I met Anouk Govil when I first started university here in New York, he was from Connecticut and I helped him to acclimatize somewhat to this crazy city. Last month he invited me up to his home town to spend the Easter holidays and show off what people do back up in a far quieter part of the country. During our week of activities I fell in love with kayaking and I have since started to go out on a weekend to the Hudson River to get my fix! If you have the opportunity to go kayaking where you live here is why I think that you should.
The Peace
Even in a city as hectic as New York there is great peace to be found out there on the river, especially first thing in the morning. It was far more beautiful back in Connecticut I must admit but the tranquility of floating along the water is exactly the same. If you head out alone then you can enjoy taking some time out, watching the world go by as you gently sail on down the currents of the water. There is a great peace to be found out on the water when you do go kayaking.
Fitness
It is truly blissful when you are floating down stream but when the time comes to go up against the current you really have to put some effort in. This has proven great for me from a health standpoint and after just a few weeks of kayaking I can already feel me abs getting stronger as well as my arms. When you are in the kayak there is only you to power and maneuver it which isn’t always easy, regular trips to the water in your kayak will help your health.
Back to Nature
There is something very cathartic about getting in touch with nature, some do this by hiking through forests and jungles, sleeping wild, and others get it by taking to the water. I really have enjoyed this experience and floating on the water feels like something very human and something which really brings me a great deal of joy.
Buddy Up
When I hit the water with Anouk we had a great time and it is a wonderful way of catching up with someone. Together you can float downstream, slowly chatting about the world and enjoying some very personal time with your friends.
Fun
Beyond all other reasons kayaking is a just a very fun endeavor which will put a smile on your face. I’d recommend doing this first thing in the morning if you can because it will put you in a great mood for the rest of the day. This is a sport which is only as intense as you want it to be and one which will ultimately leave you happy to be alive.
Why not give it a try this week?
