Kayak therapy… Is it such a thing? If you ask any avid kayaker the answer would very likely be a resounding YES.
Most kayakers will tell you that kayaking has healing powers all of its own and can bring an enormous sense of peace and well being, almost akin to a deep meditation.
In fact I have been amazed at what a positive difference a simple hour long kayaking trip can have on my overall mental state.
My friends and I talk about it often while out on the water. As soon as we get out there and start paddling our bodies relax, our minds chill and we immediately feel a sense of happiness and peace.
It may possibly be the best kind of therapy!
I think it is such an under talked about yet important aspect of paddling.
We all know this world can be stressful and we all handle it in different ways.
I know for myself stress and worry go hand and hand with most aspects of my life and it is something that I have learned to control and deal with over the years yet sometimes it is simply inescapable.
I am aware of how my mind works and I have coping tactics. I know what helps me relax and feel joy. Things like:
- spending time with my dogs
- hiking
- paddling
- lunch with a good friend
I need these things on a daily or at least weekly basis to keep me sane and functional!
Win-Win
Kayaking is like the trifecta of awesomeness for me as it combines time out with my dogs (as they usually join me for the ride), time with good friends and time out in nature.
Combine these things with the positive endorphins that get released any time we get the heart pumping and muscles working, along with all the feel-good neurotransmitters that are firing because we are outside in nature soaking up a little vitamin D… It’s a guaranteed win.
I know that within minutes of getting on the water I will feel fantastic and I know that by the end of my paddling trip I will be in the best mood ever ready again to tackle the world.
If I have the opportunity to paddle first thing in the morning then the rest of my day is brighter, I am more focused and in general just a happier person.
Health
Science has proven time and time again that exercising in the presence of nature has many benefits on mental health including improved mood and self esteem.
When you think about all the negative health effects that stress has on the body, an activity such as kayaking can be a life saver.
I find that it instantly calms my mind and the repetitive motion of paddling keeps my brain in a focused almost meditative state.
It quite simply brings me joy and for that reason my kayak (the Sea Eagle Razorlite) is a prized possession that feels like a necessity rather than a luxury.
So much of life is spent in fight-flight mode. It is nice to have an activity that you enjoy outdoors that not only provides exercise but that is also mentally, emotionally and some might say spiritually balancing.
How fortunate we are to be able to spend some time on the water, breathe fresh air, move our bodies, build some muscles, relax our minds and enjoy all that nature offers with friends and loved ones!
The Fun Factor
Let’s not forget the fun factor. One of the greatest things about water sports is that they tend to be so much fun that you lose track of time and don’t realize how much exercise you are actually getting.
Therefore even though you burn a lot of calories when kayaking and build muscles in your shoulders, back, arms and core we often forget what a great workout we are getting while out having fun on the water.
It is also an ideal sport to share with kids and dogs. Kayaking can be done by any person of any age with any skill level. For that reason it is a very inclusive sport and it is never too late to start.
Drink Up
The one negative aspect about water sports is that being out on the water, especially in the hot sun can quickly dehydrate you.
Make sure you bring a bottle of water and drink up.
Take advantage of all of these awesome benefits that kayaking offers without suffering from a headache or exhaustion from dehydration.
Suns Out Kayaks Out
Yes I would venture to say that kayaking is as good for your soul as it is for your body!
At the end of a long wet winter, I am personally far overdue for a little kayak therapy.
As soon as that sun comes out you’ll find me on the water 🙂
What positive effects do you feel from kayaking?
There is nothing like being out in the middle of a peaceful body of water, seeing birds up close, fish jumping, hearing people a mile away having fun on the shore. If you’ve never tried it, you need to. If you have tried it, you already know!