Hit the Open Waters and Discover Kayaking
As an experienced kayak surfer and having served as a sea kayaking tour guide off the coast of Newfoundland for four years, I am often times asked, "Why not just use a boat so you don't have to do all the work?" This for me is a great opportunity to refer to the many physical and psychological advantages of kayaking.
Whether we are talking about the strenuous workout, the satisfaction of completing an extended trip or even the spectacular scenery and views from vantage points you won't find on land, I am eager to share the ins and outs of kayaking.
Kayaking is unique in that it can be a very relaxing and tranquil experience, or an arduous activity; it all comes down to you.
Regardless, the physical conditioning experienced through kayaking is very beneficial.
The focus on core strength, stability and sense of body awareness are all essential in developing proper kayaking form and technique.
This being said, many people assume kayaking requires a great deal of upper body strength, particularly the upper arms, and may avoid the sport as a result.
However, this is for the most part untrue.
The basic kayaking forward stroke involves very little flexing at the elbow, which would engage the biceps and triceps, and instead utilizes rotation of the torso.
This motion is advantageous as it affords you the ability to paddle for a longer stretch of time, as your core contains muscle groups more suited to repetition and endurance.
If you were to recruit your arms at a high level, they would fatigue quickly and reduce your capacity to repeat the appropriate motion for longer durations.
So be aware, when I hear "I'm tired and my arms hurt!" I know the real culprit here is improper technique of the forward stroke.
In addition, core stability and balance are called into play when dealing with varying conditions on the water.
In general, kayaks are quite stable, but when paddling a longer boat (typically 17'+), with a more slender build, maintaining the boat upright requires a great deal more balance.
The constant activation of your mid-section is unavoidable while paddling and this results in strong abdominals, a welcomed benefit of kayaking! Your core strength also has carry over value in other areas of your life; you may notice many of your everyday tasks becoming easier to perform and possibly even a reduction of pain and flare-ups from old injuries.
Aside from the physical advantages, kayaking offers a broad spectrum of psychological advantages.
The shoreline is quite spectacular and should you find yourself on a kayak in the near future, paddle alongside the shore and navigate your way through the shallow waters and rock gardens.
It is also quite an experience to view firsthand the homes of several species of native wildlife.
The opportunity to witness whales, sharks or seals in an ocean setting is really the chance of a lifetime- above and beyond anything you may have experienced from a larger vessel.
Peace of mind knowing that your choice to kayak is quiet, tranquil and environmentally friendly is all the more reason to begin your journey into the world of kayaking.
Happy paddling!
Whether we are talking about the strenuous workout, the satisfaction of completing an extended trip or even the spectacular scenery and views from vantage points you won't find on land, I am eager to share the ins and outs of kayaking.
Kayaking is unique in that it can be a very relaxing and tranquil experience, or an arduous activity; it all comes down to you.
Regardless, the physical conditioning experienced through kayaking is very beneficial.
The focus on core strength, stability and sense of body awareness are all essential in developing proper kayaking form and technique.
This being said, many people assume kayaking requires a great deal of upper body strength, particularly the upper arms, and may avoid the sport as a result.
However, this is for the most part untrue.
The basic kayaking forward stroke involves very little flexing at the elbow, which would engage the biceps and triceps, and instead utilizes rotation of the torso.
This motion is advantageous as it affords you the ability to paddle for a longer stretch of time, as your core contains muscle groups more suited to repetition and endurance.
If you were to recruit your arms at a high level, they would fatigue quickly and reduce your capacity to repeat the appropriate motion for longer durations.
So be aware, when I hear "I'm tired and my arms hurt!" I know the real culprit here is improper technique of the forward stroke.
In addition, core stability and balance are called into play when dealing with varying conditions on the water.
In general, kayaks are quite stable, but when paddling a longer boat (typically 17'+), with a more slender build, maintaining the boat upright requires a great deal more balance.
The constant activation of your mid-section is unavoidable while paddling and this results in strong abdominals, a welcomed benefit of kayaking! Your core strength also has carry over value in other areas of your life; you may notice many of your everyday tasks becoming easier to perform and possibly even a reduction of pain and flare-ups from old injuries.
Aside from the physical advantages, kayaking offers a broad spectrum of psychological advantages.
The shoreline is quite spectacular and should you find yourself on a kayak in the near future, paddle alongside the shore and navigate your way through the shallow waters and rock gardens.
It is also quite an experience to view firsthand the homes of several species of native wildlife.
The opportunity to witness whales, sharks or seals in an ocean setting is really the chance of a lifetime- above and beyond anything you may have experienced from a larger vessel.
Peace of mind knowing that your choice to kayak is quiet, tranquil and environmentally friendly is all the more reason to begin your journey into the world of kayaking.
Happy paddling!