Sustainable Watercraft
An Ode to the Kayak
Since arriving in Vero Beach in early 2020, I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing the IRL from a sit-on-top kayak. My first kayak was gifted to me by my grandfather, who also lives in the County and has been the purveyor of all things marine in Our family. My first kayaking excursions were to go fishing, which the the ‘yak performed proficiently. Soon after, I loaded up a heap of camping gear and embarked on my month-long SPOILIFE expedition—camping on a spoil island. During this time the ‘yak proved very efficient and I came to know her as a truly reliable companion throughout the journey. Also during that time, I tested her carrying capacity with various weights and configurations, mostly gallons of water, which she bore without a hitch; I never had any inkling that she might tip over or get swamped.
After my island excursion, I continued to leisurely kayak throughout the Lagoon, mostly to fish and explore. After splashing my sailboat, LAHOMA, in October of 2021, my kayak took on another job as my sailboat’s tender—a job which she performed very well—as well as her lightness and aerodynamics when being towed from the sailboat in motion.
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Until this point, most of the work performed by AME has been done from atop a sit-on-top kayak. In that time, I’ve had/had use of various motorized dinghies (inflatables and hardbody), but at some point of another motor troubles have arisen which require time and maintenance, as does the ever persistent need/cost of refueling them; for this reason, I’ve found myself reverting back to the ‘yak for its consistent reliability.
Kayaks offer the following benefits:
- Consistent Cardiovascular Exercise: One can paddle as lightly or intensely as desired—kayaking is a low-impact, muscle toning exercise.
- Even against high winds and strong currents, a strong paddler can still traverse. I’ve personally been through multiple storms, even having had to do a small excursion during hurricane Milton (wouldn’t recommend)!
- No Carbon Emissions: No need to refuel or deal with hazardous fuel(s), thus preventing harmful emissions from entering the atmosphere and waterways. You are the kayak’s motor/propulsion; You set the pace.
- Reduced Wake and Erosion: Kayaks produce minimal wake, reducing the potential for shoveling erosion and disturbance to aquatic habitats.
- Low Noise Pollution:Kayaking is a quiet activity, minimizing disturbance to wildlife and reducing noise pollution in natural areas.
- Close proximity to the water. Aside from swimming, there’s no better way to closely observe a water-body than from a kayak. Kayaks are a premier means of completing tasks such as cleaning trash from waterways.
- Ease of Transport and Storage: Kayaks can easily be carried, car-topped, and stored in a variety of settings.
- Peace of Mind, Stress Relief and Relaxation.
It is for these reasons and more that AME endorses the kayak as the premier watercraft for enjoying the Indian River Lagoon, and for anyone (of almost any age) who wants to get into boating.