Kayaking can be done as a hobby, competitive activity or for fun when on a holiday. It is an exciting water sport that enhances upper body strength, flexibility, and aerobic fitness.
Simply saying, Kayaking is the use of kayak boats to move across the water. The kayakers sit down in the boat and use paddles to push the water back and forth. Although most kayaks have closed decks where people get inside, modern kayaks are sit-on -top while others are inflatable.
Kayaks are made to sit low in the water and can handle one or two people. They are available in many designs and forms for different functions such as racing, rough conditions, and beginner kayaking. Kayaking can be done in any water body including rivers, lakes, oceans and dams.
Though a kayak and two paddles are the main equipment needed for kayaking, one can carry a life jacket, helmet, and warm attire just in case the weather changes. Fishing gear will also come in handy most of the time and add more recreation to the adventure.
Here are the reasons why kayaking is indeed for everyone.
1. Requires little training
Kayaking is suitable for people who don’t have time to take long swimming and surfing lessons. A few minutes of training will equip someone with the knowledge to enter and exit the kayak safely as well as operate it on water. Tourists, ladies, aged people and children are all great candidates for kayaking.
Kayak fishing might require some additional knowledge about gear and the use of the kayak. Make sure you read some kayak fishing tips created especially for the beginners before you hit the water.
The best part of kayaking is that it’s a competitive sport. There is nothing like a family racing on the water with their kayaks. They could divide themselves into teams of twos and compete to reach a certain point. This is a great way for families and friends to bond. Colleagues can also kayak for fun during team building outings.
2. It’s a Low impact activity
Many people shy off from exercise, swimming, and athletics because they are vigorous activities. Kayaking is easy and reduces wear and tear in joints and tissue.
It’s also an activity one does in a relaxed position and does not require much effort. This advantage means that the aged and people who are disabled from waist down can enjoy being in water too. People who suffer from heart conditions, asthma and obesity, can use kayaking to exercise without hurting themselves.
3. It’s not scary
Water bodies can be incredibly scary for some people as well as children Unlike swimming and canoeing a kayak is a safe boat that has a closed deck.
Anyone from kids to people who are afraid of water and even those who can’t swim can try kayaking for fun. However, there should be someone who knows how to swim or a trainer just in case the boat tips over.
4. All-in-one advantages
When kayaking, you get the advantage of exercise, leisure, education and fun. No other sport has these many advantages. The water is very relaxing so you can relax and just get lost in the scenery while you learn all about water plants and fish.
At the same time the hands, cardiac area, and legs get enough exercise as you paddle your way through the water.
5. Great for weight loss
People are always looking for ways to lose excess weight. Unfortunately, the conventional methods like gym, diets and swimming are not exactly motivating. Kayaking is a great way to lose a few pounds in a relaxed and fun manner. As the person paddles their way through the ocean, they burn calories without noticing.
The scenery, breeze, and water distract them from getting bored and can, therefore, exercise for quite a long time and do it every day. However, the person has to ensure they are paddling fast at all times for it to work. The greatest thing about this water sport is that it doesn’t require special attire like a swimming costume. People are comfortable if they can wear whatever they want and not feel exposed.
Kayaking is easy to learn and incredibly safe if one is interested. It requires that one joins a club where lessons, attire, and safety equipment are provided. Advanced kayakers enter amazing races with others, tackle white water and even complete multi-day trips. The only downside to kayaking is that the shoulders hurt the first few days if one overworks them.
