Today’s family is often reduced to almost “no time.” Parents are working longer hours, children’s and teens’ attention is being consumed by social media, television, and even full-on text messages. Distractions are all around us. Heck, I remember when I was younger we would have to get on our bikes and ride to visit friends and then talk to them using our voice.
Times have changed, but not everything has been for the better. Families need more alternatives to spending time together than simply “making friends” on the Internet and “posting” about the day’s events. Without interaction together it is difficult to really know a person.
Fortunately, there is a great way to solve this problem. Spend time together without electronic distractions, get to know each other and get your bodies moving for a workout. It’s called paddle sports. Commonly known as kayaking, canoeing, and the increasingly popular stand up paddle boards or SUPs.
Around the world we are blessed with many rivers, lakes and other bodies of water that are there to explore. Not to mention the natural beauty that Mother Nature is willing to share. The type of landscape is only found through boats.
Sure, browsing is great too, but it does have some major downsides. It costs money for gas, insurance, dockage, etc. It’s also very difficult to get into those little nooks and crannies of nature. Using a kayak or canoe does not require extra money. Just an oar and some human strength.
This outdoor water sport takes off like a rocket to the moon. Parents, children, teenagers of all ages are falling in love with rowing sports all over the world.
By using a light boat and a paddle, people can row and explore things that cannot be seen unless they are in the water. It does not require a large vehicle to tow, it can even be done with a small vehicle with the proper trailer.
Kayak trailers can be purchased that are specially built to be lightweight, but carry multiple paddle sport boats to accommodate many kayaks and canoes and still be towed behind a small car. Picture this, the whole family, a few friends getting together and spending the whole day on the water, or in the park and just getting to know each other and hanging out without texting or emailing. All this is possible.
So come on people. Rally the troops, gather your friends, get the kids out of the house and enjoy mother nature. You have a world to explore, it’s time to get going!
