7 Reasons to Be Excited About Rivers
If like many people around the world you won’t be making it to the beach this summer, this doesn’t mean you should miss out on all the fun water activities. A nearby river can be the best alternative to help you cool off during this scorching heatwave. Rivers and riverside activities are often underrated when compared with seas and oceans. However, this article will definitely change your mind. If you are still on the fence about your upcoming riverside staycation, here are 7 reasons to make you excited about rivers.
1. Rivers Buzz with Life
Many animals and plants live in rivers and on riverbanks. If you or your kids are interested in watching animals in their natural habitats, you will definitely enjoy the diversity of river life. It’s also a great place to teach your kids to appreciate and respect nature. From exotic fish to flocks of peculiar-looking ducks, there’s just so much to see around rivers no matter their location. Furthermore, spending some time around the river will give you the chance to open your kids’ eyes to some cool facts about rivers like how they sustain more fish species than the much bigger seas.
2. You Can Enjoy River Fishing
This is one of the most classic river activities. Whether you like to fish for fun or to prepare a seafood feast for your family, river fishing will have you covered. Besides the thrill of catching fish, nothing compares to the contemplative aspect involved. Especially if you live a busy city life, you will find yourself yearning for such peaceful moments when you can actually clear your mind and hear your own thoughts.
3. You Can Go Kayaking
Kayaking is an amazing water sport that you can enjoy alone. It offers a great all-body workout for days when you don’t feel like hitting the gym. You can rent a kayak for your trip if you don’t have your own. However, if you are interested in doing some fishing from your kayak, you will need to look for trolling motors that are specifically designed for rivers. Kayak trolling motors will allow you to focus on your surroundings instead of how tired you are from paddling. In addition, some kayak trolling motors on the market are also compatible with small boats and canoes, so it’s a worthy investment if you are an avid watersports fan.
4. Take River Diving Trips
If you have always wanted to try diving but the salty seawater puts you off, then you should try river diving. The abundant underwater life in rivers makes them great for recreational divers who want to swim amongst beautiful fishes and take some cool pictures.
5. You Can Go Sailing
Going on sailing trips is a fun group activity that you can enjoy with your friends and family. You can rent a boat for an afternoon or even take one for a full weekend of swimming, fishing, and barbecuing. For those who live in cities, going sailing can be the ultimate break that they never knew they needed. It will literally feel like you are sailing away from your worries even if it’s just for a few hours.
6. To Try Water Skiing
If the previous low impact activities don’t quench your thirst for action, then perhaps water skiing is more your jam. If you haven’t tried water skiing before, you will probably need a couple of lessons before you can manage to get up and maintain your balance on the skis. Water ski experts also recommend warming up with some lunges and calf raises to prepare your legs for the intense work ahead. For a water ski beginner, the calm and warm river water is much more forgiving and easier to work than the rough sea.
7. Organize a Picnic by the River
If you are looking to spend some downtime with your significant other and aren’t looking for demanding activities, a picnic by the river is a great way to do just that. All you have to do is pack some cheese, bread, and some fruits and grab your favorite book. You will be surprised how such a simple setup overlooking a flowing river can completely alter your mood. Especially if you are parents who don’t have the option of going away on kids-free vacations, this could be your only chance to unwind.
There are plenty of fun river activities that you can enjoy this summer. Aim to get out of your comfort zone and try new things. Don’t just settle for the tried and tested, take the initiative, and make all the calls and arrangements to encourage your friends to come along for your river adventures.
