For the first time in two decades, the going for river-rafting operators along the banks of the Ganges in Uttaranchal has turned choppy…

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The Nith River offers an excellent whitewater kayak trip every spring. This river is about one hour west of Toronto and is the only south-western river in Southern Ontario with a 2 kilometer whitewater kayak section that offers Class III waves. Kayak guides should be used on this unfamiliar river to be aware of fallen tree hazards.

For the beginner kayak enthusiast, a whitewater kayak trip on the Nith River in mid April is the best time to experience a day trip. Every kayak trip is accommodated with an instructor-guide to insure safety and enjoyment. The Nith is an excellent whitewater kayak river for the novice to gain experience and confidence.

The whitewater kayak trips on the Nith River normally start in the village of Canning. The river averages a meter in depth and about 50 meters in width. The kayak trip is about 19 kilometers long to the Grand River in Paris. The trips are about 4-5 hours in length with a lunch stop included.

The Nith starts out with a selection of small rapids, swifts and pools. The scenery of clay bluffs and wilderness is relaxing. For the first 3 hours the novice kayak person is given instruction, taught how to read water and the opportunity to lead on short sections of the Nith River. The purpose is to give everyone the time to adjust and gain the skills needed to enjoy the concluding whitewater splash. Eskimo Roll kayak techniques are not required or taught because the river is too shallow… people that tip simply slide out.

At the end of the kayak trip there is a 2 kilometer section of splash with a variety of standing waves, mini foot-drops and water slides. This section offers the beginner a whitewater kayak thrill within their comfort level. The final destination is Bean Park where everyone’s vehicles are parked for the return journey home.

Few people know about this whitewater kayak trip in Southern Ontario so near to Toronto. But as the Nith is discovered it is sure to become one of the best spring whitewater kayak attractions in Southern Ontario.

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If you have never been to Costa Rica, you are missing out. It is an amazing country where you can grab your kayak and explore to your hearts desire.

Kayaking is not restricted to spots in the United States. There are many places in the world that offer excellent kayaking areas, including many of the countries on the continent of South America/Latin America. As much of Latin America is coastal, it offers an excellent, warm weather place to try sea kayaking. Kayaking in Costa Rica can be a perfect way to enjoy the diverse culture and scenery of this Latin country.

Kayaking originated in North America and Greenland, where Inuit and Aleut hunters developed these lightweight portable boats in order to go fishing and hunting in the colder regions of the world. Kayaks, with their covered canoe styling and splash skirt that keeps water off of the paddler in the cockpit, offer a great alternative to traditional ways of boating around the world. The fact that a kayak is essentially made as a single person mode of transportation (although some kayaks are built for two or three) makes it a great way to experience a water area in a solitary way, or in a group with a tour.

One of the best resources for kayaking in Costa Rica is the company known as Rios Tropicales. This company has been in existence for over 20 years, and offers travelers a great way to experience both the river kayaking and sea kayaking available in Costa Rica. Rios Tropicales also offers what they call an “Eco-Adventure Playground” on the banks of the Pacuare River - where you can explore both the river areas in a kayak, as well as a jungle area for hiking and even zip lines that cross the river.

Rios Tropicales cautions that you should bring your own gear, because although they do rent kayaks to tourists who wish to experience the kayaking here, they do not have gear such as life jackets and other necessities available. Most of the kayaking in Costa Rica in this particular area is rated a level III or level IV on the International Scale of River Difficulty, meaning that river kayaking here should not be attempted by boaters who do not know how to handle heavy rapids, and open canoe paddling will not be possible.

Of course, sea kayaking is also available from Rios Tropicales, in Costa Rica - this country has over 800 miles of total shoreline for boaters to enjoy. Whether you choose to go on the open sea or on the many rivers in this tropical paradise, one thing is sure: you’re going to love kayaking in Costa Rica.

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