Does Kayaking Burn Calories Calculator

Does Kayaking Burn Calories?

Yes, kayaking is an excellent calorie-burning activity. Even recreational paddling burns 300 to 350 calories per hour for a 70 kg person, while moderate and vigorous kayaking can burn 490 to 840+ calories per hour. Kayaking provides effective cardiovascular exercise while being low-impact on joints.

Why Kayaking Burns Significant Calories

• Full-body engagement: Arms, shoulders, back, core, and even legs are activated
• Continuous motion: Paddling maintains elevated heart rate throughout the session
• Resistance training: Water provides constant resistance against paddle strokes
• Core stabilization: Balancing and rotating engages core muscles continuously

Calorie Burn by Intensity (1 Hour, 70 kg)

Intensity	MET Value	Calories/Hour	Description
Recreational	5.0	350 kcal	Easy paddling, enjoying scenery
Moderate	7.0	490 kcal	Steady touring pace
Vigorous	12.0	840 kcal	Racing or whitewater

Kayaking for Weight Loss

Kayaking can be highly effective for weight loss when combined with proper nutrition:

• 3 sessions per week at moderate intensity burns approximately 1,470 calories
• This equals about 0.2 kg of fat burned per week from kayaking alone
• Combined with a moderate calorie deficit, kayaking supports sustainable weight loss

Muscles Worked While Kayaking

• Upper body: Shoulders, biceps, triceps, forearms
• Back: Latissimus dorsi, rhomboids, trapezius
• Core: Abdominals, obliques, lower back
• Chest: Pectorals
• Legs: Quadriceps and hip flexors (for bracing and rotation)

Additional Health Benefits

• Cardiovascular fitness improvement
• Stress reduction and mental health benefits
• Low-impact exercise suitable for all fitness levels
• Vitamin D exposure from outdoor activity
• Connection with nature

Related Calculators

• Main Kayaking Calorie Calculator
• Kayaking vs Walking Calories Calculator
• 1 Hour Kayaking Calories Calculator