Grupo Mayan Resorts: Paddling
January 22nd, 2009
The Grupo Mayan resorts staff has seen an increase in the water sports of kayaking and canoeing. Both of the water sports are available onsite at our many Grupo Mayan resorts and we are seeing more and more guests begin to show an interest and give the sports a try. Here is some advice on paddling, an essential part of each sport, from our Grupo Mayan water sport professionals.
The Grupo Mayan pros advise you to determine why you want to begin a paddling sport before you choose between kayaking and canoeing. You may want to try out both before making a decision. The Grupo Mayan pros say to ask yourself a few questions.
- Why do I want to paddle?
- What do I want to get out of paddling?
- Am I a good swimmer?
- Do I feel comfortable around the water?
- How much time do I have to devote to the sport?
- Is this a sport I want to do alone or with others?
By asking yourself these questions you will be able to better determine if canoeing or kayaking is the best choice for you. Kayaking is a more solitary sport while canoeing can be enjoyed by more than one person in a boat at a time.
Once you determine which sport you are interested in it will be important to decide where you want to paddle. The Grupo Mayan pros say that the two basic choices are freshwater or ocean water. Each type of water has its own challenges. Each type of water also requires specific equipment depending on the sport you choose.
The type of water you choose, the Grupo Mayan pros tell us, will also require a specific type of craft. There are recreational kayaks, sea kayaks, competition kayaks, and fresh water kayaks. Similar options exist for canoes. Canoes also offer a choice in sizes depending on how many people will be in the boat.
The Grupo Mayan pros urge you to go to a local outfitter and let them help you determine what equipment you will need. The sales people at these stores are experts in their field and many of them are also paddlers. With their experience you will be able to get outfitted with exactly what you need. It is also okay to buy used equipment when you first start out. This will give you a chance to find out if paddling is really for you before investing large sums of money in the sport. Just make sure, warn the Grupo Mayan pros, that the used equipment you buy is in great condition.
The Grupo Mayan water sport pros look forward to your next visit to a Grupo Mayan resort. The pros will be happy to introduce you to paddling sports and help you learn to use the appropriate equipment.
When visiting a Grupo Mayan resort, make sure to request paddling instruction and you will get some firsthand experience in a kayak or canoe. We look forward to paddling with you!