KAYAKING IS A.MA.ZING!!! Have any of you done it? Wanna share tips???

[Deleted User]Fematheist (deleted user)
in General

My shoulders are ACHING, but I HAD AN AMAZING TIME KAYAKING!!! My friend girl group went to kayak on a local waterway. We had a long two-person kayak, but others had individuals. The river was calm, underneath, but the wind caused tiny, directional ripples on the surface. Can you tell I'm STILL BLOWN AWAY??? :)

Have you ever gone kayaking? Someone told me that the Number 1 rule is: "DON'T STAND UP!" lol I can certainly see the value in that advice!!! lolol

Kayaking seems like a hobby that would have life-long benefits. I'd never done it before, but I FIND THAT I REALLY LIKE IT!!

What say you? Have you ever kayak-ed? (<< Why do my interests come with names that are hard to spell?? lol)

If so, PLEASE SHARE experiences AND tips that you've learned! I can't wait to read these!!! :)

Comments

  • CharlieBearCharlieBear Mod

    That seems really fun, though I am terrified at the thought of it (as my thoughts go to kayaking in rushing water full of rocks and a waterfall 😂). I will do it though. I am just too big to do it now so I gotta lose some major lbs first. At least that is something I’m currently doing from lots of walking and hiking. So, one day, hopefully sooner than later. That’s awesome you enjoyed it so much!

  • starrynitecudsstarrynitecuds

    Went kayaking 30 years ago and my partner had a panic attack and stood up. Boat tipped, of course. Luckily, it wasn't too deep, but it was October, so pretty cold.
    Not interested in trying again.

  • [Deleted User]Fematheist (deleted user)
    edited July 2024

    @CharlieBear ~ Thanks for that! I really DID enjoy it! I WANNA DO IT AGAIN!!!! lololol
    Hahahaha... Your comment put the words to MY EXACT THOUGHT IMAGE when the plan was proposed to me! I saw myself lying, bloodied and broken, on jagged rocks, with turtles attacking me!!! hahahahahaha!! Damned scary movie mental images!! lol

    Much respect to you for prioritizing your health, though. Walking and hiking are also wonderful-- especially if your path takes you out into full-on nature, minus the electric lines and communication towers. Our bodies still remember-- and long for--- the time when we used to hunt down or dig up our food. I'm sending you POWER CUDDLES in your pursuit of trimming down.. Just don't lose those shoulders!!!! WE need you to keep them... for cuddling! :) It would be AWESOME for us to someday meet, kayaking on a river somewhere!

    @starrynitecuds ~ Sorry to hear that!!! Whew... I'll bet that water was C.O.L.D.!!! Hope everything turned out okay, hopefully, and I'm glad that the water wasn't too deep. Did your partner get some insight on why the panic attack occurred??? Was it from the actual kayaking??? I guess, even in my state of babbling, joyful excitement, I can understand why you might not want to go through that again!!

    The day was sunny, not too hot and not too chilly, while we were out on the river. I learned not to go near or under trees because that's where the SPIDERS hang out! lol With this being my first time controlling a kayak with a two-sided paddle, yes, there were collisions!

    We laughed, straightened ourselves back out, and flowed on. I watched one of the guys who was with us, the way he paddled. Rhythmic, calm, powerful... Like he wasn't even thinking about what he was doing. I tried to emulate his technique... Didn't work! lol At least not yet! But I do feel like that's where I'd like to get with my paddling!

    Any more kayaking stories? Tips? Insights?

    Thanks in advance! :)

  • [Deleted User]WriterGF (deleted user)

    All I know about kayaking is that back when I was on dating sites, it seemed that every woman claimed to be into kayaking or rock climbing (or both).

  • CuddleDuncanCuddleDuncan Mod
    edited July 2024

    I tried kayaking as a kid. Hated it. It is excruciatingly uncomfortable, and that's even before you get to the cold water dripping down your arms part. And then just when you thought it couldn't get any worse, it turns out to involve unpaid manual labour.

    We had to practice capsizing and recovering. I disliked this in particular, because I didn't really understand why we had to do it - what was the point of practicing something so easy? It didn't make any sense.

    Never again. * shudders *

    I do love being on the water in a small boat though. And I'm delighted for those that do like kayaks.

  • [Deleted User]Fematheist (deleted user)

    Ewwwwww... dating sites!! BAT BARF... Sooooo glad to no longer be ANYWHERE NEAR that world!!!!

