BY JOE BALOG

Kayaks are the best-selling boats in the world. That statistic surprised me when I first heard it. For every center-console deck boat or glittery bass-chaser you see on the river, there are likely a couple of kayaks in somebody’s yard.

Use becomes an issue, as kayaks sometimes fall into the impulse-buy category. We’ve all been there. Luckily, West Volusia is a place where kayak adventures await in every direction, and getting in touch with the real Florida is just a couple of paddle strokes away.

The reason for the popularity of kayaks is undoubtedly their ease of use and, especially, maintenance. Modern kayaks are built using a roto-molding process, where colored plastic is cooked and cooled in ovens. Once completed, the boats are nearly indestructible, resistant to fading and lightweight.

The mega kayak manufacturers of today have gigantic facilities and can make up to a dozen boats at a time. One unique tidbit: The colored plastics are added by hand, meaning no two boats are exactly the same.

Kayaks come in a variety of shapes and sizes. There are two main categories: sit inside and sit on top. Just as it sounds, sit-inside kayaks have the user recessed down inside the boat (much like a canoe), whereas sit-on-top kayaks have seats above the gunnel.

For the most part, sit-inside kayaks are more stable, whereas the best feature of sit-on-top models is their ability to shed water. Sit-on-top units have scuppers, or ports, running clear through the kayak, draining the unit continuously. Users never need to turn over a sit-on-top kayak to dump out water from rain or splashing. They’re extremely buoyant and can never sink.

I’ve used both. For fishing, I prefer a sit-inside unit. For goofing around at the springs or hitting the sandbar, sit-on-tops prevail. Choose based on your activity.

As defined by physics, the longer the boat, the easier it is to paddle. This is the basic length-versus-width formula. Longer boats track better, too, meaning there’s less side to side, and therefore less correcting when paddling. Also, wind hampers longer boats less.

Shorter kayaks may not be the best choice for long-distance paddling trips, but they’re a breeze to haul around, fitting easily into the bed of a pickup truck. No trailer means no vehicle registration or license plate.

In any case, paddle boats themselves don’t need “FL numbers” or vessel registration, but they must include proper safety equipment — a life jacket and whistle, and a distress flag on the coast. Get a kayak-specific life vest right off the bat, and keep it on. You won’t even know it’s there.

Once in a kayak, it’s immediately apparent that the experience is unlike any other on the water. Here’s where hardcore outdoor fans should take note, especially anglers or wildlife junkies. In a kayak, nature lets you in. It’s unreal. At times, you’ll paddle up on unexpecting critters that will be as surprised as you are.

Wading birds have always fascinated me, and I still recall being 5 feet from a roseate spoonbill a few years back, wondering how in the world God made that color, and wishing everyone could see it. River otters may wonder what you are and come to investigate, should you take a paddle up Alexander Creek. Be mindful of gators — especially in places where they aren’t hunted.

While there’s little to worry about on open water, be sure to look around a bit before pulling up onto a bank in a remote area. For the most part, making lots of noise on your approach deters any wild creatures from sticking around.

Fishing is outstanding from a kayak. While redfish are on high alert each time they hear a trolling motor or feel the pressure waves of a bay boat, neither exist when I’m paddling. Sometimes the reds swim just a half-cast away. Bream and stumpknockers allow me to tie to a tree and catch all I want on freshwater rivers.

The big players in kayak fishing are bass, largemouths in our area. Kayak fishing tournaments have grown in recent times, though most are now overrun with the same technology haunting all competitive fishing. Kayakers casting for cash are carrying electric motors, depth finders and lithium batteries, tallying up five-figure price tags for their boats.

I can assure you none of this is necessary to have a good day of bass fishing from a kayak. A friend and content contributor, Drew Gregory, is one of the most acclaimed kayak anglers in the world, cashing big checks at events all across America. He travels light, specializing in getting into remote areas others won’t try, often hauling out bass you wouldn’t believe.

Gregory’s forte is being part of the action. He carries just a couple of rods and reels (all-around combos that can work a variety of lures) spools up exclusively with stout braided lines, and has taught himself to cast with both hands in and around objects. A while back, Gregory shared with me a tip that’s really made a difference in my fishing: Always cast your lure all the way to the shoreline. Most shallow-water bass position themselves at the base of fish-holding objects like trees and stumps, and take advantage of prey that comes off the bank. Match that prey with your presentation.

If you’re not into fishing, our area still offers some of the best kayak experiences anywhere. The springs are a no-brainer. For a while, Juniper Springs featured a destination trip, where kayakers were shuttled back after making a breathtaking 7-mile paddle downstream from the headwaters at the state park. You’ll need to call to see if the shuttle is open, as it was closed for a bit during the pandemic. Regardless, you can rent gear at Juniper or take your own boat, and arrange travel back accordingly. It’s a trip you don’t want to miss.

DeLeon Springs State Park rents kayaks, and Spring Garden Run makes for a good paddle. All through the Ocala Forest are pothole lakes perfect for kayaking.

Alexander Springs State Park is another favorite, as are the Lake Norris area and the Wekiva River. Truly, our backyard is a world-class kayaking destination. You just need to decide where to go.

One more tip: If you’re thinking of purchasing a kayak for a young person in your family, get a quality model from a paddle-sports specialty shop, rather than a discount barge from a big-box store. You’ll have a far better piece of equipment, making adventure much easier, and set up a relationship with a shop that will only expand in the future. Trust me, the knowledgeable staff at area dealers will ensure you get value for your investment. I still have my first kayak after 15 years, and it performs flawlessly. It even carries my dog.

It’s about time I got the kayak out. There’s just something about a summer morning in a kayak on the water, before the human world wakes up, while nature assumes nobody’s watching. I’ll see you out there.