Many people start looking into kayaking because someone told them it’s fun. Since paddling on the water can seem boring, it’s normal to wonder whether you will enjoy it or not. Well, the only accurate way to know if you like a sport is to give it a try.
However, I can still help you understand my point of view on the subject. In my opinion, kayaking is a fun activity for several good reasons. So let me explain why it’s one of my favorite hobbies and what you should expect.
Is Kayaking Fun?
Kayaking is fun because it allows you to enjoy nature, do some exercise, and feel good. I personally love this activity because it can be relaxing and exciting, depending on the paddling experience you’re looking for. Regardless of your taste, I’m sure you can find a way to have fun while kayaking!
Is Kayaking Boring?
Although kayaking in a calm lake for hours can seem boring, it’s not always the case. Many paddlers enjoy paddling on flatwater to explore the great outdoors and work out a little bit. You can also go kayaking in rapids to get an adrenaline rush and have fun playing in whitewater features, which isn’t boring.
So, Is Kayaking Fun or Boring?
Almost every time I’m kayaking, I have a great time on the water. Whether it’s to spend a day relaxing on a lake or paddle down a river, this water sport can be enjoyable for everyone. So I would say kayaking is fun rather than boring, but it’s a matter of personal taste.
Benefits Of Kayaking
Just as for any other physical activity, kayaking has many benefits. Paddling on the water can be great for you both mentally and physically. Before getting into this hobby, here’s what’s good about it!
Low-Impact Exercise
Kayaking is an excellent way to burn calories and strengthen muscles. It’s an aerobic sport that also involves work from your upper body without significant repercussions on your body. Thus, paddling will help you stay in good shape and spend your energy. But is kayaking tiring?
Reduce Stress
Spending time exercising in nature is the perfect mix to be calm and forget about your problems. Kayaking is an effective stress relief to improve your mood and relax your mind. That’s why it can have a positive impact on your mental well-being too.
Improve Health
Kayaking has many other benefits that all come down to better health. The simple fact of being around water in the great outdoors is enough to make you feel good. So paddling at the same time can only help you to become healthier.
Have Fun
Kayaking isn’t only good for you. It can also be fun. So apart from improving your overall quality of life, this activity is enjoyable too. Paddlers love kayaking because of all the fun they have while doing it.
Why I Like Kayaking & Have Fun Doing It? (5 Reasons)
Even though I feel good and happy while kayaking, it’s not always easy to figure out why. After some reflection, I have found a couple of reasons I think this activity is pleasant. But since fun is all about perspective, let me explain why I enjoy kayaking.
Explore Nature While Kayaking
One of my favorite parts of kayaking is enjoying the great outdoors. Paddling on the water is an excellent way to discover new areas, hear nature sounds, and see beautiful landscapes. So I have a lot of fun spending time outside in my kayak.
Get Closer To Wildlife
Another advantage of kayaking is that you can go very near animals to observe them. Since you’re in a small boat floating at the surface of the water, they won’t see you as a threat. That’s why kayakers can get closer to sea lions, seals, beautiful birds, etc.
Kayaking Is Relaxing
Paddling on calm water is an excellent way to relieve stress and get out of your busy routine. There’s nothing more relaxing than spending a day kayaking on a lake. It can be fun to enjoy how this activity makes you feel with no precise goal or destination.
Learn more about why kayaking is relaxing!
Improve & Challenge Yourself
Although kayaking is relatively easy to learn, there’s always room for improvement. So it can be fun to work on your paddling skills and see your progress. For more competitive people, there are more advanced kayaking disciplines such as flatwater sprint or whitewater slalom.
Kayaking Can Be Extreme Too
If you think paddling on flatwater seems boring, well there are more exciting ways to enjoy kayaking. Thrill seekers like myself will probably have more fun going down rapids or surfing on waves. So it can be relaxing as well as extreme, depending on what you like and want.
Bottom Line: Kayaking Is A Fun Experience
Overall, kayaking is an activity that can be fun for everyone. Whether you want to relax or have an adrenaline rush, it might be your next favorite hobby. There’s no way someone won’t feel good after paddling on the water, especially with all the benefits that come with it.
How To Make Kayaking As Fun As Possible?
Although this water sport is generally fun, it will also depend on the circumstances. For example, some people don’t enjoy paddling in flatwater but love whitewater kayaking or vice-versa. So let’s take a look at some factors that can influence how much fun you have.
Choose The Right Type Of Kayaking
With all the different types of kayaking, you probably won’t like all of them. So it’s essential to find the right one. Depending on your skills, preferences, and conditions, you might have more fun in a specific paddling environment.
