There isn't a lot of equipment required for kayaking. A kayak and paddle, life jacket, helmet and spray skirt are the recommend basics.

Kayaks for surfing and doing tricks are called playboats. Kayaks for rocky rivers are called creek boats. Traditional river kayaks offer a quick ride and stability. Most kayaking beginners start with the traditional river kayak.
One kayak does not fit all. The size and shape of the kayak is based on the user's height, weight, and the type of water the kayak will be used in. Kayak dealers usually stock demo or demonstration kayaks available for test boating. This allows kayakers to try before they buy.

Used kayaks cost considerably less than new. Good used kayaks can often be found in the classifieds, online auctions and similar venues.

Finding the right paddle involves getting the length, weight, material and blade shape into consideration, along with the user's height, torso size and paddling style. Tall people, those with long torsos and paddlers who like a slow ride will require longer paddles. Shorter people or those with short torsos and paddlers who like to paddle fast and get the job done will benefit from shorter paddles.

Kayaking paddle materials include wood, fiberglass, carbon fiber and aluminum shafts with plastic blades. The aluminum shaft paddles are a good choice for beginners.
Many kayakers are already into other water sports and own a life jacket (also known as personal flotation device). These can be purchased at many discount stores, sporting goods stores and boating equipment stores in addition to online stores and auctions.

Life jackets, also known as personal flotation devices (PFD) are required by law. Choose a PFD rated for the type of kayaking involved. Type III PFD's tend to be the most comfortable for paddling.
Kayaking helmets should be good quality and fit well. Like other sporting gear, helmets have evolved and now are as much about fashion as function. Users can shop for functional, protective head gear or for functional and fashionable helmets in a wide variety of designs, colors and styles.

Spray skirts are used to seal the cockpit during kayaking and keep water out of the inside of the kayak and keep the kayaker dry. Different types of kayaking require different skirt styles. Whitewater spray skirts are usually made of neoprene. Touring and recreational spray skirts are often made of nylon. Sea kayaking skirt styles may include both neoprene and nylon.

All kayaking spray skirts feature a grab loop. This loop allows the boater to break the seal quickly if necessary. Skirt
designs include cords for boat attachment, pockets, and adjustable suspenders and waistbands.
Since the spray skirt fits around the wearer's waist, waist circumference is the general standard of sizing. Kayak cockpit size may also apply.

Optional kayaking gear includes a dry bag, a dry top and a spray jacket. The small dry bag is good for protecting and storing snacks and other small items. A dry top is a water proof jacket good for cold water paddling. Spray jackets are waterproof and available in long or short sleeve styles.
Kayaking gives boaters an opportunity to explore waterways for fun and for relaxation. The size and light weight of kayaks make maneuvering them easy for individuals. Kayaking doesn't require a lot of equipment and doesn't have to be expensive. Most beginners can quickly master the basics but kayaking is a continual learning experience.

Kayaking Hawaii can be as peaceful as a solitary paddle trip along a tranquil river or as wild as a rough ocean adventure. Popular kayaking destinations can be found on Kauai, Maui and Molokai. Some of the most beautiful areas in Hawaii are extremely difficult to access via land but kayaking gives paddlers immediate access to appreciate and enjoy nature's beauty.

Kauai is the only Hawaiian island with a river suitable river for kayaking. Wailua River on the eastern side of the island is a favored destination. The right side of the river is reserved for kayaking.

Wailua River Valley was once reserved for royalty. It is still considered sacred and special by many. The river is typically gentle with little current.

Lush tropical foliage, beautiful exotic blooming flowers, ancient ruins, sacred waterfalls, old Hawaiian villages, pristine canyons and tropical rain forests are just a portion of the scenic beauty kayakers can experience.
Several tour companies operate in the region. Single, double, and triple kayaks are available for rent. The Secret Falls and Fern Grotto are popular Hawaii kayaking destinations.

There are times when access to one or more areas (such as the grotto) is restricted but there's so much more to see that kayakers aren't left with time on their hands.

Maui kayaking tours include beginner tours, Makena tours and Honolua Bay tours. Kayak surfing tours are available and at least one tour company welcomes physically challenged kayakers.

Kayaking Makena Landing gives paddlers the opportunity to see turtles, eels, octopus, reef sharks, tropical fish and
occasionally whales or dolphins.

The secluded and beautiful Pali Sea Cliff area features rugged shoreline, sharp sea cliffs and stunning coral reefs. Hawaiian green sea turtles are a highlight of kayaking Makena Bay.

Honolua Bay is a marine reserve. The coral reef teems with fish. Kayaking here does require paddling into moderately strong trade winds.

Kayaking Hawaii's Molokini Crater allows kayakers to access areas powerboats can get to. Some of the island's most spectacular sea life is said to be found here.

Molokai is best reserved for experienced kayakers. Ocean swells and rough waves make paddling too difficult and dangerous for beginners. The island's undeveloped north shore may be paddled from east to west but kayakers rarely paddle the return route. Ten mile-per-hour winds make the trip a rough one.

