Kayaking: how to prepare and what to bring with you?

 A kayak is for everyone - it's relatively inexpensive, easy to transport, and lightweight equipment. And sailing gives you a sense of freedom. If you want to spend your vacation actively, read this text, rent a kayak, and go kayaking. Check out how to prepare for kayaking.

Kayaking can be practiced by anyone. However, if you don't know how to swim, you'd better not risk it - although you don't need to show your swimming card when renting a kayak. On the other hand, equipment is not rented to people with a cold, so when you want to paddle, you must be healthy.

This sport, contrary to appearances, does not require a lot of physical strength. You simply need to learn how to paddle effectively. Before getting down on the water, renters warn of the surprises that can be encountered along the way. Rational thinking is more important than good stamina: if only to plot a route that suits one's skills.

Some situations cannot be predicted. On the water, you may encounter obstacles: fallen trees, other vessels (tourist ships, motorboats, jet skis), and seaweed in which oars get entangled. For this reason, it is best for the canoe crew to be mixed: a man and a woman. Men are usually more resistant to hardships.

How to prepare for a canoe trip:

Alicja Stolarczyk of Warsaw, a competitive kayaker and Polish champion in canoe polo (a game of canoe ball), advises.

• Take care of your fitness. A gym is not necessary, but I advise lifting light weights or general exercise (for a week, for example).

• If you will be swimming for the first time, learn how to paddle dry, at home. Work your whole body, not just your arms!

• Before going down to the water, check the technical condition of your kayak.

• Load all your belongings in a plastic bag. Don't keep your cell phone, wallet or camera lose. You could lose everything in the event of a capsize.

• Stow a few empty plastic bottles under the side - they will protect the boat from sinking.

• Do a warm-up before every trip.

• You'll eat your real dinner on land. En route, drink water and eat candy bars, chocolate, and bananas. No sandwiches or thermoses of hot tea!

• If you are swimming in a duo, paddle rhythmically, at an even pace, otherwise you will brake or even collide with your paddles.

• Don't fool around on the water, don't stand up, don't swing. This is dangerous! You can tip your kayak over, lose your luggage, or even drown.

• Avoid obstacles on the water: fallen trees, seaweed.

• Watch the sky. If a storm is approaching, immediately head for shore. For example, carbon fiber paddles draw lightning.

• Shield your head, use creams or lotions with UVA and UVB filters, and protect your eyes with sunglasses.

• In case of a capsize, don't panic. Hold on to your kayak, and collect your belongings. Don't let go of the paddle! If you lose it, you won't make it to shore.

What to practice before a canoe trip?

At least a week before you plan to go canoeing, start sports preparations. The best exercises will be general development exercises, such as swimming, as well as strengthening and stretching. Also, work on your arm and back strength. Contrary to appearances, when paddling, not only the upper but also the lower parts of the bodywork. So prepare your leg muscles for the effort as well (the quadriceps will work the hardest) by cycling or running. Remember that the workout should be gentle and unobtrusive to the body.

Recommended reading - Top Exciting Outdoor Activities to Experience While Traveling

Make it a must

Benefits of kayaking:

• You'll keep a nice figure - when paddling, you work not only your shoulders (triceps arm muscles) but also your legs (you have to push off with them and you set your quadriceps thigh muscles in motion).

• You will rest, relax, and gain distance from your problems.

• You'll get a tan.

• You won't spend too much money (25 zlotys for one day of swimming).

• You will increase your lung capacity.

• You will improve your metabolism.