Are you looking for some cool action on red hot summer days? Maybe you’re tired of the heat and hot water found in the small lakes and ponds around the area. If so, then kayaking might open your horizons to a whole new world of summertime fun. The new generation of kayaks far surpasses the kayaks of yesteryear. They’re easy to maneuver, fun to operate and light enough for a child to handle. Most are very stable, durable and affordable as well with prices ranging from a couple hundred dollars to several hundred dollars.

If you’re looking to spend a small amount to kayak and make a few trips each summer then there are many options and sizes of kayaks. From small, one person sit-on-top kayaks to long double kayaks, there’s sure to be something to fit your needs. Bass Pro Shops offers a wide variety of canoes and kayaks alike and their Ascend line includes everything from the lightweight small single person models to durable angling kayaks, made specifically for anglers. Their angler version also is stable enough for photographers who want to stay dry.

The kayaks are paddled with ease and glide effortlessly across the water surface with barely a ripple if you want to be in stealth mode. Are you looking to slip up on a duck, gallinule or maybe a gator? Then they make a kayak to fit your needs.

Hobie makes a unique kayak that can be steered effortlessly while you pedal with your feet without a paddle. Two fins propel the kayaks along at a leisurely or frantic pace, whichever fits your desire. Maybe you want to hold that camera or rod in your hands and ease around without paddling. You can do it in a Hobie and slip right up on a purple gallinule like we did this past week on Okatibbee Lake. But you can also paddle it when desired and alternate between both if you get in very shallow water or pad fields. They’re deadly on fish and very efficient at stealthily slipping up on fish, fins and feathers.

My bride and I paddled through pad fields on Okatibbee Lake late one afternoon recently and encountered a whole different world almost untouched by man during the summer. With the shallow water areas choked up with pads and grass, bass anglers and pleasure boaters typically steer clear during hot weather. That leaves vast areas open to kayakers to maneuver at will and enjoy wildlife and the surrounding habitat unimpeded.

You can experience a touch of heaven on earth at Okatibbee Lake with breathtaking landscapes and gorgeous sunsets on many days. You can kayak to fish, photograph, or just to have fun and relieve a little bit of stress.

We also celebrated July 4 from our Ascend kayaks on the Chunky River just south of the Point Wanita Lake Road Bridge. The water is still flowing enough to enjoy a day on the river shooting the shoals and staying cool. We stopped along several shoals areas and floated through on tubes and floats while keeping cool in the pristine waters.

When it comes to kayaking there’s no limit to what you can do, or where you can go as there are a myriad of streams, creeks and shallow water lakes in our area just perfect for exploration, stress relief, photography or fishing.

Don’t have a kayak or canoe? There are several canoe and kayak rental companies available on the Chunky River, Okatoma Creek and Chickasawhay River. Check them out online and give them a call. Or check out Bass Pro Shops for their selection of kayaks and while you’re doing it check out Hobie at www.hobie.com also.

Contact Mike Giles at 601-917-

3898 or email him at mikegiles18@

comcast.net