Don’t ever let someone tell you that you can’t take part in some adventure sports like Kayaking just because you have grown old. Remember age is only a number and aging should not stop you from squeezing the last bit of happiness from life. It is all about gut, grit and determination. If you have a passion for kayaking, there is nothing in the world that can stop you from enjoying the thrill and excitement of paddling on open water.
Of course, there are few facts and factors that you need to pay heed to while kayaking in your prime age –
Top 8 kayaks for Senior Citizens
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Here is a list of top 8 senior citizen friendly kayaks –
1. Oru Kayak Foldable Kayak
Rated No 1 By Kayak Manual
Oru Kayak Foldable Kayak is ideal for those who are planning to paddle on rivers or lakes. It does not matter whether you are a beginner or a seasoned paddler, Oru Kayak Foldable Kayak can be your best buddy on the water. This foldable kayak takes less than 5 minutes to assemble. Oru Kayak Foldable Kayak has undergone a rigorous testing process to ensure its longevity. It easily meets all the vessel requirements set by the US Coast Guard.
Oru Kayak Foldable Kayak will make kayaking a relaxing activity. Its unique design adds to its superior performance on both calm and choppy water. Easily foldable, Oru Kayak Foldable Kayak is extremely lightweight and thus ideal for old people. Its hardware accessories are 100% rust-resistant and since it is made from polypropylene, it will definitely last a lifetime.
At the initial stage, you might struggle a bit to furl and unfurl this Oru Kayak Foldable Kayak but with practice, you will be able to get the hang on it.
| Pros | Cons |
| Smooth sailing on calm water. | Not designed for whitewater |
| Can easily be assembled by old people. | Instructions are not always clear in the manual |
| Assembling Process gets easier with practice. |
2. Sevylor Quikpak K1 1-Person Kayak
Rated No #1 By Buyers
Sevylor Quikpak K1 1-Person Kayak flaunts a stylish look and also promises a spectacular performance on the water. Extremely lightweight, Sevylor Quikpak K1 1-Person Kayak has got rugged tarpaulin bottom and that means, it will not get damaged by sharp underwater objects that easily. Strong PVC construction adds to its incredible strength and it can be carried easily without putting too much strain on your back. Multiple air chambers are included in its design and that should ensure smooth and stress-free sailing. To make Sevylor Quikpak K1 1-Person Kayak leak-proof, Airtight System is in place.
This sit-on-top kayak can be inflated and deflated in less than 5 minutes and that too without making you lose your breath. Stretching legs is made possible thanks to its spacious design.
| Pros | Cons |
| Strong PVC construction | While folding up the kayak, the skegs might get bent sideway |
| Leakage proof | You will experience some amount of drag |
| Double lock valves in place |
3. Intex Challenger Kayak
Most Popular
Intex Challenger Kayak has got all the features that a senior kayaker can expect from a kayak. It is lightweight, well-built, and is available for cheap. Inflating this kayak does not take long. Don’t forget to properly utilize the available two Boston valves while inflating the kayak and it will do the trick. You can even take your furry friend with you on this inflatable kayak and it will not cause any disbalance whatsoever. You will get plenty of space to store all your gear in both the back and front sections of this kayak. Forget about tipping as Intex Challenger Kayak is probably one of the most stable kayaks that you can get your hands on. It is a perfect combination of fun, frolic, and flexibility. It moves fast on the water and you are less likely to experience any drag. Adding stability to the kayak is its I beam floors. The maximum weight capacity of this kayak is around 200 pounds which is more than enough.
Features –
- Made from extremely durable materials that add to its strength and agility.
- Manual hand pump and 84-inch aluminum oar are included.
- Maximum capacity of the kayak is 220 pound which is more than enough for most senior citizens.
- Comfortable seat with backrest
| Pros | Cons |
| Extremely stable on the water | Not designed for choppy water |
| Easy to store and transport | Not Designed for racing |
| Made from heavy-duty plastics | Cleaning this kayak could be a pain in the neck |
| Maximum weight limit is impressive |
4. ADVANCED ELEMENTS AdvancedFrame Inflatable Kayak
Best Value for Money
This kayak is ideal for those people how can’t lift heavy things. Extremely lightweight, this Advanced Frame Ultralite Inflatable Kayak can be inflated or deflated easily and effortlessly. It tracks perfectly on water and the paddlers will hardly feel that they are actually paddling an inflated kayak. It feels like a hardbody kayak and its performance is definitely at par with a hard-shell kayak.
ADVANCED ELEMENTS AdvancedFrame Inflatable Kayak moves nimbly and that too without making you paddle like crazy. This kayak has made major improvements as far as its tracking performance is concerned. Just use its stern and it will double as a skeg. Outer cover is made from vinyl layers and PVC Tarpaulin Hull that makes it super strong and durable. The main air chamber is divided into multiple air chambers to give you peace of mind while on the water.
