During the winter or anytime you're not going to be kayaking for an extended period of time, do any of you do any exercises to stay in "paddling shape"? If so, what? I mean, I do plenty of 12oz curls, but I don't think they are helping. I used to kayak pretty regularly but would usually stop when it got colder. I would notice a bit of a decline in endurance for the first couple of trips. I'm about to get back into it and was thinking I might should start doing something so I'm not useless the first few trips.

Only thing I can think of is a row machine? lol but That doesnt really duplicate paddling and the resistance water give. Maybe some resistance bands using a paddling motion?

If you do a proper paddling technic then doing back exercises is good. Problem is most people paddle with their arms too much.

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/10-best-muscle-building-back-exercises.html

not going kayaking for extended period of time

I spend a pretty good amount of the winter in the gym, and I focus on "core" exercises and basic cardio.

Work your core. Things like wood chops and boxer crunches especially. Also do back and shoulder exercises.

Thanks! I was thInking core exercises, but back is a good idea too.

Strength is general. Skills are specific. Don't try to find some "functional" equivalent to paddling. Obviously some muscles are used more than others in paddling, but just get stronger in general. You can't go wrong with a full body strength training program that focuses on the classic barbell exercises.

Get some waders or a dry suit, make the drive to some power plant lakes is my advice... I honestly don't know how you guys who don't kayak fish in the winter maintain your sanity... Echoing what Pelican said: hats off to y'all but going weeks or months without yak fishing is just not an option for me...

If you can talk to a physical therapist to see what are the best exercises for kayaking and your physic. I spoke to one just last month (ran into them at a nutrient store) and they informed me that to properly paddle you must use your waist and shoulders as well as arm strength but above all else cardio will help you get the oxygen to the muscles you do use. They told me a few exercises to help me out and I am 54 and still kicking it fine.

I have never felt it in my arms or back, paddling, even after a full day on the water, even at age 63.

And, pedal kayaks are almost effortless, Natives and Hobies both. I feel like the weight of my leg is all the force I am putting down on the pedal on my Native Propel 10.

In a pedal kayak, if I feel anything, it is sort of when I am reclining just a bit based on the tilt of the seat and I find myself tensing my stomach muscles as I sit a bit forward or while I am pedaling.

But, do figure out your limit and don't exceed it. The kayaking, itself, would be your best training.

I don't know why but I am so "in to my fishing" that I don't find myself hungry or thirsty. So, I try to remind myself to drink water or other fluids. Some quick energy snacks are a good idea for caloric intake while out on the water.

Brad