In a land of 10,000 lakes, it’s no wonder that people spend as much time as possible in the water during the precious warm months of the year. Minnesotans know how to dive in and how to boat; the breast stroke, oar and outboard motor are second nature. The state is known as a canoeist’s haven, and now an increasing number of Minnesotans are experiencing the natural landscape via a kayak.
With its pointed bow and stern, a kayak glides gracefully along the shoreline with the assistance of a double-bladed paddle and an adventure-seeking soul. Perched in a cockpit that cloaks everything from the waist down, these voyagers seek the exhilaration of shooting down white water rapids or catching the lazy drift of a winding river.
Whatever the destination, kayaking proves an excellent way to stay in shape and a terrific opportunity to explore new places. Edina resident Todd Brewer, an avid kayaker, along with his wife and kids, says his favorite afternoon trip is Minnehaha Creek. He, and one family member or another, travels the distance four to five times a summer. “For Edina people it’s a very interesting perspective on the city,” Brewer says. “We usually see it while biking, walking or driving around, but you should see Edina from the creek!”
Minnehaha Creek begins at Gray’s Bay on Lake Minnetonka and winds through Edina alongside biking trails, amongst flying balls at the golf course, in and out of parks, under interesting bridges and past stately mansions, until its 22-mile-long navigable path tumbles over the famous laughing waters of Minnehaha Falls and empties into the Mississippi river. When the water level is right, it’s the perfect route for a kayaker looking for a natural urban adventure.
Doc Drone has taught kayaking at the Edina Community Center since the early 80’s. He kayaks for the solitude. “We are surrounding all day by electronics, beeping and buzzing. You can paddle into a back bay and have no one around you and not a lot of noise,” he explains.
Early on, Drone’s class addresses what most people fear about kayaking—rolling over. “A canoe is about 14 inches above the water,” Drone says. “A kayak is at the water level, so it is incredibly stable,” he assures. However, the thought of hanging upside down, trapped in an incredibly stable boat arouses a certain amount of trepidation.
Fear is quickly allayed when the first skill acquired is learning to do a wet exit, in case you do tip over. But exiting supposes that you have not caught on to the joy of the eskimo roll. Kayakers intentionally do a “vertical 360” on occasion, to keep up on their skills. Drone says he rolls a couple times whenever he goes out in a new boat, to see how it reacts.
A good kayak fits like a shoe and can respond to the subtlest of a kayaker’s movements. “People are under the misconception that you need to row,” Drone explains. “A light bulb goes on when you begin to use your hips to make the boat go where you want it to go.” He assures that you can make the boat dance with your body.
The season is upon us. Grab a life jacket and have some fun. Dance on Edina’s rivers and lakes this summer amongst turtles, walleye, blue heron and the elusive loon; and stick around to witness autumn’s blush, close up, at water level.
Give Kayaking a Try!
Learn How
*Take a class at the Edina Community Center. June 16, 5-8 p.m. edinacommunityed.org/adult
*Check out the schedule of classes offered through local organization Rapids Riders. rapidsriders.org
Practice
*Kayak rentals are available at Lakes Harriet and Calhoun. wheelfunrentals.com
Check Water Conditions
*At Minnehaha Creek: minnehahacreek.org/canIcanoe.php
*At other area waterways, via the National Park Service: nps.gov
Join Area Groups and Outings
*Cascade Canoe and Kayak Centers: 425.430.0111
*Minnesota Canoe Association: canoe-kayak.org
*Rapids Riders: rapidsriders.org
*River Ramblers: river-ramblers.org
*Superior Kayak & Outdoor Adventure Club: skoac.org
Watch Others
*Canoe Derby, an annual kayak race series on Lake Calhoun, takes place Thursdays at 6:45 p.m. June 2–Aug. 4. 952.929.1351; hoigaards.com/page.cfm?pageid=167
