I finally got my first kayak a few weeks ago and have been absolutely loving it so far. I know it's the middle of winter but I've had a blast paddling in the elements. I've found that unlike other outdoor activities, there is a high level of fun and adventure while paddling adverse conditions.

Many of the lakes around Show Low have become completely frozen this winter and my favorite forest lakes are closed for the season. As a result I've been going to Show Low lake, just down the road from the local Wal-Mart which is big enough to remain mostly fluid. The first time I went out on the lake I encountered a fair bit of ice but it was thin enough to push through. A major freeze last week however left it quite frozen as well so I'll have to wait for a few good warm days before I can get back on it.

I've been trying to go paddling at least once a week but at the beginning of this week I was down with a heavy case of the flu. This morning I woke up chipper and ready for action. The snow was falling heavily outside and the temp was well below freezing. I scouted out a good little pond not far from my house and got in the water. It was actually a really good experience as it was the first chance I had to test out my waterproof neoprene paddling gloves. The gloves certainly kept my hands warm and dry but in temps that low I might consider adding a thin synthetic running glove or something similar inside the paddling gloves. The wind was very high and the temp was low so I don't think my hands would get cold at all in other situations.

After paddling a few times this winter in different conditions I can definitely recommend a good pair of gloves. Mine cost just $13 at Wal Mart and while they go up from there, mine are perfectly adequate and fully waterproof.

I'll say much more about the specific kayak I purchased after I have gained more experience and put more time in it but right now I am very pleased. Previously I had only paddled in a name brand 10 or 12 foot recreational kayak. I was very pleased with those kayaks but right now I simply couldn't afford a name brand boat. I got a Waterquest Aruba 10' by Sundolphin KL Industries. It's pictured above and for just $250 was a great buy. I don't feel like it's any slower than the kayaks I have paddled before though I will be replacing the cheapo paddle it came with, that being said most new kayaks do not come with paddles so this is a great deal to get you out on the water. In the future I want to save up for an affordable sea/touring kayak and this kayak will be for the family. It feels like a really solid craft though so I probably won't be upgrading anytime soon.

If anyone has any advice for me or any questions about my kayaking adventures please leave them in comments.

This One Is For Me

For the past year or so I have been running a website that deals specifically with trail running and other running topics. I started it for a college project my time with which to work on it has diminished and it has grown into more of a company than I really have time for. While I am still updating the site I am interested by so many more outdoor avenues than just running.

I have been an outdoor enthusiasts for as long as I can remember, and it has only escalated since moving to the mountains of North Eastern, Arizona in 2000. This blog may eventually be followed by an outdoor adventure business but for now this one is for me. There is no business plan, no posting schedule. Sure I'd like to have a decent following but this will never be a generalized description of all things out doors. This will simply be a narrative of my adventures, with as much useful information that I feel is necessary to slip in.

The fact is I love the outdoors. Backpacking, hiking, running, cycling, mountain biking, camping, 4x4 ing (if that's a term), kayaking, swimming, I love it all and I'll be posting about all the adventures I am having.  I hope to provide something of value to my readers but I want to do that in a way that this writing can add value to me as well. I look forward to blogging about my favorite subjects. I hope you'll enjoy as well.

- Chris Babb

The photo below is one of my favorites, from Cultus Lake 2010. If you can't see through the shadows I am on your left, my wonderful wife Celisse, is on your right.