Paddle sports have been around for thousands of years, and kayaking specifically, is making waves in waterways and oceans worldwide. Aside from being a healthy outdoor activity, kayaking can be equally beneficial for mental health and the environment.
PHYSICAL WELLNESS
Kayaking is a very effective workout for your cardiovascular heart health. One study found that “more skilled paddlers are more likely to obtain a greater peak rate of oxygen consumption.”
This suggests that kayaking is an effective form of cardio, to utilize the greatest amount of aerobic and anaerobic energy created while exercising. In comparison to other forms of cardio, kayaking can burn almost 400 calories per hour of paddling, depending on your body size. There is even an online calculator to help one determine how many calories you can burn while kayaking.
Cycling for example burns almost 100 fewer calories per hour of activity. The previous study also stated, “when examining the time to exhaustion for kayak paddlers, a significantly higher time was reported when comparing the results of cyclists.” All of these interesting factors can help kayakers achieve toned abs and arms, along with a greater success of weight loss due to the average calories burned per hour.
MENTAL HEALTH
The physical benefits of kayaking are only part of the entire scope of wellness, as simply being in nature helps to reduce stress and increase happiness. The addition of water adds another dimension to relaxation, with calming effects as you bob and float across the water.
According to the Mayo Clinic, exercise can relieve stress to improve your overall health. Physical activity increases the production of your brain’s endorphins, or feel-good neurotransmitters. Some forms of exercise are also coined “meditation in motion” where you seemingly leave your cares on the shore and focus on the repetitive paddling movements, releasing all worry and tension. This in turn helps to boost your mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. After a lengthy paddle, your sense of accomplishment and confidence is also lifted, leaving you with a more optimistic outlook, which makes you calm, energetic, and ready to take on the world.
Most importantly, the camaraderie and friendship formed with other paddlers is also part of the entire kayaking experience. An organization called Women Who Kayak formed Facebook groups for each state, providing a safe platform for women to share great paddle routes, tips, and safety information. Members are encouraged to attend group paddle events, while keeping the environment in mind when exploring the local waterways.
ECO-FRIENDLY
Limiting pollution and disposing of trash properly is important to continue enjoying the beautiful aspects of all bodies of water. If everyone does their part to pick up trash while paddling, kayaking can remain an enjoyable experience that helps preserve nature. One benefit of kayaking is the maneuverability of the small water crafts to reach hard-to-target areas for trash collection along waterways that larger vessels may miss. Women Who Kayak is one group that promotes trash cleanup while kayaking, collaborating with local organizations for scheduling cleanup events and initiatives.
You are encouraged to enjoy the beneficial aspects of kayaking, for your physical wellness and mental health, while doing your part for the environment.