Hello from Saratoga Springs in New York, where I’m accompanying my 16 year old daughter for a rowing regatta.
It’s always amazing to be immersed in a world that you know little about, and this weekend I’m at the “Head of the Fish” rowing regatta, surrounded by a 1000 or so competitive rowers in Saratoga Springs. It’s a very picturesque town, and well worth the visit if you haven’t been before. And the rowing is on my brain.
Row, row, row your boat gently down the stream…
Well, competitive rowing and regattas aren’t so much about rowing gently that’s for sure (wow what a sport for being physically demanding), but it being around these athletes did make me think about ways that folks could enjoy rowing in a less competitive and peak-athlete kind of way.
And, of course, I didn’t have to look far to find some of my traveling supplier partners offering some form of rowing or paddling or some such manouvering through water under your own steam.
You can go kayaking in Antarctica, or white water raft to your eco-lodge in Costa Rica. You can go paddling through the Danube or the Amazon on a river cruise (I’ve done both). Or you can do SUP at various wellness partners around the world.
See some examples below.
River cruises are offering more and more active options. Avalon Waterways is one partner I work with who has come up with a whole active discovery niche.
Everyone travels to see new things, but many travel to do new things as well. With our Active & Discovery river cruises, Avalon offers activities for travellers with varying interests and for all energy and fitness levels. From action-packed experiences and interactive discoveries, to traditional sightseeing, you can tailor a trip to suit your interests and pace. THE ADVENTURE IS UP TO YOU.
For the traveller who thrives on motion and action, Avalon has created a broad menu of energetic excursions. You might find yourself on a hike tour in Val D’Enfer, on a biking tour around Vienna, or even on a canoe trip on the Danube. From a climbing trip up to a medieval castle to hiking in the forest, these included excursions pack real get-up-and-go for those who like to do the same.
My travel supplier partners at Quark Expeditions offer a tremendous paddling excursion in Antarctica. Here are some details. Let me know if you’d like to go row your own (or paddle your kayak) in Antarctica. https://www.quarkexpeditions.com/adventure-options/paddling-excursion-antarctic
Every sweep of the paddle as your craft glides through the pristine polar waters creates an incredible soundtrack: the jostle of glacial ice, the lapping of waves against the rocky shore, the perpetual drip from your paddle, the call of seabirds, and the occasional splash as wildlife break the surface of the water.
Our Paddle Excursion Program provides sit-on-top, two-person, inflatable kayaks that provide guests with an intimate, water-level experience in unforgettable locations in both the Arctic and Antarctica. These stable, rugged and comfortable crafts are an ideal way to see the polar regions from a different perspective. On-ship, you’ll be provided with instruction and equipment including dry suits, personal flotation devices (PFDs), and waterproof gloves. Experienced guides will lead you safely throughout the paddling excursion. Your group will always be escorted by a safety driver in another kayak who will stay close by to provide additional support.
Excursions last a minimum of one hour and are offered to participants once per voyage. Each group includes 10 paddlers, 1 guide and 1 one safety Zodiac driver. The wind, weather and water conditions determine the timing and location of Paddling Excursions.
Is Kayaking Experience Necessary?
The Paddle Excursion was created for guests with little or no paddling experience, or for those who want a single paddle experience to add variety to their expedition. Participants must be fit enough to enter and exit the kayak from the Zodiac, and to maneuver with your paddle.
How about a little stand up paddle boarding at Lizard Island.
Can you think of anywhere better to be that on a private island resort on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia?
https://www.lizardisland.com.au/experiences/stand-up-paddle-boarding/
As my partners at LIZARD ISLAND promise:
Stand-up paddle boarding is a serene and self-paced way to navigate the waters of Anchor Bay. Our team at the Beach Club will assist all you and provide a quick lesson for paddle board novices.
Let me know if you’d like to row, row, row your boat on holiday.