The cool water pools around your ankles as you put your lightweight kayak into the river for a foggy sunrise paddle. The hot sun burns away the mist and glimmers off the water as it rises through the trees. The paddle's rhythmic motion soothes the senses. The mind is calm, and the body is moving. There is nothing quite like being on the water. Luckily, we have plenty of choices for how we can get out in this kind of natural setting. There are canoes, kayaks, and stand up paddle boards for every level from beginner to expert, and sometimes all we need is a little motivation. It does not matter what vessel a woman chooses to use. Spending time on the water is what matters.
Condition
ArtistGNDphotography/Getty
The physical benefits of paddling a canoe, kayak, or paddle board are astounding. These sports require a lot of muscle motion. Submerging a paddle in the water and executing an efficient stroke incorporates nearly every muscle in the upper body. Paddling must be repeated over and over, so there is a lot of reps involved. The core engages for stability and balance, too. Standing on a paddle board will give the entire body a good workout.
Beyond muscles, there are cardiovascular benefits, too. Navigating a vessel through the waters will get the heart pumping.
There is also the huge benefit of Vitamin D; spending time under the sun gives the body a chance to absorb some of those sunshine-sourced essentials. This is super important because Vitamin D is one of the hardest vitamins to absorb through food intake. Exposure to natural lights boosts serotonin, too, which Harvard Health Publishing says provides a mood boost.
Camaraderie
Bettmann/Getty
Canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boarding are easily adapted into group activities. Whether you're using a tandem craft or you have your own, just grab some friends and put in! The health benefits of this sort of exercise combined with the social benefits of spending time with companions is a supercharge to your overall wellness, according to The Odyssey Online.
Spending time together while doing an outdoor, water-based activity also creates space for people to catch up. It provides time to bond while taking the pressure off from sitting face to face. Plus, there is the shared experience of witnessing nature's beauty.
Connection
stockstudioX/Getty
Connection to nature is good for humans. The health benefits of kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding are not just physical.
A study conducted by Women in Adventure focused on 11 popular outdoor sports, including hiking, cycling, running, backcountry camping, swimming, climbing, kayaking, mountaineering, canoeing, skiing, and surfing. A whopping 90 percent of participants reported positive effects on mental health, but specifically, kayaking and canoeing had the most impact.
