30 Mar Canoeing and Kayaking Around Phoenix, AZ
At Phelps LaClair, we do estate planning in Phoenix, AZ really well. Though our focus is on helping you plan for the future, we also understand the importance of valuing life in the present. And that includes taking time to refresh and rebuild by getting out into nature. Today we’d like to highlight two particular water sports that can give you a good workout while enjoying nature: canoeing and kayaking. Even though the greater Phoenix metropolitan area is located in the Sonoran Desert, there are a number of beautiful lakes nearby for enjoying both the peace and exercise of canoeing and kayaking.
Lakes in the Phoenix Area
Before we jump into the topic of these two water sports, you need to know where the water is around Phoenix. For a complete listing of Phoenix area lakes and the amenities each lake offers, click on this link to Arizona Leisure.com. To whet your appetite (pun intended), we’ll mention three of the most popular and beautiful lakes in the area:
Lake Pleasant – The largest lake near the Phoenix metropolitan area, Lake Pleasant is only 35 miles from Phoenix. It’s got boating, sailing, jet skis, and more, as well as biking and hiking trails, and camping and fishing. And, it’s open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Yes, you can stay out on your boat overnight on Lake Pleasant! Begin your day at the Visitor’s Center and the Desert Education Center, and then continue on into the wild, watery beauty in and around the lake.
Bartlett lake – 32 miles from Scottsdale and about 50 miles northeast of Phoenix, this is the second largest lake in the region. About 12 miles long, Bartlett Lake has camping, boating, fishing, and jet skis.
Apache Lake – Northeast of Phoenix by a distance of about 65 miles, Apache Lake is 17 miles long. It’s possible to camp there, as well as go fishing, boating, and hiking.
During the Summer months you should plan to arrive early since lake capacity fills up quickly. And be prepared to pay a usage fee at many of these lakes. For more on each lake’s rules and guidelines, visit the Arizona Leisure website above and click on the individual site information about each lake.
Canoeing and Kayaking Around Phoenix AZ
Now, let’s talk about the benefits of canoeing and kayaking. First of all, when you settle down into the seat of a canoe or kayak, you’re so close to the water that you can reach out and touch it. Gliding silently along the surface of the lake, you drink in the beauty of the stands of trees along the shore and enjoy the fish and frogs and turtles and birds that are part of water ecosystems. The peace of mind associated with these two motorless watercraft makes them the perfect choice for exercise that also refreshes.
In addition to the peace and quiet they provide, a canoe or kayak can offer a great physical workout. They both require paddling, which is a low-impact form of exercise that helps with flexibility and strengthening of the arms and upper body. Canoeing and kayaking can also be an aerobic sport, depending how fast and far you want to paddle. And both watercraft can be slipped into the water’s edge and used on lakes and rivers.
Canoeing and kayaking improve cardiovascular fitness and develop muscle strength, and since they’re low-impact activities, you won’t harm your joints and tissues while you’re paddling through the water. For more on the health benefits of canoeing and kayaking, click on this link.
As the weather allows, take time to enjoy life. Plan to get away with friends or family and to mentally and emotionally relax in nature. And when you’re ready to plan for the future, remember our firm, Phelps LaClair, for your estate planning needs. We’ve been doing estate planning in Phoenix, AZ for several generations, and we’ve got the experience to help you prepare for your family’s future.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (3/28/2018) Wallace Howe (Flickr)