What is the reason for the upsurge in kayaking in California?

It seems that this year I can't go paddle without another kayak being on the water. The last two years I have not had other kayakers sharing the lake. But this year it is different.

Usually the other kayakers are also alone, enjoying the air and the water.

The lure of kayaking seems to be the quiet and contemplative value of the water and sky. After a hard day stress just disappears while paddling.

Sailing once filled that need for silent buffering of the day at work.

Then the local sailing club evolved to a different mind set. Kayaks also lend themselves to easy launching and easy loading. Paddling allows the introspective solitary time to be enjoyed with ease.

Around our little lake is an ancient canal. The dikes are still in place most of the way around. It begins at the fisherman's access on the west. It then continues for 1.5 miles north and then east. It stops at the new pick nick shelters to the north-east of the lake. There are several places where a kayak can slip into the canal. My favorite (and easiest) is due west of the island.

Muskrats, coyotes, cows, and many types of birds inhabit the secluded part of the lake, canal. The power boats are far away and the water is calm. Blackberries and figs dot the shoreline. It feels like a "drive through" as the kayak slides into the bramble to pick the evening dessert.

Sailboats; 8 foot prams

Tiny sailboats for adults. I have recently restored an 8 foot Naples Sabot. It is ideal for this little lake. However you will find larger sailboats docked for the season. Thursday night races and socials are put- on for the local sailboat club. But I would love to get a large number of prams to form a racing club all it's own. If you know anyone interested in racing, sailing, restoring or building these marvelous little boats, please let me know. El Toros, Sabots, Nymphs, or any other similar hulls are welcome.