4. Unique features of an Advanced Frame Ultralite Inflatable Kayak
- This kayak has got three layers to offer protection against the puncture.
- No need to buy a roof rack because this kayak can be deflated easily and therefore you can carry it around in remote locations.
- Built-in aluminium rib.
| Pros | Cons |
| Fast inflation and deflation | Not designed for seasoned kayakers |
| Track true and straight | |
| Have got ample space for legs |
5. Intex Dakota K2 2-Person Heavy-Duty Vinyl Inflatable Kayak
Perfect Choice for Two Persons
Intex Dakota K2 2-Person Heavy-Duty Vinyl Inflatable Kayak can be inflated in a minute and that too without breaking a sweat. Should it develop a leak in the middle of the journey, you can use an electric kayak pump to inflate in while in the middle of the mayhem. When deflated, it can be fitted inside a small bag which is great. It is easy to move around, however, if you want to make it nimbler, you can always attach a short skeg to it. Intex Dakota K2 2-Person Heavy-Duty Vinyl Inflatable Kayak is virtually unsinkable unless you have a chance encounter with Godzilla and he punctured all the 5 chambers which is also very unlikely. Getting in and out of this Intex Dakota K2 2-Person Heavy-Duty Vinyl Inflatable Kayak is extremely easy. Sporting a strong vinyl construction, Intex Dakota K2 2-Person Heavy-Duty Vinyl Inflatable Kayak has got an inflatable I-beam floor.
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy to blow up | It is a bit on the heavier side |
| Easy to Transport | |
| Unsinkable |
6. Intex Excursion Pro Kayak Series
Easy to inflate and deflate, Intex Excursion Pro Kayak comes fitted with truckload of interesting features. It is extremely lightweight and that means, you will not have to put too much strain your back while hauling it over the sand or gravels. Included are high pressure spring loaded valves that makes inflation and deflation as easy as pie. You can even take this Intex Excursion Pro Kayak on shallow water since this kayak comes fitted with 2 removable skegs. Give your feet the respect that it always deserve by utilizing its floor mounted footrest. You will get plenty of space to store your items in both the stern and bow.
| Pros | Cons |
| Ample Storage space | People over 190lbs might experience a little sagging |
| Super tough and extremely durable | |
| Impact resistant |
7. Vibe Sit On Top Fishing Kayak
If you are one those people in their prime age who love to go out and spend some time fishing, this Kayak is the one that you might have been looking for long. Senior citizens should not face any trouble getting in out of this Vibe Kayaks Sit On Top Fishing Kayak as this kayak is extremely stable. You can kneel on it, move around your body without titling it.
Some of the amazing features of this Vibe Kayaks Sit On Top Fishing Kayak are –
- Stable and portable.
- 4 carry handles attached to move the kayak around.
- The design is compact and the seat is cozy.
- Rod holders are attached and thus making it ideal for fishing and related excursions.
8. BKC FK285 9.1′ Sit On Top Single Fishing Kayak
BKC FK285 9.1′ Sit On Top Single Fishing Kayak has all the features that you will ever need to enjoy a relaxing and peaceful kayaking experience. Be it a multi-day fishing trip (which I doubt since you have grown old but I can be wrong as well) or a single day fishing trip, BKC FK285 9.1′ Sit On Top Single Fishing Kayak can ensure smooth sailing.
BKC FK285 9.1′ Sit On Top Single Fishing Kayak is known for offering great stability on the water and maintaining balance on choppy water should not be that complicated. BKC FK285 9.1′ Sit On Top Single Fishing Kayak has got ample space to store all your fancy gears.
Are you really that passionate?
Some people want to kayak at an old age just because they have read some articles somewhere on the web that kayaking is good for the overall wellbeing. While it is true, we should not ignore the obvious red flags.
Kayaking on lake or river does involve some level of risk even for young people and therefore, as a senior citizen, you need to be extra careful. Now, if you are an old person with disability, things can get even more complicated.
So, you need to ask yourself first –
- Am I really passionate about kayaking?
- Am I willing to take some risks which are part and parcel of all adventure sports to explore the nature up-close?
If you really want to develop a close connection with the nature and want to relish the thrills of kayaking, only then you can go ahead and purchase a kayak that suits your needs. Otherwise you need to stop right there.
Choosing A Kayak for Elderly People
Kayaking is a physically intensive and sometimes physically exhausting activity and therefore, you need to choose a kayak that fits your requirements otherwise; you will start losing your interest in Kayaking soon.
1. Back Support
A good number of elderly people tend to suffer from back pain and therefore, they are unable to kayak for long unless the seating position is extremely comfortable. While purchasing a kayak for seniors, we need to ensure that the kayak has a good support system in place so that you don’t end up harming your lower back. Try to avoid the L position because this position puts too much pressure on your lower back. Here are few factors that you need to check while purchasing a kayak to keep your back in good shape –
- The kayak needs to have some sort of provision for foot rest. When paddling in choppy water, it is the foot rest that helps you keep your back out of harm’s way. Foot rest also helps you cushion the impact of waves while paddling.
