Canoes, kayaks growing in popularity, versatility

WILLARD BAY — The shore was covered with small boats of assorted styles and colors. All had two things in common: (1) They were made to be paddled and (2) they all had pointed tips and tails or bows and sterns.

They were there for the Outdoor Retailer test-run day at Willard Bay. Retailers were invited to get on or in a kayak or canoe and actually paddle around, as opposed to standing and looking.

The large number of different boats presented was, however, a good indication of the growing popularity of human-powered crafts. And, it was a good indication of the variety of boats available in the consumer market.

There was everything from the freestyle kayaks, barely 6 feet long, to the pencil-shaped sea kayaks that are 17 feet long, to the latest in canoe designs.

Reasons for the growing popularity of the smaller crafts range from freedom to tranquility.

Obviously, many of Utah's smaller lakes, especially those in the higher elevations, such as the Uintas, are able to accommodate only the smaller boats.

"We're also seeing that many people were limited to those recreational sports you could do only on land. With the canoes and kayaks they've been able to expand their activities to the water," said Tony Turner, customer service specialist with Confluence Watersports.

"People get out on the water and see they can go anywhere, and they see how super quiet it is, They truly enjoy the experience. They're also finding they don't need to be in a whitewater kayak, in Class 4 or 5 rapids, to enjoy kayaking."

The new design of recreational kayaks has also helped.

Turner said the most popular selling model in the Wilderness line is the "Pungo," which comes in 10-, 12- or 14-foot lengths. The model is easy to maneuver, lightweight (50 pounds) and comfortable. Retail price is $775.

New freestyle kayaks, such as the Crazy 88 offered by Dagger, offer maneuverability and creativity.

Kayakers, now, can find a swell or a back eddy and spend hours in one place doing things like cartwheels, bow stalls, flat-water loops and stern stalls, with an occasional roll tossed in.

The Dagger is 6 feet long and weighs only 28 pounds.

Sea kayaks, like Dagger's Specter, is 14 feet long and weighs 58 pounds and has room for a single person.

Categories for kayaks include recreational, day touring, fitness touring, light touring, classic touring, sit-on-top, sporting recreational and now fishing.

There are special kayaks made just for fishermen, with rod holders, live wells, bucket holder and even a pedal-paddle system for moving while fishing.

The new sit-on-top kayaks have become popular because instead of having to climb into a kayak, passengers, typically one or two, can now sit in a formed seat on top with no leg restrictions.