The revolutionary transparent canoe.	Imagine kayaking over Buccoo Reef in one of these.

BY SUZANNE BHAGAN

“I’m bored!” Ah, the familiar cry of many a Trinbagonian. With a little creative thinking, however, boredom can be banished. Given that our islands are completely surrounded by water, would you consider kayaking? Anyone can kayak, even non-swimmers.

Kayaking is great for nature lovers because you can paddle silently through the depths, with the quiet swish of water hitting the sides of the vessel. It is also a less intrusive way to enjoy wildlife in its natural habitat.

For the novice kayaker, our rivers and sheltered bays provide many options. For the more adventurous, the North Coast offers a challenging water world.

River kayaking

Kayakers can navigate the quiet meanderings of the Ortoire River, the Nariva Swamp, and the Godineau River in south Trinidad. In the North, enthusiasts can enjoy kayaking on the Marianne and Yara rivers near Blanchisseuse.

Ocean kayaking

Williams Bay, Chaguaramas, with its relatively sheltered waters, provides perfect conditions for novice kayakers. You can rent sit-on-top kayaks from the Kayak Centre. Kayak rental is surprisingly affordable—single kayaks ($30/$40 per hour) and double/tandem kayaks ($40/$50 per hour).

In Tobago, sea kayak enthusiasts can organise tours with Tobago Sea Kayak Experience at Man O War Bay, Charlotteville. This group offers packages for the novice to the more experienced paddler, where you can combine nature watching and a paddling lesson in one session.

Meryl See Tai, owner of the Kayak Centre and president of the local Kayak/Canoe Federation, says kayaking is getting more popular.

“Concerning recreational kayaking, I think we are doing our part by ensuring sport for all, not just for the elite,” he said. He also tutors those interested in tour kayaking.

Future for kayaking

In T&T, international kayakers compete in multi-sport events like Eco Challenges’ Tropical Power Coast 2 Coast, which includes a 30-kilometre paddle from Macqueripe to Williams Bay.

See Tai would like Trinbagonians to take kayaking seriously. The Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs is currently facilitating the purchase of surf ski kayaks from South Africa and other vessels for flat water kayaking and open ocean racing. He also expects a donation of vessels from the International Canoe Federation (ICF). See Tai, also an ICF trained kayaking instructor, wants to tutor youngsters for competition in flat water kayaking and canoeing. Hopefully, we can soon chant, “T&T, we have a kayak team!”