We love paddling and want to share this passion with those we love. Spending time on the water with your significant other can reveal a lot about your personalities, your relationship, and—most importantly—it can be a fantastic shared experience. However, not everyone starts with the same passion for paddling or has the same goals on the water. Anyone who has spent time near a kayak rental place has seen painful examples of why tandems are nicknamed ‘divorce makers’. But it doesn’t need to be that way—before you start recruiting your significant other to the glorious world of paddling, here are some points to consider.
Know your target.
Does your significant other love photography, bird watching, fitness, fine dining, or local history? Build on these pre-existing interests by thoughtfully inviting him/her on a kayak excursion that opens a whole new door to pursuing these hobbies. Glide through the local bird sanctuary by kayak, plan a gourmet picnic on a nearby island, or get a new perspective for some sweet photographs (be sure to waterproof all camera gear!).
Start small.
Even if you’re both fit and active, don’t plan an epic dawn to dusk trip for your first time out together. Just go out for an hour or so in a sheltered, peaceful destination. Better to leave him/her wanting more instead of counting down the minutes to get ashore.
Right place/right time.
This might be obvious, but go for your first paddle together when you’re both well-rested, the sun is shining, and the water is warm. Save those stormy, icy November paddles adventures for later, or for your more seriously addicted paddling friends.
Don’t sweat the small stuff.
Yes, you have a plethora of amazing advice you want to share with your loved one so they can become they speediest, sexiest paddler out there—but bite your tongue and don’t say too much all at once. Even more importantly, don’t say “I told you so” when your thoughtful advice isn’t followed.
Bring in an expert.
Sometimes it’s worth bringing in outside expertise. Consider going on a guided tour or taking an intro course together. This levels the playing field, and there are less emotions involved when a stranger bosses you around. Besides, you might even learn something new.
Know your learning styles.
Is your significant other an auditory, visual or kinesthetic learner? Active doer or over-analyzer? Even if there’s not more kayaking in your shared future, these are useful things to know about each other.
Positive reinforcement.
Post-paddling massages, thoughtful compliments, bribery in the form of baked goods or customized carbon fibre paddles—you know best what will be appreciated by your special someone.
Sunsets.
According to our unofficial survey of experienced guides, going for a sunset paddle is a guaranteed winner for adding that touch of magic and romance to any trip. Good luck and have fun!
