This weekend recognizes two fundamentals of outdoor recreation: One, when it’s hot out, water is an essential element of any activity. And two, sometimes you just can’t wait until the weekend to have some weekend fun.

Coast

Guided canoe trips are great. Sometimes, though, they can be a little staid: Now if we all raft up and be still, we might see the alligator gar surface to feed. Usually doesn’t take more than a half hour, again, provided no one moves or speaks … .”

Sometimes, though, you just need to let loose, to let go and have some good old fashioned water fun. And if you’re having that fun in a kayak, it only makes sense that the resulting activity would be funyaking. Which is just what they’ll be doing Saturday morning at 10 a.m. on the 11-acre lake at Cliffs of the Neuse State Park not too far from Goldsboro. You must be at least 10 years old to participate; no mention of an age restriction on the other end — woo hoo! Prepare to get wet playing games in your kayak.

Logistics: Saturday, June 27, 10 a.m., Cliffs of the Neuse State Park, Seven Springs. Free, but space is limited and preregistration is required, by calling 919.778.6234.

Saturday forecast: High of 86, chance of thunderstorms.

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Planning ahead: Wellness Walk, Saturday, July 11, Smith Creek Park, Wilmington. These monthly walks (every second Saturday) are lead by registered nurses and are a great opportunity to introduce walking into your wellness regimen. More info here.

Piedmont

Here’s a trip that would make any adventure lover jump the weekend starting gun: Friday morning’s Canoe Trip on the Yadkin River at Pilot Mountain State Park. The stretch in question: the 6.5 miles through the Bean Shoals area to Donnaha Park.

An especially great opportunity for beginning river paddlers: canoe, paddle and pfd are provided, as is the guidance of a park ranger. The only things you need to bring to the paddle party: a hat, sunscreen, water, lunch and a way to get from the take-out back to your car (at the put-in).

Logistics: Friday, June 26, 10 a.m., South River Section canoe launch at Pilot Mountain State Park, Pinnacle. Free, but equipment is limited; RSVP in advance by calling the park at 336.325.2355.

Friday forecast: High of 94, sunny.

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Planning ahead: Every toyed with the notion of trying a triathlon? Fit & Able Production’s Plunge Pedal & Plod is the perfect opportunity to test your triworthiness. There’s the Tri A Bit option (50-yard swim, 4K bike, 1.6K run), Tri A Bit More (200 yards/8K/2.4 K) and Tri A Lot (400 meters/12K/3K). It’s Aug. 16 at the Triangle Aquatic Center in Cary. More info here.

Mountains

Lake James may look like a big lake more subject to Piedmont heat than mountain cool, but located at the base of the Blue Ridge Escarpment and fed by the chill waters of the Linville River, its waters are refreshing, especially in the recent heat. And while the goal of paddling is not to become one with the water, worse things can happen.

Still, Lake James State Park Superintendent Nora Coffey promises a refreshing journey in the upright position on Saturday morning’s Canoe Excursion. Pushing off at 9 a.m. in the Paddy’s Creek area of the lake, Super Coffey will show you around the lake she calls home. BYOB, or call in advance for one of six loaner canoes available, for free, for this program. And if you do opt for a park boat, “ … be prepared to share your journey with a new friend if you are a single and space dictates.”

Logistics: Saturday, June 27, 9 a.m. Paddy Creek Area of Lake James State Park, Nebo. Free, but space is limited: 828.584.7728 to reserve a spot.

Saturday forecast: High of 85, chance of afternoon thunderstorms.

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Planning ahead: Looking for a mountain ride? Check out the Blue Ridge Breakaway on August 15 at the Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center. Routes of varying distances and difficulty. Investigate here.

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Those are our thoughts on the weekend. Find more options at the sources listed below.