By Laura Bramble

Kayaking is a fun and exciting sport that is suitable for nearly everyone. You can kayak in smooth waters, white water or the ocean. All offer their own unique pleasures and challenges. Kayaking is not a difficult sport that requires a great deal of time and effort to learn, although experience or an experienced companion is necessary for white water and ocean kayaking. There are also two person kayaks, which allows for even beginners to experience all the thrills of a more challenging waterway in a safer way.

Kayaking, even on calm water, burns a lot of calories and is great for your core muscles as well as your shoulders and back. Staying upright requires you to engage your core muscles for balance, while paddling on both sides gives you an even amount of movement with the shoulders and upper back. Combine your kayaking with some hiking and you get a full body workout while you enjoy nature and the fresh air.

The great thing about a kayak is that you can easily bring gear with you if you plan to take a trip. Any gear can be stored in the kayak with you as long as it's placed in waterproof bags, and your kayak is light enough to be toted for short distances. With a one man tent, a sleeping bag and some food, toiletries and water, you can be set for a wonderful weekend outdoors.

Depending on the type of water you will be kayaking in, your equipment needs are pretty minimal. You can rent a kayak and paddle from a number of places near most water recreational areas and only need a long sleeve shirt, hat, pants that allow for movement, sunscreen with a bug repellent, sunglasses and water socks. The clothes and shoes should be made of a material that breathes well and dries quickly. Rougher water and the open ocean require heavier duty gear, since you may roll or be out for an extended amount of time.

Laura Bramble is a freelance writer who writes on a variety of topics. To read more of her work, please visit kids water shoes

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