How Many Calories Does Kayaking Burn? A Comprehensive Guide

Does Kayaking Burn Calories Quickly

Kayaking is a fun and effective way to burn calories. On average, kayaking can burn anywhere from 300 to 500 calories per hour. The number of calories burned during kayaking depends on several factors, including the kayaker’s weight, the intensity of the workout, and the duration of the session.

Kayaking is an aerobic workout that engages multiple muscle groups, making it an effective way to burn calories. The intensity of the workout plays a significant role in how many calories are burned. Longer kayaking sessions and high-intensity workouts burn more calories.

In order to maximize calorie burn during kayaking, it is important to engage in proper technique and form. This includes using the correct paddling technique, maintaining proper posture, and using the appropriate kayak for the individual’s size and skill level.

Kayaking is a great way to burn calories and get in shape while enjoying the outdoors. With the right equipment and technique, kayaking can be a fun and effective way to achieve fitness goals.

Related: Can You Kayak If You Are Fat? 

Does Kayaking Burn Calories?

Kayaking is a great way to get outdoors, explore new waterways, and get some exercise. But does kayaking burn calories? The answer is yes, kayaking can burn a significant number of calories depending on various factors such as body weight, intensity level, and duration of the activity.

According to various sources, an average person can burn anywhere from 283 to 500+ calories per hour of kayaking, depending on their body weight and intensity level.

For example, a person weighing 125 pounds can burn around 283 calories in an hour of kayaking at a moderate intensity level, while a person weighing 185 pounds can burn around 421 calories in the same amount of time.

The number of calories burned during kayaking is also affected by variables such as wind, water current, and outside temperature.

These factors can increase or decrease the energy cost and energy expenditure of the activity, leading to a higher or lower calorie expenditure.

To calculate the number of calories burned during kayaking, one can use the MET value (metabolic equivalent) of the activity and the person’s body weight.

The MET value of kayaking ranges from 5.5 to 12.5, depending on the intensity level of the activity. The formula to calculate calorie expenditure is:

Calorie expenditure = MET value x Body weight (in kilograms) x Duration of the activity (in hours)

It is important to note that kayaking alone may not be enough to lose weight or achieve significant weight loss.

However, it can be a great addition to a weight loss program or a fun way to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Kayaking can burn a significant number of calories and can be a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors.

The number of calories burned depends on various factors such as body weight, intensity level, and duration of the activity.

How Many Calories Does kayaking Burn Per Hour?

The number of calories burned while kayaking can vary depending on various factors such as weight, intensity of the activity, speed, and water conditions.

However, as an estimate, a person weighing 150 pounds can burn approximately 340-400 calories per hour of kayaking at a moderate intensity.

A person weighing 185 pounds can burn around 298 calories in an hour of kayaking at a moderate intensity level, and if the intensity level is increased to vigorous, the calorie burn increases to about 444 calories per hour.

What Burns More Calories: Kayaking or Paddle Boarding?

Kayaking burns up to 500 calories per hour, depending on factors such as weather conditions, pace, and water currents.

Recreational paddle boarding, on the other hand, burns an average of 330 to 460 calories per hour, even at a leisurely pace.

Therefore, kayaking burns more calories than paddle boarding.

What Burns More Calories Biking or Kayaking?

Kayaking can burn more calories than biking, according to the American Council of Exercise.

A 150-pound person can burn 340 calories an hour while kayaking.

However, the number of calories burned can vary depending on factors such as height, weight, currents, and intensity of paddle.

Calorie Burning Factors For Kayakers

The number of calories burned during kayaking is influenced by various factors, including paddling speed, intensity, and body weight.

The more intense the paddling, the higher the calorie expenditure.

For an individual weighing around 155 pounds (70 kilograms), kayaking at a moderate pace could burn approximately 283 calories per hour.

However, this number can vary significantly based on the variables mentioned above.

To maximize calorie-burning potential while kayaking, it is recommended to maintain a consistent pace and vary the intensity of paddling.

Aerobic Workout: The Key to Burning Calories When Kayaking

Kayaking is an excellent low-impact physical activity that provides an effective cardio workout.

Engaging in aerobic exercise during kayaking increases heart rate and oxygen efficiency, leading to burning more calories, strengthening the cardiovascular system, and improving endurance.

Kayaking is a great addition to a fitness routine, and consistency is key to achieving fitness goals.

Regardless of fitness level, kayaking can be an enjoyable and effective way to improve overall fitness and burn calories.

Kayaking Engages Multiple Muscle Groups

Kayaking is an excellent way to engage multiple muscle groups for a full-body workout.

Paddling works the back, shoulders, arms, and core, which increases the number of muscles used and, in turn, the number of calories burned. Kayaking can help build muscle strength, particularly in the upper body, chest, shoulders, and arms.

