I don’t need to read Wallace Nichols’ book Blue Mind: How Water Makes You Happier, More Connected and Better at What You Do to know that being at the beach is an instant mood-lifter. The reality is that we, as humans, need to spend more time near large bodies of water. Research shows that “…blue space in both urban and rural settings further enhances and broadens cognitive, emotional, psychological, social, physical, and spiritual benefits.” as stated in the book.
This is why I go kayaking during the weekend, whenever the weather and my schedule allows me. I had tried rowing and canoeing as a child but met my first kayak as an adult. My sister invited me (read as: forced me), to join her on a river kayaking excursion. The guide explained what to do. I stepped onto a slim and sleek red polyethylene boat, got handed the long paddle and it only took a few minutes to get oriented. I felt truly liberated.
The mechanics of kayaking are really simple. Sit properly so that your feet are anchored in the grooves and make sure that the paddle goes into the water as perpendicularly as you can. Kayaks in general are very stable, so unless you were purposefully trying to tip one over, they don’t. It is an amazing upper-body and core workout. But that is not why I go.
I leave my phone in the car, kick off my flip flops and disconnect from the world for an hour. The sound of the paddle blades hitting the water, the resistance as you pull them and the breeze you feel on your face as you are propelled forward create a beautiful rhythm that helps me zone out. For me, it is like meditation.
It doesn’t matter how stressed or tired I am, by the time I am done I feel energized and refreshed. It is a low-maintenance activity too. The only thing I bought for kayaking was a pair of exercise gloves so my hands wouldn’t blister.
I rent by the half-hour from Kuwait Watersports. Their rental shack is at the Bidaa’ Movenpick. They have a collection of single and double seater kayaks as well as stand up paddle boards.
If you are planning on giving it a go all you need is comfortable clothing. Don’t forget your hat, because even in the cooler months the sun is still bright. And finally, make sure you lather on the sun screen, because nobody wants to be a raisin when they are older.
If you have never kayaked before, you can always take a class which are available at the rental place. If you don’t know how to swim or prefer to err on the side of caution you can always ask for a life-vest.
That’s all you need to know. Hop in and escape into the big beautiful blue sea, at least until you find your way back to shore.
Follow @KuwaitWatersports on Instagram for more information. Photo by Curate Labs & Magazine on Unsplash.
