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I’m here to help my clients get the most out of their retirement. That goes beyond saving and spending money. It’s about finding ways to enjoy free time, connect with loved ones, gain new perspectives and spend money, too. That’s why I’m recommending kayaking for the perfect retirement hobby this summer. Even if you’ve never picked up an oar, it’s something you can start at your own pace, perfectly suited for this stage of life.
Don’t take my word for it; ask my parents! They enjoy their partial retirement in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho from their double kayak out on Avondale Lake. Through kayaking, they’ve taught me a thing or two about the importance of a new perspective, and the stillness and beauty that can be enjoyed while paddling through new terrain.
Below, I share just a few of the reasons you should enrich your retirement with kayaking this summer.
It’s a retirement hobby for couples to enjoy together
All too often, couples in retirement go their separate ways when it comes to hobbies. It’s nice to have reasons to get out on your own, and I’ve seen marriages that need that to survive the retirement years. But it’s also important to connect. Kayaking provides an opportunity for couples to spend time together while trying something new. A two-person kayak is literally built for this.
It’s great for dogs
Maybe you’re not interested in a hobby made for two people, but you’d still like companionship. You can’t bring your pet to the golf course or out on the pickleball court, but the kayak will always be dog-friendly. Dogs of the right size and temperament do very well on the water. Plus, you can find equipment and adorable accessories to help Fido fit in, like this personal floatation device.
Get up close and personal with nature
My parents spent many years boating with us when we were growing up. There’s something different about being out on a kayak though. Without the distractions that come with motorboating, you have the opportunity to get really intimate with your natural surroundings from a lower vantage point in a kayak. There’s ample opportunity to pull up your oar and just coast. The silence in that moment brings true peace and connection.
Low barrier to entry
Kayaks run from $250 to $2,500, but a simple model is relatively inexpensive. Plus, if you live near a kayaking outfitter you can rent equipment. You don’t have to be in tip top shape to paddle around some calm waters, but if you’re a fitness junkie there’s a workout to be had. Kayaking can be as physically demanding as you want it to be. In that sense, it’s a unique sport.
You don’t have to live on the water
No matter where you live—whether you’re in a land-locked state or a coastal town—the chances are, you live within driving distance of a body of water. Kayaking is perfect for lakes with boating restrictions, and it works well on small creeks and rivers that might be too shallow to explore otherwise.
Opportunity to explore new hobbies
From fishing to bird watching, a kayak is an entry into a world of finding a new retirement hobby. My parents started taking wildlife photography from their kayak. This is a new passion of theirs that they never would have found if they didn’t get out on the water. My young daughter and I eagerly anticipate photos of deer, foxes, turtles and waterfowl they send to us weekly.
There’s so much gear to help
Kayak launching used to be a tricky feat of balance and strength. If you’ve ever sat in one, you know they can be quite low, making getting into and out of them difficult as you get older. With new tools like floating kayak launchers, stable kayak models for seniors and sit-on-top models, kayaking has never been more senior-friendly. Bonus: Sit-on-top kayaks are harder to tip! Kayaks are now lighter weight than ever before. Plus, kayak carts and nifty gadgets to lift them off your car make transporting your boat easier than ever before.
It’s so important to think about retirement not just in terms of assets, but also in terms of a holistic lifestyle. One of my clients told me something that’s stuck with me for many years. He said, “If you have something to do, someone to love and something to hope for you’re going to be okay.”
When I look at my happiest clients—and my parents—I see people who have found new hobbies and perspectives in their retirement years. They’re going to be okay. Looking for a financial planner to help you create a path toward achieving all of your retirement goals? Contact us.
By Tyler Lively
DA-001894.1
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