The type of kayak used can also impact the muscles worked and the amount of muscle mass used.

Additionally, kayaking can be beneficial for joint health, particularly in the shoulder muscles and legs.

Kayaking Intensity Levels and Calorie Burning

Varying the intensity of your kayaking sessions can significantly affect the number of calories you burn.

To maximize calorie burning, it is recommended to incorporate interval training into your kayaking sessions.

Paddling at a moderate pace for a few minutes, then increasing the intensity for a short burst before returning to a more relaxed pace can keep your heart rate elevated and burn more calories.

Duration: Longer Kayaking Sessions for Greater Calorie Burning

The longer you kayak, the more calories you’ll burn. Gradually increasing the duration of your kayaking sessions can maximize calorie burning and improve endurance.

Starting with shorter sessions and working up to longer adventures is recommended.

Consistency is key for calorie loss, so aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic kayaking activity per week is recommended for optimal health benefits.

The Role of Kayaking Intensity in Calorie Burning

Intensity plays a significant role in the number of calories burned during a kayaking session.

Low-intensity paddling in calm waters may burn fewer calories, while high-intensity workouts in challenging conditions can help burn more.

The following are the different kayaking intensities:

• Recreational Kayaking: Casual paddling in calm waters is a low-intensity workout that still burns calories. Expect to burn around 300-400 calories per hour during a leisurely paddle.
• Touring Kayaking: Exploring scenic routes at a moderate pace increases the intensity of your workout. Paddling at a steady speed for extended periods can help burn around 400-500 calories per hour.
• Sea Kayaking: Navigating through coastal waters and tackling waves is a high-intensity workout that can challenge even experienced paddlers. This level of kayaking can burn around 500-600 calories per hour or more, depending on the conditions.
• Whitewater Kayaking: Maneuvering through rapids and rough waters requires immense skill, strength, and endurance. This high-intensity activity can burn upwards of 600-800 calories per hour.

By adjusting the kayaking intensity and duration, one can tailor the workout to achieve their fitness goals. It is crucial to combine kayaking with a healthy diet and other forms of exercise to maximize calorie-burning potential and overall health.

Kayak Fitness Tips

Here are some kayaking fitness tips to help get the most out of paddling sessions:

• Warm-up: Always start kayaking sessions with a warm-up. Stretching the arms, shoulders, and back can prepare the muscles for the workout ahead.
• Proper Technique: Focus on maintaining proper paddling form to engage the right muscle groups and prevent injuries. Remember, it’s all in the torso rotation!
• Stay Hydrated: Bring plenty of water and snacks to keep energy levels up. Paddling can be thirsty work!
• Track Progress: Use a kayak calorie calculator or fitness tracker to monitor calorie burning and progress over time.
• Switch it up: To prevent boredom and plateaus, mix up kayaking routine with different routes, intensities, and types of water.

In summary, varying the intensity of kayaking sessions can significantly affect the number of calories burned.

Longer kayaking sessions and higher intensity workouts can burn more calories.

By adjusting the kayaking intensity and duration, one can tailor the workout to achieve their fitness goals.

Incorporating warm-up, proper technique, hydration, progress tracking, and switching up the routine can maximize the benefits of kayaking.

Kayaking and Calorie Burning FAQs

Kayaking is a fun and exciting way to get some exercise while enjoying the great outdoors.

Here are some frequently asked questions about kayaking and calorie burning:

How many calories does kayaking burn?

Expect to burn around 300-400 calories per hour during a leisurely kayaking paddle. Sea kayaking can burn an estimated 550-700 calories per hour or more, depending on the water conditions.

How does kayaking compare to walking in terms of calorie burning?

Kayaking burns around 20-25% more calories than walking due to its all-over body workout.

What factors affect how many calories are burned during kayaking?

The intensity of the kayaking task and the water conditions can affect calorie burn. Additionally, a person’s weight and fitness level can also impact how many calories are burned.

Is kayaking a good way to lose weight?

Yes, kayaking can be a helpful component of a weight loss plan as it burns calories and provides a full-body workout.

What are some other activities that burn a similar amount of calories to kayaking?

Other activities that can burn a similar amount of calories include paddle boarding, canoeing, and whitewater rafting.

What are some health benefits of kayaking?

Kayaking can improve cardiovascular health, increase flexibility, and provide a low-impact workout for the joints.

Are there any recommendations for how often to go kayaking for fitness?

The CDC recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week for adults. Kayaking can be a great way to meet this recommendation.

Can kayaking have mental health benefits?

Yes, kayaking can provide a sense of relaxation and stress relief, which can have positive impacts on mental health.

How does kayaking compare to other forms of exercise, such as cycling or swimming?

Kayaking provides a unique full-body workout that can be a great addition to a fitness routine. However, it may not be as effective for certain fitness goals, such as building muscle mass.