    "I love leisurely walks along the beach, and rock climbing, and horseback riding, and yoga, and kayaking..." she types, as she sits in her scruffy robe, eating bon-bons and drinking bourbon... lol

    No, SERIOUSLY, I really DID enjoy it, and I will probably progress to the point that I can do it solo! There was something serene, centering, and beautiful about the way the water cooperated, carrying us along.. Kind of reminded me of Life!

    Someone told me to look out for jagged rocks in the shallow parts! Thankfully, I didn't have to learn THAT the hard way!

  • ReltvlyCanshesReltvlyCanshes

    A tubing cuddle sounds fun. I know there is some work involved but it can also have some (mostly) remarkably relaxing moments. I don't know about doing it with a newly introduced person, but that's a hell of a way to get to know someone. Kayaking seems like all work.

  • [Deleted User]Fematheist (deleted user)

    @CuddleDuncan ~ Awww...lol... I'm sorry to hear that you had to go through that!!! lolol Thank you for the giggle!!! :)
    AND THE COLD @SS WATER!!! My shoulders are STILL paying for that "unpaid labor!" lol Speaking of capsizing, I almost dumped my friend into the drink!! She shot me a look that turned allll of the cold water into steam!!! hahahahah WON'T DO THAT, AGAIN!!!

    Thanks for sharing your adventures! I think what I liked most about it was that a kayak is more immediate, immersive, like your own efforts make far more of a difference in a kayak than it seems like they would in a boat, you know? I'm a "hands on" kind of person, so that appealed to my Do-ey Do-er nature! lol

  • Vintage_EmbraceVintage_Embrace

    I love kayaking. It’s so relaxing and inspiring.

    So need to try ocean kayaking in the bay. I’d be down for a cuddle kayak ocean/lake meet up.

    I have so much respect for water and the ocean kinda scared me if I flip over or a big fishie is near.

  • JubalJubal

    Advice? Yes

    1) Lifejacket, always
    2) High visibility clothing or flag (or if your kayak is brightly colored, that works too)
    3) Pack stuff in that forward compartment - spare bottled water, first aid kit, things like that. You may not need them right away, but when you do need them they're invaluable.
    4)Assume that you WILL get rolled over and ensure that all your gear is tethered - your paddle, your GoPro camera, everything.
    5) Ensure that you have a watertight, bright, floatable container to put your keys, wallet, and other irreplaceables into (refer to #4 above)
    6)Lots of sunscreen, or protective clothing. Bare legs WILL get lobster-burned.
    7) Go with a buddy whenever possible. When trouble hits, that person is your lifeline.

    Most importantly, HAVE FUN!!!

  • Nature_Lover_Nature_Lover_

    Heyyyy! Kayaking is my jam! Love it !

  • [Deleted User]Fematheist (deleted user)

    @BashfulLoner ~ That sounds lovely... The idea of cuddling while tubing... but then, for me, it devolves into a nightmare of flipping, losing my tube, screaming, and... Wait. Let me just stop at the good part! lol But you're definitely right about the "work" part of kayaking. My shoulders are feeling better, though :)

    Hey... That might be a new line: You wanna go "wet chicks and spill"? lol Lame, I know...

    @SunshineHug ~ As a complete novice, I'ma have to stick to the tiny tributaries for a bit! Okay, no, no ocean for me--- I forgot: Nurse sharks!!! lol But a cuddle on a beach AFTER kayaking? Glorious! If and when you finally do get the chance to kayak in the Bay, please post about it here in the forum? LOVE to read about it! ;)
    It really was the water, I felt engaged, and like you said, "inspired," somehow. Like my link went live! Thanks for chiming in with that!!

