Canoeing is a fun pastime for many during the hot and humid summers. It allows people to freshen up and enjoy some time away from their busy lives, relax, and enjoy the beauty of nature. But that’s not all. People also take up canoeing as a way to stay fit while having fun. So if you’re interested in getting a canoe or a portable kayak for yourself, check out our buyer’s guide at Outdoor Trends.
What Is A Canoe?
A canoe is a lightweight and narrow boat pointed at both ends with an opening in the middle. It’s smaller than traditional boats and resembles a kayak. But unlike kayaks, canoes don’t have designated cockpits and can accommodate more people. It uses a single-bladed paddle that faces the direction of the travel.
Originally, canoes were designed for trades which is why they have space to store items. Now, however, canoeing is commonly a hobby for people to relax and get away from their busy lives. Additionally, canoeing has been part of the Olympics since 1936, around the same time as kayaks.
Why Is It A Fun Pastime Activity?
Doesn’t Require Extensive Learning
If you’re canoeing on calm waters in a small lake, you don’t need any prior experience because canoeing is such an easy activity to learn. Generally, you’ll only need an hour to master paddling, unlike other water sports that require you to follow the learning curve able to master it. Moreover, these sports can also be dangerous to a certain degree, but canoeing, if done in safe waters, is a harmless activity that can help you unwind and have a good time with your friends.
It’s Fun For The Whole Family
Not only is canoeing fun and easy, but it’s also something the entire family can do. That’s because there’s no age limit for canoeing. So if you’re struggling to plan a fun family holiday that includes hyper kids, you can definitely try canoeing. It’s worn out your kids while allowing them to have a good time. There aren’t many sports that offer the same openness when it comes to kids, especially water sports.
Can Be Done Leisurely And Competitively
Canoeing is one of the few activities that can be done as a leisure activity or competitively. People who prefer recreational canoeing lean towards slowly paddling on an open body of water without big waves and heavy flow. But some prefer the challenge. If you’re one of them, you can try whitewater canoeing.
This is done on waters with a heavier flow and can generate waves. But the canoes used in this are different from the leisure ones. Because whitewater is salty, the salt can deposit on it and ruin the outer layer of the canoe.
It’s A Good Workout
Some people also prefer canoeing because it’s an unconventional form of exercise that allows people to get fit while having a good time. People who live near lakes or rivers regularly canoe to keep themselves fit. Canoeing is a form of low-impact exercise that’s great for building upper body strength and stretching the muscles.
But if you want to achieve fitness results from canoeing, you’ll have to do it regularly. Otherwise, you won’t see any results. On the other hand, you can also treat it as an unconventional workout and pair it with your regular workout routine.
Allows You To See Beautiful Sights
Forests or mountains usually surround lakes and rivers. And even if they aren’t, the surrounding area is usually scenic. So paddling slowly on a calm and scenic lake can be a good change from sitting in traffic jams and getting absorbed in the busy city life.
Even if you live in the suburbs, you still don’t get that level of relaxation you can get by canoeing on a calm river. Moreover, if the location has pretty marine life, you can enjoy looking at the different fish circling your canoe.
Doesn’t Require You To Get Into The Water
Another great thing about canoeing is that you don’t actually have to get soaking wet to enjoy a water activity. Moreover, canoes rarely capsize in freshwater conditions. So you can paddle around in your craft without getting any water on you.
Moreover, if you’re out for a gentle cruise, you won’t even have to worry about the water flow. However, if you want to beat the heat, no one is going to stop you from going for a dip during your ride. But these options allow you to have fun canoeing any way you like.
It’s Good For Mental Health
You may not be aware of this, but canoeing has meditative properties. Anything that relaxes you and involves a rhythmic pattern is considered meditative. Be it breathing, jogging, or paddling a canoe. Nowadays you can’t get time for yourself because of the fast-paced lifestyle. There’s rarely any time for anyone to step back and enjoy life.
This also applies to vacations where people find it hard to enjoy their free time because they’re too busy worrying about things waiting for them at home. But when you’re canoeing on a calm lake, the rhythmic paddling creates a similar effect to meditation. It lets your mind relax completely and detach from the world’s troubles. If you’re an experienced canoer, it’ll be easier to achieve that trance-like state while paddling.
Doesn’t Require Special Locations
Canoeing is quite versatile. There aren’t any requirements about the depth or the location because it can be done on most bodies of water. So if you don’t like taking your canoe on a faraway vacation spot, you can use any nearby lake or even dams.
Moreover, you don’t even need any special water conditions and type. You only need to be aware of salt deposits if the location you picked has salty water. Because it can ruin your canoe, so make sure your canoe isn’t made from materials that degrade in salt water, and you’re good to go.
If you’re struggling to find good canoes or can’t make up your mind about which one you want to buy, check out our informative product recommendations and buyer’s guide to help you make a pick. Besides canoes and kayaks, we also review other products, including the best throwing axes & tomahawks reviewed, the best budget mountain bikes 2022, the best electric bicycles, and many more. So check out your favorite product’s reviews from our website today!
