Kayaks and Beaches
A beach is an area of loose sediment that accumulates along the shoreline of bodies of water like oceans, rivers and some lakes. Sand is usually associated with beaches, but they may also be comprised of any granular material that the currents have access to and can shift (for example, silt, gravel, cobble, or shingle). Beaches are often characterized by a combination of erosional processes including wave action and tidal movements.
A good kayak should be well-balanced with the center of gravity low for maximum stability and maneuverability. This is achieved by using different construction techniques and hull shapes to optimize stability and tracking performance. Kayaks are categorized by their shape: rounded (with a lower center of gravity) or flat (with a higher center of gravity), and by the number and angle of chines.
Most people think of a beach when they think of the ocean, but a beach can actually be found on the shores of any body of water including rivers, lakes and even some ponds. Beaches are formed by the continuous movement of waves and currents that transport sand or other sediments away from the ocean. This process is known as erosion, and over time, sediments accumulate in an area that is sheltered from the surf by rocks, reefs, piers, boats, algae, trenches, or other features on the bottom of the body of water.
Beaches are constantly changing in shape and size. Modern research shows that beaches do not necessarily require a long period of geological time to form, and can actually form very rapidly. For example, beaches have been observed forming within a few days of the formation of a rocky coastal feature on the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands. Beaches also form rapidly in the coastal settings of new volcanic islands that reach the sea.
The quality of a beach depends on the types and quantity of pollutants that wash up. For example, garbage and plastics can choke or entangle wildlife that eats or lives on the shoreline. Chemicals from industrial, agricultural, and household chemicals can also wash up. Sewage and raw human waste are particularly dangerous to beaches.
The best way to protect beaches is to limit the amount of pollution that comes into contact with them. People can help by not leaving trash on the beach or throwing it in the ocean, and by not taking shells or other materials from the beach. This helps prevent the loss of important habitat for birds, marine mammals, and other animals that live on or near the beach. Keeping beaches clean can also make them more enjoyable for beachgoers, by allowing them to see more of the natural beauty that makes them so popular.