Fitness for Fun: Kayaking

With the amount of water around us, San Diego is a great place to get outside and enjoy kayaking. Kayaking is not only fun, but a great fitness activity also. Kayaking is different than canoeing in the position of the paddler and the equipment used. A kayak paddle has blades on both sides, which a canoe paddle only has the blade on one side.


A kayak is a boat where the paddler faces forward and their legs are positioned in front. Most kayaks are closed, though some are designed for the paddler to sit on top. These kinds of top-riding kayaks are gaining popularity. There are also some inflatable kayaks. These make kayaking more available to those who may not have the facility to haul around a larger boat.
The difference from a canoe is that a paddler may sit or kneel in the boat and use a single bladed paddle. Canoes can be either open or closed.

Kayaking can be either peaceful and quiet or focused on speed and fitness on smooth water or exhilarating and exciting, focusing on balance and skill, in rough water.

Whitewater kayaking involves taking a kayak down river rapids while sea kayaking, ocean kayaking or touring, involves taking the kayak out into open water, such as the ocean or a lake. Sea kayaking uses shorter paddles.

To kayak, one should be in good physical condition. Of course a workout plan such as CROSSFIT 619 is a great place to start. Even the experienced kayaker can end up in the water so it is also important to know how to swim.

Kayaks are classified by their use. The primary types of kayaks are known as polo, slalom, whitewater, surf, touring, light touring, sprint and general recreation.


Wile one may want a general recreation kayak for a day fishing on the lake, they may want whitewater kayak for a day on a rougher river. Not all kayaks handle the same, so know your purchase before renting or especially before purchasing one.


Kayaks can be made of metal, fiberglass, wood, plastic or inflatable fabrics such as PVC or rubber. Each material has a different advantage and is used appropriately with its kayak style and purpose.