5 Reasons why Kayaks and SUP’s are AWESOME.

Today was kind of a wash thanks to Tropical Storm Colin (I kept saying Colin Quinn, but that’s besides the point). We initially left our hotel at 7am for the 2 hour drive to Bahia Honda State Park so we could enjoy the nature trails, soak up some rays, and kayak into the sunset beyond the railroad bridge. However, Colin said no. The state park said they were not going to rent out to us due to the wind gusts, which is normal for Florida. However, our professor, Dr. Z. was AMAZING and found us a place to rent kayaks and paddle boards from, whom also knew a secluded place for us to head out. The fact that we had a professor that cared so much about us and wanted us to genuinely ENJOY our day seriously speaks more than words. I can’t thank her enough for awarding us that amazing opportunity today. I am a kayaking crazy person (owning 3 of my own) so this was one of the highlights to my trip.

Now that we disclosed that, I want to get into why kayaking and standup paddle board is absolutely AWESOME, and even more so in the Florida Keys. Oh, and SUP = Standup Paddle board… for those that were left behind.

1. It can be very relaxing, almost meditative.

Whenever I kayak at home, I paddle to where I want to be, I stop, and I take it all in. You can cut the water with a knife, and the sparkling reflection of the sun off the water combined with the sounds of birds nearby or even the powerboats nearby just give me the feel of the shore life. So relax, enjoy the nature that surrounds you. And get off your smartphone for 5 minutes.

2. It is an excellent workout.

Kayaking works your abs, back, shoulders, chest, and biceps/triceps. You get a more intense workout kayaking or paddle boarding than you do in one hour at the gym. According to the Kayak Lake Mead Web Site, you can burn up to 400 calories per hour at a pace of 5mph. You also average about 500 row strokes a mile. At 3mph, that averages 1500 low impact body repetitions in one hour. SUP specifically works almost every muscle in your body, especially your core. Why lock yourself inside a gym with lugheads when you can be outside?

3. It’s low impact.

So for those that choose to work out using either water activity, it is low impact on the body. That’s a win situation for broken people like me with back issues.

4. It can be fantastic stress relief.

Now that you know how much physical work goes into it, think of how relieved you feel after working out. You usually relieve a lot of stress. And if you don’t work out, I’m sure kayaking or paddleboarding might change your mind.

5. It’s a great social or solo activity.

Grab some things, tie them down, and get going! We had such a great bonding experience out on the water because nothing else around us mattered. Our phones were put away, we laughed and enjoyed each others company, we took tons of photos, and we took in the breathtaking views around us. We saw some wildlife and marine life, and got a closeup of mangroves from the water’s edge. With GoPro’s attached to us or the kayaks and some paddles, we let the water guide us. You don’t even have to go out with anybody. I kayak by myself more than I do with other people. Just take a day to yourself and do some self-reflection, working out, or relaxation. It can do the body a lot of good!

What did my fellow classmates think of the water activities today? What did or didn't you like?

I encourage you to check out the following links!

Beginner's Guide to Kayaking 

Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) Basics