RECREATIONAL ADVENTURES
Boating - Flatwater Paddling:
Except for the songs of birds or squawk of waterfowl near the shore, there is little more peaceful than quietly paddling across one of our high-country lakes here in the Central Sierra Nevada of California. Plus, many of the smaller reservoirs limit or restrict power boats to small motors for fishing or prohibit entry by motorized boats into small arms or upper ends of the lake. These make great places for flatwater paddling.
Kayaks have special designs for use in still waters by flatwater paddling enthusiasts. Canoes built much like designs used for hundreds of years are also still ideal crafts. Anglers use the boats to slip into promising fishing spots but paddling for the pure enjoyment of the exercise and the scenery has become a very popular sport.
Unique design features of crafts best suited for flatwater paddling make selection fairly important; I recommend buying the craft from outdoor recreation stores that specialize in paddle boats. These craft are typically 14-feet or somewhat shorter and are not designed for open-water crossings. The crafts can be evacuated quickly but generally don't have sufficient flotation built in to be paddled if they are filled with water and must continue holding up the paddlers. Everyone should be capable of swimming in cold water to shore instead. If you are in remote areas with no other people around, carry waterproof matches incase you have to dry yourself and clothing if air temperatures are fairly low. Wear personal safety devices like life vests.
Road access to lakes is the single most common limitation to the selection of places to go, but many high-country lakes are too small to warrant a long drive for limited paddling space. Winds can be very troublesome and at times dangerous. Some lakes are large enough to allow winds to build–especially if the angle of the lay of the lake acts as a funnel with too small of ridges or trees capable of curtailing the wind.
