The placid water is broken only by the jumping fish and the soft slapping of an oar as the kayak is maneuvered along the open water. The early morning sun lends itself to an azure sky that is dotted with cotton candy clouds. The call of an osprey captures the attention of the kayaker who lifts his eyes skyward to see the soaring raptor.
The Southern Tier is haven to kayaking and canoeing, adding that it's one of the biggest attractions in the region. On the water one can view the world in a different light, and with the abundance of streams, creeks and other waterways, one need not go far to enjoy a day of water adventure.
However, before traversing lake, creek or river, one must choose a craft. Will it be a kayak or a canoe? Will the vessel be used for fishing, watching a sunset or exercise?
"Kayaks are much easier to paddle," said Ed Koch, manager of Whitetale Country in Olean, N.Y. "Because a double-bladed paddle is used, it's easier to keep the kayak straight."
Canoes, on the other hand, are versatile for taking trips of any duration because they have the room to store more equipment. Additionally, they are fairly lightweight thereby allowing the user to pick them up and carry them.
Conversely, kayaking requires very little effort to paddle, Mr. Koch said. Moreover, the longer the kayak is the faster it is in the water and the easier it is to track - keep straight.
Once the adventure is planned, how to determine which is the right vessel is next on the list. Camping or fishing canoes are typically long - to carry gear; wide - for stability; and heavy. A strong, short canoe would be best used for whitewater because of maneuverability and durability. Additionally, racing canoes are long, narrow and light. While one may not need much finesse to steer a kayak, canoeing does require a bit more muscle.
Canoes can range from 11 feet 9 inches to 17 feet in length and weight up to 113 pounds. Also, the maximum load range can be from 600 pounds to 1,700 pounds. For example, canoes favored for use in the Maine back-country are 16 feet in length, 35 inches wide, weighs 76 pounds and carry a maximum load of 650 pounds, according to officials at Old Town Canoes and Kayaks.
On the other hand, kayaks can range from 9 feet 6 inches to 15 feet 3 inches, however, they have a substantially lower maximum load range - from 200 to 500 pounds. Additionally, the weight of the kayak is slightly lighter than a canoe - 41 to 72 pounds. And chile kayaks are typically for the single user, newer kayaks feature a double seat that can be used alone or with a partner.
Another aspect of any water sport is safety, said Mr. Koch.
"People often don't realize how easy it is to tip a canoe or kayak," Mr. Koch said. "One minute you're enjoying the landscape, next thing you know you're seeing fish."
An important factor to keep in mind is the temperature of the water. Natural instinct is to take a gasp at the sudden change in temperature is in direct relation to the size of the gasp.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, if the person does not have a personal floatation device on, they will get a lung full of water and sink. A PFD is designed to raise the wearer to the surface quickly. One may be spitting water but would be alive.
Not only is the life vest the most important piece of safety gear, proper fit is essential to survival. The PFD should be U.S. Coast Guard approved, comfortably snug, and have large pockets to store other safety items such as a safety light and whistle.
What else would one need for a day on the water?
Clothing that will wick away moisture or dry quickly - keep in mind it's water; water shoes; polarized sunglasses; gloves; lightweight paddle - single-blade for canoeing or double-blade for kayaking; change of clothes; bag for personal items; and a secure way to transport the vessel.
The boat is purchased or rented, the gear stowed and organized, now, where to go:
Allegany River: The 54-mile trek is devoid of dams and can be made without interruption at sufficient water heights; care should be taken during low water at Olean - as two large pipes cross the river's bed; near the junction of the Tunungwant Creek and around Portville - both locations have log piles concealed below the water surface; and at Salamanca, a shallow rift occurs above and below the bridge.
Cattaraugus Creek: Must be approached with caution as it is challenging and secluded in sections. Some sections of the creek should not be run except by experienced canoeists, especially through Zoar Valley.
Conewango Creek: A slow meandering stream. Portage is required around fallen trees. Three miles of easy rifts make the creek a relaxing ride.
Great Valley Creek: Though seasonal, at high water it can be run from Ellicottville to Killbuck.
Ischua Creek: Can only be run in high water. During the spring, it offers an intermediate challenge as there are occasional tricky spots under bridges and along railroad grades. Dead fall can also pose a problem.
Oil Creek: Meanders through farmland and wooded areas. Though the area is teeming with wildlife, one may find the occasional log jam or rock and rubble in the area of Wagner Hill Road.
Olean Creek: A continuation of the Oil and Ischua creeks, where, at high water, one could run from Hinsdale to the Allegany River at complete ease. However, the shallowness of the creek prohibits runs most of the year and a few fast, sharp turns may be encountered along the way.
Oswayo Creek: One can make the run from Shinglehouse, Pa., to where it meets the Allegany River near Portville with relative ease.
Harwood Lake: A 34-acre, man-made lake just north of Franklinville on Route 98. It was built in 1965 for flood control as part of the Ischua Creek Watershed Protection District. While the land surrounding the lake is undeveloped, the lake offers calm waters for any enthusiast.
Rushford Lake: At the bottom of this man-made lake lies the original town of Rushford. Though this reservoir is less than an acre, the valley setting offers some spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.
Open sea and sunshine make the Southern Tier a haven for the boating enthusiast. For maps and other waterways visit www.trails.com.
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