Kayakers must use a combination of mental skill and physical control to maneuver their water craft. At an easy pace you can burn about 400 calories per hour. It takes about 500 strokes to move your water craft a single mile, requiring use all of your upper body and core muscles. Kayaking Lake Mead and the Colorado River near the Hoover Dam, which spans the Arizona-Nevada border, offers spectacular canyon views that make it well worth the effort.
On the River
An excursion on the Colorado River from the dam begins at Black Canyon and takes you through the desert mountain terrain a few miles downriver to the palm-lined sands at Willow Beach. Many species of wild ducks surround you, and eagles and red-tailed hawks soar on the wind overhead.
On Lake Mead
If you only have enough time for a short excursion, a paddle around Lake Mead gives you fantastic views of the mountains. You can stop off at the beach on Boulder Island to swim or have a picnic lunch.
Heat Injuries
You must take care to protect yourself from the high temperatures, which in the summer months can be as high as 130 degrees Fahrenheit. This is far higher than your normal body temperature and constitutes a dangerous condition. Drink plenty of water and keep cool by staying wet. Even with taking these precautions, when the temperature is projected to be higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, the risk of heat stroke is extremely high. Heat stroke can be fatal. June, July and August are the hottest months in the Hoover Dam area.
Planning
Planning the trip to your level of experience. For a full day of paddling you can launch either from the base of the dam and start out paddling downstream or head upstream from the launch at Willow Beach. Along the way you can explore the hot springs at Sauna Cave, so take your swimming gear. Take plenty of food and water. Two-way radios come in handy for communicating between crafts and the marina in high winds. Less experienced kayakers can take the short tour beginning at the dam, which takes you out into the clear waters of Lake Mead.
Tours
Booking a kayak tour offers the benefits of renting state-of-the-art equipment and the local knowledge and expertise of guides. The guides can impart techniques to help improve your skills. They are CPR trained and certified in wilderness first aid. Tour guides are based in Las Vegas or locally at Lake Mead.
Lessons
If you are a novice to kayaking or have plenty of experience you can take lessons from the experts. Beginners can learn the basics of navigating the craft in a low-stress environment while getting a great abdominal workout. You'll also learn how to use a map and compass to determine your position. Advanced lessons require more strenuous physical exertion as you learn how to roll your craft, capsize and upright it or paddle it in strong winds.
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