Easing into adventure: A senior's guide to recreational kayaking

Ah, the golden years! At 79, I was quite content with my routine walks and occasional bike rides. But then, my spirited daughter introduced me to the world of flat water kayaking, Finding an exercise you love is half the battle, and I've discovered my passion with every paddle stroke. Read on to learn some advice from another senior on exploring the new hobby of recreational kayaking.

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Why flatwater kayaking for seniors?

Flatwater kayaking is precisely what it sounds like – serene waters, no daunting waves, light to non-existent currents. That eliminates a lot of stress for sure. Think calmness and soothing tranquility with a heaping dose of back to nature sounds and sensations that only a trip on the water can bring. It offers older folks like me an engaging alternative to sitting around the house and away from screens. Recreational kayaking presents a refreshing route to improved health, enhancing cardiovascular strength, muscle tone, and flexibility. Kayaking is also gaining in popularity.

And the beauty of it? You set the pace. I like that it’s a low impact sport. The effort expended is not mindlessly boring. It’s even fun! The physical challenges are attainable with a reasonably healthy body. An “I can do this” attitude can become an “I can do this” result. That really helps to make for a feel good experience. 

Whether you wish to glide gently or paddle with vigor, the choice is yours with proper paddle route planning. It’s this gentle balance of effort and enjoyment that made me fall in love with this activity.

Taking the first paddle stroke

Starting something new can be daunting. I remember feeling a mix of excitement and apprehensiveness the first time I went kayaking as a senior. I’m an experienced sailor, but it had been a long time since I had kayaked. Luckily for me, my daughter is an experienced paddler and she really took the reins, planning our inaugural kayaking adventure a few years ago – a guided tour around Florida's stunning Shell Key Preserve. The idea of potentially tipping over in unfamiliar waters was at the forefront of my mind, but my fears soon evaporated on an expert guided tour and a shared tandem kayak with my daughter (we always wore life jackets though, just in case. Safety is priority!).

The experience? Sun, fun, and a newfound love for recreational kayaking. I also enjoyed hearing interesting stories about the area’s history and nature.

If you're like me, starting with guided kayak tours for beginners can be an excellent way for seniors to ease into the sport. Many establishments, like sporting stores and kayak rental companies, offer these tours while emphasizing water safety, paddle stroke tips and advice. We’ve found great guided kayak tours through local paddle shops and AirBnB Experiences.

On our recent kayak trip, the paddle shop guiding our trip made it all easy as they provided the kayaks, life jackets, paddles, and all the essentials plus careful directions and safety instructions and an experienced ACA-certified kayaking guide to show us the way.  

Connecting with nature and each other for improved well-being

You really cannot underscore the sheer joy and tranquility kayaking in nature can bring you. On one particular sunset kayaking journey in the Pacific Northwest, the beauty of the Columbia River Gorge left me awestruck. The gentle splash of water off our paddles, the peacefulness and amazing beauty of the river, the dark green to  brown mountainous backdrop in the distance, the ducks (Mergansers our guide told us) bolting lightning fast as they skimmed across the water to catch up with the others. and the mesmerizing play of sun and shadow on the water – it was really so beautiful!

I felt like I was on a very lovely, almost secret, adventure path. It was a special place and a privilege to be there. Each paddling trip has been a therapeutic escape, reminding me of the natural wonders that lie just a paddle stroke away.

Also sharing these kayaking adventures with my daughter gives us an emotional connection. The years will pass and our physical presence there together will be gone. The mountains, trees, and river will remain. They were witness to our very special day. If we return they will jog our storehouse of memory. We laughed and talked and paddled and had fun! I am determined  to follow my daughter’s lead and be an initiator for more of these kinds of days. More days to get off the couch. More good days to share outside adventures with friends and family!

Safety considerations for seniors

While kayaking is indeed therapeutic, safety is paramount. Here are some tidbits I've picked up along my journey:

• Always, always wear a life jacket.

• Ensure you're comfortable swimming.

• Evaluate the challenge level of your chosen waterway, and make sure you’re up for the physical task of paddling – check with your doctor first if you’re unsure.

• Start with reputable kayak guided tours and soak up the wisdom of experts.

• Watch YouTube videos of safe kayak boat entry and exits.

• Kayak with a trusted person who has kayaking experience too (consider enjoying a tandem kayak paddle together!).

• And of course, make that reservation, and set out for a memorable day on the water!

Summary

Sharing these kayaking adventures, especially with my daughter, has been a source of profound joy and connection. The landscapes might remain unchanged over the years, but our shared memories amidst them are ever-evolving. I feel rejuvenated, ready for many more paddling adventures. And to you, fellow seniors who are pondering dipping that paddle into calm waters, I say, give it a try. It's invigorating, heartwarming, and immensely rewarding. Perhaps one day, our paths will cross on the water – Happy paddling!

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.