Re: [Paddlewise] Costa Rica Pacific Coast Kayaking

At 03:57 PM 2/28/00 -0600, Dickson, Dana A. wrote:
>I just returned from my Costa Rica vacation.  I spent most of the time in
>the highlands, but I did get on the water for a short paddle, about an hour
>on the water.  If you go to COSTA RICA for kayaking make sure you ask lots
>of questions before you go.  The Pacific ocean is warm where I was, Drake
>Bay, and I was told it is also warm on the rest of the coast.  The
>disappointment for me was in the equipment.  The boat was a SOT, OK for a
>short paddle, but not my first choice if I were paddling all day.  

I just got back from a week in Kauai and found the same equipment
restrictions.  From what I saw probably 95% of those renting kayaks on the
island probably never paddled before so the SOT boats were good for rentals
and no outfitter attempted to cater to the experienced paddler.  I did find
one place (Kayak Kauai) that had a plastic Sealution but they wouldn't rent
it.  I ended up renting a Ocean Kayak "Sprinter" from them, just so I could
paddle something with a little more performance, but even that didn't come
with thigh straps until I asked for them (one was broken so I never did get
to try it with the straps).  Still, it was fun, especially seeing the look
on other kayakers faces as I wizzed by them like they were standing still.

***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not
to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission
Submissions:     paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
Subscriptions:   paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************