The calm waters are an ideal location to enjoy easy paddling amidst beautiful scenery. Anyone can rent a kayak and begin to paddle, most people don't take a lesson to learn the essentials of kayaking.
Check out these beginning skills you'll need to understand before getting into and paddling a kayak.
- Knowing how to put on, adjust, and wear a PFD properly is a prerequisite for all water sports, especially for kayaking.
- Sitting properly in a kayak isn't difficult it does require some guidance the first time in the boat. Without having proper contact with the backrest, foot supports, and thigh braces, the kayaker won't be able to properly control the kayak.
- Know the proper way to get into and sit in a kayak. This will save the paddler a lot of problems and keep them from getting wet right at the start.
- Learn to paddle by rotating the torso and get less fatigued, paddled longer, and put more power behind the blade.
- Getting out of a kayak can be a harrowing experience if done improperly. Learn how to, even practice how to, exit your kayak and you'll save yourself some wet endings to your blissful afternoons.
Here are some kayak rental locations.
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The Dinghy Shop
334 South Bayview Avenue, Amityville (631) 264-0005
They offer lessons, seasonal rentals, and kayak tours on the Great South Bay. -
Freeport Kayak Rentals
957 South Long Beach Avenue, Freeport (855) WE-KAYAK
Spend a few hours paddling our beautiful calm bays, catch some rays, and discover the natural beauty of our local waterways. -
Main Beach Surf & Sport
352 Montauk Highway, Wainscott (631) 537-2716
They offer kayak lessons, rentals tours and fishing. -
Nissequogue River Canoe & Kayak Rentals
112 Wittier Drive, Kings Park (631) 979-8244
The Nissequogue River empties into the scenic Long Island Sound. They provide lessons and equipment for a memorable day. -
Peconic Paddler
89 Peconic Avenue, Riverhead (631)727-9895
Sea kayaking on the Peconic Bay is a great way to spend a summer day. -
Eagle's Neck Paddling Company
62300 Main Road (Route 25), Southold (631) 765-3502
They are highly dedicated to the sport and spirit of paddling and the enjoyment of nature at its most intimate levels. -
The Waterfront Center
1 West End Avenue, Oyster Bay (516) 922-SAIL
The mission of the WFC is to educate people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds so they can become active stewards of the marine environment, and to promote community sailing and other environmentally friendly ways to enjoy the waters of Oyster Bay. -
Empire Kayaks
4 Empire Boulevard, Island Park (516) 889-8300
Enjoy sunset, full moon, lunch or yoga paddle outings. -
Setauket Harbor Canoes & Kayaks
30 Shore Road, East Setauket (631) 751-2706
The Setauket Harbor opens up onto the Port Jefferson Harbor and the Long Island Sound. -
Glacier Bay Sports
81-C Fort Salonga Road, Northport (631) 262-9116
Their knowledgable staff helps will all aspects of Long Island kayaking.
We'd love to hear about your favorite place to kayak.