What we’re about
WELCOME TO CASUAL KAYAKING
We love to kayak on the calm waters around this area, and we like to share our passion. No dues, no technical stuff, no racing speeds, no overnight camping, just a few easy hours on the water with others who share our passion.
Want to know a little more about us? Keep reading! (Also, at https://www.youtube.com/user/mkraft52/playlists, you can find a playlist called paddle adventures with some views of our typical paddles)
REQUIRED GEAR
You must have a kayak, a paddle and a PFD (Personal Flotation Device, aka Life Jacket). You can have anything else you want, such as a drysuit, bilge pump, paddle float, whitewater helmet, extra paddle, drybag or compass for your boat, but none of that is required by us. Sometimes we arrange an event nearby to a place that rents kayaks, and sometimes, other members have an extra boat to loan out for the event. Just ask.
PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY
We are not paid tour guides, and we take no responsibility for your safety. You are an adult and are expected to take care of yourself. At the same time, everyone is safer in a group. Rescues are easier, and the more experienced paddlers are always glad to offer tips and informal instruction. Just ask. At the same time, we plan our trips with a high regard to safety in terms of things like weather, currents, tides and location. In a river, we are never far from the bank, and in many of the lakes, there are homes along the shore or many other boats on the water.
NO DUES
For us, this Meetup is about passion, not profit. We will never charge dues to the members, but the organizers pay a fee to use the Meetup software, which keeps increasing (In 2022, it is over $200 per year). Anyone who wants to donate a little to help defray that cost is welcome, of course. We have set up a donation button on this website that is easy to use, or just talk to us when we meet face to face.
FLAT WATER
We aren't interested in whitewater kayaking, plunging down raging rivers with big rapids. We also don't head out into the open ocean, to face large swells and potential storms. We stay home when the weather forecast is for lots of wind or wave action, and we tend to paddle in the sheltered waters of lakes, rivers and estuaries. For examples of the beauty of the local flat water, check out the Joys of Casual Kayaking picture album in the Photos section.
NO RACING
We enjoy slower paddling, which gives us a chance to enjoy the scenery or hold conversations. We are not in a hurry to get somewhere, so we tend to take our time on the water. Of course, sometimes, we can sprint to catch up, if we were taking photos and got left behind, but we aren't interested in breaking any speed records.
ALL YEAR KAYAKING
Not all of us paddle during the cold months, but those that do venture out during the winter months get a special reward. Rare bird sightings happen during the migration times, and less people are out to frighten the wildlife, which is often more visible. There is a very definite feeling of magic if you are on the water when it is snowing or raining or even foggy. If you dress warm, you won't be cold at all during the event. Of course, everyone loves to kayak in the warmer months, and the events will often have a lot of people signed up. If the group gets too large, we will just break it up into smaller groups and still head out on the adventure.
JOIN US
If this sounds like what you have been looking for in a kayak group, please come join us. The more the merrier. Bring your ideas for places to go, things to see, or just show up with a keen sense of anticipation for a fun time on the water. Want to lead an event? Just ask.
VIDEO TREAT
You can watch us having fun as a kayak group under the PAGES tab at the top of the Home Page. Check it out!