Kayaking Hawaii's Kona coast gives paddlers the opportunity to explore Kealakekua Bay, Keahou, Ho'okena, Honaunau and Kailua.

Kealakekua Bay is the most protected deep water bay and is designated a Marine Life Conservation District. The Bay was the home of many Hawaiian Chiefs and is where Captain Cook landed. A Captain Cook monument stands there today.
Across the bay, kayakers will find pristine reefs where over 250 species of fish have been identified. Glass kayaks can be rented in Kona, making kayaking Hawaii a truly amazing and different experience.

Keahuou Bay, birthplace of Kamehameha the great, boasts calm waters. Kayakers paddling along the south cliffs will pass sea caves. One of the sea caves can often be entered by kayak, making for a unique Hawaiian kayaking experience.

Kayaking Hawaii can be a tranquil experience or an adrenalin rush. From tropical waterfalls to rushing rapids, from sea caves to historical ruins, paddlers can choose the perfect kayak trip.

No two Caribbean cruises are exactly alike. With a whole host of beautiful tropical islands to visit, the Caribbean is home to three distinct areas with their own groupings of islands. With so many ports of call to choose from and so much to see and do, the Caribbean is an entire region that promises cruisers something different each time they visit.

The Eastern Caribbean is home to such islands as Puerto Rico, St. Maarten and St. Thomas. These areas are strongly influenced by French, Dutch and Spanish cultures, making them unique.

Puerto Rico, for example, is an American holding, but its style, flavor and landscape is nothing like the mainland. A world onto itself, this island is home to lush tropical landscapes, beautiful waters and exciting ports of call.

Cruise line visitors to the island of Puerto Rico will find this region was strongly influenced by Spanish, Indian and African cultures long before there was an America. The island is home to a mix of people that meld their cultural backgrounds together to create a distinct destination in the Eastern Caribbean.

Those who disembark to explore Puerto Rico will find lots to do while off board. From historical tours of San Juan to museums and from beaches to tropical hikes, there's no shortage of sights to see in this region. In addition, there are hiking, biking, horseback riding and kayaking adventures awaiting visitors, among other things.

Another popular Eastern Caribbean destination is the island of St. Maarten. This beautiful island changed hands between the Spanish, Dutch and French multiple times and is now a favorite of cruisers for its beauty, steeped in history.

Here visitors will find lots of opportunities to explore the outdoors with snorkeling, diving, fishing and more all waiting just off board their cruise. In addition, St. Marteen is home to many shipwreck dive and snorkel tours, walking tours of the historic regions and more. There's even a butterfly farm and an America's Cup Regatta attraction for visitors to see.

The Caribbean is broken up into three distinct parts. The Eastern is home to such wonderful cruise destinations as Puerto Rico and St. Maarten. Each island, however, has its own treasures that await those who want to get away from it all on a Caribbean vacation.

Combining the natural beauty and fantastic outdoors opportunities the Caribbean is famous for with rich history, the islands that make up the East are each distinct and worthy of exploring. Each trip brings with it a new discovery for visitors to this region and those exploring the east will find some standout sights for certain.

For those who love to cast a line, there's nothing quite like doing so in the Caribbean. The storied locale for many of Hemingway's big fishing tales, this region is famous for its water sports - fishing included.

But for those who visit the Caribbean via a cruise ship, there's often a concern there won't be time to see a fish let alone cast a line. Nothing could be further than the truth.

Depending on the cruise ship chosen and the amount of time dedicated to staying in the port of call, cruise ship passengers can expect to have more than enough opportunities to do and see it all - including casting a line. Booking charter expeditions for cruise ship passengers is a mainstay in this region.

Just about every island in the Caribbean has its major fishing draws. Each also offer an array of fishing expeditions ranging from simple dock casting to guided fishing tours and more. Cruise ship passengers can often book these adventures right from the ship and ensure themselves plenty of time to try their hand at pulling the "big one" right out of the Caribbean!

Plus, for families that have members that don't all enjoy fishing, cruising is an ideal vacation. As the fishing fans take part in their guided tours, each island destination in the Caribbean offers lots of other things for cruise ship guests to do. From kayaking and swimming to cultural and historic tours, the islands are rich with possibilities.

What's more, by combining the possibility for so many activities for people with all sorts of interests, Caribbean cruises are ideal for families that have diverse members. If the guys are all who are interested in a fishing trip, the gals can go parasailing, snorkeling or even just kick back on the beaches and soak up the rays. Later they can meet up for a family dinner and enjoy onboard entertainment. There's really no reason for each person on a cruise can't find something they enjoy doing while in the Caribbean.

Combining all the possibilities into a single trip, cruises are fantastic for families with diverse hobbies. From fishing and golfing to museum hopping and live entertainment, Caribbean cruises make sure guests go away feeling like no stone's been unturned. There's no reason to fret not casting a line if a cruise is the way you choose to see the Caribbean.