Wednesday, February 11, 2015
By Angie Kay Dilmore
Southwest Louisiana has no shortage of waterways –
shimmering lakes, meandering rivers, mysterious bayous, cypress swamps, and
salt grass marshes – and where there is water, there are boats. Sailboats,
motorboats, bass boats, fishing trawlers, and pirogues . . . but me? I love to kayak!
Angie Dilmore poses in front of the Calcasieu River Bridge at the Cayenne Kayak Challenge. |
Kayaking enables a paddler to go places other boats cannot
navigate. You can squeeze through narrow inlets and float across very shallow
water. The slower pace of kayaking allows you to observe more of the beautiful surroundings
of southwest Louisiana. The only sound a kayaker makes (unless he/she is
conversing with a friend) is the quiet swoosh of the paddle through the water; therefore
wildlife is not spooked as you approach. This provides plenty of opportunities
to see birds, alligators, turtles, and other animals in their natural habitats.
Angie Dilmore kayaks on Indian Bayou. |
In my home state of Pennsylvania, I never would have dreamed
of kayaking. In the northeast, kayaking is a completely different sport, fraught
with danger and a bit too much excitement for my cautious sensibilities. But after
moving to Lake Charles in 2007 and discovering all the (calm) water options, I
wanted to learn to paddle, though I didn't know how to get started.
Pelican Paddlers
Then I discovered
a fantastic group in town called the Pelican Paddlers. They welcomed me, taught
me about the different kinds of kayaks, showed me kayaking techniques and
rescue maneuvers, and brought me along on trips. They allowed me to borrow
boats until I determined which kayak was the best boat for me.
Sunset on Prien Lake after an evening paddle. By Angie Dilmore |
The Paddlers
meet every Wednesday evening during daylight savings time (March 8-November 1
in 2015) at Prien Lake Park at the kayak boat launch, 6 p.m. They also plan
one or two weekend trips a month, including an occasional night paddle.
In the fall, the Club has an event called The Cayenne Kayak Challenge near the Lake Charles North Shore Beach. Activities include a skills
relay race, a race around the perimeter of Lake Charles, burgers and hot dogs,
awards, and door prizes.
Boats lined up along the shore of Lake Charles. Photo by Angie Dilmore |
Kayak Rentals
If you are interested in renting a kayak, call Bayou Kayak Rentals at 337-802-6781 or 337-476-0398 or Lloyd’s Country Store at 337-540-3925.
Purchasing a Kayak
Several stores in the Lake Area sell kayaks. For
personalized knowledgeable advice and service, check out Ship to Shore on Lake
St. Other stores include Dick’s, Academy, and West Marine. There are so many
options to consider when buying a kayak. Do you want a sit-on-top or a
sit-inside? How do you want to use a kayak – will you paddle 10-15 miles for a
workout or peacefully fish in the middle of a lake? I advise anyone interested
in buying a kayak to do some research, talk to experts, and “test-drive”
several models before making a purchase. A kayak has to “fit” you and be
comfortable. Cost can be an issue, but remember, regarding kayaks, you truly
get what you pay for.
Angie Dilmore paddled the Calcasieu River near Sam Houston Jones State Park. |
Best Spots to Paddle
There is no end to the number of different places one can
kayak in southwest Louisiana. Some fortunate Louisianians who live near the
water can paddle from their own backyards! For others, popular paddling places
include the West Fork of the Calcasieu River from either Sam Houston Jones State Park or Holbrook Park; Indian Bayou (also near Sam Houston Jones
State Park); the marsh at the southern end of Nelson Road; Prien Lake Park; Bayou
d’Inde. For dolphin spotting, launch a kayak at the ship channel in Cameron
Parish near the ferry.
Angie Dilmore kayaked in the ship channel near the shrimp boats in Cameron. |
Packing List
Wherever you choose to paddle, bring plenty of water and
a snack, a cell phone for emergencies, a camera, and binoculars for watching
the wildlife. Take your time and bask in the beauty of southwest Louisiana. And
ALWAYS wear a PFD (personal flotation device).
For more information about the Pelican Paddlers, call me at
337-240-8380.
Labels:
bayou,
Calcasieu,
Kayak,
Lake Charles,
paddle,
Prien Lake Park,
rentals,
River,
Sam Houston Jones State Park,
waterway
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