Benefits of Paddle Boating
Where to begin?
Kayakers, canoeists, and speed boaters, pay attention. We know you may ardently extol your chosen means of water transportation, and you may have several good points. However, paddle boats are sometimes dismissed as novelty boats not capable of delivering recreation on the level of more commonly accepted boats. We're here to change that.
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First off, the main benefit of a paddle boat is the liberation of your arms while you move about in the water. Powered boats notwithstanding, this is still an advantage paddle boats hold over most other kinds of boat. And a motor powered boat requires more vigilance to properly and safely operate than you may feel like providing on a lazy trip around the lake. With your arms free of the responsibility of oars and motor operating you can do things on the water in a paddle boat that would otherwise be difficult. Specifically, these are: hold a fishing rod, turn pages of a book, lift beverages to your mouth, and wave politely at those on the shore as they beckon you to come in and start dinner or perform some other undesirable task. Burn those hot dog calories Paddle boats are not always all about leisure, either. While you won't break the top speed determined by the amount of force the paddlewheels produce, you're certainly welcome to try. And in so doing, you just might find you got a great workout equal to that provided by a recumbent bicycle located in an offensively lit and overpriced health club. Once you realize you can get a great workout on a paddle boat, you might be prone to paddle boating more often. You will also simultaneously avoid being force fed whatever teeny-bopper music they are blasting at the gym. |
The paddle boat revival
You may be surprised to know that your choices for paddle boats abound. Gone are the days when the only model was a two-seater with hard plastic seats that scalded the backs of your thighs. Paddle boats designed for up to five people are common now, and some are even made with canopies and innovative steering mechanisms. You won't win any races on a paddle boat (except for a paddle boat race, perhaps), but thankfully, you won't be tempted to enter any.