Paddling is indeed great exercise. There are few activities that offer this degree of aerobic exercise mixed with the upper body conditioning. Both canoes and kayaks will offer you this benefit regardless of the type of paddling you choose to do. Even simply practicing technique can be a workout.
Paddle to be Close to Nature
Paddling definitely affords you the ability to be closer to nature than a lot of other activities do. In many cases you will be able to travel to and see sights only accessible to a very small percentage of the population. Canoeing or kayaking definitely allows for a connection with the nature surrounding a person that cannot be found elsewhere.
Paddle for Adventure
While whitewater paddling is virtually synonymous with excitement the truth is adventure can be found in just about any type of paddling situation. Whether a person is kayaking off of a 20 foot waterfall, exploring a mangrove trail in the Florida Keys, or sneaking up on wildlife on the bank of a secluded lake there is the potential for unlimited adventure in all paddling circumstances.
Paddle for Relaxation
There are few things more relaxing than sitting in a kayak or canoe and watching the sunset over a lake. It is hard to beat having a picnic hundreds of yards from the shoreline as you look on at the panoramic view of the landscape surrounding you. Yes, paddling can offer stress relief like no other. You know what they say. “Even a bad day of paddling is better than a good day at work.”
Paddle as a Part of Another Activity
Paddling facilitates and even enhances many other activities. There is no quieter way to access those hard to reach fishing holes than by drifting up in a canoe. Paddling as a means of transportation adds a whole new dimension to a weekend camping trip. In tropical areas it is quite common for scuba divers and spear-fishers to kayak right off of the beach. Really the possibilities are endless when it comes to paddling canoes and kayaks.
Paddle to be with Friends
The bond that fellow paddlers share is one that enhances friendships and builds camaraderie. Whether you and your friends share a competitive streak or just like to hang out, paddling is for you. The stories from just one weekend of paddling often provides for a lifetime of reminiscing, tale-telling, and laughter. So why not invite a friend on your next paddling trip?
Paddle to Race and Compete
Although not for everyone, the popularity of racing canoes and kayaks has grown immensely over the last decade. The recent rise in the recreational canoe and kayak participation has triggered a similar response toward racing and competing in what is known as the sport of canoe/kayak. The different types of competitions fall under what is known as flatwater canoe/kayak, slalom or whitewater canoe/kayak, and freestyle canoe/kayak.
Paddle to Stay Cool in the Summer
On those hot summer days when it seems like there is no relief from the scorching rays of the sun and everything inside of you says to stay in the air conditioning you have somewhere to turn. You can go paddling. There are few things more refreshing in the summer months than feeling the brisk waters of a mountain lake or the spray of the ocean air while on a canoe or kayak.
Paddling is a Sport for All Ages
Whether a person is just a few years old or upwards of 60, they can enjoy paddling. Canoeing is just one of those activities that offers the many benefits already mentioned to all age groups. It is never too early to expose your children to these great sports and even the elderly enjoy a day floating atop the water. It reaches across these generational lines and simply does not discriminate.
Paddle Because it’s Fun!
That’s right, paddling is fun. Do we really need a reason to paddle besides this one? It is true that paddling is great exercise, can be relaxing, provides a sense of adventure, and a whole list of other things but when it is boiled all the way down to the essential reason why people paddle it all comes back to this one reason. Paddling is fun!
