Finally, it’s summer! It’s time to enjoy the outdoors and have fun with friends and families. Bring out your kayaks and paddle along local rivers. But before that, did you know that kayaking does not only improve your physical health but your mental health as well? Here are some benefits of kayaking that will improve you.
Physical benefits:
1. Help lose weight.
Paddling at an average speed of 5 mph can burn up to 500 calories per hour. It’s a good alternative to achieving your ideal weight while enjoying nature rather than being stuck up on a treadmill.
2. It builds muscle core strength, and abs!
When you get your paddle working, your lower back, abs, and oblique muscles are exercised as well, and in the long run, it will improve the overall strength of your core.
3. More vitamin D.
One of the best sources of vitamin D is sunlight. When we expose ourselves to sunlight we strengthen our immune system, muscle, and brain development, and it helps keep our heart healthy.
Mental benefits:
1. Stress reliever.
Kayaking allows you to take a break from the bustling city life and immerse yourself in nature. It gives you more time to reflect and reconnect with your inner self. It helps release endorphins to boost your mood and make you happier.
2. Improve social life and bonding.
Call your family or friends to paddle along the river with you. Take a break from online life and create more memories with them.
3. Better sleep.
If you're having trouble sleeping at night, it’s best to do physical exercise during the day to make you feel exhausted, and in return, it will help you fall asleep much faster and keep you in a deep slumber which improves sleep quality.
So where’s the best place to kayak in town? Here are some local recommendations.
Cypress Bend Park
A local recommends, “going downstream 100 yards to where the Comal river feeds into the Guadalupe. The Comal River is not too bad to paddle upstream there to a spillway and then the return trip is downstream and then 100 yards back up Guadalupe to Cypress bend Park.”
Watch this spontaneous family kayaking adventure on Cypress Bend Park here.
Canyon Lake
Canyon Lake is the Water Recreation Capital of Texas and it boasts 80 miles of shoreline, including beaches, boat launches, parks, campgrounds, and private residences. So we’re pretty sure that you will find lots of outdoor activities to do here!
Kayak Rentals in New Braunfels, Canyon Lake, and Nearby Areas:
Experiencing Canyon Lake from a kayak or stand-up paddleboard is a wonderful and unique opportunity to see the crystal clear water and really get out and explore. Our mission is to provide an eco-friendly and affordable way to encounter what Canyon Lake has to offer!
Address: 1178 Comal Park Rd. Canyon Lake, TX 78133
Phone: +1 830-899-2021
2. Shanty Tubes
Shanty Tubes is a river outfitter located on the "Horseshoe" portion of the beautiful Guadalupe River in Canyon Lake, Texas. We offer Tubing, Kayaking, Rafting, Camping, and we also have a tiki bar with nightly events including live music. The Shanty can also provide refreshments, supplies, and most anything needed for Tubing the Guadalupe River.
Address: 12120 FM-306 Canyon Lake, TX 78133
Phone: +1 830-964-3990
At Outlaw River Rentals, the sky’s the limit in terms of providing you with your next kayak/SUP adventure: Guadalupe River, Comal River, Canyon Lake, San Marcos River, Lake Dunlap, etc. Check river and weather conditions as they may impact your options
Address: 350 Wunderlich Ln New Braunfels, TX 78130
Phone: +1 830-708-6703
4. Comal Tubes
They do not only offer tube rentals and shuttle service but kayak rentals too!
Address: 1880 Business 35 South New Braunfels, TX 78130
Phone: +1 830-387-4408
We offer canoe and kayak rentals and guided trips by reservation.
Address: PO Box 512 Martindale, TX 78655
Phone: +1 512-749-2350
6. Paddle SMTX
Paddle SMTX offers paddleboard and kayak night tours, paddleboard yoga and paddleboard lessons on the San Marcos River.
They let you paddle under the stars too! Experience the ultimate glowing paddle adventure with our crystal kayak glow tour. This is our most popular trip that is truly an experience you should not miss.
Address: San Marcos, TX 78666
Phone: +1 512-400-6259
Olympic Outdoor Center was founded in 2001 on the San Marcos River and Interstate 35, where kayak instruction and paddling could be done year-round.
Address: 602 IH 35 S, San Marcos, TX 78666
Phone: +1 512-203-0093
We offer canoe/ kayak rentals, lessons, and guided trips for all ages. Both recreational and competitive.
Address: PO Box 512 Martindale, Texas 78655
Phone: +1 512-749-2350
Enjoy your time!
After paddling, stop by 7 Monk’s Café, New Braunfels’ first Indian and Mediterranean restaurant in town, for lunch or dinner. See y'all there!
This article is accurate as of the time of publishing. We always recommend calling every individual business to ensure their hours of operation remain accurate.
This article is originally posted on 7MonksCafe.com.