Thousands of students are currently preparing for their next big adventure: going to university. If you are one of them, you might be wondering how it is you might find your people, your passion, and your place during your time at university. This article is a recommendation from me to you to join your university’s kayaking club!
Whilst taking a year out to study abroad in New Zealand at Auckland University, I joined Auckland University Canoe Club. It changed my life for the better and I haven’t looked back since. At 20 years old, I found my passion and my place in this world. I made lifelong friends and finally found a community where I belonged. I was always be eternally grateful to the beautiful people I met through this club.
Whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned paddler, I’ve written this article to persuade you why joining your university kayaking club could be the best decision you make this September.
1. Social Connections
Finding your community
University is a whirlwind of new faces and fresh starts. Some people click instantly with their flatmates or course mates. But for many, it’s the sports clubs and societies where real friendships are forged. Kayaking clubs are more than just a group of people who paddle; they are communities built on shared adventure, laughter, and learning how to put a spray skirt on for the first time.
The wider kayaking community is incredible and one of the main reasons I would never leave this sport. Many university clubs can have their own close knit communities as well. For me, being a ‘kayaker’ is now so much a part of my identity that it is often one of the ways I first introduce myself. I belong somewhere and I want people to know that.
Most sports clubs will also have a very active social side to them. It isn’t just about bonding on the water, but also making those connections off the water too.
Meeting a wider range of people
Sports clubs are open to all and so joining one is an excellent way to meet people from all walks of life, not just your course or accommodation. Hearing about the day to day life of people who are studying very different courses to you is interesting! Meeting people who aren’t exactly the same age / year of studying as you – also interesting!
There will be so many amazing people at your university and the more opportunities you give yourself to meet new people, the richer your life will be for it.
Being part of a team
Many universities kayaking clubs will often run canoe polo as well. Canoe polo if you are unfamiliar with it is a team sport which I often describe as ‘playing rugby but in kayaks’ for those unfamiliar with it. I never did canoe polo myself but many friends did. There is something really exciting about being part of a team and training together in order to compete together.
If you enjoy a bit of team competition – you should definitely consider taking up canoe polo.
2. Broader Experiences
Going to cool places
Imagine paddling through a misty gorge at sunrise, surrounded by nature and the sound of white water. White water kayaking naturally takes you to some really incredible places.
Not many hobbies take you to scenic mountains and valleys at the weekend but kayaking is one of them! You will travel to the most stunning locations that a typical university student would otherwise never visit.
the thrill of choosing an adrenaline sport
I still remember the early days of kayaking. I was scared all of the time and they beyond joyous once we had got off the river. Adrenaline sports are like nothing you could ever imagine. The first time I paddled off Low Force Waterfall on the river Tees, I was petrified. Yet the rush of it was so addictive. I couldn’t stop going up again and again to give it another go.
Suddenly you will have so many ‘cool stories’ to tell people and pictures to show them. When you tell friends from home that you ‘kayaked that’ they will look at you in horror and ask you why. You will tell them it excites you like nothing you’ve ever experienced before.
The thrill of the adventure becomes addictive and it will be all you can think about doing.
3. Personal Development
getting out of your comfort zone
Ever noticed that as a kid, you are scared of nothing. Then as you get older, you start to feel more scared of well… everything? That transition into adulthood will for many people be accompanied by an increased reluctance to get out of their comfort zone. Many people would never dream of going kayaking because it is ‘too scary’.
University is the best time to get out of your comfort zone! It’s where the magic happens and you might learn things about yourself that you never knew.
The thrill of learning a new skill
Learning to kayak is a sport that teaches you resilience, courage and humility – often all in one go! Not only do you have to learn how to manoeuvre your kayak but you need to learn how to read white water and how to anticipate what that white water will do to you. It is humbling to try your best and fail but this is where we grow.
Learning a new skill also means that you will make progress quickly at first and this is incredibly motivating. Working on improving yourself and seeing those small gains is a real thrill.
leadership opportunities
A sports club like all clubs needs a committee. A committee requires individuals to step up and volunteer their time to help run the club. For many, this provides an opportunity to first experience a leadership role. It is a really nice way to test out your leadership skills in a welcoming and friendly environment.
4. Health
physical health
Kayaking is a full body workout disguised as fun. It builds strength, stamina and coordination. When you first start kayaking, you are not very good at staying in your kayak. However you do become very good at swimming, at running down the river bank, at lifting heavy full kayaks out of the water to empty them and carrying said kayak back up to the top to try again. Without realising it, kayaking gives you a cardio and weights session every time you do it!
As you get better, you realise how much having good physical fitness improves your kayaking. You might even be motivated to take up running for your fitness, hit the gym to improve your strength or just get into a habit of daily conditioning exercises to improve your core strength. I run quite frequently. I’ve always said I don’t really enjoy running, but I do enjoy the fitness that comes with it!
mental health and wellbeing
There are so many benefits to your mental health and wellbeing that comes from kayaking. First of all being active and outdoors is a proven mood booster. It forces you to get off your phone or away from your studies and take a proper break. The focus required on the water helps to quiet the stress and busyness of everyday life.
One other benefit is you will never dread a rainy weekend again. Instead of rain being a mood dampener, it will literally make you happy. I love the rain so much and I thank kayaking for that!
5. Purpose
building routines
University can feel overwhelming at times. Having a regular club night, weekend trip, or goal to work toward gives you rhythm and purpose.
You’ll have something to look forward to each week. Many people find the huge amount of free time at university hard to manage. Having set activities throughout that week can really help.
You’ll find joy in progress and the journey you take in making that progress. Whether that’s nailing a roll during a pool session or planning your first river trip as one of the leaders, it’s important to have a goal to aim for and enjoy it when you reach those goals.
One last thing…
When giving a talk to the University of Liverpool earlier this year, I ended the talk by showing one of my wedding photos. I met my husband nearly 10 years ago now at a university pool session with the kayaking club.
I ended my talk by telling the students to look to their left and right as they might be sat next to their future spouse. You might not meet the love of your life at your university kayaking club. But you also might meet them….
Final Thoughts
So, if you’re heading to university this autumn and wondering where to start – start with the kayaking club! You don’t need to be sporty, outdoorsy, or experienced. You just need to be curious, open minded, and ready to get a little bit wet…..
Looking forward to seeing all those new freshers out on the water this winter. Happy paddling!
