Everyone knows that exercise is good for you, but the combination of fresh air, beautiful views and activity is the perfect recipe for a healthy mind and body.
If you’ve never been kayaking, you’re missing a trick, a direct line to life improvement with every stroke. The sport can be as extreme or gentle as you like whether you want to paddle along a quiet canal or take on an adrenaline-inducing white water course there is something for everyone.
Here are ten great reasons why you should take up kayaking right now.
It’s Fun And Fun Is Good For You
Fun, there is no better reason to do anything. If you have a good time, you will be more likely to repeat the process and kayak regularly. Joy is contagious.
There’s Nothing Like Exercise To Make You Feel Good About Yourself
According to Harvard Medical School, being close to nature and taking your mind off, your problems can lower your stress levels. Lower stress levels help to create better-sleeping patterns and increase your supply of endorphins, making you a happier person to be around.
So even if you’re only taking part in a leisurely paddle in beautiful surroundings, the benefits to you and yours are enormous.
You’ll Meet New People
Kayakers are a cheery bunch. It must have something to do with spending their time outside. Most clubs have a thriving outdoor social scene that attracts members of all ages and interests, so the chances are you’ll widen your circle of friends considerably.
Lots of people meet their life partners by joining a social society; having a shared interest helps to break the ice and create a relaxed atmosphere that can result in long term relationships.
Anyone Can Do It
Kayaking attracts all sorts of people with different levels of ability. You don’t have to be fit, these days you can buy a motorized kayak that will allow you to get involved with the activity and enjoy all its benefits without breaking into a sweat.
Kayaking Gives You Something To Look Forward To
Whether you’re working from home or staring out of the window of your office, picture yourself clocking off, driving to your nearest waterway and pulling on a wetsuit, imagine getting into a kayak and floating out onto an empty river where nothing else matters.
Pure bliss and relaxation and that serene feeling will last until the next time you take to the water.
The Whole Family Can Get Involved
Kayaking is an accessible sport and is great for kids and adults alike. Rather than taking your kids to the park, which gets dull over time, why don’t you take your kids kayaking? Spend some quality time with them and make lasting memories.
It is said that families who kayak together are more likely to stay connected over their lifetime, even when the children leave home. Kids who kayak at a young age are likely to go back to the sport in their teenage and young adulthood.
Experience Something Outside Your Everyday Life
Experts say a change is as good as a rest, and it really is! Just doing something outside your everyday routine will refresh your mindset, and this can only be a good thing.
A report carried out by Open Learn the free website from the Open University agrees that changing up your routine is right for your mental health.
Change of Scenery
Luckily there are lots of unique waterways and rivers to discover all around the world. Imagine kayaking up the Amazon River or down the Danube. No matter where you live, there will be new places to explore.
Check out the guide on ukwaterwaysguide.co.uk for exciting new destinations in the UK and Channel Islands.
Gyms Might Close But Rivers Never Will
Rivers and waterways never close, no matter the weather, no matter what is going on in the world, you will always have access to your favourite sport.
The great thing is access to the waterway is free, the only thing it will cost you is time, but it’s time well spent in every way.
Do It By Yourself For Some Much Needed Peace and Quiet
Sometimes we just need to be alone, no matter how much we love our friends and family, alone time is essential. Kayaking is a brilliant way to reset your spirit, lift your mood and make you an all-round better person.
So what are you waiting for? Get on board and kayak your way to a better life.
