Kayaking = Cheap Entertainment
My friend Steve got me started kayaking.
I’m still saving Discover points for my kayak at LL Bean (up to $150 in gift certificates now). But I did find a cheap kayak at Dick’s Sporting Goods to hold me over. I’ve definitely been getting my money’s worth out of that little $180 kayak. Here are some reasons why I like kayaking so much:
Kayaking is inexpensive!
I spent under $300 for my kayak, paddle, PFD, and carrying straps. That’s my entire investment–well, I may need new straps soon since I’ve been hauling this thing everywhere. I’ve already been out 6 or 7 times–and will get years more entertainment from the kayak. How many times can I go golfing for $300? Oh wait, I can’t even buy clubs and shoes for that price.
Kayaking gets me out into nature.
I’ve been out on 2 different lakes and 2 different rivers just in the past seven days. I’ve seen several herons, a fox, hawks, many kinds of fish and birds–all up close. For me kayaking has been a great reason to get away from the office more often. And getting away from the office is not all bad. I often come back with a fresh perspective.
Kayaking is a social event.
Ok. This one is debatable. I’m sure many people go kayaking alone. I prefer to float down the river with others. It turns out that not too many of my friends and family are kayakers, so I’ve floated down rivers with many people that I didn’t know very well or at all. And they turned out to be nice people.
Kayaking is peaceful–and exhilarating.
Nothing else matters as I lean back and enjoy the sunshine (or moonlight). Suddenly I’m avoiding rocks as I navigate through the rapids, water splashing up into my face and kayak. Then back to peaceful. It always makes for a good day.
Anyone else into kayaking? What is your hobby of choice?
July 12th, 2009 at 12:26 am
You already know that my favorite hobby is tae kwon do, but it’s a little more, umm, intense(?) than kayaking. TKD has really replaced most of my other hobbies over the years. And it’s not quite as inexpensive as kayaking, I think ($70/month, but I don’t have to drive anywhere).
I don’t think I ever even would have thought of going until you invited me. I’m looking forward to trying it out again. It might be something I can get into.
July 12th, 2009 at 8:45 pm
We’ll try to convert you! I always thought TKD sounded interesting…
July 18th, 2009 at 12:09 pm
I have been wanting to buy a Kayak this summer actually. I have gone a few times and I really love it. I will let you know when I get one…
July 22nd, 2009 at 6:20 pm
Fun. I’ll have to come up to Boston to try it out!