discovered a hornets nest that was every bit as large as a basketball and was literally buzzing with activity.  It was nothing short of a masterpiece, but I can’t help but imagine some day hearing someone’s famous last words – “Hey ya’ll watch this!” or “Hit it with a stick!”

We happened upon a few motor boats, and the winds were calm most of the trip. The southern breezes did pick up as we entered our landing. We paddled 4.9 miles on this one-way trip from Bromley Road to Buzbee’s Fish Camp on Highway 225.  The gentleman there charged us $1.50 each for landing on his ramp. I’m not sure if that was the kayak rate or the one-way usage rate!

I recommend this trip, with the only caveat being the difficulty of the launch. Have fun and tell us about your adventure!

While on this trip we were able to take video.  Please view our trip on our YouTube Channel  http://www.youtube.com/user/thekayakcaptain?feature=mhum
Plan your own Kayak Adventure with us @  http//www.alabamakayakadventures.com

Photo Credits:  Michelle Rolls Thomas  http//www.MRTimages.com

Recently we decided to participate in the Alabama Coastal BirdFest, and while perusing the calendar of events, we noticed  a kayak / canoe birding paddle. We previously talked about taking a Delta Safari excursion at 5 Rivers & Blakely State Park to see how different the Mobile Delta area is from the salt marshes we typically paddle. What better opportunity to learn than on a guided group trip in Hurricane Bayou?

We arrived at the 5 Rivers Resource Center at 6:30 am to sign in and receive our road maps and instructions. The group caravanned up Highway 225 to Bay Minette and Perkins Hurricane Landing. The landing, nestled on calm bayou waters about a quarter mile east of the Tensaw River, is a small fish-camp with a concrete boat launch and a $3.00 launch fee. The ramp provided easy access into and out of the water.

As we unloaded our kayaks, a deep rumble echoed across the waterways. Initially I thought, “Wow, we must be close to the river because that barge is loud!” It wasn’t a barge – it was a train! In fact, the train rumbled down the same track that crossed the sight of the 1993 Amtrak crash that claimed 47 lives. We eventually paddled out to the river and viewed the bridge where the crash occurred.

Magnificent Bald Cypress on the banks of Hurricane Bayou

The folks in our group were quite excited to be paddling, and many were first-time kayakers. And let me tell you, they paddled like Carl Lewis runs. It was game on, and they left us in their wakes. Fine. We enjoy taking our time, checking out little nooks and crannies, trying to get the perfect photo while identifying all sorts of plants. The crisp, Fall air was delightful, and the the sun warmed us while illuminating a tinge of Fall color (a tinge is all we get in south Alabama). The bald cypress trees in the bayou were well worth the price of the launch.  These ancient trees towered over the water with their knees extending around like children gathered around a storyteller.The water was beautifully clear. We did see a few birds – Great Blue Heron, a Belted Kingfisher, multiple cardinals, and a few wood ducks.  Many other varieties were chirping in the trees, and we saw others, but since we aren’t bird experts, we opted to simply enjoy the medley of beauty surrounding us.

Rescuing an endangered Spoonbill Catfish / Paddlefish

The highlight of our trip occurred at the far end of the bayou. I paddled under a tree branch, and my paddle brushed a fisherman’s limb line (an unattended, baited fish line tied to a tree and left dangling in the water). I noticed a very large, white bellied fish about 2 feet below the surface. Being a fisherman myself, I could not resist the urge to look at the fish, especially since it appeared to be so large. The fish was quite lethargic and had no fight left, apparently being hooked for some time. I was shocked when I lifted the fish out of the water and realized it was a spoonbill catfish, also known as a paddlefish. We took a couple of pictures of the paddlefish & released it back to the water, watching him slowly swim away. I regret not remembering to use my Flip camera to record the event.

For more information about the Paddlefish see http://www.outdooralabama.com/fishing/freshwater/fish/paddlefish/

Because of concern about low number of paddlefish, Alabama currently does not allow anglers or commercial fishermen to harvest paddlefish. Paddlefish may be increasing in numbers, so Alabama fisheries biologists plan to study population trends for this unique and primitive fish. Although more anglers are reporting accidentally catching paddlefish in the Alabama River, fewer anglers are reporting paddlefish catches in the Tennessee River of north Alabama.

Our round-trip, 4.5 mile paddle took about 3 hours.

Each time I paddle a new area here in coastal Alabama, I am delighted to find multiple factors that drive me right back to that place. I take friends to experience them as well. I have paddled many locations several times now, and I continue to be amazed at the diversity of flora and fauna observed. One visit is simply not enough.

Often we are in areas that are just a stone’s throw away from civilization. The inhabitants there have no idea of what beauty lies just beyond their boundaries. Because people are so consumed by the hustle and bustle of their daily lives, they never take the time to give in to the curiosity of what lies down that little country road. I encourage you to wonder where those roads go and explore them. Push the boundaries of your world.  You never know, an inspiringly beautiful site may be just behind that curtain of trees or just over that hill and just out of sight. In answer to the age-old question, “Dad, are we there yet?” “Yes, son, we are.”

