Top 5 Reasons to Go Kayaking

“Why should I care about kayaking?”  This is a question we are finding more and more enjoyable to answer for anyone thinking about getting into the sport. Some people think that because they do not enjoy fishing then they will not enjoy kayaking, but that could not be further from the truth.  Here are our top five reasons to go kayaking:

1. Kayaking is good, quality exercise.

Kayaking in and of itself offers an extremely affordable and practical way to enjoy the outdoors while getting some good, quality exercise throughout the process.  All of us are not on the same level when it comes to physical fitness, but even someone who is trying to be a little bit more active will see the benefits from this sport instantaneously.  If you want to challenge your core muscles, work on your stabilizers, or simply sculpt your shoulders, then believe us when we tell you that paddlesports are a fantastic way to accomplish all of that and then some.  That being said, please stay as hydrated as possible anytime outside under the sun or working up a sweat.  Your body loses a lot of fluids cooling itself off, so the first thing to pack with you before any quality workout is plenty of water.  Some of our personal favorite benefits that have come from kayaking besides burning a ton of calories are better sleep, increased natural energy levels, and the act of unplugging for a little while consistently reduces our normal day-to-day stress.  Kayaking has had a ton of positive impact on our lives, and we want to help answer as many questions as we can if someone is interested in getting into the sport.

2. The scenery while kayaking is beautiful.

Being outside and away from the house with no one else around automatically opens you up to a world of scenic views and landscapes that you only see on postcards.  The water has a beautiful way of colliding with a sunrise or sunset that is absolutely surreal when experienced in a kayak.  Not only are these times of day breathtaking, but they are also incredible times to fish or at least see a lot of fish feeding and splashing at the surface of the water!  The cool, crisp mornings transition to warm winds and sunshine, and there is just something so special about experiencing the full range of weather conditions for a given day.  Kayaking takes you to some extremely remote and isolated places along any body of water, and it is in these seclusions that you find some of the most amazing and stunning scenery this world has to offer.  The clouds are always welcomed on a sunny day, and the moon and stars under the night sky can be the brightest you have ever seen when you’re away from the urban sprawl and pollution of the city.  The trees and vegetation around you including the lily pads and wildflowers seem to stand out even better up close and on the water, too.  There are exclusive sounds and smells of nature should not be overlooked as well because there is something about feeling the morning dew on your skin, smelling the beaches, and hearing the songbirds serenade you throughout the day.  The simplicity of enjoying the crickets and bullfrogs drown out your casts as they splash down near a fallen tree keeps us coming back.  Sharing these moments with the environment and the wildlife that inhabit these waterways is a pleasure that we never take for granted.

3. Kayaking puts us around enchanting wildlife.

Even though we are continuously captivated by the landscapes we find ourselves in, the animals and creatures that happen to show up on our trips are just as entertaining.  We have seen so many different species of water fowl, fish, insects, reptiles, and amphibians that we have probably lost track.  There have even been sightings of bald eagles, osprey, great blue heron, cranes, ducks, red-tailed hawk, great owls, geese, and pelicans just to name a few of the birds we’ve come across.  We happened to have occasional run-ins with river otters, beavers, and (we kid you not) a MONKEY!  It was a pet for a guy on the lake at the dock we were at, but the moral of the story is that you never know what you might run into when you get out and go kayaking!

4. The photography opportunities while kayaking are endless.

While kayaking, there are numerous moments where we are compelled to snap a photograph.  If you have the means to take a picture on a smartphone or digital camera, you may have found your ideal hobby.  We have met beginner and expert photographers alike who use their kayaks as a means to find the “perfect shot.”  It is the combination of the breathtaking scenery, enchanting wildlife, and incredible viewpoints that easily satisfy the artist in all of us.  One of the best parts of our job is the time we spend revisiting fishing trips, river runs, or lazy floats with our family, friends, and customers scrolling through albums and browsing each other’s social media pages.  Documenting these experiences creates memories that last forever.

5. Paddlesports offer many unique features to fit your lifestyle.

Even though paddlesports may not be the pastime for everybody, don’t be afraid to take the next step and maybe rent or demo a kayak/paddleboard when you can. Watersport activities are becoming increasingly popular for a variety of enthusiasts, and kayaks and SUP’s are starting to be much more common in areas with access to water. The ability to throw a kayak onto a truck bed or trailer is simple and convenient, and we have inflatable paddleboards that even fit into backpacks! There are now yoga classes designated to stand-up paddleboards throughout the entire year.  Also, if you are a cyclist and crave your regular cardio workout, then have no fear because kayaks can come with pedals, too!  There are all sorts of functional and practical advantages to owning a boat or a board for all kinds of skill levels, so we challenge anyone interested to give it a shot.

We are always available to answer questions, so if you think you might want to get into kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding please don’t hesitate to reach out.  Stay safe and have fun out there, and we will see you on the water!