In the fall of 2024, Isani kayaked at Black Hill Regional Park. Here, he is still adjusting to the new feeling of being out on the water. (Courtesy Photo)
Kayaking is a water sport that involves paddling a slim boat, called a kayak through the water. According to PaddletheRiver.com, the word kayak comes from an Inuit Native American word meaning “man-boat” or “hunting boat.” Native Americans invented kayaks to hunt food. Additionally, the word kayak was sometimes spelled “qajaq”. Many people confuse kayaking and canoeing because they are both boat sports. However, the International Canoe Federation mentions that in a kayak, the paddler sits down and uses a double-bladed paddle to pull the boat through the water. In a canoe, the paddler kneels and uses a single-bladed paddle to move the boat.
When I went kayaking I was part of a program. They gave us a brief lesson and then we got on the water. Kayaking has more benefits than people think. should try it out because it helps you connect with nature, improves your mood, and strengthens your muscles.
On each of my river excursions, I get in touch with Mother Nature as I kayak through animal habitats and learn about new creatures. When I went kayaking, I saw a blue heron which is a fish-hunting bird that has long legs. I also saw a cormorant which is almost like a duck. They can hold their breath underwater for up to 15 minutes to hunt fish and eels. This phenomenon encourages people to respect nature because it demonstrates how animals can survive in harsh conditions.
It also demonstrates how animals hunt each other to make an ecosystem. In the movie The Lion King, Mufasa explains to Simba the circle of life. For those who may not know, the circle of life is just another way to describe the ecosystem and the food chain. The circle of life is a fun way to explain to kids why animals eat other animals, and why animals die.
My kayaking experience witnessing cormorants eating fish is an example of the circle of life and how the ecosystem works. This showed us kayakers how the circle of life/ecosystem works. Even though I have loved animals my whole life, I learned to respect them even more that day. Since you are in animals’ natural habitat, your respect toward animals will increase after kayaking.
As you kayak and gaze at the glistening water, you feel as free as a bird. All of your worries evaporate and your mind opens. Just imagine you are levitating over water. This sensation calmed me like nothing else. I felt light as a feather as I was gliding across the water. The water calmed me, which made my anxiety leave my body. Even though kayaking strains my upper body; my head, neck, and shoulders felt lighter and less tired. When I am around water I feel free. When the water is flat and with minimal current, it is very pleasant to be around. The sun shining on the water was magnificent. The stress that leaves your body when you’re kayaking is endless.
People of all ages can kayak to improve their physical health. Additionally, it is an exciting way to gain strength and endurance. It provides enough challenge but is easy enough for average people to enjoy. When I was kayaking I felt my shoulders and back engaging, so I could steer the boat through the water. The more pressure I added, the bigger my muscles and pain tolerance became. This reminded me that while I was kayaking, I was exercising too. When you are kayaking you feel every little wave slightly rock your boat. This motivates you to use your shoulders and arms to paddle faster and faster. When you finally get out of the water, you can feel the strength rippling in your shoulders. People of all ages should try kayaking because it exercises your muscles without you thinking about exercising. Kayaking is entertaining because it helps you connect with nature, improves mood, and strengthens your muscles. Everyone should sit in a kayak instead of on their couch and go try something new. Then they will connect with nature and respect the creatures that live in the world with us. They will improve their mental health. They will exercise their body to improve their health. Kayaking is multi-purposeful and fun, give it a try. There are many places you can kayak, especially if you have a national park in your area. You can look up kayaking programs. It will be worth the money.
The Watoto Speak! 