Have you ever tried your hand at kayaking? This amazing hobby provides numerous benefits that extend far beyond the simple act of sightseeing in a body of water. Kayaking is one of the most engaging and strenuous workouts in boating.
Kayaking is a popular social sport as well as a solitary activity, and it provides one of the most rewarding workouts available. But if you’re a beginner to kayaking then read these tips and tricks for kayaking to begin your next fun adventure!
Kayaking Health Benefits
You’ll Slim Down
You’ll realize how much energy it takes to get going once you’re in the water. If you travel at a speed of 6 miles per hour, you will likely burn 400 calories per hour. This means that an all-day trip with 5 hours of paddle time will burn approximately 2000 calories, which is not a bad workout.
That doesn’t even take into account the time it takes to transport the kayak to the destination or any additional hiking that may be required.
It alleviates stress
Even though moving through the water requires a lot of energy, the emotional benefits of spending time on the water are priceless. Every moment spent in nature will provide you with a relaxing and peaceful feeling as you paddle slowly through the water.
Color observation will provide you with perspective and appreciation for the world around you before you return to work, not to mention all of the endorphins coursing through your veins.
Workout for the Upper Body
Kayaking provides an intense upper body workout, which should come as no surprise. While paddling through the water, you will perform hundreds of low-impact reps that will benefit your arms, back, and chest.
This movement repetition almost guarantees that you will gradually gain a much firmer, toned physique.
Excellent for Your Core
Another fantastic aspect of kayaking is the constant use of core muscles. This will improve your balance, give you toned trim abs, and improve your cardiovascular health.
Your lower back, abs, arms, and legs will all carry a small amount of weight as you turn and paddle through the water to help you stay balanced in the boat and control its movements.
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Kayaking Equipment Required
Because of its versatility, kayaking can be one of the most rewarding boat experiences you can have. As you paddle through the water on your journey of discovery, you will discover a variety of health benefits, but how do you get started?
It should be noted that kayaking necessitates a certain level of preparedness as well as safety, so this article has been compiled to inform you of the equipment required to begin kayaking.
Kayaking Life Jacket
If you are going kayaking, one of the most important pieces of equipment that you must have is a kayaking life vest. A kayaking life vest differs from a standard life vest in a few minor ways.
A kayaking life vest is designed to allow you to sit properly while providing a very snug fit and a much wider range of motion. They frequently include a utility area with pockets where you can keep other small supplies close to your body for easy access. Some models even come with a utility belt attachment.
Paddle of Superior Quality
Because the paddle is such an important part of kayaking, it’s probably a good idea to get something that will be suitable for long-term use and is also less likely to break. Paddles of higher quality will be lighter and more durable than less expensive options.
When making your purchase, consider the size as well. You should be able to comfortably hold onto the paddle without straining. If the paddle does not fit you properly, it is more likely to be lost or difficult to paddle in your kayak.
Pump for Bilge
This small device could provide you with a lot of security. A bilge pump removes water from your kayak that may naturally accumulate due to water lapping the sides of your kayak in fast moving water.
Water makes your kayak less stable, and the extra weight could cause you to capsize, so remove the water from the boat as soon as possible because the last thing you want is to be upside down in the water.
Map and Compass
Finally, you’ll need a way to keep track of where you’re going. A compass and map will assist you in keeping track of where you are. If you bought a life vest with pockets or a utility section, they will fit perfectly in one of the pockets.
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How to Pick the Best Kayak
Not only is learning the skills important, but so is selecting the right kayak for you. There is a lot to consider, from the type of paddling to the purpose of the kayak. Here are some suggestions to get you started on your search.
Choose Your Paddling Style
The first consideration when deciding on the best kayak for you is the type of paddling you intend to do. Consider your current paddling abilities as well as the length of time you intend to kayak.
If you are just starting out in calm waters, you should use a recreational kayak. These are intended to give you a little more freedom and are not intended for use on rough rivers. A recreation kayak should suffice if you are in a calm area of the ocean or trying it out in a lake.
