Kayaking is a way to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. The world seems so much quieter, calmer, more colorful when surrounded by natural scenery. Whether you’re imagining yourself paddling through placid still waters or battling against strong currents on an open sea; Kayaking will always be one of my favorite ways to spend time outdoors with friends.
The peace that comes from being out in nature – whether it’s kayaking down a river or simply walking around your neighborhood – can’t really compare to anything else I know! It also provides all sorts of health benefits such as stress relief and improved immune system function (to name just two). And doing our part helps preserve these special places for generations yet unknown too.
While many people enjoy coming back refreshed and relaxed after they spend time outdoors connecting with their favorite spot of land or sea, we have an even greater responsibility now because these places can’t always be enjoyed forever if left unattended. So before going off into blissful relaxation mode next weekend at home or away- remember one thing: do what you need so others may enjoy those places for decades to come.
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Who is a Responsible Kayaker?
Responsible kayakers know that they have a responsibility to maintain the integrity of their favorite spot. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy your time out on the water, it just means not doing things like littering, dumping oil or other chemicals into waterways and maintaining places for future enjoyment! So before going off into blissful relaxation mode next weekend at home or away – remember one thing: do what you need so others may enjoy those places for decades to come.
Don’t Disturb Wildlife While kayaking
It’s easy to think that animals will be gone on a large body of water, but the truth is that they are often present and might not want you there. Responsible kayakers do everything in their power to make sure wildlife isn’t disturbed by their presence or actions while kayaking so we can all enjoy these wonderful creatures for years to come.
You may see birds flying low over the water – this means they’re looking for fish and shouldn’t be disturbed! Watching from your boat as an eagle hunts nearby is something few people ever get chance to experience. And even if it doesn’t work out with spotting any wildlife, remember most rivers have some kind of vegetation along the shoreline which provides food and shelter for many species; and a little research will often reveal some interesting facts about the river and its history.
A responsible kayaker is not just someone who knows the rules of navigation, but one that also takes steps to protect wildlife and leave their impact on the environment as small as possible.
Responsible kayaking tips:
If you see an animal in or near the water (or swimming by), paddle away from it quickly – don’t turn towards it! Remember they have better hearing than we do so if you get too close there’s no telling what might happen.
Watch for low flying birds fishing at high speed – this means they’re hungry and should be left alone; watch them from your boat without approaching too closely instead.
Moreover, approaching wild animals can be dangerous, as they may feel threatened and attack you or another animal in the area. If a bird comes too close to you for example, don’t try petting it! It will bite with its sharp bill and fly away without any remorse. I wouldn’t want something bad happen like that when I’m on vacation taking pictures with my family; after all these years of being out here nobody has been hurt so why risk getting injured over nothing?
Don’t Play Loud Music While Kayaking
You’re in a public place. Keep the noise level down to save others from hearing you blast your favorite tunes or drowning out nature’s serenity with annoying sounds. Music-lovers can still enjoy their tunes without being disruptive; there are plenty of portable waterproof speakers that will allow for this kind of activity on water as long as they are at a low volume.
How would you like it if somebody came by and started yelling in your ear? It doesn’t sound too pleasant now, does it? Nature is the same way. Loud noises can startle wildlife and stop them in their tracks. Not only does this disturb the animals, but it also disrupts other people’s enjoyment of life outdoors.
What if you had someone come by your house to visit with a boom-box blaring? You would probably be pretty annoyed wouldn’t you? If kayaking is something that brings peace or relief into your day then so should everybody else who finds themselves on water; leave some silence for those around you!
Create A Trash Picking Community
You can also create a trash picker community! If there are other kayakers nearby who want to keep their area clean and wildlife healthy then gather together and make that happen. You’ll have more fun doing something than nothing at all – but maybe not because I’m going to tell on you if you don’t! Plus it’s good karma so why wouldn’t we?
Did you know that some of the happiest people on Earth are out there picking up trash? Well, they’re not exactly happy about what’s in their hands. But as long as it doesn’t end up back where it started from, then everyone wins! That includes wildlife who need a clean environment to live and evolve just like we do. As a responsible kayaker, you need to keep the waterways clean.
Don’t Litter
It can be hard to keep our environment clean and litter free. There are a few helpful tips that you should know when disposing of trash properly.
- Make sure the trash is sealed and wrapped in a bag, this will help keep any kind of smell from coming out.
- Place your trash somewhere that people are not likely to walk by or where it won’t get wet; including on top of someone’s car when they leave for work!
- If you do find yourself with some litter around your campsite like coffee cups, food wrappers etc., try picking them up as if you were camping with somebody important (hint: it could be me!)
- Bring your own reusable cups, spoons, plates etc instead of disposable ones for less waste in the long-run.
