From Alaskan Bays to the azure waters of Baja, GORP recently offered a rather opinionated top ten list of where to roll with the waves of North America in a sleek kayak. Then we asked the question, who are we to make such authoritative judgments? Had we missed some other hard to beat, slammin' seas? So naturally, we sought out the real experts — the GORP community — for their takes on some of the best kayaking they have experienced.
The GORP paddling community did speak up and shared with us their personal picks. And just as we thought, we were indeed missing some special destinations.
How could we leave out Belize? It's not in North America, but certainly it deserves to be on our list regardless. Matthew Artz couldn't believe we left it off of our top 10 sea kayaking hot spots."It's hard to beat kayaking from Caye to Caye on the barrier reef, stopping above coral patches to snorkel, watching local fishermen in hand dug canoes spearing fish, and generally just enjoying the sunshine and trade winds."
In fact, from hanging out in Creole villages to making the windswept paddling journey to the Cayes, recently proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it's hard to believe we left it out. A great tropical kayaking destination.
Sherri I. Lloyd and her husband added another pick to our growing list — Farewell Harbor Resort out of British Columbia, Canada. "It was the most wonderful experience we have ever had," she said in the forum. "The best place we paddled was called Johnstone Strait. The Orca lab is nearby and what a treat. We saw wildlife everyday and whales many times."Nominating Monterey Bay, CA to the list, Marc S. Williams said, "If you like wildlife, it's hard to beat." From California sea lions, Great Egrets standing tall and proud, Whimbrels, and Southern sea otters, wildlife is abundant. Gray Whales can even be seen during their winter migration. It is also one of the largest Marine Sanctuaries in the country.
This nomination was backed up by Chris V. who added, "I, too, would highly recommend Monterey Bay to anyone who enjoys both wildlife and great accommodation."
Steve K, having paddling many of our top eight, agreed that our picks are wonderful. He added his own personal favorites however — Nova Scotia's southern and eastern shores. "Many islands, beautiful beaches, wonderful scenery, whales and just about anything you can ask for." His second recommendation is Voyaguers National Park in Minnesota. "It is especially nice in the fall when the motorized boat traffic lessens."
And last, but certainly not least, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve located in southeastern Alaska, the largest national park in the United States. Sue thinks it is the absolute best. "A paddler's paradise — untouched, heavenly."
The park surrounds the Wrangell mountains and was designated a World Heritage site for its pristine scenery. Covered with glaciers near the coast, it is perfect for all sorts of activities for wilderness lovers, particularly kayakers.
Got any others you want to share with the GORP community? Let us know your favorite spot and add to our ever-growing list.
Kayak-on!
from Away.com
Belize
