Flat-waters: Easy Days of Exploration, Fishing and Fitness

From diverse biomes, like wetlands, swamps, and bioluminescent lagoons to the urban exploration of city scapes and harbors, these spots offer a full day of fun, fishing and fitness.

#1 Lakes

Lakes of all sizes can offer flat-water paddling. If the water surface looks like a mirror, you found perfect conditions! Keep an eye on wind if you are in the Great Lakes or other large lakes, as they can create waves. On windy days, you can still paddle protected coves like Sand Harbor on Lake Tahoe.

#2 Harbors

Harbors are generally pretty well protected from tides, currents and wakes. They are built to keep waters calm. Larger boats are required to move slower to avoid creating a wake. Most of the testing for the Inlet was done on the Emeryville Marina on the San Francisco Bay. It's a great place to check out seal lions, salty sailors and cool old boats with clever names.

#3 Rivers 

Slow moving rivers are always fun to explore. We spent some time on the Chicago River over the summer. Kayaking is a cool way approach to urban exploration! We recommend paddling upstream (against the current) first. It makes your paddle back way easier! 

#4 Reservoirs

A lot of us live near reservoirs! They are usually an easy spot to go to for a lazy fishing trip or an after work paddle workout routine.

#5 Lagoons

Lagoons are usually very still waters. Sometimes they have just the right conditions to support bioluminescence that light up like stars as you cut the water. If you are looking for a mangrove lined magic paddling spot check out our blog on kayaking & bioluminescence. There are spots around the world so grab a pack for easy globetrotting!

#6 Swamps

We dare you to paddle one of these forested wetlands! They're home to a wide variety of species and are one of the most important biomes in the world. Other wetlands like the Boundary Waters in Minnesota and Giacomini Wetlands in California are fun places to explore.

We are excited to see where your adventure unfolds! Stay safe & wear your PFD every time you paddle! ✌️