Canoeing and kayaking - health benefits - Better Health Channel
- GreenKayak – Paddle for the oceans!
KAYAKING définition, signification, ce qu'est KAYAKING: 1. the activity of travelling in a kayak 2. the activity of traveling in a kayak. En savoir plus. - Canoeing and kayaking - preventing injury
Our 19 lesson Introduction to sea kayaking course covers everything you need to know to safely get afloat. We will help you choose the right ... - Kayaking And Canoeing Safety Advice From The RNLI
перевод "kayaking" с английского на русский от PROMT, каякинг, сплавляться на каяке, flatwater kayaking, kayaking trip, whitewater kayaking, транскрипция, ... - Kayaking
Find information on kayaking, kayak fishing, stand up paddling (SUP), and canoeing. Research gear, skills, trips, & connect with the paddling community. - Kayaking
Kayaks are usually shorter than canoes and, although less capable in a straight line over long distances, are superb at rapid turns and changes ... - Kayaking - Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (U.S. ...
In the beginning, paddling a kayak can seem as alien as riding a bike without stabilisers. Although there is a specific technique to paddling, truth is, to get ... - Kayaking in Antarctica | Kayak Cruises, Sea Kayaking
In less than five minutes, you can learn kayaking basics like proper entry/exit, how to correctly hold a kayak paddle, paddling forward and ... - r/Kayaking
Canoeing. A canoe is different to a kayak because it is normally an “open vessel” that you sit or kneel in. The paddle is shorter with only one blade, and you ... - Kayaking
Raise the paddle up and twist your torso. Lift your paddle up a little but keep your elbows under your shoulders. To propel yourself forward, twist your chest a ... - Go Kayaking | The Paddlesport Specialists - UK Stores
Kayak, one of the two common types of canoe used for recreation and sport. It originated with the Eskimos of Greenland and was later also used by Alaskan ...
Skip to main content Better Health Channel Our websites View the list Conditions and treatments
Conditions
Allergies Anxiety Arthritis Asthma Behavioural conditions Birth defects Cancer COVID-19 Dementia Depression Diabetes Infections Mental health and wellbeing Sexually transmissible infections Sleep Stroke Pain and pain managementBody parts
Mouth and teeth Blood and blood vessels Hair and nails Genetic conditions Bones muscles and joints Ear nose and throatBody systems
Fertility and the reproductive system - male Fertility and the reproductive system - female Digestive system Immune system Hormonal system (endocrine) Neuromuscular systemOrgans
Brain and nerves Eyes Lungs Kidney and bladder Heart SkinTests and treatments
Complementary and alternative care First Aid Surgery Medical tests Medications Healthy livingKeeping healthy
Health checks Healthy eating Healthy mind Keeping active Weight management Work ImmunisationKeeping safe
Safety Environmental health Travel and holidaysParenting
Pregnancy Parents Child health (0-6) Children (4-12) Young people (13-19)Relationships
Relationships Sexual health Family violenceAlcohol and drugs
Alcohol Drugs Smoking and tobacco Services and supportServices
Aged care services Alcohol and drug services Carers, caring and respite care services Disability services Emergency, crisis and support services LGBTIQA+ support services Mental health services Palliative care and end of life services Trauma recovery servicesManaging healthcare
Planning and coordinating healthcare Seeing a doctor, specialist or health professional Hospitals, surgery and proceduresPregnancy, birth and raising children
Child, family and relationship services Pregnancy and birth services A-Z Search Search Menu Keeping active Home Keeping activeCanoeing and kayaking - health benefits
Actions for this page
Listen PrintSummary
Read the full fact sheet Both canoeing and kayaking involve paddling a small craft through water. The best way to learn how to paddle is to join a local club – contact Canoeing Victoria for further information. Make sure your preparation and skills are adequate for the paddling activity you have planned.On this page
Difference between canoe and kayak Types of paddling activities Health benefits of canoeing and kayaking Other benefits of canoeing and kayaking Preparing for canoeing and kayaking Basic kit for canoeing and kayaking What to take when canoeing and kayaking Sea kayaking – extra equipment Health and safety suggestions for canoeing and kayaking Where to get helpBoth canoeing and kayaking involve paddling a small craft through water. They are low-impact activities that can improve your aerobic fitness, strength and flexibility. Canoeing and kayaking can be done as a hobby, a competitive sport or as a fun activity on holidays. You can paddle on rivers, lakes and the sea.
Difference between canoe and kayak
While ‘canoe’ and ‘kayak’ are often used interchangeably, a few basic differences include:
Canoe – this is an open vessel and the person either sits or kneels inside the canoe and uses a single-bladed paddle to push the craft through the water. Kayak – this is an enclosed vessel and the person sits inside the kayak with legs extended and uses a double-bladed paddle.There are exceptions – some canoes may be enclosed and some kayaks may be open depending on their intended use.
