How fit do you have to be to start kayaking?

Goreygal

I've been ill and as a result have piled on weight and gotten very unfit.

I want to start exercising again but rather than the gym I want to do something as part of a club; did kayaking a few times as a teenager and would love to give it another go.


Also is it good exercise?

Thanks

Gg

Podgoricka

you dont need to be fit at all.. like if you start off at your own pace you'll be fine. its OK for fitness. not gonna make you super fit, but a healthy fit if you do it regularly with something else, even walking. great for upper body strength etc. it also works the legs a small bit

multisport

You don't have to be fit to start paddling, much like most sports.
How fit you get from paddling will depend on which aspect you get into.
If you just do rivers it won't get you fit, if you choose to play canoepolo or race marathon/wildwater then you will get fit, and even fitter when you start training.

Marathon paddling is much like running, when you start you'll struggle to keep going but you'll go further and further with time.

thetonynator

I agree with multi sport, you won't get very fit unless you're racing, more so in marathon.

Chuchoter

You don't need to be fit. When I started I was horribly unfit (I hate most sports) and it was still fine. You build up strength the more you do it, and if your in a beginner class no-one is going to be that fit. Its great exercise for your arms, but the next morning its usually my shoulders, back, thighs and stomach thats killing me!!:p Its a nice all-rounder thats not as boring as running.

kayaksurfbum

no fitness needed at all. Actually allot of the guys iv paddled with were pretty tubby!

flat water will get you fit in a kayak, not much else.

multisport

Should've added surfkayaking to the list.
Whenever I think of going for a surf I just remember the nice rides back in I never think about the hard fight to get out through the break.
Surf kayaking is great for your strength and balance.