Connect and kayak: find friends as an adult

Some recent emails from our digital community – and personal thoughts on adult friendships – inspired today’s article. It can be really hard to make friends as an adult, but when you find people who are aligned in your values, vibe with your energy, and enjoy flatwater kayaking… well, it can be a real cure for the adult loneliness that plagues so many of us.

“You really cannot underscore the sheer joy and tranquility kayaking in nature can bring you.”

— A member of our Flatwater Kayak Club community

So if you’re feeling lonely right now, you’re not alone, and you’ve come to the right place! According to a recent CNN Health report and Gallup study, nearly 1 in 4 adults feel lonely.

With recreational kayaking trending in popularity across the country (and world), what if we told you that recreational flatwater kayaking can:

• Bring greater mindfulness and appreciation of life?

• Tap you into a connected, fun, inclusive community?

• Be a great source of physical movement and exercise?

• Offer deeper spirituality and a greater appreciation for the world we live in?

• Foster lasting, meaningful memories with family and friends?

• Spark joy, inspiration, and creativity – especially when you’re in a rut?

• Be a fantastic approach to combat adult loneliness?

Find out how kayaking can be the perfect activity to make new friends as an adult, just like we did! Discover tips and places where you can meet like-minded paddlers and reduce loneliness… and let us know how our digital Flatwater Kayak Club community could potentially help foster more adult friendships through kayaking… Read on!

We participated in the Big Paddle event in Ridgefield, Washington last year, which was a great place to meet like-minded adults who also love nature, paddling flat waters, and exercise.

Building friendships through kayaking

In the complicated, busy, expanse of adult life, making new friends can seem like a daunting task. The simplicity of childhood friendships, formed over shared interests or playground adventures, evolves into a more complex quest as we age… Basically, the older we get, it’s not so easy to make real friends anymore, is it?

“Nearly 1 in 4 adults feel lonely.”

— CNN Health

We’re too often tired from work drama, parenting responsibilities, adulting things like errands, taxes, cleaning. We’re too stressed out. We scroll too much on social media. Many of us really need a healthy dose of fresh air, a good laugh with a good person, some movement in our body, and a nice detox from life out in nature.

Community is one of the reasons that I founded Flatwater Kayak Club back in 2022. When we moved out west in 2020, and I had trouble building adult friendships in my new city. I wanted to be outside, explore the incredible beauty of the PNW, and didn’t really know anyone.

So I bought a folding kayak. I began exploring popular paddling routes alone, or with kayaking with my dog, and then eventually started signing up for guided tours, meeting employees at local paddle shops, kayaking with family, and making new friends through kayaking.

But even four years into my avid, regular kayaking life, and being the founder of this online kayaking business, it can still be hard to identify that handful of close friends I can call and say, let’s go paddling! – so here we are, providing some thoughts on the topic, and educating myself in the process.

“Go outside, often, sometimes in wild places.”

— "The Nature Fix" by Florence Williams

However, shared activities such as flatwater kayaking offer a unique avenue to forge new bonds and combat the ever-prevalent epidemic of adult loneliness. This article explores why kayaking is an ideal activity for building friendships, how it can help overcome feelings of loneliness, and where to find kayaking friends…

Why shared interests can foster new friendships

Engaging in activities you love not only enriches your life with joy and fulfillment but also positions you in the company of individuals with similar interests.

“Shared activities are a cornerstone of developing and deepening friendships.”

— Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, (Bell, S. & Bromnick, R., 2003).

One of the first places I paddled in my new city: My folding Oru kayak at Scappoose Bay, Oregon.

In the context of kayaking, the shared experience of navigating serene waters, learning a new paddling technique, or birdwatching from your boat can quickly turn acquaintances into lifelong friends.

The allure of flatwater kayaking

Flatwater kayaking stands out as an low-barrier-to-entry, enjoyable activity for people of all skill levels. Its appeal lies in the tranquility of gliding over calm waters, the beauty of exploring scenic routes, the benefits of physical activity it provides, and the incredible opportunities to enjoy nature. I’ve kayaked with seniors, kids, and folks my own age – and it’s a really beautiful, multi-generational outdoor experience.

“But are not exercise and the open air within the reach of us all?”

— Walt Whitman

These elements make flatwater kayaking not just a sport but a therapeutic activity, ideal for conversations and shared experiences. The low-pressure environment allows for natural interactions, making it easier to connect on a personal level. And being out in nature is balm for the soul. It’s actually scientifically good for our brains. And humanity was built for connection.