Types of paddling activities
In most cases, the craft is adapted or designed to fit the demands of the intended environment. Some of the different types of canoeing and kayaking activities include:
Flatwater recreation – this is what most people imagine when they think of canoeing or kayaking. You can take a gentle paddle down a calm river, do some sightseeing in calm ocean waters or explore an inland lake system. Sea kayaking – this is paddling in the sea. Sea kayaking is becoming a popular water sport in Australia. Sailing – the canoe or kayak is fitted with a sail. Surf kayaking – the kayak is typically fitted with a fin, rather like a surfboard. Sprint racing – this is a sprint race across calm water. Ocean racing – this is a race in white water (ocean). This discipline requires extreme skill and fitness. Marathon racing – this is a lengthy race, for example, down a long river such as the Murray. Slalom – the person must, against the clock, negotiate a white water course. This includes steering around obstacles (typically, poles suspended over the course). Canoe polo – two teams of five players each must compete to score the most goals using a water polo ball. Freestyle – is a whitewater canoe discipline where the paddler performs a range of acrobatic tricks and manoeuvres on a river feature such as a wave or hole. Wildwater – is the ultimate combat, human versus river. Athletes must manage a 4.5 metre-long, 11 kilogram, very unstable, composite craft down a river anywhere from flatwater up to grade 4 rapids.Health benefits of canoeing and kayaking
Canoeing and kayaking are low impact activities that can improve your aerobic fitness, strength and flexibility. Specific health benefits include:
Improved cardiovascular fitness Increased muscle strength, particularly in the back, arms, shoulders and chest, from moving the paddle Increased torso and leg strength, as the strength to power a canoe or kayak comes mainly from rotating the torso and applying pressure with your legs Reduced risk of wear-and-tear on joints and tissues, since paddling is a low impact activity.Other benefits of canoeing and kayaking
Some other good reasons to paddle include:
Kayaking and canoeing can be peaceful and meditative or can be exhilarating – depending on where and how you do it. Paddling is a great way to enjoy our waterways.Preparing for canoeing and kayaking
General tips for beginners include:
Join a club – the best way to learn how to paddle is to join a local club. Contact Canoeing Victoria for further information. While it’s possible to learn a great deal about the sport through reading, lessons will improve your technique, reduce your risk of injuries and help you become more aware of safety issues when on the water. Be a competent swimmer – since paddling involves the occasional tip into the water, make sure you are a competent swimmer. If necessary, brush up on your swimming technique. Try before you buy – paddling can be an expensive pastime. Consider borrowing or hiring equipment at first until you are sure that you enjoy canoeing and kayaking enough to pay for a full kit.Basic kit for canoeing and kayaking
The exact requirements of a full kit differ slightly depending on the type of paddling you plan to do and the demands of the waterway, but a basic kit should include:
canoe or kayak appropriate paddle personal floatation device (PFD), such as a life vest or jacket. This is mandatory when paddling in Victorian waters helmet wetsuit wetsuit booties appropriate clothing spray deck, which is a cover that helps to keep water out of the craft.What to take when canoeing and kayaking
Items you should take with you when you paddle include:
first aid kit repair kit drinkable water small pack of high energy foods dry clothes contained in a waterproof bag mobile telephone inside a waterproof container.Sea kayaking – extra equipment
The risks of sea kayaking call for extra safety equipment. In addition to the basic kit and items listed above, a sea kayaker would need:
waterproof torch that floats bilge pump and bailing device distress signal devices such as orange smoke sticks, red flares, parachute distress rocket or dye markers compass spare paddle marine radio.Health and safety suggestions for canoeing and kayaking
General suggestions include:
Learn how to paddle from experienced teachers. Contact your local club. Know how to use your first aid kit. Take a first aid course if necessary. Make sure your preparation and skills are adequate for the planned paddling activity. Be visible to other crafts. Put reflective tape or fluorescent paint on your helmet, life jacket and canoe or kayak. Always wear your personal floatation device and helmet. Make sure you know about potential hazards in the proposed waterway. Seek local knowledge if paddling in a location for the first time, consider air and water temperature, currents, tides and wave action. Check weather conditions before you paddle. Don’t paddle alone. Always tell someone about your plans, including where you intend to paddle and when you expect to be back. Dress for the conditions. Apply 30+ SPF sunscreen (or higher) to all exposed areas of skin. Avoid dehydration. Take plenty of water to drink. Keep your equipment in good repair.Where to get help
In an emergency, call triple zero (000) Bureau of Meteorology Paddle Victoria Victorian Sea Kayak Club Smartplay Transport Safety Victoria – Maritime Safety Sports Medicine AustraliaWhat moves you? Kayaking , ABC Health and Wellbeing.
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:
Give feedback about this page
View all keeping activeMore information
Related information
Aerobics - preventing injuryAerobics injuries are usually caused by trauma and overuse, but can be prevented by using the right techniques and equipment.
Arthritis and exerciseExercise can reduce some of the symptoms of arthritis, and improve joint mobility and strength.
Asthma and exerciseAsthma triggered by exercise can be prevented with medication and by preparing for exercise and physical activity.
Australian rules football - preventing injuryAustralian rules football is a physical contact sport that often results in injuries from tackling, kicking, running and constant competition for the ball.
Balancing energy in and energy outA kilojoule is a unit of measure of energy, in the same way that kilometres measure distance.
From other websites
Paddle VIC Marine Safety VictoriaThis page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:
Content disclaimer
Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.
Reviewed on: 30-08-2014Footer
Footer navigation
Health topics
Conditions and treatments Healthy living Services and supportExplore
Videos Service profiles Consumer medicine information Multilingual health information - Health Translations DirectoryAbout
About us Accessibility Content partners Privacy Terms of use Contact usConnect with us
Facebook Twitter YouTube InstagramFooter other information
The Victorian Government acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of the land and acknowledges and pays respect to their Elders, past and present.The Department of Health celebrates, values and includes people of all backgrounds, genders, sexualities, cultures, bodies and abilities. Privacy statement: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/about/privacy Copyright notice: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/about/terms-of-use Disclaimer notice: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/about/terms-of-use
This web site is managed and authorised by the Department of Health, State Government of Victoria, Australia © Copyright State of Victoria 2024.