Kayaking Through Nature's Beauty | Enjoy The Sounds
Kayaking is one of my all time favorite things to do outdoors! I have spent lots of time paddling the river for day, trips, and overnight trips. So being prepared is key.
Kayak | Paddles
We absolutely love our Jackson kayak. It's heavy duty and does well with stability. It's perfect for someone who is heavier weight and doesn't bow in the middle.
This kayak has maximum comfort and convenience. Its multi-chine hull design provides superb stability, and the carry handles ensure easy transportation.
The Stealth! With the increased length boosts speed and tracking while preserving superb stability. Also comes equipped Triple Threat Fishing Configuration and perfect for holding a milk crate, tackle box, or bait bucket. Perfect fishing kayak!
After extensive research, I purchased two of these paddles and couldn't be happier! They are high-quality, durable, and superior to the paddles that came with our kayaks. These paddles are perfectly sized for our 30-inch cockpit kayaks and convenient...
Assemble these easily, and are lightweight, and feel strong. We love carbon fiber over fiberglass due to the weight difference.
I have enjoyed kayaking for several years. These are lightweight, easy to handle, and well-designed. We absolutely love them. Even more impressive!
Setting up this kayak was straightforward. We tested it on a windy day on the lake. It remained stable and did not tip over even in rough waters, although it wasn't heavy enough to effectively slice through the waves. The interior stayed mostly dry, ...
This kayak cart is solidly built and easy to set up. I really appreciate how it simplifies moving my kayak around on my own.
If you're seeking a beginner kayak for your children, this is an excellent option! We purchased two of these when our kids were very young, and the kayaks adapted well as they grew. It's effortless for them to exit if they tip over or need to disemba...
This is another great kayak to check out!
Kayaking Accessories
I've been using this bag several times a week for the past six months, and it's been performing excellently. There are no signs of cracking or damage. It's easy to use and keeps everything dry. The straps don't have padding, so it might not be ideal ...
I purchased this because I wanted to go snorkeling, and it worked flawlessly. My phone stayed dry, and I could take clear underwater photos using my iPhone's volume button. It includes a strap, which allows me to securely attach it to my shorts. I'm ...
This cushion is a great addition to my kayak. I often go on all-day paddling trips, so I'm eager to test it out on my next adventure. I also appreciate the grip on the bottom, which prevents it from sliding around the seat area in the boat.
These whistles are typically seen as marine tools, but they are also excellent for attaching to my safety harness during tree stand hunting. They offer a reliable way to summon help or alert others in an emergency. Additionally, their safety orange c...
I was searching for a first aid kit to include in my emergency backpack and, after extensive research, I chose this one. It offers a greater variety and well-assorted selection of items at an excellent price compared to others.
Very soft, comfortable, and true to size. While I'm unsure about its longevity, it's an excellent value for the price and perfectly suits its intended purpose.
I've owned this backpack cooler for three years now, and it remains one of my favorite bags to take anywhere. It's perfect for carrying a large Yeti ice pack, water, juices, sandwiches, grapes—anything you need to keep cold. On hot beach days when ph...
This PFD offers a good range of motion for paddleboarding and is comfortable to wear. While no life jacket is cool in terms of temperature, the venting and design of this one make it cooler than most.
I'm thrilled with this vest purchase. It's easy to adjust and has made kayaking a breeze. Previously, a regular vest would chafe my arms, but this vented one keeps me from sweating. The zippered pocket is a great feature too; I don't have to worry ab...
I used this on my last trip when I hit some rapids and flipped my kayak. It quickly and easily helped remove water from the kayak while I was still in the water.
This item is both flexible and enjoyable to use. It can adjust in size, expanding when your bottle is full and shrinking down as you drink. At the end of the day, when it's empty, you can easily tuck it away.
This is an excellent solution for storing my water bottle in my kayak. It feels secure and is tucked out of the way yet remains accessible.
I adore this water bottle. Whether I opt for a straw or a screw-on lid, I'm grateful for its versatility. It's ideal for our kayaking adventures, keeping our water refreshingly cold throughout the day.
We consistently choose this sunscreen because it's quite easy to apply, particularly compared to other zinc oxide sunscreens. However, one drawback is the lid's quality—it tends to leak, so I always need to transport it in a separate bag.
I chose this product because I'm a fan of CERAVE, and living in Florida, I use sunscreen frequently. However, despite reapplying after just two hours outdoors, I experienced severe sunburn on my face and forehead.
It appears to be excellent and functions properly. While I hope I never need to use it in an emergency, it will be invaluable if the situation arises. I believe every kayaker should have one in their boat!
This is an excellent waterproof first aid kit that's compact enough to fit in my waterproof bag during kayaking trips. I appreciate having a kit on board to handle any minor injuries or scrapes.