- Find a kayak with seat that can be adjusted easily. The seat should offer adjustable lumbar support otherwise you will have a hard time kayaking. By adjusting the position of the lumber, you can easily make yourself feel comfortable.
- High back kayak seats are ideal for senior kayakers. You also need to make sure that the seat is made from high quality material so that it does not stretch over use.
2. Comfort
Since you will be kayaking for long, you definitely don’t want to choose kayaks that are designed for high speed. These types of kayaks are designed to offer maximum maneuverability and the manufacturers rarely give attention to make them more comfortable. So, you need to look for a kayak that has padded seat and a cushioned floor so that you don’t end up hurting yourself while paddling in rough water.
3. Easy to Paddle
You should not judge a kayak by its look altogether. A kayak may seems to offer ample supports for your bad back or seem to have features that are designed with senior citizen in mind but that should not be the only criteria while making a selection. You should not choose a kayak based on the level of comfort it is offering. You also need to make sure that the kayak is easy to paddle. If you struggle to keep it steady on water, there is no point in buying it.
4. Lightweight
We can’t stress enough on it. You would definitely not like to ideal to carry a 40kg kayak around. You could end up hurting your back even more. Since you are going to paddle for a few hours and that is also on Stillwater mostly, there is no point in buying a heavy kayak with loads of accessories included. It defies conventional wisdom.
Manufacturers have finally realized the importance of reducing the weight of kayaks to make their kayaks more appealing to their growing number of senior citizen customers. Kayak made from carbon fiberglass seems to be extremely lightweight yet they offer consistent level of performance. Wooden Kayaks can also a good choice for elder kayakers. Whatever kayak you choose at the end, you just need to make sure that it weighs less than 35 lbs.
5. Stability
There is no way you can make any kind of compromise on the stability. An unstable kayak is a perfect recipe for a disaster. A stable kayak does not require constant paddling and that means, you would not have to make use of your muscle power all the time. Look for a kayak that has a flat hull as it adds to the stability of the kayak.
Benefits of Kayaking
There are numerous benefits of kayaking. Don’t treat it as just another form of recreational activity because it is way more than that. The best thing about kayaking is that it is extremely easy to learn and it is intellectually motivating. You will get to connect with other people of your age.
1. Keep Stress Under Check
Kayaking helps us to keep our mind off from the stressful events of our lives. Since we have to keep our focus solely on the kayak and its course, it makes us feel invigorated and better. Moreover, spending few hours under the blue sky and on blue water make us feel relaxed. Kayaking is overall an extremely enjoyable activity and this is the reason why so many elderly people are getting involved in it.
2. Get Vitamin D Directly from Sun
Are you are aware of the fact that it is almost impossible to get Vitamin D from food? Well, surprising is not it? The only way your body can vitamin D is from the sunlight. All you have to do is to spend few hours under the sun. Rather than sitting ideally on a sofa, while soaking in the sunlight; why not take a few steps further and start paddling in open water. You will have the best of the both worlds – Vitamin D and exercise.
3. Keep Your Heart in Good Condition
Kayaking is a good exercise. It does not involve too much exertion and helps improve cardiovascular fitness level.
4. Build Confidence
Even when we start aging gracefully, we start losing confidence in our abilities. As soon as we hit 60, we start getting apprehensive of our abilities. We start thinking twice before heading for a short tour. But once you start learning kayaking, all your inhibitions and hesitations will go away and you will start regaining your lost confidence level. So, kayaking is a great morale booster.
Kayaking Accessories for Senior Citizen
Easy to learn, Kayaking is gaining ground among senior citizens around the world. But there are some safety concerns associated with it. Therefore, before you go out in the wild kayaking alone, you need to inform a friend or family member of the proposed route, the plan and also the time of return.
You also need to carry some other accessories that might save you day in case of some emergencies –
1. Wetsuit
Wetsuit is a must if you are planning to kayak in cold water. You simply can’t ignore the obvious danger of hypothermia. Wetsuit will help your body retain the body heat in case the boat gets capsized.
2. Cell Phone
In case, you get into some sort of trouble, you need to use your phone to call for some assistance. Therefore, you need to buy a basic phone with good battery backup. It would be great if you can purchase a waterproof cell phone.
3. Hullavator
Hullavator can be a real life saver if you have to load and unload a kayak all of your own. It is basically a mobile rack that enables us to load a kayak on the top of a car.
4. Kayak cart
Kayak carts allow for easy transportation of kayaks. It is basically a two-wheeled device that makes it super easily for people to move their kayaks and related accessories in one go. If you don’t want to drag a heavy kayak for a mile or two, kayak Cart can be your ultimate savior. Without kayak Cart, it will be virtually impossible for senior citizens to go on a kayaking trip.
