An extremely popular and growing passion for New Englanders these days is a love affair with the coastal kayak. More and more cars and trucks are displaying kayak carriers on their Thule racks beside the usual bikes and canoes. It is now not uncommon to see actual 'kayak jams' at boat launches and waterways, which is both a good thing and bad.

Our Coastline provides a good deal of coves, bays, and secluded areas for even the beginner to enjoy. The open Ocean is also an option, but one only available to those with real experience. Since Kayaking can be a dangerous and technical sport at times (aside from a day paddle in a nice secluded harbor with others) I will just provide a few awesome places to paddle aimlessly for a few hours. They are (in no particular order) a listing of my favorite day excursions in the Seacoast area.

For those of you who are new to the sport, or would like to receive some guidance from professionals, I recommend Breaking Waves, a small outfit led by a NOLS certified schoolteacher who grew up on the Seacoast. Not only does she know the area on land, but the water is an apparent second home to her. For lessons, rentals, or introductions to the sport e-mail Shelly and Bill at Breakingwaves1@aol.com. They offer personally tailored guided trips, beginner orientations, tours of Portsmouth Harbor, and rescue lessons to hone existing skills. Custom ideas are well received as well, so give them a shout.

1). Adams Point, The Great Bay, NH.

This place is awesome, part State Boat Launch, part UNH owned estuary preserve, kayak from a nice facility into the Great Bay - a beautiful place. Watch for tides and winds here, though it's a bay it can become challenging at times.

The Great Bay from a rocky shoreline

2.) Portsmouth Harbor - the non dangerous side of the Piscataqua.

Moored at the Wentworth Gardener House

Launch from the public boat ramp and head away from the bridge and the open Piscataqua. The Piscataqua is known as one as one of the most powerful (and dangerous) moving water bodies in the country. Head over the more secluded route toward Odiorne Point or Sagamore Creek.

3). Odiorne Point, Rye NH

Park wither in the boat launch area, or over the bridge in the dirt "lot." Watch for tides though or this could be you!

Flooded in at Odiorne Point, Rye NH

4). Salmon Falls River, ME

Launching point overlooking the bridge on 101.

Launch from a small park on ME rt. 101 and the world is yours. Travel under the bridge and Head toward the Vaughn Woods (a great wooded park) and Hamilton House (a SPNEA historical home). Bring five bucks, land at the shores, and take the guided tour of the inside of this unique home. Try not to get saltwater all over the house though!

The house from the gardens

The further you progress, the more the Estuary Saltwater disappears and the more freshwater scenery and environments reign.

Salmon Falls Upstream

Overall it's a short but fun paddle, throw in a couple of stops at Vaughn woods and the Hamilton House, and you have a fine day excursion. If you choose to continue north past the Hamilton House, you will eventually come to an impassible (and ugly) dam area where you will need to turn around, but up until then, enjoy the gorgeous views.

5). Newburyport, MA and the mighty Merimack.

Try your luck in this mighty river on the next sunny day. The Merrimack flows into the Ocean here, it's well earned journey finally culminating on a nice sandy beach. Launch from Joppa Park in the infamous Joppa flats and head up the Merrimack or toward the Ocean and Plum Island. Beware of some strong boat currents and serious boat traffic here. If you are so inclined (and skilled) bring a flyrod - these waters are infamous for serious Striper fishing.