Inflatable Kayak Blog

Talking to several folks lately about this year’s winter weather got me to thinking about stress relief and kayaking.

This time of the year can be very stressful for a variety of reasons. If you live in the snow belt (and recently, even areas that don’t normally get much snow), there’s the uncertainty of when that next blizzard will disrupt your plans and turn your life upside down. There’s also what’s known to many as “cabin fever”, the feeling that winter is never going to end. Add these factors to life’s everyday quirks and surprises and you’ve got stress.

The worst part for me is that because of the winter weather, one of my best stress relievers, kayaking, is unavailable to me. The reasons I like to kayak to relieve stress are varied. But recently I read an article by John Parks where he stated … “There is nothing that will give a person more relaxation and comfort than sitting in a kayak, or a canoe, watching a beautiful sunset. This, within itself, is a calming and relaxing activity. The beauty of nature, if you allow it to, will speak a calming and peaceful language to your soul.”. I couldn’t have said it better. Kayaking takes your mind off those mental distractions the same way a gym workout does. A good paddle just makes you feel better.

For me, there’s no question that pumping up the inflatable kayak and paddling for an hour or so can surely relax my brain. And I’m looking forward to warmer days when I can do just that. Actually, the process of thinking about and writing about it puts me in a better mood.

So, if you’re stressing out because of the weather or whatever demon is clawing at you, stop the treadmill and think about a nice, relaxing paddle trip down you favorite waterway. The real thing is just a few weeks away and till then the fantasy might just get you in a better mood.