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!

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

To read more of Angie's adventures, check out her blog, angiekaydilmore.blogspot.com.

I love bird-watching. I enjoy seeing them eat at the feeders in my backyard. I’m thrilled when I spot a heron or egret wading along the shoreline when I paddle my kayak or see a flock of geese flying in V-formation across an autumn sky. But I’m not very good at specifically identifying birds by sight or, worse yet, recognizing their calls and songs. Sure, I’m familiar with the common backyard birds like cardinals, bluejays, eastern bluebirds, and black-capped chickadees. But ask me to differentiate between a red-bellied and a red-headed woodpecker, and I’m stumped.

So I sought out some help from our local Gulf Coast Bird Club this past Saturday. They meet for a bird walk the 4^th Saturday of every month, 8 a.m, at Sam Houston Jones State Park. On this most recent bird walk, the club spotted wood ducks, nuthatches, Carolina wrens, chickadees, and a variety of woodpeckers, and that was all in the first ten minutes! Experienced birders lead these walks, which are designed for beginner birders.

On most walks, the club sees an average of 20-25 different species of birds. “We’re in fall migration season right now, so we’re seeing some different migratory birds; some warblers and northern tanagers,” says David Booth, club founder and vice president of programs.

In addition to the monthly walks, the club occasionally takes field trips to the Lacassine area, Toledo Bend, Smith’s Point, or wildlife refuges such as Cameron Prairie or Sabine.

Their next event will be a program called “Listen Up! Birding by Ear,” which will help participants learn to identify birds by their call. This event coincides with Meet the Blind Month. All bird lovers, including the sight impaired, are encouraged to attend this program on October 10, 8 - 9:30 a.m. at Drew Park, 416 Michael DeBakey Dr., Lake Charles. 

Pileated Woodpecker by Gulf Coast Bird Club Member Deanna Griggs

The Gulf Coast Bird Club is dedicated to promoting the knowledge and conservation of birdlife, other wildlife, natural habitats and natural resources; and to fostering an appreciation of our natural environment and of the significance of its influence upon human life. Founded in 1983, the club seeks to provide educational opportunities to the general public and to other organizations regarding bird life.

For more information on the club or their events, see their website, join their Facebook page, or call 337-526-0837.