What Are The Advantages Of Kayaking As A Hobby? 10 Reasons Why Kayaking Is The Best Hobby

Fact Checked By James A Rockey | Post Updated On: December 6, 2022
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Kayaking is an excellent sport and recreational activity that allows you to explore nature as you stay active. This activity will improve your health and well-being and is suitable for persons of all ages and sizes.

Key Takeaways

  • If you love exploring the beauty of nature then kayaking will be an excellent hobby for you because kayaking allows you to discover new things
  • Kayaking is a great exercise to strengthen your muscles, increase flexibility, boost your cardiovascular health, and burn calories
  • You can kayak in almost any water body, from pools to lakes, rivers, and oceans and the geographical location will not limit you
  • One key reason kayaking is a great hobby is that it is ideal for persons of all ages

Ten Reasons Why Kayaking Is The Best Hobby; Advantages Of Kayaking

Why Kayaking Is The Best Hobby; Advantages Of Kayaking

1. Kayaking Allows You To Discover And Explore Nature

Hoping on your kayak and getting to the water, whether on a lake, river, shore, or pond, gives you an excellent opportunity to experience nature in its full glory. You get to soak in the sun, and discover habitats and other surroundings. Kayaking gives you a chance to explore and discover hidden gems in your surrounding and appreciate the serenity of nature. Kayaking also gives you the thrill of nature when kayaking in whitewater or over waterfalls. You can also get to relax your mind and watch the sunset as you paddle along the shores. If you want to experience nature in a new and magical way, try kayaking as your hobby.

2. Kayaking Is An Excellent Opportunity To Exercise And Get Fit

Kayaking is a great exercise that enables paddlers to work out their core and upper body. This activity will strengthen your muscles, increase flexibility, boost your cardiovascular health, and burn calories. If you are looking for an all-around workout for your entire body, get into kayaking. The best part about this workout is that you will explore and enjoy nature as you do it.

3. It Offers Versatility And Can Be Done Across Different Seasons

Kayaking is one of the most versatile hobbies that can be practiced anywhere in the world and in different environments. You can kayak in almost any water body, from pools to lakes, rivers, and oceans. Your geographical location will not limit you since you can enjoy this hobby in the waters near where you live. Kayaking also stands out as a hobby because it can be practiced across different seasons regardless of the climate and weather conditions. You can choose to kayak in the winter since paddling will boost your cardiovascular health as you keep warm. You can also kayak in the summer as a great way to cool off and relax, taking dips in between kayaking.

4. Kayaking Is A Great Way To Socialize And Meet New People

Are you interested in a hobby that will enable you to make new friends and enjoy a great time with your loved ones? Consider taking up kayaking. This activity allows you to meet with your friends at your favorite kayaking spot and have a good time. You can race or learn new paddling styles, and this will bring you closer to each other. While kayaking in new places, you will also meet new people with the same interests as you, and this will be an excellent opportunity to socialize and network. Kayaking will enable you to make new friends, meet prospective business partners, and maybe even the love of your life.

5. Improves Your Health And Well-Being

Kayaking involves staying active, which is beneficial to your cardiovascular health and overall physical fitness. It improves your heart rate and helps your body burn up to 500 calories per hour. Kayaking also makes your muscles stronger as you move the paddle. Kayaking can also help you relieve stress since you can paddle in calm waters while taking time to meditate and exhilarate. Since kayaking keeps you active, it is a great activity to help you fight off stress, trauma, and anxiety. If you kayak often, you will have more energy, which builds your resilience and self-esteem. You will also enjoy a sense of calmness and relaxation, which might lead to better sleep.

6. Ideal For Persons Of All Ages

Kayaking is a great activity that can be enjoyed by everyone regardless of their age. Most sports and physical activities will have an age restriction and physical requirements before you can participate. Children, youths, and the aged can practice kayaking. It doesn’t require any specialized knowledge so learning won’t be complex. You only need a stable kayak and the proper safety gear then you can learn how to balance and paddle and start enjoying this great activity.

7. It’s A Low-Cost Hobby That Requires Minimal Maintenance

In the beginning, kayaking may seem expensive due to the initial cost of buying the kayak and other gear such as a life jacket and paddles. But once you have everything with you, kayaking is low-cost and doesn’t require any special maintenance. You can grab your kayak and go out to have fun without spending any money.

8. Kayaking Is A Great Learning Opportunity

When you take up kayaking, be ready to learn as much as possible. You will learn how to paddle and stay safe on the water. You will know what to do in case of an emergency and gain lots of relevant skills.  You will also learn the art of discipline and commitment as you get deeper into the hobby. With kayaking, you can also explore other activities such as kayak fishing which will equip you with new skills and enjoy new adventures.

9. You Can Convert Your Kayaking Hobby To A Money-Making Venture

If you are looking for a hobby that can also become a source of income in the future, then kayaking is an excellent choice for you. With years of experience in kayaking, you can become a kayaking instructor and makeup to $43 000 per year. You can also become a professional paddler and get employed with a good salary. Experienced kayakers also start kayak rental businesses and make a fortune out of them.

10. Kayaking Is Enjoyable

Apart from all the other benefits that kayaking offers, it is also an enjoyable activity that will make you happier. Being outdoors and interacting with nature has been proven to boost moods and make you happier. Kayaking also makes your body release endorphins, dopamine, and other happy hormones that lift your spirit and boost your confidence. If you are struggling with anxiety and depression, getting out to go and kayak might help you feel happier. 

What Do I Need To Start Kayaking?

What Do I Need To Start Kayaking

With all these benefits associated with kayaking, you can’t be missing out on such a great activity. Below is a list of the things you need to go on your first kayak trip; as you keep advancing your skill, you will add a few more things depending on your need at the time.

1. Good quality and stable kayak

2. Two paddles (one as a spare)

3. Bilge pump for removing any water that gets into your cockpit

4. Headlamp in case you get late

5. Whistle 

6. GPS or maps

Wrapping Up 

Kayaking is an excellent hobby that has numerous benefits to your body and mind. It is a great way to explore the outdoors and interact with nature and people with the same interests. We encourage anyone who can take up this great hobby and enjoy a better quality of life. 

References:

  • https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/canoeing-and-kayaking-health-benefits
  • https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-advantages-of-taking-up-kayaking-as-a-hobby
  • https://floridasplendors.com/7-reasons-why-kayaking-is-a-great-hobby/

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