You could step off the ferry just as you are at this moment and you'd have a great time kayaking with us. However, I can't resist giving you a few suggestions that will help you have even more fun.  This is a great trip for beginning kayakers and for people who enjoy kayaking on adventure vacations. If you are a beginning kayaker you'll have even more fun if you use this trip as an excuse to kayak more often now, in the weeks or months before the trip. When you kayak more often you strengthen the muscles you use to paddle, so you'll be less fatigued at the end of the day, you're less likely to injure yourself while paddling and you'll have more energy for the evening meal, and the traditional passeggiata around town.  If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area you can take a class from CCK. I highly recommend a forward stroke clinic. I can do wonders for your efficiency on the water. Depending on your level of fitness, you might consider some strength training. Flexibility will help you stay comfortable in a kayak, so remember to stretch! Don't worry. Elba has more than 70 beaches, so we'll be able to stop and stretch. Click HERE for a page on the beaches of Elba.You may want to take an Italian class. Though most Italians in the travel business speak English, many of the older folks, and those who have small businesses do not. You'll have plenty of opportunities to speak a beautiful language. Italians really enjoy chatting, and are incredibly kind to beginners. Just remember to say, "Per favore." Please.  Sea Kayak Italy gate in Marciana Marina Indulge yourself in learning more about something Italian. This is a great excuse to discover Italian wine, cheese, salami, architecture, history, and, naturally, art. I'm a nature lover, so I love looking at the native Mediterranean plants and birds and learning a bit about local ecology. You may prefer to find out about the pirates of the Mediterranean or more about Pisan towers or the German bunkers. I won't add links here. Discovery is half the fun. |