Without adapting the activity to your needs, you won’t have as much fun as you could. That’s why I recommend you read my article about the different types of kayaking to explore all of your options. It will then be much easier to select the one you will enjoy the most.
Find The Best Kayaking Spots
Once you have chosen what kayaking type you want to do, it’s time to start looking for an appropriate spot. The place where you plan to go will highly influence how fun and safe your paddling adventures will be.
For example, starting with a technical and dangerous river isn’t an excellent idea. It will be too difficult for you to enjoy kayaking, and you might end up injured. So it’s essential to go somewhere you’re likely to have fun.
Share The Fun With Other Paddlers
Although kayaking alone can be enjoyable too, you might have even more fun with friends. Having paddling partners to share good memories is generally an excellent idea. It’s the perfect activity to spend quality time with your loved ones.
Kayaking with other people is also recommended for your safety. If something happens, it’s always better to have someone that can help you. Therefore, a little bit of company might make your paddling adventure even more fun and safe.
Enjoy The Time You Spend Kayaking
My last piece of advice is to be fully in the present moment when you’re on the water. Don’t bring your problems or negative thoughts on your kayaking trips. Otherwise, your experience won’t be optimal, and you might not have as much fun as you should.
There are many good reasons to practice kayaking, but at the end of the day, it’s also essential to enjoy the activity itself. With no expectations and the right attitude, you’re much more likely to have a good experience while paddling on the water.
Other People’s Thoughts On Whether Kayaking Is Fun or Not!
In this article, I’ve mainly shared my opinion and how much I enjoy kayaking. But my point of view isn’t the only one to consider. Many other smart paddlers have something to say on the subject.
So here are some excerpts of comments retrieved from the Letsrun Forum.
Mr. V
“I took a kayaking trip down the Missouri one time for 7 days. It was cool for the first few days to see nature and how the west was originally settled. Camping each night was cool. However, after a few days of paddling for 12 hours I had seen enough.”
TAA
“Boring after the first couple hours. It’s way more fun at night. There’s something magical about being in the middle of a huge lake looking up at the stars, being surrounded by darkness, and listening to the sounds of nature.”
wtfunny
“Depends in part where you go. Sea kayaking Icy Bay, in Wrangell – St. Elias Nat Park is awesome.”
FAQ | Kayaking Fun
Now there are many common questions related to the fun part of kayaking I haven’t covered yet. With all the information and assumptions about this water sport out there, it’s normal to be confused. Even though my opinion isn’t objective, here are my answers.
Is Kayaking A Sport or A Hobby?
By definition, kayaking can be considered both a sport and a hobby. It mainly depends on how you enjoy this activity. When kayaking has a competitive aspect, it’s closer to the definition of a sport. But if you kayak for plain fun, it’s probably more of a hobby for you.
Is Kayaking A Good Hobby?
Kayaking is a good hobby because it’s fun and beneficial for your health. Paddling on the water is also quite accessible and easy to get into. Kayaking is a low-impact exercise that can improve your cardio, strengthen your upper body muscles, and relieve stress.
Is Kayaking Hard?
Kayaking is relatively easy once you get it, but it can be hard when you’re beginning. As with any other sport, there’s a learning curve. But the difficulty involved shouldn’t restrict you from getting started and having fun while paddling. On the contrary, the challenge is part of kayaking that can be enjoyable.
Learn more about how hard is kayaking!
Why Is Kayaking So Popular?
Kayaking is a popular sport and hobby because it’s fun, relatively cheap, and accessible. With 71% of the Earth’s surface covered by water, there are many places to enjoy this activity. Kayaking is also good for your fitness, mental health, and overall happiness. That’s why it’s so popular.
Why Is Kayaking So Fun?
As kayaking allows you to leave your problems and busy schedule at home, paddling adventures make you feel good. There’s nothing more fun than to head out on the water, do some physical activity and enjoy nature. So it’s not surprising that many outdoor enthusiasts love kayaking and have a lot of fun doing it.
Last Thoughts About How Fun Is Kayaking!
All the kayakers out there will agree that kayaking is extremely fun, even if it might seem boring to beginners. Paddling down rivers allows me to get adrenaline rushes, leave negative thoughts on the shore, and exercise.
So it’s one of the best ways to have fun and enjoy the great outdoors. If you never try it out, you won’t be able to figure out whether you like it or not. I could talk to you about how fun kayaking is for hours, but you can’t know if you agree with me until you experience it.
Thus, I hope my article has helped you to get excited for your first (or next) paddling adventure. Don’t forget that kayaking is even more fun when you have skills and experience. Now it’s time to prepare yourself and finally get started.
Have Fun & See You On The Water!
