Entrepreneur Spencer Schar enjoys kayaking in his spare time and fishing for bass in the lakes near his home. This article will take a closer look at kayaking, providing pointers for those interested in getting involved with the sport.

For beginners, there are several routes to taking up kayaking, from borrowing a kayak from a friend to renting one from an on-the-water outfitter. Taking a tour or course designed for beginners can be an excellent introduction to the pastime, for example, via a program presented by a local parks department or a kayaking expedition staged by local guides.

Kayaking offers numerous health benefits, including:

  • Improved cardiovascular fitness
  • Enhanced muscle strength from paddling, particularly in the chest, back, shoulders and arms
  • Reduce risk of wear-and-tear and injury to tissues and joints
  • Improved torso and leg strength
  • Weight loss, with a study by Harvard University revealing that an individual weighing 125 pounds burns 150 calories per 30 minutes of paddling, on average

In addition to the many physical health benefits, kayaking can also improve psychological health and wellbeing. The activity encourages social interaction, with many kayakers joining a local club or accompanying friends for expeditions.

Kayaking coaxes participants from behind their screens to spend more time outdoors, immersing themselves in nature and enjoying amazing scenery. Lakes and rivers are often abundant in natural beauty, exposing kayakers to a calming, serene natural environment and a welcome escape from daily life.

Kayaking improves mood by providing an opportunity for meditative, peaceful, or exhilarating experiences, depending where and how participants choose to enjoy their hobby. The attached PDF provides more information on the widely reported health benefits of spending time in natural environments.

Before taking to the water, beginner kayakers must ensure that they are kitted out with the right gear. A properly fitting coastguard-approved personal flotation device is a must, as is a bilge pump and appropriately sized paddle. On warmer, calm days, a spray skirt may also be advantageous.

Kayakers must be appropriately dressed, wearing swimwear or shorts that are non-cotton and non-binding. A sun-shielding hat, neoprene footwear, and a rashguard top are all sensible precautions, along with a fleece jacket or lightweight vest, spray jacket or rain jacket, and pants as the weather demands.

There are many different kayaking experiences available catering for a range of different tastes and abilities. Locations that feature prominently on the bucket list of experienced kayakers include the Amazon River, with its unique wildlife and dense rainforest presenting a once-in-a-lifetime experience for kayakers. In addition, Alaska’s Glacier Bay is incredibly popular with kayakers, with the UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting vast glacial fjords, huge glaciers, and lush temperate forests.

For a complete novice, a trip or kayaking course orientated towards beginners is probably the best place to start, providing an opportunity to master the basics of the sport in calm , shallow water. Hiring an experienced guide helps to get the beginner kayaker off to the best start, teaching them how to balance and paddle without capsizing their vessel and how to escape the cockpit if they do turn upside down. Once the kayaker has mastered these basic skills they will be more comfortable and confident in the water, allowing them to delve deeper into the hobby to test their stamina and skills.

For beginner kayakers, finding a trusted, experienced guide is vital. For novices, it is prudent to embark on a tamer trip, for example an overnight kayaking expedition or a trip lasting no longer than a few days. This will enable the beginner to assess how their muscles bear up to the strain of paddling for much longer periods than they are accustomed to. The attached video contains information about some of the world’s most celebrated kayaking destinations.