Kayaking is ever-increasing in popularity among outdoor enthusiasts of all types. That’s because the benefits of kayaking are seemingly endless!
Maybe you like meandering down calm rivers to enjoy the peace of nature. Or, perhaps you appreciate the challenge of whitewater rapids. Heck, you may even be a fisherman seeking a reliable, stable vessel to reel in some major catches. No matter what your reasoning, kayaking has you covered.
To celebrate the wonderful sport of kayaking (and to try and persuade budding adventurers), we’ve curated this comprehensive list of kayaking benefits. Grab your paddle, and let’s jump right in!
The Benefits of Kayaking
While we’ve numbered the benefits from #1 to #8 for your browsing convenience, they’re all equally awesome reasons to take up kayaking.
1
Get Outdoors
There are endless studies proving that humans do better when we’re exposed to nature. It might be the fresh air, the green plants, or just the sunshine, but being outside can improve your mental, physical, and emotional health. Simply put, getting outdoors makes you happier.
2
Protect the Environment
If you want to get out on the water, kayaking is one of the most eco-friendly ways to do it. There’s no motor on a kayak, which means no gas or oil, and no air pollution as a result. Kayaks also don’t have propellers that can be harmful to aquatic life, and leave behind no chemicals that can disrupt the underwater ecosystem.
3
Fun Exercise
While some people enjoy hitting the gym, not everyone can have a good time running in place or lifting some weights. Kayaking is a fun activity that lets you pass away hours of exercise without even realizing it! And, while it’s easy to think that kayaking is just an upper body workout that mostly impacts your arms, kayaking actually works out your entire body.
Your core is engaged to help you remain upright and balance as you paddle. Your arms bear the weight of the paddle and power your strokes. Legs assist with bracing and balancing with every move. Every day you spend kayaking is arm day, leg day, core day, and cardio day!
4
Low Impact
Sometimes, the reason we don’t visit the gym every week isn’t because we don’t want to. It’s because our knees, elbows, ankles, and other weaker body parts won’t let us. Kayaking is a low-impact activity that is easy on the joints and strengthens the body without all the stress.
5
Health Benefits
There are other physical health benefits of kayaking besides just plain old exercise. The elevated breathing (especially in the fresh air) is excellent for your lungs, and increases oxygen flow to all your cells.
In fact, kayaking is linked to lowered cholesterol levels, blood sugar control, improved heart health, and is even associated with relief in chronic conditions like migraines and clinical depression.
6
Improved Sleep
Studies have shown that exercising in the morning or afternoon is a great way to help ensure you get a good night’s rest at the end of the day. In particular, kayaking is ideal because not only are you getting in that exercise, but you’re spending time under the sun. This helps balance your circadian rhythm.
7
Forget Stress
Kayaking is one of many ways people like to escape the hectic bustle of everyday life. It’s hard to worry about your next meeting or the grocery list when you’re surrounded by singing birds, bubbling water, and the warm sun on your face.
8
Group Activity
While it’s fun to go kayaking solo, and the peace and quiet on the water is definitely therapeutic, kayaking is also well-suited for friends and family!
Spend some time with your kids in the great outdoors, or bring your partner out for a non-traditional, non-boring date. Bring a group of friends to share in the fun and make endless memories.
Further Reading
