New Jersey Kayaking

Water Lilies

White

Water Lilies are found in all still and slow-flowing freshwaters. One thing that I have noticed about them is that on any lake or pond, you will always find white ones, and usually also pink or yellow ones, but never both. The flowers begin in summer and last well into fall.

Yellow

While the leaves and flowers are floating, the plants themselves are anchored strongly in the bottom. The stems are tough and strong, but it is possible to paddle through them with a modified stroke. Basically, pull the paddle lengthwise out of the water so that it sheds the plants.

Pink

I pulled up some plants with roots and tried to grow them in an aquarium in potting soil, but they did not do well, and eventually died. My guess is that they need full sunshine, and even very bright artificial light is just not enough. If you pick just a flower, it will last a few days in a saucer of water.

-- Wikipedia

Plants, Wildlife,

Waves and Wakes

Kayaks are pretty seaworthy, sit-on-tops are just about unsinkable. That said, dealing with anything more than a 1-foot chop in a flat-bottomed lake boat is really no fun. If you find yourself caught out in rough water, try to keep the bow or stern pointed into the waves, or within 30 degrees of perpendicular, even if you have to take a roundabout course. Do not run parallel to the waves.

Boat wakes are also a threat. Most boats give no thought to anyone else, at least not anyone smaller than them, and will plow by without even looking at you. Always watch out for boat wakes, and turn into them like waves. When dealing with motorboats and jet-skis, I just assume they are drunk and not paying attention to anything. It hasn't failed me yet.

Crossing a boat channel is like crossing the highway: look both ways, wait for a good time, and do it as fast as you can. You do not have right-of-way. Unlike an automobile, a boat doesn't have brakes, and if you do something stupid, it will run right over you.

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