The Benefits of Kayaking

We love what we do for so many reasons. We get to see the joy and excitement of adventurers of all ages, we get to teach, and we get to stay outside! We also love that each adventure and expedition we offer has so many health benefits for the body and mind. Today, we are going to be talking about all the important things you need to know about kayaking, some of the myths related to kayaking, and some of its health benefits! 
Welcome back, adventurers! Have you gotten your feet covered in sand or your hands muddy recently? Have you tried something new and exciting? Have you seen or discovered a new species of animal, shell, or plant you’ve never seen before? We know it is the colder and slower season in the Lowcountry, but sometimes that is the best season for discovery. Charleston and the surrounding areas slow down a little, things get quieter, and there is a feeling of more space to spread out and make your own discoveries. We love this time of year just as much as any, and hope you get the chance to enjoy and discover it with us soon!
We would like to share one of our exciting and recent adventures with you all! If you follow us on social media or you are a subscriber to Southern Living Magazine, you might already know this very exciting news! If you’ve taken our ferry boat down at St. Phillips Island, the cover of this month’s Southern Living Magazine may look very familiar to you! That’s right y’all! Our tours on the St. Phillips Island Ferry were about to go into motion right as the pandemic hit. Thanks to Captain Henry, Naturalist Claire, Captain Bill, and the amazing team at Hunting Island State Park, they made it all happen. Now they are navigating tours in real life and across the cover of Southern Living Magazine. Pinch us, y’all! What an adventure to start 2021 with!
On that high note, we want to keep the celebration going and talk about one of our favorite elements of our expeditions, and that is kayaking. We’ve talked a little bit about the sport on our blog before, but today we are going to go a little more in-depth. Today, we are going to be talking about some of the most important things you need to know about kayaking, some of the top myths related to the sport, and some of its most important health benefits it offers your mind and body!
What To Know!
We wanted to offer and talk about a few important things to know about the sport for our beginners, important things to know before you hit the water, and some other general ideas so you can be a kayaking pro before you even come and explore with us!
  • One of the great things we love about kayaking is that it’s a perfect sport for anyone, it’s relatively easy to pick up and learn.
  • While we have some very misleading temperatures here in Charleston and the surrounding areas, when you’re preparing for your venture out, dress for the water and not the weather. While it might be a warm sunny day in the middle of February, remember how cold it gets at night! The water hasn’t had time to catch up yet!
  • Make sure you choose the proper kayak for the type of water you’re going to be on. We will help you with that when you come on one of our expeditions, but when you’re out on your own make sure to do your research.
  • It is very important to wear a buoyance aid no matter your experience level! You never know what kind of water or conditions you might run into.
  • Make sure you hold the paddle correctly and sit properly while in your kayak. It’s best to sit up as straight as possible, while your feet are resting on the footpegs found in your kayak. It’s best if you point your toes out and point your heels inward, keeping your knees bent and out. This way your legs make contact with the side of the kayak. When it comes to holding your paddle correctly, hold it with both of your hands about shoulder-width apart and make sure the concave part of the paddle blade is facing you.
  • Please never kayak alone, even if you are very experienced! The buddy system applies in kayaking just as much as it does with swimming, and you never know what kind of trouble you could get in. Facing this trouble with a friend can make it much easier and much more manageable.
  • Please remember that you are more valuable than your kayak. In an emergency, it doesn’t matter if you lose your paddle or kayak as long as you keep yourself and your fellow kayakers safe. Equipment can be replaced, you cannot!
  • Ready yourself for times of emergency when you are beginning to grow more proficient in your skills. Make sure to learn how to save yourself and others around you even before you go out on an expedition, and keep up with this knowledge.
  • A kayak can be used in any body of water, how neat is that? You can enjoy oceans, rivers, ponds, and lakes all from the comfort of your kayak.
  • Please know and understand how to get in and out of your kayak from the shore, from the dock, and from deep water if you’ve fallen out or you’ve jumped out for a quick dip. This is an essential skill to learn before ever going out onto the water. We will happily show you how to do this, and if you don’t learn from us please learn from another professional.
  • There is a possibility that you could flip out of your kayak, so it is important to know how to get back in! This is where wearing a buoyancy device comes in handy! If you’ve flipped in calm water, flip the kayak over by grabbing the cockpit and pull yourself in. if you can’t do this, grab the kayak and swim to shore with it and get back in that way. If you’ve flipped in a current, hold onto the kayak and keep your face upward to help you breathe while keeping your body flat. Swim to the shore or shallow water and get back in!
  • While there is always a chance to flip your kayak, it is much harder to do so than many people think! Kayaks are designed to make it as difficult as possible to do so!
  • There is no one size fits everyone kayak. Please use the proper kayak for your needs.
  • To make yourself a little more limber for the trip and after, stretch before and after to help warm you up and cool you down.
  • It’s always a good idea to invest in waterproof cases for your phone, snacks, wallet, and other things you don’t want getting wet.
  • It’s always smart to bring an extra change of clothes.
  • Bring along maps and guidebooks for your trip. Physical copies instead of your phone are always a better idea.
  • Always check the weather before going out.
  • Stay alert of your surroundings so you don’t hit any rocks, animals, branches, or anything that could pop out of nowhere. Leave your earbuds at home.
  • Pace yourself on your trip, there’s no reason to rush through it. Plus, wherever you paddle to, you’ll have to paddle back. Save energy for both trips!
Most Common Kayak Myths!
  • Myth #1 I only kayak when the weather is nice! Not true! While it would be nice to always have the perfect day when you want to go out and kayak, this is not always the case. While kayaking in dangerous conditions is never recommended, there is plenty of gear and clothing to wear for every non-sunny kayak trip.
  • Myth #2 Kayaks aren’t good for fishing. Consider that statment again. The kayak or a form of it has been around for thousands of years. They weren’t built for fun back then, they were specifically designed for fishing and hunting, and can still be used to do so today. Now there are many different types of kayaks, some built for adventure, others to fish, and many different others.
  • Myth #3 They are very hard to navigate and move. False! A kayak is designed to cover long distances while using as little energy from you as possible.
  • Myth #4 You will be stuck in your kayak if it tips over. No you won’t, and don’t worry! No matter what, if the kayak tips over, you’ll just fall off. There are no straps or bindings attached to your legs or torso that’s connected to the kayak. Also, they cannot sink. If you can’t pull yourself into the kayak, you can use it to help float or easily swim with it back to shore.
  • Myth #5 You need incredible upper body strength to be able to kayak! You actually don’t, it’s a whole team effort. You will need to use a combination of your arms, legs, and core to successfully navigate and steer your kayak.
  • Myth #6 Kayaks are not stable. This is not true! Modern kayaks have been made to maintain their balance and yours while inside of it. They have been designed to offer both stability and balance.
  • Myth #7 They are very uncomfortable. Very untrue. While this might have been true in the very early days of kayaking, due to its popularity and that it is now an Olympic water sport, a lot of adjustments and advancements have been made over the years to make it much more comfortable. Some even have lower lumbar pillows built-in.
  • Myth #8 Kayaking is only for seasoned sportsmen. Incorrect! It is a fairly easy activity and sport that almost anyone can enjoy and partake in. To achieve the expert level, you will have to spend some serious time out on the water, but that is to be expected.
  • Myth #9 You will get very wet! False! If you wish to not get wet, you can be careful enough to prevent this. There is also equipment created to protect you from getting wet.
  • Myth #10 It’s expensive. False! While it can get expensive to buy your equipment and every accessory under the sun, don’t let money get in the way. Renting is a great option, and kayaking with us at Coastal Expeditions is also another affordable choice!
Health Benefits!
Not only is kayaking good but it also good for you and can offer your body and mind some pretty incredible benefits!
  • It can improve cardiovascular health and fitness.
  • Kayaking can build up torso and leg strength.
  • Kayaking can help build muscle strength in your chest, shoulders, arms, and back.
  • It can bring you peace of mind or a thrill.
  • It can help you lose weight and increase your energy levels and natural stamina.
  • It’s a great workout for your core, abs, and helps tone some of the hardest muscles to tone in your torso!
  • It can vastly help reduce stress.
  • Kayaking can help improve your heart health.
  • Kayaking can help improve your mental health. Physical activity has been linked to helping lift your mood and help with depression, stress, or a bad day.
  • It provides an excellent community. Once you start kayaking and meeting your local enthusiasts, you’ll never kayak alone again. It’s great for couples, friends, and families to enjoy together and strengthen those relationships too.
  • While you’re spending so much time outside on your kayak, it helps you get a huge amount of natural vitamin D!
  • It can help improve your focus.
  • Kayaking can help improve your quality of sleep.
  • Kayaking can help improve your memory.
  • It provides time for self-reflection and self-improvement.
Are you inspired to grab a paddle of your very own to enjoy a trip of a lifetime and help with your mental and physical health? Now you have a front-row seat to why we love kayaking so much. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us! We can’t wait for you to come and kayak with us at Coastal Expeditions!
Explore. Chat. Visit. And come on back, y’all.
@coastalexpeditions

