How hard is kayaking?

[sjh722]

It's not hard. You'll be fine, have fun!

[niq]

It's sort of as hard or easy as you want to make

[bowies]

I am of low-moderate physical fitness and find kayaking fun - our route is a mix of calm and tidal waters. You'll be fine!

[countthestars]

Go! Your arms might be tired after.

[loreleigilmore]

My arms killed me the next day but I don't work out in any regular way. I jumped in the hot tub and took a Tylenol and I was fine. No big deal. So if you work out a little you are will probably be fine.

[marina007]

Sounds fun! And I think you should be fine - if you were further along I might avoid it (I really struggle with balance now, but I'm 39 weeks) .

[rootbeerfloat]

I think the hardest part is getting in. Have fun!

[CrazyLucky]

That will be easy. You'll have a ton of fun. I have friends who call tandem kayaks "divorce boats," and with good reason. Go by yourself, your arms will be fine. I am jealous!

[Deleted]

Go! If you have a choice I would get a single kayak because I hate coordinating my strokes. It's a workout on the arms but you set the pace and if it's calm water you don't have to work too hard. Have fun!

[shellbear09]

I would go! It was fairly easy for me and I'm far from in shape.

[boxerdog]

Not hard. That sounds awesome! Have fun!

[elocrates]

It's a great arm and ab work-out. I would have totally gone at 16w pregnant. It's not very difficult at all once you get the coordination down.

[awkwardpenguin]

It's super fun and a little tiring, so it fits my effort to reward equation. Have fun!

[sillygoosegirl]

Apr 28, 2015 13:09:14 GMT -5 niq said:

It's sort of as hard or easy as you want to make

This... Mostly. The first time I went kayaking was a 4 day tour and it kicked my butt, but that was mainly because everyone else was really fit and we were doing 15-20 miles per day and I had to go at the pace of the group. The second time was hard because we has no guide and the weather as poor and we were pretty scared at times of being swept out to sea or into the rocks. But a 2 hour tour to see dolphins with a tour guide and the range of skills you'd expect of people who would sign up for such a tour... I wouldn't be worried.

In both cases, there were single and double kayaks available, which I think is typical. Most people who are strong and know what they are doing prefer singles, but doubles are a big help for folks who are less strong, especially in a group scenario, since it's a lot less work per person. But remember, they don't call it "the breakup boat" for nothing.

The bigger problem is likely to be needing to pee. I peed in my wet suit on both trips, and I wasn't even pregnant. Not only is there no where to get out and pee, you'll be listening to and looking at water the whole time.

But I'd totally do it anyway!

Have a great time!

[pugz]

Not hard

[krystee]

Kayaking with dolphins?! I am so jealous!! Post pictures!

[gibbinator]

I zig zagged a lot for about 20 mins the first time I tried it. But the learning curve is pretty short, you'll do fine.

[cilantro]

I loved it last time I went after not having done it in ten years. It was not hard to get back into it. But I loved it so much, I decided I could outpace really fit army dudes, and then I thought I was going to die a few hours later

[Deleted]

It's not that hard. I am a somewhat experienced kayaker and did not (and would not, per my OB's instructions) kayak while pregnant. FWIW, I did a lot of other things that are typically not recommended like eating my weight in hot dogs and lunch meat, and consuming alcohol bc my OB said they were fine in moderation.

[Deleted]

My OB early on asked me what I did for exercise and I said kayaking (among other things) and he said "no, none of that!" I didn't press further, but it wasn't high up on my to-do list anyway. He was also ok with me riding my bike, which I've heard is typically frowned upon yet I did up to 38.5 weeks.

I know personally that the life vest I own would not have fit me properly at 16w, and having a proper floatation device is critical.

ETA: he also said no rock climbing even though 100% of my climbing is done in an indoor gym and nearly 100% of the time the person belaying me is DH.