Do I need to be in shape to be able to kayak?

Kayaking is a great way to get out on the water, enjoy the wonderful outdoors and see nature up close. So whether you are looking for the peace and serenity to rejuvenate your body and mind, an economical pet-friendly outing for your entire family, a heart-stopping roller coaster exhilaration or an easy-to-learn sport that offers a variety of experiences, kayaking is a good choice. It is an effective form of exercise that improves strength, balance, flexibility and endurance, strengthens the heart, tones the body, boosts blood flow and improves overall fitness.

Do you need to be in shape to go kayaking?

Kayaking is a simple activity that is often undertaken at an easy, strain-free pace. It just requires moderate overall fitness. In fact, people who regularly engage in swimming, bicycling and hiking are already in good shape for kayaking. Nevertheless, because paddling requires a reasonable degree of exertion and can cover up to 10-15 km (3-4 hours) per day of exploring areas and making long stops, keeping your body fairly fit and agile is a great way to ensure that you go through the entire trip without problems. While you do not need extreme physical conditioning or big muscles to go kayaking, basic fitness is necessary for a comfortable and pleasurable outing.

Reasons for strength training

When planning for a kayaking trip, it is a good idea to engage in some kind of strength training as part of preparation. Such exercises would help to prepare the body for the repeated and prolonged motion that paddling entails. Strength training also helps the body to quickly adjust to and maintain any strenuous efforts you may need to apply when faced with strong and unavoidable headwinds. Strength exercises build muscle tissues, improve muscle balance, coordination and body awareness, develop endurance for the long trips and more power for paddling strokes.

Necessary exercises before paddling

If you have not been exercising regularly, it is advisable that you engage in activities to work your upper body, shoulders and arms and prepare them for paddling. You may require up to 2 weeks of exercises to get your body into shape for your paddling adventure. An appropriate preparatory workout regime should include moderate aerobic exercises, such as walking or cycling, yoga and pilates classes to strengthen your core and boost control and stability, and exercises for core rotation and stretching of hamstrings to get you ready for an all-over-body paddling venture. Choose exercises that help you achieve a reasonable degree of fitness, endurance, flexibility and balance necessary for total control of your kayak when you paddle in any conditions.

Kayaking is a wonderful way to escape the stresses and hustles of daily life, spend time together with your family, bond with workmates and improve your overall physical fitness. And you get to experience the wonders of the outdoors up close. You do not need to buy a kayak for your adventure. You can engage in this sport using a rented kayak and equipment. At Captain Mike’s Kayak Academy, we offer a wide range of stable, comfortable, maneuverable and inexpensive kayaks that will suit your paddling needs. Just come over and make your choice. For more information on kayaking and kayak deals, visit the “Captain Mike’ Kayak Academy” site.

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