Paddling on the River
Water adventures in Germany
It’s been a hot week and we surely had to get in the water to cool down. Getting our inflatable kayak and paddleboard out for the first time back in Germany we had a fun afternoon ahead of us.
The first challenge was finding a good entry place to the river which isn’t too far from where the car can be parked. We didn’t feel like walking far in this heat while carrying the equipment.
We found eventually a shallow shoreline where we planned to enter the water and stopped the car on a farm road. Pumping up our equipment we started to sweat very quickly. But it doesn’t take too long. These inflatables were for sure one of the best investments we made. Flying across continents with a paddleboard and kayak in the bags and being able to explore different waters was for sure worth the money!
We first carried the kayak together into the water which can also seat two people. But since I prefer the paddleboard we each have our own piece of equipment.
Here were some rocks on the shoreline but I could walk into the water as far as I needed to get my board safely in. The water wasn’t really cold. Or the air just so hot that the water simply felt refreshing.
Despite it being one of the bigger rivers in Germany there was not much going on. Maybe because it’s a weekday and midday. Maybe not the best time of the day to do some exercise but later in the day they predicted some rain and we really wanted to explore the river today.
Talking about the river. Look how flat the water is. Not a wave. Clean reflections. The water is mirroring the surrounding trees and clouds in the sky. It looked stunning.
We weren’t in a rush. Gently paddling upriver while passing campsites and exploring the river banks.
Now and then I had to stop and take some photographs. I had ordered a new piece of equipment that screws into my board and holds the GoPro in position. It’s great to have the hands free and film while paddling.
Countless ducks were occupying the shoreline taking naps on the grass.
Just before reaching the city of Miltenberg sluices were blocking our way and we turned around after passing this lovely tiny beach.
The way back was great fun. Going downriver now, we could float with the current, steer mainly, and speed up if we felt like it.
It’s our first time on the river. So far we’ve only been paddling on lakes and the rough Atlantic ocean. Coming from the fight in waves to such calm waters it seems boring at first but it wasn't at all. We might just cover more distance next time and start the trip downriver to explore some new territory.
Coming back to the hot weather — I did not get wet. At least not more than my feet. Maybe next time I’ll jump in the water to cool myself off. This time I was happy to just stand on the board and do some exercise while paddling.
Do you do any water sports? If so, which are those activities and where do you explore the rivers or lakes?
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