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Overcoming loneliness through kayaking

Loneliness, a common affliction in the modern world, significantly impacts mental health. By joining a kayaking group or participating in a kayaking event, individuals can immerse themselves in a community that shares a passion for the outdoors, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie.

“I like to paddle more slowly, and I especially like taking the time to spot wildlife. But it’s hard to find kayakers who feel the same.”

— A member of our Flatwater Kayak Club community

We’ve enjoyed several REI guided kayak tours in Washington and Oregon. Starting with a reputable tour guided kayak experience can be a great place to start making paddling friendship in your city.

Finding kayaking friends

1. Join Local Kayaking Clubs: Many cities and towns have kayaking clubs that welcome paddlers of all levels. These clubs often organize regular outings, offering a perfect opportunity to meet new people. Buy a kayak (I use a folding one, since it’s easy for me to handle by myself), or rent a kayak from one of the top businesses in you’re near Portland. And if at first you don’t succeed, don’t give up – try out another club or meet-up. It can take some time to find the right people and paddling style that are more your kayaking style. Don’t give up after one meet-up :)

2. Attend Kayaking Workshops, Tours, and Events: Look for kayaking classes, workshops, or events in your area. These are great for learning new skills and meeting other kayakers. In Portland, for example, eNRG Kayaking has full moon paddles, Ladies Night, and music on the water events. I’ve taken a couple REI kayak tours and tons of other guided kayak tours in the Pacific Northwest, which has contributed to some new friendships in the paddling world. [Find an REI class near you!]. I’ve found success in this avenue because the people signing up also like the class description (“multi-day kayaking trip” or “ecotour kayak adventure” or “wildlife observation kayak tour”). They’re more likely to be folks interested in the same things you are. I’ve definitely met some cool people on these tours, and asked for their phone numbers!

3. Social Media and Kayaking Forums: Online communities can be a treasure trove for finding local kayaking groups. Platforms like Meetup.com or Facebook groups dedicated to kayaking in your region can connect you with potential kayaking partners. Feel free to tag us on Instagram in your flatwater paddling adventures at #FlatwaterKayakClub and use our kayak quotes to support your captions. We hope to be more involved on social media in the coming year.

4. Volunteer for Environmental Cleanups: Many kayaking groups participate in environmental conservation efforts, such as river cleanups. Volunteering for these causes can introduce you to like-minded individuals. Can’t find one near you? Start one! Check out our article on How to Plan a River Clean-up for tips & ideas.

5. Kayaking Retailers and Rental Locations: Local shops often have bulletin boards with information on upcoming events or groups looking for new members. If you aren’t seeing an ad you vibe with, be brave and post your own! For a fun way to get started, right from where you are now, take our free online quiz to identify yourself a. a lake or river kayaker. We don’t save the answers for our records, it’s just a way to guide you to our best and most helpful lake and kayak route articles to inspire your next journey!

6. Flatwater Kayak Club Email Newsletter. We promise not to spam you, and we aim to bring some inspiration, community, and solace into your inbox. You can unsubscribe at any time, and you won’t hurt our feelings :)

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Our favorite saying is, you’re here, you found us, you’re one of us… and that’s true. We’re committed to offering a free online community here at Flatwater Kayak Club, and so if you’re still feel a bit lost in your own paddling world, you’re not alone. You’re one of us!

Should Flatwater Kayak Club offer kayaking events?

Take our kayaking event interest poll and let us know –Click here to take our super short survey!

To better serve our community and support the formation of adult kayaking friendships, we're considering organizing inclusive, fun, low-key kayaking events in Seattle or Portland in 2024. It’ll only take 1 minute of time, and we’d really value your insights!

Conclusion

Kayaking not only offers an escape into nature but also a unique opportunity to build meaningful connections. The tranquility of flat water kayaking creates an ideal backdrop for conversations, wildlife observations, and shared experiences, paving the way for new adult friendships.

By engaging in this rewarding activity, adults can find solace from loneliness and enrich their lives with the companionship of fellow kayaking enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned paddler or new to the sport, the kayaking community can really be a welcoming, inclusive space for everyone seeking friendship and adventure on the water!

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About Flatwater Kayak Club

Flatwater Kayak Club is a leading woman-owned online platform dedicated to supporting beginner and intermediate kayakers in the Pacific Northwest. Our company founder, a former writer for The National Geographic Channel and a current ACA member, guides our mission with her passion for kayaking, nature, and storytelling.