It’s spring…. and there are so many great choices for outdoor fun…..Bike riding, canoeing, walking, rollerblading, kayaking, golf, soccer, baseball, basketball, scuba, waterskiing, swimming, picnics, hiking, fishing, camping, gardening, and more…it’s almost impossible to list ‘em all!!!

Safety issues should be addressed initially in making decisions about what type of play to participate in, and if children are included. If the event is centered around children, be sure to address any safety issues before beginning. Some sports require mouth guards, special shoes (cleats), protective headwear and other protective equipment such as wrist, knee & elbow pads and helmets for rollerblading.

For all types of water sports and activities, life preservers and flotation devices are always recommended. If an adult or child cannot swim it is very important to purchase a preserver that will keep their head above water should they be rendered unconscious or fall in unexpectedly. There are many choices in life vests and some are specific to particular watersports such as jet ski’s, boating, canoeing or kayaking.

When choosing gear or equipment for another sport, be sure the user is familiar with how to wear it and getting the right fit. Ask in the store where you are purchasing the items for guidance on proper fit and size.

When purchasing a bike for a child, be sure to get the right size. Don’t buy it so the child can “grow” into it. It will be difficult to learn to balance and you may end up with a child who will never ride if they have a bad experience initially. If you live in a hilly area, get a bike rack for your car, and bring all the bikes and family to level areas, parks or a bike trail made especially for rollerblading, bicycling and walking without cars nearby. There are maps available in towns and the state that show where all the “rails to trails” locations are and many of them are now being connected to each other.

Another fairly inexpensive option for many teens and adults of all ages is a kayak or canoe. They can be purchased new for less than $250 and be used for many years. Many people choose kayaks instead of canoes because of ease of use and weight factors. Most recreational kayaks and canoes can be easily handled with almost no instruction.. Canoes are typically a bit longer and heavier unless you purchase more expensive lightweight styles.

Canoes offer storage and moving about space in them. Most recently, manufacturers are making fishing kayaks for anglers that offer all the advantages of a lightweight boat with storage without the disadvantages of larger heavier canoes or boats. All these things can be done by a recreational canoer/ kayaker with a little planning and information about the location they will be paddling in.

There are many options for kayaks that make even the beginner look like a regular user. There are kayaks that are for all types of general recreational use in both a sit-in style and sit-on-top design. They each have advantages and drawbacks depending on your intended use.

A sit-on-top kayak is a wonderful choice if you do not need storage on your boat. They can be used in rivers, oceans, back bays, lakes, and most bodies of water except very fast white water conditions (of which there is very little in Connecticut). Many elderly persons who have never kayaked before are choosing this style for exercise and recreational use, and teens like them because they can play around with them in the water and they can’t sink it even if it is used like a surfboard.

Some of the advantages of a Sit-On-Top Kayak:

*ease of entry (no cockpit to wiggle into)
*cannot sink, (they are self bailing)
* should you want to take a swim while in transit, you can easily climb back into your kayak again and continue paddling.
*adjustable laydown option on seatback–sunbathe for a while
*built in foot braces
*built in flotation
*very stable for beginners-difficult to tip over
*lightweight-easy to transport smaller units especially (34lbs)

Disadvantages are:

*no storage compartments
*no protection from elements (cold weather, rain, sun, etc)

While sit-in style kayaks can be used in rivers, oceans, back bays, lakes, and most bodies of water except very fast white water conditions as well, sometimes storage capacity is desired.

The advantages of sit-in kayaks are:

*storage capacity (one or two compartments)
*some have dry storage compartments
*protection from cold weather, rain, or sun
*ability to use year round with a skirt (optional accessories)
*lightweight-easy to transport smaller units (34lbs)
*drain plug to empty water in hull
*comfortable seating
*built in adjustable foot braces on most models
*built in flotation

Disadvantages are:

* no ability to exit and enter easily unless on shore-will fill up with water and have to be brought to land to empty boat out (it will usually not sink)
*heavy to move about if left upright and it rains (cockpit covers are available)
*less stable than wider models

The kayak information in this article are specific to the Pelican models I am most familiar with and are general in nature to most kayaks by other manufacturers, however there are features that vary greatly depending on the company. If you have not considered kayaks because of the old shows on TV that depict an Eskimo roll and white water styles, you might want to check out the new styles that don’t tip over easily and can be used everywhere—recreational Kayaks !!!

If you are thinking of trying golf, many people start with a lesson at a golf resort or club to see if they enjoy it. You can then purchase a starter set appropriate for your sex and size. There are children’s, junior, ladies and men’s sets. A used starter set with a bag can cost anywhere from $50- $150. If you fall in love with the sport, a full set new, will cost from $125 to hundreds of dollars. A used full set will usually run under $200 with a golf bag. I would suggest a reasonably priced set initially and in a couple of years you can then upgrade if you want something in the higher end market. The starter set consists of four irons (3,5,7,9) and a putter along with a driver (the “1” wood ). A full set includes the irons (3,4,5,6,7,8,9 and a PW–pitching wedge) and the putter and three “woods” ( the “1” wood commonly called the driver, a “3” wood and a “5” wood). Golf shoes, balls and other accessories can all be bought used and new.

So, think outdoors, and think of all the interesting activities and fun you can have with the whole family and/or with your friends. Whatever your choices for recreation, remember to think safety first and enjoy the spring and summer….See you soon!