9 Reasons Why Kayaking Is Good for Your Health

Have you ever thought of kayaking as a form of exercise?

‘Wet, cold, but happy’ – that’s how Delfi describes kayakers in one of its articles. And they’re not wrong. Kayaking really is a fantastic way to spend a weekend in the great outdoors. However, let’s not forget that kayaking is particularly beneficial for your health. In this article, you’ll discover lots of new things, but if you’re interested in a specific section, you can jump to it using the table of contents.

Reason #1: It reduces stress

Cutting through the water in a kayak, using your own energy, is something magical. The sounds of the paddles dipping into the water and the water churning create a calming effect on the brain. When you immerse yourself in this activity, you can even enter a meditative state. Paddling is particularly soothing in spring, when the rivers are still free of tourists and the birds, having recovered from winter, begin to sing their songs.

Everyone has their own worries on their mind. Whether it’s family problems, unfinished tasks or bad news – we need to be able to forget them, at least for a little while. Anyone who has ever enjoyed a peaceful kayak trip will tell you that this hobby allows you, if only for a moment, to shed the burdens of life.

Reason #2: Your heart will thank you

When you maintain a steady paddling rhythm for a long time, your heart enters a faster mode of operation. This period of rapid heartbeats improves your heart rhythm.

Reason #3: A low-impact sport

Rowing is a lower-intensity sport than, for example, weightlifting or martial arts. As you know, injuries are common in high-intensity sports. Low-intensity sports are recommended for many people as there is a lower risk of injury.

Also, if you have joint problems, kayaking is a great way to exercise without putting direct strain on your joints. Unlike other activities, you can even strengthen the weaker parts of your body without risking injury.

Reason #4: Improved mood

Aerobic exercise triggers the release of various hormones that improve your mood. If you’ve been feeling down recently or are noticing signs of depression, the tranquillity of nature and kayaking should brighten up your day.

Reason #5: A full-body workout

If you ever take a look at professional paddlers, you’ll see that their upper bodies are very strong. Proper paddling technique ensures that the muscles in your arms, back and chest are engaged.

Beginners often use only their arms, but we recommend performing the rowing stroke by rotating your entire torso. Correct technique can be more difficult to execute in wider kayaks, but it’s always worth trying to improve your rowing technique.

Coordinating your legs and upper body effectively requires the engagement of your stabilising muscles. Your core muscles will help you coordinate your whole body’s movements whilst paddling.

It may seem strange, but your legs do a fair bit of work whilst paddling. You can watch a few videos of professional paddlers to see how their leg movements are synchronised. In a touring kayak, you don’t need to perform such movements, but your legs are still working to maintain balance and when making stronger strokes.

So, your legs will still be working whilst you’re paddling, and you’ll often notice your leg muscles getting stronger as you paddle more frequently.

Reason #6: Sun and fresh air

The elixir of youth. Your body needs it, and kayaking provides it.

Spending time in nature has another very important benefit. Professors at Boston University have found that vitamin D is very difficult to obtain from food. Most of us get as much as 80 per cent of our vitamin D from sunlight. So, spending time in nature will ensure you get enough vitamin D.

Lithuania has wonderful rivers, such as the Ūla and the Kiauna, which flow through forests. The fresh air will allow your lungs to take a breather from urban pollution.

Reason #7: Improves endurance

Just like running, cycling, swimming or other endurance sports, kayaking improves your body’s endurance. A few hours’ paddling allows your body to adapt to prolonged exertion. This makes both your body and mind more resilient.

Reason #8: Better sleep

If you often wake up during the night or have other sleep problems, kayaking can improve your sleep. Physical activity during the day tires the body out, making it easier to relax and sleep better at night. Young children on kayaking trips even fall asleep in the kayak. This just goes to show the calming effect of nature.

Reason #9: It burns calories

Kayaking requires energy. Most people burn 300–400 calories per hour when paddling at a normal pace. If you put in more effort and paddle faster or against the current, you can even burn up to 500 calories an hour.

Do you want to lose weight or simply have a good time outdoors? I hope you’ve found enough inspiration and are keen to explore our rivers. You can book a kayaking trip as early as tomorrow – all you need to do is choose a suitable route. We invite you to visit our routes page, where you can discover kayaking routes throughout Lithuania.

Conclusions

From reducing stress to managing your weight by burning calories, spending your free time actively in nature improves your overall physical condition. It’s very important to remember that the most important thing is to create memorable experiences and enjoy your time in the great outdoors!

Sources:

https://www.aworldtotravel.com/health-benefits-of-kayaking/

https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-health-benefits-of-kayaking/

https://www.lifeandventures.com/benefits-of-kayaking/

https://www.blazinpaddles.com/fuel-for-the-soul-physical-and-mental-health-benefits-of-kayaking/