Get out there and kayak

JANICE NICHOLLS The Standard

The sport of kayaking is becoming increasingly popular for people of all ages. Six years ago I took up this sport and I am in my sixties. It is an inexpensive activity, helps you get away from the hustle and bustle of life and enables you to get up close and personal with nature. With all the limitations we have in place whether it is health or economic, kayaking maybe the answer you need. You no longer need to travel the world to get away. I’m finding the peace and solitude, I need, in my own backyard. It has helped me overcome many stress-related issues including chronic depression, anxiety and a heart attack, as well as keeping 140 pounds off. During my kayaking excursions I’ve had the privilege of seeing the nesting habits of birds such as herons, swans, osprey and cormorants. I have paddled through carp and salmon as they were mating. At one point, a carp almost tipped my kayak as hundreds of them were leaping all around us. Last year I paddled over 1,400 kilometers, in different parks and rivers. I have shot rapids, capsized, paddled through blizzards and met some amazing people. There are a lot of groups around, and I belong to two Durham Region Kayakers and Kayak Ontario. Both can be found on Facebook. I love introducing the sport to new kayakers and paddle as much as possible. Get out there and kayak! Hope to see you soon.