    @Jubal ~ I didn't understand ANY of that... Why don't you just come up here and show me? lol Rats... That NEVER works..
    Anyway, thanks for the EXCELLENT safety tips!!! I was reading them and realized just how WOEFULLY UNPREPARED I was to go kayaking safely!!! I'll be better prepared the next time---thanks to you! :star:

    @Nature_Lover_ ~ WAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!!! AND YOU'RE ON ONE IN YOUR PIC!!!! I WANNA DO IT AGAIN!!!!! lol I think it's rapidly becoming my "jam," too!! Thanks for the back up!!! :)

  • Esmeralda9Esmeralda9
    edited July 2024


    I actually loved going kayaking, but not as much as my dad did. Unfortunately, he passed away while kayaking on Lake Tawakoni about two weeks ago on June 14. He knew how to swim very well. His last post on Facebook was of the lake while he was kayaking, but they didn’t find his phone on him so we think he might have Dropped his phone in the water and taking his life vest off so that he could go down under and probably something happened that he drowned because his life vest was found right there, so it doesn’t explain how he drowned. I just picked up his kayak from the Warden in Hunt County and it was such a hard thing to do. I want to say just make sure that you are careful out there and always wear a life vest no matter what because you don’t know when it may bring you down even if you know how to swim, and don’t ever take it off to retrieve a cell phone or anything else on your own. It’s not worth it. Hopefully I’m just trying to avoid another family going through the same pain we are and if it serves a purpose to give this advice, At the end of the day, yes have fun. It is a fun activity and sport, but please be safe and always have a partner, don’t go alone like my dad did.

  • SunsetSnugglesSunsetSnuggles

    @Fematheist
    I went kayaking for the very first time two years ago, in Montana, and was instantly hooked! 💙 I knew within minutes that I wanted to buy one and do it, often.

    My dog, however, did not share the same enthusiasm...he kept his little paws on the side of the kayak, gazing longingly at the shoreline, the entire time. Poor baby! I could almost hear his little voice..."Dogs are laaaaand animals!" 😅

    My boyfriend and I bought the same kayak we rented, last summer. It's white water grade, so very sturdy; should last a lifetime. It's tandem, so we can both be together, with the dog, and our big dry bag with all our food, my camera with my long lens, etc. 📷 We absolutely love it!

    We chose an inflatable kayak, despite my initial misgivings...I always pictured those as pool toys, and figured my booty would sink the thing in two seconds. 🤣 But raft-grade kayaks are no joke, and it's been perfect! Our favorite thing about it is that it folds down into a big bag weighing 50 pounds, and takes just one person to lift it into the trunk of a sedan...no roof racks or excessive storage needed! We didn't want to have to worry about it being stolen while traveling, or deal with storing something super long, if we move into an apartment. It has been exactly what we hoped.

    As for the work-out, yes, I absolutely loved that it's an arm/upper body work-out, and my legs can relax. I already have really strong legs, but my core strength is crap, so it's great exercise, for me.

    @BashfulLoner posted: "Kayaking seems like all work."
    Kayaking in a lake is very easy and peaceful. Believe me, I detest sweating with a passion, and I absolutely love kayaking. 🤭 You can paddle when you want, and float when you want. You can also rent kayaks and simply go downstream the entire way, to a drop-off point, using your paddles only to steer, as the current floats you along. I just saw a ton of people doing this on the Snake River in Grand Teton National Park this weekend, and it looked sooo relaxing! 😌

    @Esmeralda9
    I'm so very sorry to hear about your dad. Thank you for sharing. My heart goes out to you and your family. 🫂

    In addition to @Jubal's safety advice, I would add some tips:

    • Always have a throw bag/lifeline with you, in case someone falls out. Learn/practice how to use it.
    • Carry a whistle, in case you're in an area with motorboats and they don't see you, or if you need help.
    • Always have cell phones in a waterproof pouch - they can still take pictures and video.
    • If it's a super hot day, put your phones in your cooler so they don't overheat and shut off. 🧊
    • Bring nuts or something with protein, in case your blood sugar drops or you start getting dizzy.
    • Bring a plastic bag to keep your trash tied off.
    • Bring wet wipes; you never know what grossness you'll end up getting on your hands. 🤢
    • Bring bug spray - even in the middle of a lake, those mosquitos will find you!
    • Large kitchen trash bags are super helpful to line the seat of your car, if you don't bring a change of clothes and come back wet.

    Hope you continue having an amazing time with this lovely hobby!

    ~ Sunset Snuggles

    🦄 Enthusiast 🏞 Travel Fiend 🐘 Animal Lover

    Happy summer vibes! 🐬 🎹

  • [Deleted User]Fematheist (deleted user)

    @Esmeralda9 ~ Sad to hear about your dad. Thank you for the heart-felt warnings, though... :(

    @SunsetSnuggles ~ INSTANTLY HOOKED!!! SAY THAT!!! I can just see your little dog, staring at the banks, wondering, "Has Mommy lost her mind?!!" lol There was a couple on the river, when we went, who had collapsible kayaks-- and I couldn't help thinking how cool that would be! They weren't inflatable, though---it looked like nylon over aluminum, but the idea of being able to fold them for storage ( or deflate for storage) makes getting them to and from the water MUCH easier!

