Summer is just around the corner and you are feeling excited to shake the dust off your favorite kayak. Even the birds are getting excited. We’re getting restless for something new, and with everything settling down after an eventful year, we’re ready for a adventure. Now just following the same old weekend outing routine does not sound right anymore. After all these restrictions, we are all feeling restless and want to do something new this time around. To help you out here we have listed 10 Outdoor Kayaking Adventures that you should definitely try this summer.
1. Camping
Weekend camping trip is loved by everybody. And you can make that trip even more exciting and amazing is by just adding kayaking in that mix. All you have to do is to find a remote Island or place which is only accessible by kayak. Once you have spotted that Island, you need to pack all your gears in small dry bags so that they remain safe during the entire camping trip.
2. Fishing
There are few things more relaxing than fishing on a still day while paddling. If you’ve never tried kayak fishing before it can be quite the experience! You get to cover water faster while also being able to spot fish resting, or preparing to attack their prey. Fishing is usually done in small boats but is easily adapted into kayaks with rod holders and appropriate spaces for gear. While most important items can’t fit in an ocean touring kayak (like lures) there are plenty of options available for sit-on-top models. This way you can bring everything along without sacrificing storage space .
3. Sea Camping
While sea camping is not necessarily new, it’s slowly becoming more popular, especially in the UK. Sea camping is basically just camping at sea, outside of a designated campsite. You find yourself your own piece of secluded shoreline to pitch your tent on, with no neighbors in site! It’s great for those who are shy about their surroundings or are just looking for some privacy. If you have friends that want to try something new but don’t have the experience necessary for kayaking across open water, this can be a safe middle ground .
4. Night Kayaking
When you think of kayaking, chances are that it’s not nighttime. Most people would assume it’s too dangerous and hard to see anything at night. While the latter point is valid (you do need flashlights and a headlamp) it can be quite spectacular! You get to see things most never get to experience like shooting stars overhead or the Milky Way on a clear night. If you’re lucky enough there may even be some great wildlife viewing opportunities like dolphins surfing around your boat! Night kayaking is for those who want their own special “wow” moment, without having to paddle far from shore .
5. Kayak Polo
This one isn’t necessarily new either but more so growing in popularity. Kayak polo is a lot of fun for those who never have played before! It’s relatively easy to pick up and great exercise as well! You can expect to paddle constantly, sprinting from goal post to goal post. If you don’t know what kayak polo is, it’s essentially water polo but with kayaks instead of horses.
There are few things more rewarding than being able to play a sport on the water. Afterall they do call it “the world’s most versatile sporting platform!”
6. Beach Camping
If you love the idea of sea camping but aren’t quite ready for the unknown, beach camping might be right up your alley. All you need is a bit of sand and your preferred camping equipment. This way you can stay near the water but still know where everything is! Some may prefer the comfort of camping on solid ground, but others will appreciate being able to hear the waves crash in all night long .
7. Renting A Boat And Paddling Around With Friends
I’m sure all of us have thought about renting kayaks instead of owning our own vessel one day. The truth is that it’s not that expensive at all when shared amongst friends or family! It gives everyone involved the chance to try something new without committing to their own purchase. If you’re itching for an adventure with friends there really isn’t better than kayaking .
You can set off on your adventure within minutes, without heavy equipment or the hassle of loading. Of course this also means that you get to paddle what you want, where you want it! You’ll be surprised at how much fun one hour on the water with good company can bring! Don’t believe me? Ask any kayak rental location near you for their customer feedback and see what they say!
8. Yoga On The Water
Yoga is a great way to relax your mind while still getting some exercise! There are several people who have found ways to combine these two things by practicing yoga atop of their kayaks. While most people don’t think about kayaking as being, once inside of a kayak you’re essentially doing yoga. The upper body strength and core stability needed to stay upright in a kayak is no joke! Paddling a kayak forces a lot of muscle groups to work together, which can be compared to an intense flow or vinyasa class .
If the thought of being out on the water stresses you out or if you have anxiety going far from shore, this may not be for you. It’s best to stick close by while still feeling relaxed and focused on your breathing. If neither of these things are an issue though it could definitely add something special into the mix.
9. Off The Beaten Path
Sometimes it’s best to get away from civilization entirely. This means kayaking your way off the beaten path where you’ll be sure not to see anyone else! While kayaking around islands is often overlooked, this isn’t necessarily about where you are but more about where you’re going.
If you want to see the wild life that lives in these waters, this is definitely your best bet. They say that most animals are scared of people and boats, however they don’t always understand how kayaks work . You could even end up with some cool pictures or video footage! These excursions are for those who really want to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life for a bit. In kayaking as in all things, it’s best not to push yourself or your body too far beyond its limits .
10. Join A Paddle Club
Let’s say you’re kayaking for fun with friends, but don’t know anyone else who kayaks. You can always join kayak clubs online or in your area! You can also find kayaking meetups on Meetup.com . Often times kayak clubs will do regular local outings that’re open to the public where you can show up whenever and kayak out with them . If you’re looking for a more serious club it’s best to contact them directly or research what they’ve done before hand so that you know what to expect.
The key here is to not be afraid of kayaking! There are plenty of people out there who love it as much as you do, all you have to do is find them!
