don’t you want to see the x ray first?
Seriously… 4 miles…
is nothing… That’s like saying “I ran for 50 yards, and didn’t get sore!! I am a superior athlete!!!”
If you were sore after 4 miles, you’d be either doing something VERY wrong, or in pretty bad physical shape. (or have another condition)
Try paddling for at least 15-20 miles to feel what muscles are being used. (or against wind, waves, etc)
If you’re using proper technique, you should feel it in your torso/back, and MUCH less in your arms. It may feel “achy, but Good…”. Not like you hurt yourself. That’s “bad technique”…
My longest nonstop paddle
My longest nonstop paddle was 10 miles in 10 hours. I’ll never forget it. It is more about the hours than the miles. In calm conditions I’m guessing that you did about 4 miles in an hour or less. if you want to toughen you muscles next time, try paddling 3 hours and see how you do.
10 miles in 10 hours? Are you serious?
“My longest nonstop paddle was 10 miles in 10 hours. I’ll never forget it. It is more about the hours than the miles. In calm conditions I’m guessing that you did about 4 miles in an hour or less.”
What were the conditions? Gale winds and 10’ swells? 
I think 4 miles in an hour (or less as you say) is a far better cardio/aerobic/muscular workout than 10 miles in 10 hours… that pretty anaerobic…
agreed…
i think i did four miles my first time paddling.
the only reason i knew i had been on the water was because the memories were so incredible!
Controversial, yet mostly true…
The OP wrote:
“I am wondering what muscles, muscle group or part of your body is mostly used when kayaking?”
Unfortunately, when I look at the folks in our local paddling club (this is Sea Kayaking), I suspect that no muscles are used, and no calories are burned…
The majority of them (and they paddle frequently) are so obese and appear so out of shape, that I don’t think paddling (the way they do it) is of any physical benefit al all. No muscle groups developed, no calories burned… at least nothing of any visible significance.
Sea Kayakers as a whole I think, are grossly out of shape and overweight. Paddling simply allows to much time to sit there and do nothing…
It’s better than eating donuts while watching TV, but not by much…
That’s a very sweeping statement.
“Sea Kayakers as a whole I think, are grossly out of shape and overweight.”
Wrong…
– Last Updated: Mar-04-08 10:12 AM EST –
"Sea Kayakers as a whole I think, are grossly out of shape and overweight." is not very sweeping... (Note the use of "as a whole", and "I think")
"ALL Sea Kayakers are grossly out of shape and overweight." is very sweeping...
Get it right... ;-)
You’d do better to give up thinking then
If you can twist it around in your “mind” in that fashion.
I took it that way also
…so I think in this case your phrasing is what needs getting right.
Regardless, I would have to disagree, but then I’m just speaking from my own regional experiences. The sea kayakers I know are a bit more fit than the general population and most seem to enjoy outdoor pursuits other than kayaking (running, cycling, ihking, etc.).
Sea Kayakers out West…
That I have seen paddling are generally overweight (bordering on obese).
This is a true statement. A “fact” if you will… Quit taking it so personally…
If you’re not fat, fine.
If you are, try dieting and a beter exercise routine, one that burns more calories, and has better aerobic benefits.
Still a sweeping statement.
– Last Updated: Mar-04-08 11:20 AM EST –
You should become a journalist, they build "facts" out of random observations in one area.
I didn’t take it personally
– Last Updated: Mar-04-08 1:35 PM EST –
This is the first time I responded to you on this subject, and I provided my opinion. Which is as factual as yours. I can accept there are regional differences (actually I thought I did so).
I'm sorry you're all fat out there. We're not. Don't YOU take it personally.
And I don't need a fatass PNW sea kayaker giving me exercise tips. OK? Don't take that personally either.
Funny…
– Last Updated: Mar-04-08 11:55 PM EST –
Thanks!! ;-)
I guess opinions and observations aren't welcome on this board...
I'll stick to "Which Drytop is best?" type posts.
Just like the libs... they're all about freedom of speech, until it's something they don't like... then it's racism, etc...
C’mon you guys
the biggest muscle used is the “buttox” as Forest Gump would say.
Now you sound like a spoilt child
Boo Hoo !!!
Nasty people queried my statement !!
dream it, do it.
whatever the mantra is…
you go first 
Yikes! This isn’t B&B!
I had to double check to see if I posted my question on the B&B site! Georgia Kayaker, your post was a nice respite from all of the “discussion” taking place, too funny:)
When I said I did 4 miles my first time out, I didn’t think it was a lot, just enough to maybe feel “something” on a first voyage.
That trip was a pretty much all paddling, no stopping. When I paddle, most times, there is so much to see in the water that I stop often to take pics and enjoy looking at sea anemonies, starfish, crabs, etc. When I’m in deeper water looking at things above the water like, eagles, osprey, herons, I go faster. On a sunny day, I may stop to face the sun and hang out awhile, listen to the water, seals, nature.
I usually see a few seals on my kayak trips, but on my recent trip (yesterday), I was in a small bay w/about 8 seals. I stayed there and the seals came closer. One came under my kayak and twirled, then came behind me to touch his head on the back of my kayak. It was an amazing day!!! Hubby took a pic of the seal while he was passing under my kayak and one swimming w/it’s head above water. It was fantastic.
-Capri
Sounds like a great day on the water
It isn’t about the distance unless you’re into the exercise which many time I am although I enjoy the scenery and paddle quietly.
Paddling is fun and should be whatever each decides they want from the sport. I’m envious of your story and I’ll trade 12 geese, 11 ducks, 10 heron, 9 turtles, 8 trout, 7 beaver, 6 otters, 5 hawks, 4 owls, 3 frogs, 2 strainers and a deer for one seal. That’s a seal not a SEAL.
georgia kayaker
I really wish I could have you all along w/me for one of my trips. I’m sure other kayakers have their own sea life or wildlife that makes their trips extra special.
I do feel very blessed being a hiker and now in addition, a kayaker in a state that has so much to offer.
Having the seal hang out around my kayak reminded me of a great kayak trip I planned on the Elkhorn Slough in Monterey, CA. There were seals w/babies on shore and an otter that stayed right next to my kayak through the trip, going under the water to grab seafood, then coming back up next to me, w/a rock on his tummy to break the shell open with, also a memorable trip.
-Capri