Experience your own adventure! Visit us on the web at  http://www.alabamakayakadventures.com

Click here to view our Hurricane Bayou video  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTky4z81NWY

Photos provided By Captain Laurel Fleming

Captain’s Blog
Star Date: 2010, October 9
Launch Pad:  Magnolia Rive

October is my favorite time of year, and I wasn’t about to spend this incredible fall day inside. The Adventure Twins (Laurel and Michelle), accompanied by my husband, Tim, loaded up the kayaks and headed off to explore the beautiful Magnolia River and Magnolia Springs in Magnolia Springs, Alabama.

We launched at Rock Street, an obscure launch perfectly suited for kayaks and canoes. Paddling upstream, we immediately began soaking up the beauty of this place. Fall wildflowers bloomed abundantly on the riverbanks, turtles sunned on surfaced flotsam, and mullet jumped all around. The photo safari was in full swing.

Crossing under the Highway 49 bridge, we entered Cold Hole, so called for obvious reasons. The water was crystal clear, allowing us to see the bottom five feet below. Interesting rock formations loomed from the creek bed, adding to the splendor of the springs. We continued up the creek toward the springs. Homesteads and native flora lined the banks as the river narrowed into a shallow creek.  Several trees had fallen across our paths, and we slowly guided our kayaks under them. We hit the end of our road with a tree lying just on the water’s surface. Being the daredevils that Michelle and I are, we secured our kayaks, crawled out on the tree and waded in on the other side. The chilly water numbed our feet, but we slowly made our way up the creek, braving the silt and sand that gave way under our feet. We hiked a short distance up the shallow branch.  Returning to our vessels, we meandered back to the launch pad and began planning our next adventure.

Capt. Laurel
Alabama Kayak Adventures

Adventure Twins Part II

After receiving a text earlier in the week “you want to yak Sat?” my next thought  — where will our next adventure take us. After planning to go north toward Mobile-Tensaw River Delta, at the last minute we decided to go south and paddle Magnolia River. Having only been kayaking for a few months, there are only a couple of places I have been more than once. Each location has opened my eyes to the profound beauty this area has to offer.

The Kayak Captain didn’t get to make this trip so the Adventure Twins decided it was a play day (Laurel’s husband Tim had no idea what he was getting himself into when he decided to join us). We don’t let trees get in our way and only need six inches of water to get where we want go. After paddling upstream for a short time the water became crystal clear. You could see amazing rock formations, fish, silt and underwater greenery. Things that are probably always there, but you just normally can’t see much less capture in photos. The best part was getting to what we thought would be a turning around point. After much discussing and chiding on how it was no big deal to get wet (the water was REALLY cold) we decided to exit the kayaks and take a walk to see the springs that start Magnolia River.  That was the best decision we have made so far. To see sites that most people will never view are so worth documenting and sharing. Hope you enjoy the photos and our adventures as much as we do!  — Michelle

www.mrtimages.com, www.alabamakayakadventures.com

Kayak the Gulf Coast with Alabama Kayak Adventures, Inc. Paddle inshore waters and discover native wildlife, or hook the big one on an inshore or gulf fishing trip. We have over 660 miles of beautiful coast to share. Get the paddling you deserve!
Get up close and personal with nature as you glide across smooth bays and bayous.  Throw in a knowledgeable and entertaining guide and you have the recipe for an exciting nature adventure.
If fishing is your passion, wet your hook from a kayak.  Stalk some of the most sought-after game fish in the gulf or inshore waters.  You just may hook the ride of a lifetime!

Prior experience is not necessary, and all trips are guided.

There is plenty of nature, wildlife, and beauty to experience.  Bring your camera and share your adventure and memories with family and friends.

Our Eco Adventures will take you into the calm waters of Alabama’s coastal estuaries. There are multitudes of species to witness in their natural habitats.  While exploring by kayak, there is less disturbance to the wildlife.  Devote your attention to the the Bald Eagles, osprey, and other shore birds and listen to their calls without the interference of motor noise. 
You will never forget encountering a pod of dolphins as they swim by,  hearing their breath as they silently surface.  Relax, watch, and listen.  

We are not in a hurry. We are here to facilitate an enjoyable, relaxing, slow ride and experience coastal life in its natural environment.  Our small-group ratio allows us to make every trip exciting and unique!  Area history and folk lore, as well as a few bad pirate jokes, are provided at no extra charge.

We provide the kayaks and all safety equipment. Nature provides the rest.

Ecological Adventures

Includes:

Kayak & Equipment

Dry Storage Bag

Safety equipment 

Relaxed, guided tours explore the back bays and estuary systems, discovering  coastal floral and fauna in it’s native habitat

3 Hours: $35.00 per/person