Splashing its way into the Marriotts Ridge High School community, kayaking is an exciting way to experience nature while getting an aerobic workout. With winter coming to a peak, and many activities shut down, MRHS students are taking the opportunity to try new sports and join the kayaking community.
“Winter kayaking is especially fun because the water levels are lower, exposing more rocks and obstacles,” remarked senior Ryan Pethick.
Pethick is an avid kayaker, who is a part of the World Class Kayak Academy. Most people have the assumption that kayaking is a summer or spring activity, according to Pethick winter kayaking makes more interesting trips down the river. With lower water levels rocks and obstacles exposed along the river, kayaking trips become more exhilarating. This change in water level can lead to some dangerous situations.
The main concern of winter kayaking is the frigid temperatures of the water. Kayaking can be a fun activity, but only if done safely. A helmet and wetsuit should be worn, especially in the winter months.
“Once I was going down a river I was quite familiar with when I got caught on a log and was held sideways, nearly submerged under the freezing cold water for over a minute,” stated Pethick.
Whitewater kayaking can put people in some tricky situations, but when done safely and with proper equipment, kayaking is an exciting way to exercise and get out in nature.
“I don’t just kayak for the exercise it provides, the sport has beautiful scenery and is a great way to pass the time,” added junior Will Shade.
Shade mentioned many places he felt the views made the journey worth it, but by far his favorite, Liberty Reservoir. Spanning over eleven miles with eighty one miles of shoreline, Liberty provides many great views and plenty of shoreline to beach kayaks and hike.
“I like to hike after kayaking to explore the pretty scenery around me on my trip,” said junior Lukas Chaves.
Nothing beats a good hike after a relaxing few hours coasiting across the water. According to Chaves, hiking is what most kayak enjoyers are missing out on. They can further explore the beautiful scenery and mix it up to keep the experience exciting.
Kayaking is pretty easy to get the hang of, but once people are ready for a greater challenge, white water kayaking is the perfect substitute. White water kayaking is a high paced, action filled adventure that will test even the most skilled kayakers. The high paced and obstacle filled rivers offer a new experience from the traditional still water kayaking that would take place in lakes and bays. Places around MRHS that offer white water kayaking are Deep Creek and Harpers Ferry.
With winter coming to an end, an exciting season of kayaking comes to a close. Thankfully spring and summer kayaking are right around the corner, and now is the best time for beginners to get out in nature and experience the wonders of kayaking.