Tried it, Loved it (somehow): Kayaking

If you live near, or are visiting a body of water and just wanna make your arms ache a little, this one is for you. Here's my take on it:

Full disclosure, I have tried kayakying a couple of times before. The first time was disastrous to say the least. I was 10 years old on my first residential school trip, it was in the mountains of North Wales (very cold), in May (still cold up there), in a fast flowing river that was fed by melting snow (excruciatingly cold). We were in two person kayaks, and my partner developed a sudden and primal fear of the water. She panicked and tipped us both into the icy grey swirls. My day was ruined, my everything was soggy, and I didn't enjoy how much colder the wind felt. I vowed to never do that again.

But I still really love the water. I'm from a coastal area, and was born on a small island. The call to water-based activities is in my blood. So when I went to Sweden in 2016, I signed up to tour that consisted of kayaking around Stockholm. It was tense as the water is also shared with boats that were much, much bigger than me, and my rowing skills were subpar to put it lightly. But yet I had an amazing time and it was a lovely way of seeing the city .

Kayaking around Stockholm (circa 2016)

Here's the problem with this hobby though. It's expensive. If you're not near water it's impossible, and if you are, you either have to rent the kayaks or buy your own. For this reason I wasn't planning on making a post about it, but I changed my mind after I got to kayak for free thanks to some family friends.

So now this post is just directed to those lucky enough to have water in your backyard. Try it. Your arms will absolutely hurt the first few times you do it, but it's so peaceful to just...go.

Just vibing on the water

Try it Once or Twice?

This is a try twice situation for sure. The wobbliness of the kayaks can be hard to deal with the first time you get out there, and that will ruin your joy if you are anything like me or my friend Caroline, aged 10. However, on subsequent trips, I had an amazing time (even if my shoulders didn't!)

If you're lucky enough to have access to this one, take full advantage of it!

Cost: can be high

Tries: multiple

Recommend: if you enjoy the water and just want to have a fun time on it