    My fella bought us two kayaks, so it's looking like this is definitely going to be a life-long passion! THANK YOU, @Esmeralda9 , and @Jubal , for your awesome safety tips!!! I'm actually preparing a safety checklist with your wise suggestions!

    It's kind of embarrassing to be THIS AMPED about something that so many others have known about before now. BUT I AM!!! I LOVED what you, @SunsetSnuggles , said about KNOWING that this would be something that you wanted to do again and often.. I'm soooo there!!! Thanks, again! :)

    @CuddleDuncan mentioned preferring small boats, and after hearing about it (still giggling!), I understand why. But this kayak thing has me "stung" and I'm planning on asking to join in the next trip to the river! I could DEFINITELY see doing this on a lake--where the water had no directional current.. Just floating around, paddling when I feel like doing so, or just riding the movement of the water...

    Thank you all for sharing! :)

  • CuddleHugs01234CuddleHugs01234

    I haven’t read all these, but I find it very peaceful.

  • liveninpjsliveninpjs
    edited July 2024

    Everything @Jubal said: spot on. Very good advice. 👍 I recommend a comfy seat, as your poor bum will end up shaped like that after a few hours. And include a hat and sunglasses with your sunscreen protection. You'll thank yourself later.

    I've been kayaking and canoeing since I was a little kid, never whitewater. It's definitely work but you can take it at your own pace and the therapeutic rewards of the water and all nature around you more than make it worthwhile.

    Stay safe out there and enjoy yourselves!

  • Esmeralda9Esmeralda9

    Thank you @SunsetSnuggles and @Fematheist, I find that it helps to talk about it, and this post just brought that up. Thank you for your support and understanding in me wanting to share this with you guys.

    My dad loved kayaking, and so do I still.
    What happened to my dad was a tragedy but he wouldn’t want me to stop just because of that, his other passion was riding his motorcycle, which I now purchased to help with funeral expenses, and I will now learn to drive.

    I may start another forum for any tips you guys can share with me and others on driving as well as safety when driving a motorcycle. I took a motorcycle class once but that was like more than a 15 years ago and I really don’t recall much of it. Also in case it depends on what kind of motorcycle it is, here’s a picture of my dad and his motorcycle, the one I would be acquiring.

    kayaking is a fun activity, and I will continue to do it, but me personally dont know all the good places to go kayaking at since my dad always took us we just went along, So I’m curious to know WHAT PLACES, PARKS, OR WHERE DO YOU GUYS LIKE TO GO KAYAKING AT? I know this will vary extensively depending on where any of you are at, I’m in the heart of Texas.

  • [Deleted User]Fematheist (deleted user)

    @esmereldarea96 ~Again, I can't even imagine the heartbreak that your family is experiencing. And again, I'm sure all of our hearts are lifting you all up because of this tragic loss. At the risk of seeming insensitive, though, if you need to process something this heavy, will you please consider making your own thread? Your extreme sadness makes it seem like people posting happy, funny, helpful things is out of order-----when that was the whole purpose of my posting this particular thread? Please consider posting a thread to share with those who CAN sit with you, in support, for YOUR topic?

    @CuddleHugs01234 ~ It WAS incredibly peaceful...serene... It was like a re-set, in a way. Like every stressful thing in life just floated away in the water... I'm glad you got to experience it!

    @liveninpjs ~ You've been doing it since you were a kid?? I'm certain that such experiences have left an imprint on your energy!! Do you find that the PEACE comes, when you're out on the water, even still?
    You're soooo right about the hat and sunscreen!! And, since I have ABSOLUTELY NO "JUNK" IN MY "TRUNK", I will DEFINITELY make sure and keep a cushion in my seat!!! lol LOVE how you mention the therapeutic aspect of it--- I was so chill, so peaceful, when we got done dragging the kayaks back up on shore! We had to leave, but I wish I could have stayed there, in nature, close to the water, for a while longer. Next time, I'll make sure that there are no pre-set plans for afterward... Maybe we'll even get to kayak longer!!!

    Thanks, Folks, for chiming in!!

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