I purchased this helmet hoping it wouldn't look overly bulky on my head, and it didn't disappoint! It fits snugly all around without the large, awkward profile seen in other helmets. It's comfortable and versatile, and I like the ear flaps.
Having a headlight on your kayak is always a great idea. You never know when you might just need one.
As a woman, you can greatly appreciate this bilge pump on your boat. It's much easier and you don't have to lift your boat out of the water to get water out of the boat. It's a must-have!!
If you prefer to have gloves when you are kayaking these would be a great option. Sun proof and help you from getting blisters.
Got to be able to get those kayaks around. If you don't have a truck or trailer these kayak roof rack kayak holders are perfect!
Places To Kayak | North Carolina
Here are some of my favorite places to Kayak in the beautiful state of North Carolina
Another great self-guided kayak tour on the calm waters of Bent Creek near the Biltmore property in Asheville. They provide kayaks, paddles, and life jackets, so just come prepared for an adventure. After you're done kayaking, relax at the Outpost wi...
Experience your Dirty Dancing fantasies with this kayak tour of the iconic Lake Lure. Guided by a naturalist, you’ll navigate the vibrant blue waters, learning about the local plant and animal life.
This semi-private kayak tour down the French Broad River, led by a naturalist. As you paddle through the town, you'll glide past notable landmarks like the Biltmore Estate. Such a beautiful kayaking trip.
The Black River winds over 60 miles through parts of Sampson, Bladen, and Pender counties before merging with the Cape Fear River, 14 miles upstream from Wilmington. Upstream, the waters move more swiftly, flowing past vast forests of oaks, other bot...
This route is dedicated to whitewater excitement. On this stretch of the Cheoah River, you'll encounter continuous Class IV and V rapids, making it suitable for experienced paddlers only. As a dam-controlled river, the flow varies, but with the TVA a...
This location is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, boasting 1,300 acres next to the Catawba River. Here, you can engage in kayaking, canoeing, whitewater rafting, deep-water solo rock climbing, biking, and more. There's truly something for everyone...
Fontana Lake, the largest in Western North Carolina, is nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains. The Fontana Dam, towering at 480 feet, is the highest dam east of the Rockies, comparable to a 50-story skyscraper. You can walk or drive across the dam and...
This five-mile stretch features several significant Class 3 - 3+ rapids, including Powerhouse, Roller Coaster, Lost Guide, Double Reactionary, and Accelerator. The river also boasts popular play spots within the first mile, such as Snap Dragon and Lo...
Lake Julian Park features a scenic 300-acre public lake with amenities including fishing, picnic areas, disc golf, outdoor games, a playground, paddleboats, venues for special events, and water access.
Both locals and visitors from out of state can enjoy a fantastic playground for water activities and appreciate the serene waterways.
I adore kayaking, and Dan River Co. is one of my favorite spots. It offers stunning views and a wide-open river. I truly love being immersed in nature!
Located on the Mitchell River, this is a great opportunity for a new beginner to kayak this river with it being shallow waters. You can have a self guide or guided tour.
Such stunning beauty of Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge on Kitty Hawk Kites. Paddle through serene waters, surrounded by lush landscapes and diverse wildlife, including the chance to spot alligators.
Clothes
Very soft, comfortable, and true to size. While I'm unsure about its longevity, it's an excellent value for the price and perfectly suits its intended purpose.
I wore these both in water and on shore; they were very comfortable and provided good protection for my feet. They're lightweight, comfortable, and offer solid sole protection.
This is a nice hat that provides good sun coverage for your face. It offers great value and is well-made.
The stand-up collar and center-front half-zip allow you to adjust ventilation or simply alter your look. This semi-fitted piece features adjustable drawstrings at the side seams to slightly modify the length, along with UPF 50+ sun protection.
This fitted design is crafted from soft, stretchy fabric made with recycled polyester elastane jersey, offering UPF 50 sun protection.
Good shorts. The quick-dry feature stems from a high plastic content, which is fine but might not be the most comfortable for wearing outside of the pool.
I really appreciate the design and feel of this item. The waistband sits perfectly at my natural waist, which is often difficult to achieve due to my long torso. The fabric is gorgeous, and the craftsmanship appears to be of high quality.
This baseball cap is ideal for those who love spending a day kayaking on a lake or river. It features a one-size-fits-all design with an adjustable strap for comfort.
I often lose or break glasses, so these were attractively priced for me. They're well-constructed and fit snugly on your face without being too tight.
I love these mirrored sunglasses. They fit comfortably and feature no-slip rubber on the bows to ensure a secure grip on your head. They stay in place without pinching your nose.
This is a great waterproof and breathable protection, half-zip hoodie design that allows for quick access and effective ventilation. Perfect for those cold paddles or rapid waters.
I love these towels. The size is great for kayaking and over the size is perfect.