Touring kayaks are better suited for rougher waters, longer stretches of water, and more professional kayaking.
Choose the Correct Style
The kayak’s design comes next. There are two main types of kayaks to choose from: sit-in kayaks and sit-on-top kayaks. Here is a list of these alternatives:
Sit-In Kayak – The sit-in kayak is probably more appropriate for people who want to learn kayaking but do not want to participate in other water sports with the boat.
You will be inside the kayak, much more comfortably fitted in a hull, with more storage inside.
Sit-On-Top Kayak – The sit-on-top kayak, on the other hand, does not have as much of a hull design. This is flatter on top because you will be sitting on top of the kayak for an extended period of time.
This type of kayak is ideal if you want to fish or play in the water while kayaking, rather than just kayaking as a sport in and of itself.
Kayaking Locations
After you’ve purchased your kayak and are ready to go, the next step is to choose a location. Every town or city will have specific bodies of water that are ideal for kayakers, but here is a rundown of the three main options.
Ocean
The ocean is the first body of water where you can go kayaking. Naturally, the area you visit will determine whether the waters are calm or rough. When ocean kayaking, you must be extremely cautious of the weather, wind, and distance traveled.
This is not something that beginners should attempt on their own. Wear a wet suit to keep warm in the cold ocean water.
When you first start out, try to go out with others and head to a calm area of the ocean. It’s a good idea to leave from a marina because you won’t be near the coast where the waves will knock you around.
River
Finding a location in a nearby river is another good option for kayaking. If you enjoy the prospect of rougher waters and a greater challenge, but do not live near an ocean, a river is the next best thing.
Just keep in mind that you’ll need a whitewater-specific kayak as well as the appropriate paddle. This is also not suitable for beginners if you are going out on your own, but it is suitable for more experienced kayakers.
Lake
The last option is to go kayaking in the lake. This results in calmer waters that are suitable for all skill levels. Even if you are more advanced, it is useful for practicing, learning, and training.
Tips And Tricks For Kayaking
Camping is an excellent way to escape the fast-paced modern world and reconnect with nature. Camping, as a popular hobby for people all over the world, connects us to our natural roots. People are discovering more opportunities for health and mental well-being with the introduction of kayaking and camping, but what do you need to know to go kayaking? The following tips and tricks for kayaking will help you get started with your new fun adventure!
Pack Lightly
In terms of packing, you won’t have to travel as light as you would for backpacking, but you will want to be very careful about what you bring. Remember that there isn’t much space in a kayak for appliances and other tools.
Make sure to bring only the most compact versions of any tools you intend to bring, or you may end up leaving them on an embankment somewhere.
Bag Dimensions
Smaller bags would be preferable to larger ones because they conform better to the shape of the kayak. Always label or color code your bags so that you can tell which ones are for what purpose. This will ensure that you know which bag you are grabbing, which is especially important in an emergency.
It’s worth noting at this point that you’ll need some relatively high-quality bags to protect your items and make them easy to extract in a hurry. The best bags appear to be made of nylon, but they have a spill-proof interior that keeps your belongings from getting everywhere.
Bags that seal and prevent wild animals from smelling your food supplies are also a good idea, because encountering a bear in the wilderness with only a can opener as protection could be disastrous.
Maintain Your Balance
Make sure you pay close attention to how you pack your kayak. A safe kayak trip necessitates that your kayak remain balanced and upright on the water. If you haven’t packed properly, a little water in the kayak can quickly turn into a life-threatening situation.
Make sure the weights are evenly distributed so that the kayak does not begin to lean or do anything else that could land you in the water.
Conclusion
Kayaking ranges in difficulty from easy to advanced demanding on where you kayak. For beginners, lakes are the perfect way to work on kayaking technique, get an upper body workout, and take in beautiful scenery in a relaxing environment.
But before you hit the lake remember the above tips and tricks for kayaking to get the most out of your kayaking adventure for fitness!
