The pandemic has changed our lives drastically but it doesn't mean we have to stop living life to the fullest. There are still many hobbies that we can engage in that are fun and exciting without the risk of breaking health protocols.

Hobbies are vital to having a well-balanced life and are beneficial to your physical, mental, emotional, and even spiritual health. There are tons of benefits to having a hobby regardless of what activity you are interested in but whatever it is that you choose, hobbies make life fun, relaxing, and more meaningful.

Kayaking is a form of watersport that utilizes a double-bladed paddle to propel a small boat. Kayaks were invented by the Native People of North America which were used mainly for hunting and fishing. Now Kayaking has transformed into a recreational activity for enthusiasts and a competitive sport for trained athletes.

Kayaking is one of the outdoor activities that allow you to explore and have a spiritual experience with nature. Whether you are a thrill-seeker that wants to have an adrenaline-filled experience on wild river runs or if you prefer the calm of kayaking in isolation on a still lake, the experience is so immersive and there are also many bodies of water you can choose from depending on your ability and preference. You can paddle on lakes, seas, rivers, and fjords in many locations around the globe and have unique experiences with nature every single time.

The physical activity you get from kayaking is equivalent to a low-impact cardio exercise where it raises your heart rate at healthy levels and ultimately improves your cardiovascular health. It engages the muscles on your legs, arms, back, chest, and core muscles when paddling which makes Kayaking a good exercise to improve upper and lower body strength. It will help you achieve a more toned physique while increasing muscle strength. Adding kayaking to your fitness regimen can also help you achieve your ideal body weight because Kayaking for 1 hour can help you burn 400 to 500 calories depending on your speed.

The purpose of having a hobby is for us to take our minds off the stresses of everyday life. We engage in hobbies that we find fun and relaxing but at the same time help reduce stress and clear our minds. Kayaking is an activity similar to meditation. It makes you more mindful of your body when you coordinate your paddling with your breathing while you move through the water. You become more focused but at the same time more aware of your surroundings. It makes you feel connected and one with nature.

Kayaking is a great activity to do alone but it can also be a wonderful experience to meet people who share the same love for the sport. You can expand your social circle by making new friends in the kayaking community and going on adventures and create awesome memories together.

To sum it all up, Kayaking is an amazing outdoor activity with lots of health benefits. It's a hobby with plenty of opportunities to go on amazing adventures alone or with your friends and family. You don't have to buy a Kayak when starting out, you can just rent or borrow to have a feel of the sport but I am sure that you will be hooked once you get to paddle and have your first Kayaking experience. If you are looking for a new hobby during this pandemic, give Kayaking a try! 😊