St. Phillips Island & Beaufort Rentals

Offering Kayaks and Paddleboards

Take in the stunning beauty of local creeks and waters from one of our kayaks or SUPs. Walk-ups are welcome or call / text to book and we’ll be ready when you are. All gear and instruction provided.

Call or text 843.884.7684 to book.

Outpost Location

Need A Guide?

If you really want to get a feel for the local history, identify the native wildlife, and get to special places, you'll need someone experienced to show you the way. We'll get you there.

Check out our St. Phillips Island & Beaufort tours.

Rent a Kayak or Paddleboard Click to Book via Text

Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant Rentals

Offering Kayaks and Paddleboards

Take in the stunning beauty of local creeks and waters from one of our kayaks or SUPs. Walk-ups are welcome or call / text to book and we’ll be ready when you are. All gear and instruction provided.

Call or text 843.884.7684 to book.

Outpost Location

Need A Guide?

If you really want to get a feel for the local history, identify the native wildlife, and get to special places, you'll need someone experienced to show you the way. We'll get you there.

Check out our Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant tours.

Rent a Kayak or Paddleboard Click to Book via Text

Isle of Palms Rentals

Offering Kayaks and Paddleboards

Take in the stunning beauty of local creeks and waters from one of our kayaks or SUPs. Walk-ups are welcome or call / text to book and we’ll be ready when you are. All gear and instruction provided.

Call or text 843.884.7684 to book.

Outpost Location

Need A Guide?

If you really want to get a feel for the local history, identify the native wildlife, and get to special places, you'll need someone experienced to show you the way. We'll get you there.

Check out our Isle of Palms tours.

Rent a Kayak or Paddleboard Click to Book via Text