Cool Off with Canoes and Kayaks

By Judi Kanne

In August, almost all local weather reports begin with the words “hot and humid.” If you’re ready to cool off, getting on the water is well worth considering.

Paddling a canoe is one option. A canoe is an open boat that can easily fit you and a friend. Ideally, one will paddle for “push” and the other (the one in the back) will use the paddle for steering, like a rudder. A good workout is another reason to try water sports.

The exercise concept worked well for a Vinings couple, Wendy Barnes and Joel Bohlmann, both in their early 60s. They registered for their first Chattahoochee Nature Center’s canoe trip in early June.

Although they hadn’t canoed in quite a few years, they felt they could handle the two-hour ride. “The section of the river one gets to see on the Chattahoochee is lovely,” she said. In fact, admitted Barnes, “It’s hard to believe that you’re in a large city.”

Barnes says they both love natural surroundings and the outdoors. “And we’re trying to stay active as we get older.”

The couple said they saw deer, kingfishers, herons and even an osprey along the way. A staff naturalist who offers an introduction to the river’s ecology leads each nature center trip.

Water adventures are found both near and far.

Last summer, Mary and Mark Perloe traveled from Sandy Springs to the San Juan Islands of Washington. The islands are located in the Puget Sound, known for an abundance of natural beauty.

“I found a trip with a few people that combined four to five hours of kayaking visiting different islands each day,” said Mark, a physician in his mid-60s. His wife, also in her early 60s, is a nurse practitioner, and says she was more than “ready for an outdoor adventure with some physical activity versus pure rest and relaxation.”

“It turned out we were the only couple who signed up, so we could set our own pace,” Mary added. “We were concerned about whether we had the stamina to do this, but found we could work with our guide to personalize our daily activities.”

The Perloes had not taken kayak lessons before, but their guide spent an hour or so orienting them and helping improve their paddling techniques.

“It was surprising to both of us that we weren’t very sore,” said Mark. “We paddled for about two hours, then we would take a nice break in a park or beach along the way.

With a “tryout” trip among the San Juan Islands, they learned they had the physical and mental strength to plan more kayaking journeys. They’ve bought