As we seek distractions from our busy lives, new ways to exercise, relax and unwind, as well as hobbies with a low environmental impact, kayaking is becoming increasingly popular. Especially if you love nature and being out on the water. Even as a total beginner, it is safe, enjoyable, and therapeutic.
Here’s a look at some of the many reasons you should include kayaking on your next trip.
To Get Closer to Nature
Kayaking is an excellent way to get closer to nature. Even in rivers and lakes close to home you’ll get a different perspective on the trees, plants, bushes, and other vegetation. Even spot animals along the shoreline and in the water, and get close to them in their natural habitats. Kayaking when you are away from home means that you’ll learn more about the world around you, and develop a new appreciation and love for the natural world.
Kayaking is Great with Friends
Kayaking is such a great way to spend time with your friends and family. How often have you sat in a coffee shop or restaurant with someone else, with your phones out on the table, checking messages, and reading notifications every few minutes? We’re so connected that we don’t pay the people that we’re with enough attention sometimes. When you are out on the water, there’s just you, the people that you are with, and the great outdoors. It’s the perfect opportunity for gadget-free quality time with each other.
Kayaking on the Zambezi River outside Livingstone, Zambia.
It’s Exceptionally Relaxing
That said, you don’t have to kayak in a group. If you are looking to spend some time alone, it’s a super relaxing choice. Being alone in a kayak, away from the stresses of life is a wonderful way to relax and to let go of your worries and stresses.
Once You are Set Up – It’s Free
You can rent a kayak, but if it is something that you enjoy it can be more cost-effective to buy one. You’ll also need a paddle and a buoyancy aid. But, once you’ve got these, you rarely need to pay any fees to get out on the water, except perhaps for parking and entrance into national parks.
Two Adventures are Never the Same
One of the best things about kayaking is that no two trips are the same. Even if you are out on a river close to home, with nothing to distract you, you’ll spot so much more. Every trip will be a little different, you’ll learn to notice different sounds and smells, as well as the variations in the water speed. On a trip, you don’t need to go to varied locations to get new experiences. You can stick to the same water, and still enjoy new things.
Kayaking is Great Exercise
Yes, kayaking can be very gentle and sedate. You can very much let the rhythmic movement of the water take you on your way, simply making the occasional adjustment or push. But even then, you are using your arm muscles, and your core to balance in the kayak. However, if you are looking for more intense exercise, pick a tougher route and put a little more effort into paddling. When it comes to exercise, kayaking can be whatever you need it to be. Most people that try kayaking once, never look back. They take their kayak on holidays, seek out rivers and lakes close to home, turn to the water when they need a workout, but also when they need to relax and unwind. With all of these benefits, it’s probably safe to say that once you’ve tried kayaking, you’ll never look back – except to take in a different viewpoint.
One Response
I find it interesting that kayaking helps you destress and unwind. My friend wants to try different activities to help him get his mind off work after a stressful week. Perhaps finding a place where he can rent these boats for recreational use is a good idea.