Kayaking is a recreational activity that people of all ages and abilities can enjoy. It is a low-impact workout that provides an opportunity for individuals to connect with nature and enjoy the outdoors. For those just starting out or looking to refresh their knowledge, understanding kayaking basics is crucial. Kayaking can be an excellent activity for seniors who want to stay active and healthy while also experiencing the positive benefits of being outdoors.
Participating in kayaking as a senior may look a little different than for younger adults. It is increasingly common for seniors to experience mobility limitations and a decline in physical function as they age. According to the Government of Canada, more than one-third of all Canadian seniors experience mobility challenges, and this number is even higher among older seniors.
Experiencing mobility concerns or physical limitations does not need to act as a barrier for seniors to participate in kayaking. With the right tools and knowledge, seniors are well-equipped to continue to enjoy kayaking even as they continue to age.
Understanding Kayaking
Recreational kayaking is a very popular activity, with over 13 million US residents reporting they went kayaking in 2021. The basics of kayaking include paddling a kayak, which is a narrow boat propelled by a paddle with a blade on each end. Kayaking can be done on various bodies of water, including rivers, lakes, and oceans.
One of the characteristics about kayaking that make it a great option for seniors is that it is low impact exercise. This is desirable for older adults who want to stay active because it allows for minimal strain on the joints. Kayaking also provides seniors with an opportunity to get out and explore nature that previously would not be accessible to them.
When it comes to kayaking, there are several different types of kayaks that you can use, depending on the type of water you’ll be paddling in. For example, if you are kayaking on calm, flat water, such as a lake or pond, you might want to use a recreational kayak. These kayaks are stable and easy to maneuver, making them a great choice for beginners.
On the other hand, if you’ll be paddling in large lakes, bays, or oceans, you’ll need a kayak that is designed for those conditions. In more choppy conditions, a touring kayak is ideal because it allows for better speed and tracking.
Overall, kayaking can be a fun and rewarding activity for seniors. It allows you to stay active, get out in nature, and explore new areas. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced kayaker, there’s a type of kayaking that’s right for you.
Benefits of Kayaking for Seniors
Kayaking offers many physical and mental health benefits for seniors. These include:
Promotes heart health. Kayaking involves aerobic exercise which helps to build endurance and improve cardiovascular health. According to Harvard Health this can help improve mobility, mood, and strengthen cognitive function.
Strengthens a variety of muscle groups. Kayaking involves repetitive motions using the arm, shoulder, core, and leg muscles, which helps with strengthening and coordination between these muscle groups.
Reduce the risk of falls. Research indicates building core muscles can also improve postural control and balance in seniors, which can reduce the risk of falls.
Promotes healthy aging. According to the World Health Organization an important contributor for healthy aging is maintaining the functional ability to engage in activities that enable wellbeing. Continuing to participate in physical activity like kayaking is important for maintaining mobility and functional ability.
Helps reduce stress. Research demonstrates engaging in exercise and spending time in nature are two strategies to reduce chronic stress. This is important as chronic stress is a contributing factor to chronic inflammation, chronic disease, and early death.
Promotes socialization. Kayaking can be enjoyed as a solo activity or with a group of friends. Spending time with others can help to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness, which are associated with chronic disease and early death. Kayaking can also be enjoyed by all members of the family, which creates a great opportunity for spending quality time together.
Improved self-esteem. With practice, your kayaking skills improve, which can create a sense of accomplishment and pride in your abilities. Additionally, research indicates spending time in nature can improve mood and overall well-being.
Getting In and Out of the Kayak
For seniors, getting in and out of a kayak can be a challenge and create a barrier to enjoying kayaking. However, with the KayaArm Kayak Launch System, entering and exiting a kayak has never been easier.
The KayaArm is a revolutionary kayak launch stabilizing device that makes it safe to enter and exit your kayak at your dock. It is patented, low-cost, easy to use, and simple to install, making it a must-have for seniors who enjoy kayaking.
Many KayaArm customers have shared that KayaArm has taken away their fear and given them their confidence back with entering/exiting their kayak, which has allowed them to enjoy many more hours out paddling. One KayaArm customer expressed “What a great product!!! I am an 82-year-old woman who just purchased a kayak and could not get in or out without help. Now I am an independent 82-year-old kayaker who can paddle when I please. I even put it together by myself.”.
The KayaArm Kayak Launch System is designed to be mounted on a ladder or a dock and provides a stable platform for entering and exiting your kayak. It is also compact and convenient for use in fresh and tidal waters. The revolutionary patented design of the KayaArm makes it safer to enter and exit your kayak, reducing the risk of spills from the kayak or injury.
One KayaArm customer shared, “There are not enough words to fully express how HAPPY and PLEASED I am. It was an easy installation, and this was the FIRST time I had gotten into and out of my kayak without taking the plunge! Not a drop of water in the kayak either! This arthritic knee, hip, and shoulder ole lady THANKS YOU”.
In addition to providing a stable platform for entering and exiting your kayak, the KayaArm can also be used for kayak storage at the dock. The KayaArm is designed to be used for lifting your kayak from the water, making it easier to store your kayak at the dock. This convenience is appreciated by many KayaArm customers, one who shared, “The two KayaArm solution gives us a way to store [our heavy kayak] safely out of the water where you can have it ready to go in 15 seconds!”. In addition, the KayaArm can be mounted on the garage, shed, or carport wall to provide winter storage for your kayak.
To use the KayaArm Kayak Launch System, simply mount it on a ladder or a dock and adjust the height of the KayaArm to match the water level. Then, place your kayak on the KayaArm and use the ladder or dock to enter and exit your kayak. The KayaArm provides a stable platform for entering and exiting your kayak, reducing the risk of spills out of the kayak.
The KayaArm has helped many senior kayakers, including those with mobility challenges related to arthritis and newly replaced knees and hips, successfully enter and exit their kayak with no fear. For videos that demonstrate how the KayaArm in action, check out our YouTube channel here
Read more about what our customers have to say about the KayaArm here
Check out our Google reviews posted by satisfied KayaArm customers here