Each week, we go on a different High Country adventure, as we explore our little corner of the world, and the people and businesses that make it all happen."

One thing that may not come to mind when reflecting on the great activities to do in Prescott is Kayaking. But Dave Wheeler, owner of Manzanita Outdoor in Frontier Plaza is not just putting his toe in the water, he wants you on the water – Kayaking.

My son, Jacob and I met up with Dave a couple weeks ago to get a beginners take on this fun, relaxing sport.

If you have not met Dave, let me tell you from the get go – there is a reason this guy is successful – he obviously loves what his does, and is passionate, and knowledgeable about the services he provides.

Now, never having been a kayaker, this was all new to me, but here is the breakdown:

There are two types of Kayaks, an open or "sit on top" version, or the other one, where the rider kinda places their legs in front of them, and is pretty much encased by the boast itself, this is the "Touring" model.

The first, or sit on top, is perfect of photographers, fishing, or just getting out to enjoy the weather. The other, or "Touring" kayak, is great for day trips where you wanna pack a picnic lunch, or perhaps have plans to do an overnight campout, and need a bit of storage.

There is also a Tandem version, where one passenger sits behind the other. The problem with the Tandems is quite simple. – They lead to divorce. "You’re not rowing hard enough", "I wanna go right, why are you going left? …." Etc. So Dave’s advice… "If you are both capable of rowing, … get your own boat". "That way, you don’t have to wait for your partner to be ready to go Kayaking, you can hop on the water whenever you want."

The other tip involved the purchasing of paddles. It seems that good paddles are pretty pricey. But, heed this advice, "A mediocre boat and a great paddle, is ten times better than a great boat and a mediocre paddle" - thus says Dave.

Kayaking is another great activity that is rather easy to participate in living in Prescott. The City owns three lakes, Watson, Goldwater and Willow. Each of which offer their unique surroundings and environments to make your boating day unique each time. Lynx Lake, located in the PNF is also a great area to kayak; secluded and surrounded by tall pines, Lynx is a great get away.

We hit Watson early evening, put our boats in the water, and just tooled around the lake. Watson is great because of the Dells in the backdrop, tons of little coves to check out, and the rock formations that come up out of the water.

As we paddled back in, the sun was just starting to set behind granite mountain, the water was full of reflective colors, and it was quite simply a great way to spend an evening. As we hit the shore, I was wondering, "Why haven’t we done this before, and when can we do it again?"

Well, here is how you can:

Kayak rentals take place every Sat & Sun at the boat ramp at Goldwater Lake. www.prescottoutdoors.com

To purchase a Kayak, paddles or any of your other outdoor needs, it’s www.manzanitaoutdoor.com. Or visit Dave at the Frontier Village. Until October, when the store moves to downtown Prescott at the Depot Market Place. And, if you go to their website, you can find out how to win a kayak, and help the Highlands Center at the same time!

Next week we’re gonna be weekend warriors, when we go Paint Balling on Thumb Butte!

So get out there ‘cuz, You Gotta Do This!

"You Gotta Do This", is a compilation of the weekly radio Program, hosted by Barry Barbe on KJZA – 90.1." You Gotta Do This" airs every Saturday at 11am, and Sundays at 12:30 on the KJZA radio network. 90.1 or kjza.org for live streaming.