I'VE LONG maintained that kayaks are great tools for exploring the Chesapeake region's thousands of miles of shallow shorelines and winding tidal creeks.
A kayak is more capable than many power boats of crossing open water between islands or rivers, even of crossing the bay itself, and can handle unexpected weather.
Downside: They are expensive to buy, and rental places are few and far between. Also, many people don't want to go on their own without more experience.
In the past year I've become aware of a growing number of guides catering to those who want to kayak the bay and ocean-side areas of Maryland and Virginia.
These range from comfortable weekend packages in conjunction with hotel accommodations to no-frills paddles of a few hours.
Though trips as exotic as kayaking Vietnam are available through bay outfitters, for the most part, trips are pitched to less-experienced kayakers.
Some outfitters have the traditional, decked sea (or touring) kayak, which makes steering easy via a rudder worked by foot pedals inside the boat.
This type of kayak can be tippy, and takes a bit of getting used to before a novice feels comfortable.
Many outfitters now use "sit on tops," a variation of the sea kayak that I used to dismiss as a toy. These kayaks are essentially slabs of foam-filled plastic molded in the shape of a hull with depressions for one's feet and seat, sometimes with a backrest.
They are comfortable, unsinkable, stable and easier to get in and out of than decked kayaks (important when stopping to explore). They paddle well enough for day trips, and some models could be used for serious expeditions.
They were the kayaks of choice during a day I spent recently with Eastern Shore Escapes, one of the most innovative groups offering guided kayak trips.
It is part of a for-profit spinoff of The Nature Conservancy, the nation's largest land conservation organization.
With investment from foundations, banks and private individuals, Eastern Shore Escapes is designed to demonstrate economic development that would keep intact the region's natural resources and beauty.
The company offers weekend paddling packages, with food and lodging at local bed-and- breakfasts and hotels, on the Eastern Shore of Virginia and the lower Eastern Shore of Maryland. Local naturalists go along to inform and educate.
Nature interpretation is also available from Tangier Sound Outfitters, run by Bob and Carol Leef of Crisfield. Both are experienced outdoors people.
