Human Powered Water Fun!
Summer is HERE and in Butte County, there’s no shortage of opportunities for fun in the sun! This time, we’re diving deep into all things water sports. No pun intended 😉 We’ll lay out some of the most popular human-powered watersports, discuss the benefits, and where appropriate, we’ll share some local organizations where you can participate in these activities and educational resources that can help you can learn how to do some of these things. Make sure you click the links ~
In this piece, we’ll be covering the following water sports:
Swimming
Paddleboarding
Kayaking & Canoeing
Whitewater Rafting
Sailing & Rowing
LET’S GO ...
Swimming
The sport of swimming is one of the most popular water sports and recreational activities around the world. Swim for general fitness or compete in an aquathlon, aquabike, or triathlon. Swimming is perfect for those that want a great aerobic, and a total body strengthening workout.
Get a few great tips from Christian’s YouTube Channel, Swim to Fly.
Check out these local places for swim lessons:
Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
Want to try out something fun and unique that’ll get your entire body pumping? Not only is SUP a total blast, but it’s also great for your health! Improve your balance, lower stress levels, and increase your cardiovascular health when you paddleboard. Here are a few tips to follow.
Be Safe. Use a leash, fall away from your board, watch out for other folks, be mindful of the wind - if it gets too strong, lay down and paddle.
Look up, not down. Keep your head up and your back straight, as well as your body's weight over your toes, so that you'll be stable.
Use your core to paddle.
Position yourself correctly. Stand centered on the board and make sure the fins are in the back of the board.
Rent a SUP at Forebay Aquatic Center.
Kayaking & Canoeing
Kayaking & canoeing is not only fun and easy, but it is also a low-impact exercise that is great for your whole body.
Canoes are open vessels in which you kneel or sit. Pushing through the water requires a paddle with a single blade. A kayak is enclosed, and you sit inside with your legs extended forward. Double-sided paddles are used to move through the water.
In addition, specialty canoes may be enclosed, and specialty kayaks may be open, but these are designed for specific uses or jobs and are rare.
As well as improving cardiovascular fitness, both activities also build muscle strength, particularly in the back, arms, shoulders, and chest. Because it is low-impact, joints and tissues are not stressed as much.
These small vessels allow visitors to intimately view the natural habitats of many animals and birds up close. Try your hand at fishing while you are out on the water! Children can be entertained while gaining a wealth of educational experiences through it as well!
Be prepared!
Kayakers and canoers should always wear a personal floatation device. This may be a requirement in some places. Kayakers who are more likely to tip over should also wear helmets. If you should tip your canoe or kayak over in colder weather 🥶, a wetsuit is a good idea.
Experienced kayakers and canoers can check out this guide from the California State Park Divison of Boating and Waterways; it shares information about boating on the Sacramento River from Redding to Red Bluff. Beginners may consider renting a kayak or canoe from Forebay Aquatic Center in Oroville where the current is gentle.
Whitewater Rafting
If you’re looking for a little more thrill and adventure in the open water, consider whitewater rafting! There are many outfitters in the area to choose from. Whitewater rafting shares many of the benefits of kayaking & canoeing but one benefit that is exclusive is the opportunity for team building and family bonding.
Whitewater rafting can help create deeper and more fulfilling relationships with your teammates or family members by going on a trip down a wild river. Getting to know a person’s strengths and weaknesses can help everybody bond better and work together as a team. Plus, it’s easier to connect when smartphones or other distracting technology aren't a distraction. It’s undeniable that whitewater rafting can give you an adrenaline rush. With that, it will leave you with a renewed confidence and a sense of accomplishment. Rapids may be difficult at first, but you’ll overcome the challenge and gain a sense of accomplishment that will boost your self-esteem significantly.
Regional Resources
Check out Tributary Whitewater for a piece they wrote about whitewater rafting near Chico. The Coloma-Lotus Business Council has a comprehensive list of whitewater rafting outfitters, as well. Rafting with kids? Check out this piece from Take the Family.
Additional Boating Activities
Sailing & Rowing
Gain new skills and learn how to sail or row! Learn how through member-based clubs in our area. Click the links below to learn more.
Sailing
The Butte Sailing Club has very reasonable annual membership fees and is located on the Thermalito Forebay. Learn more about their sailing lessons here. Table Mountain Rowing and Chico State rowing are hosted by the Forebay Aquatic Center.
Rowing
Learn more about teams and classes through the Table Mountain Rowing Club. Introductory classes happen in the spring during the month of May.
Adaptive Water Sports
Cure put together this great list of adaptive water sports to try this summer. Chico’s Ability First Sports offers a water ski workshop and is a great local resource to find out more about adaptive equipment.