Kayaking vs Walking

One of the reasons I am considering getting into kayaking is that a few months ago I had a health scare. Not the end of the world, but not surprising either. Things drastically changed in my life and suddenly I was woefully underwhelmed. It was good, I got some major accomplishments done, but had life too easy.

So now I walk… 3 to 5 miles a day around the house, but its getting kind of boring. There are only so many roads, powerlines and railroad tracks you can walk. Living on a river though I thought kayaking would be a more interesting way to get in some exercise.

But how much?

Is it’s benefits similar to walking? Kind of seems like you just sit there and let the current take you, so I am not sure I will net what I am after. Or does it just mean you travel further miles, but get the same overall exercise as walking per hour?

I am just a pudgy 50 year old trying to stay a little more active, not looking to do any triathlons here, but not get bored doing it.

I thought maybe changing it up from walking to kayaking might make staying active have some variety, but walking was $0 where as kayaking is a bit more of an investment. But is it worth it?

Upper body, Kayaking ( with at least a good Thermoformed rec boat)

Lower body, a descent Road Bike well maintained.

Cover more ground, see more scenery, see better scenery, exercising by doing something mechanical, not just exercising for exercising sake.

Be back in your 30s in no time…Is it worth it?

Kayak paddling is excellent for core strength if you paddle correctly and if you also use your legs to transfer paddle energy to the hull. The common practice of arm paddling and just sitting not so much.

2 Likes

Shop for used equipment to save money and hold resale value. Facebook marketplace and craigslist and the classifieds here on the site. When you find something you are interested in buying consider asking about your choice here for further advice.

2 Likes

Paddling is not the overall exercise that walking can be but you can still get in good shape depending on how you do it.
A gentle cruise can be good for your soul but it is easy to find some wind or current to challenge your body.
A poorly designed boat is great for exercise but can be really frustrating. For someone starting out a good recreational kayak can be had for less than 1K, esp if used. Dagger, Old Town , and Wilderness Systems make good ones.
Running , walking, and hiking were my primary exercises for decades. Age and genetics have made those part of my past but paddling has kept me going.

1 Like

I still haven’t seen a picture of you in or even standing next to a boat…

I find it difficult to get motivated to go nowhere on treadmills, stationary bikes, rowing machines, etc. For me, paddling and cycling offer a good combination of activities that use most muscle groups. My outdoor walking is mostly limited to the winter months when the other two aren’t possible.

3 Likes

I know I am in trouble, I agree with @Buffalo_Alice on something. I have to reexamine my thinking.

Better lie down until it passes.

2 Likes

This post was flagged by the community and is temporarily hidden.

Ask and you shall receive.

There have been many in the past of him paddling. Here are a few for your viewing pleasure with him actually in a kayak.

3 Likes

One might think that will shut him up, but it won’t

1 Like

Just returning a line.

There aren’t enemy’s here. You just don’t get it. Have you considered your behavior and how it appears? We aren’t here to destroy. Stick around and you might find you would enjoy paddling with those you disagree with. Tony Daniel puts up with me.

Here is where we met. Jim organized a paddle race on Lake Jocassee years ago and invited me to take part. Several of the folks in this photo have become friends.
He is top left row.

2 Likes

Yes there are…every affront gets answered, no exceptions.

My bad. I’ll stop insinuating and tell you that your endless posts make you come across as a very young and inexperienced individual who parrots other’s opinions. It has become very tiresome.

7 Likes

…and you have been wrong in the past.

You might like doing that, but it demeans you. It’s not what this place is about, and it disrupts threads like this one. I thought perhaps you might come to realize that.

1 Like

I could debate you and your little friend quite easily and shred your and his argument, but as you say, this is not my thread and we have interfered with it enough.

As I stated before, I do not start fights, I finish them.

you just don’t get it…you are the
one being destroyed by commenting on just about every post on this site.

5 Likes