Kayaking As A Couple: How To Have a Romantic And Safe Paddling Date

Paddling in a kayak, canoe, or on a SUP board is an activity many people enjoy without company. But paddling with a partner is always a good idea. It’s safer, easier, and it can even be romantic with the right company. If you are interested in bringing your significant other with you on a romantic ride on the water, however, there are a few tips you should know before you venture out on a paddling date.

Before you embark on a romantic paddling date make sure you map out your route in advance and discuss the plan with your partner. Consider taking a tandem boat or board, and find a nice place on land for a picnic. Make sure you have a rain plan, and if you are planning on a surprise remember to save it for when you are on land.

A paddling trip is a great way to spend time with your partner. It's a healthy and adventurous date idea. It can also be a wonderful exercise in communication skills. But if you aren’t properly prepared, a paddling date can be a headache and even a dangerous nightmare. So if you are thinking about taking your partner on a paddling date, make sure you read our list of top tips below to ensure you have a romantic and safe time on the water with the one you love.

10 Tips To Ensure A Romantic And Safe Paddling Date

1. Map Out The Perfect Route Ahead Of Time

When you are planning a date with your significant other on the water, knowing the route in advance is essential. Sure, it’s fun to have spontaneous dates, but save the spur of the moment adventures for when you are on dry land.

Mapping out a route in advance allows you and your partner to be on the same page. You know the direction you are headed, potential hazards, and the distance you will cover. From this route you can always take minor diversions, but it’s always wise to have to route in place before you launch your vessel(s).

2. Discuss The Plan Before Venturing Out

Mapping your route is the first step in ensuring you and your partner are on the same page, but not the only step. You must also discuss your paddling plan before venturing out. This means talking about the route, going over the location and checklist of supplies, and ensuring you have all the safety gear you need.

You should not only go over the route, but also the strategy. If you are riding tandem, discuss who will sit where, and what the roles are (steering, paddling, photo taking). If you are taking two vessels, discuss your strategy for staying together, as well as who will lead and who will follow. This will help minimize stressful situations on the water, and ensure your paddling date is safe and relaxing.

3. Find The Perfect Place To Have A Picnic

Paddling is certainly the main event of a paddling date, but an impromptu private picnic for two is the ultimate way to fold romance into this type of adventure. If possible, scope out picnic locations in advance. Find a secluded beach, a large rock, or a public dock on a tiny island that will make for an extra special picnic.

You can also opt to eat while floating on your paddling vessel. This can be romantic, especially when watching the sunset. If, however, you are planning on a large spread with chocolate-covered fruits and cheeses, you should find solid ground. Picnicking on land is much safer and more relaxed. It also allows a nice break in the middle of your paddling adventure.

4. Bring All The Necessary Safety Gear For Two

If you are used to paddling solo then you probably have your complete safety checklist for paddling down to a science. You must remember, however, that this checklist was made for one person, and must be adjusted when you bring a second paddler.

Make sure you have enough safety gear for both paddlers. That means two PFDs that fit properly. Make sure your first aid can accommodate two paddlers as well. You’ll need more water and other miscellaneous supplies as well. While safety doesn’t feel romantic, it is essential when planning a paddling date for two.

5. Sprinkle Some Romance Into Your Food Selections

One of the best ways to add more romance to a paddling date is with your food and beverage selections. You’ll be surprised at what a difference it makes to enjoy elegant food in the middle of a paddling trip versus at your kitchen table.

The key to choosing romantic foods to enjoy on a paddling date is to opt for easy-to-eat foods that are best enjoyed cool or at room temperature. You won’t have a microwave on board, so don’t choose anything you need to eat warm.

Charcuterie plates, fresh fruits, chocolate-covered strawberries, and gourmet finger sandwiches are all great options. Choose food that you and your partner both love. This is a great way to add some surprise to the day as well, as you can keep some of the fancier and more romantic food selections a secret until you arrive at your picnic spot.

6. Communication On The Water Is Key

Paddling with your partner can be romantic, and it can also be a chance to work on your communication skills. When paddling as a pair, communication is key. If you are in two different paddling vessels you should check in frequently, discussing your path forward.

It’s also important to discuss energy and fatigue levels. This is particularly important if one of you paddles regularly and the other is more of a novice. It’s important to ensure no one is overexerting themselves.

7. Have A Rain Plan

You’ve probably seen many romantic movie scenes where two lovers get caught in the rain and share a wet embrace. While this might look romantic on screen, it is a lot less enjoyable when you and your partner are caught in a rainstorm in a paddling vessel.

It’s crucial you check the weather before you head onto the water. Weather along the shore can change rapidly, and you don’t want to get caught in a rainstorm. That is the quickest way to turn a romantic date into a terrifying one. If there is rain in the forecast, it’s safe to make it a movie date and try again another day.

8. Save The Surprises For When You’re On Land

Romantic gestures often come in the form of surprises. From engagements to important announcements, there are all sorts of surprise moments couples like to share. While these moments evoke an emotional and memorable response, it’s best to leave the surprises for dry land.

A romantic gesture while paddling can cause one of you (or both) to lose balance, or even tip the boat. If you want to plan a surprise you should save it for a moment when you are having a picnic or taking a break on land somewhere.

9. Consider A Tandem Paddling Date

If you have a tandem SUP board, kayak, or canoe, then you should consider using this vessel for your paddling date. Tandem boards and boats have the ability to be both practical and romantic.

When you ride in the same paddling vessel it makes staying together easy. A tandem ride also ensures you two are able to share the burden and take individual breaks as needed. Tandem paddling is also a great team-building activity, which is something most relationships can benefit from.

10. Don’t Linger Long After The Sunset

If you are planning a romantic paddling excursion with your significant other there is a good chance you want to incorporate the sunset somehow. Watching the sunset from the water is a peaceful way to see the sunset on the horizon with an unobstructed view. Just remember it gets dark quickly after the sun goes down.

Unless you are prepared to paddle at night, make sure you view the sunset close to where you launched your boat. This will allow you to enjoy a majestic sunset, and then safely paddle to shore before you lose too much light.

Packing Essentials For A Romantic (And Safe) Paddling Date

1. PFD And Safety Gear

The most important items to remember when paddling with your partner are all the necessary safety gear. Make sure you both have PFDs that fit properly and are in good condition. Ensure you have navigation equipment and emergency first aid as well.

2. Shelf-Stable Snacks

If you are planning a romantic picnic during your paddle then you most likely have a cooler bag packed, but you should also have some shelf stable paddling snacks. A gourmet trail mix, chocolate covered nuts, or exotic dried fruits are fun shelf-stable options. These are tasty elevated snacks that are sure to give you and your partner the energy you need.

3. Romantic Finger Foods

Try not to be overly ambitious when you plan the menu for a romantic paddling picnic. Instead, opt for luxurious finger foods that you can enjoy on shore at a location of your choice. Meat and cheese spreads, as well as finger sandwiches and other finger foods work great, and will transfer easily.

4. A Cooler Bag

If you want to have a picnic, or even just some cold beverages, then you need a cooler of some sort. A classic cooler works well, but a cooler bag might be ideal if you plan to travel ashore for your picnic. A quality cooler bag will keep your food at the desired temperature, and you can easily carry one on your shoulder.

5. Dry Bag

A quality dry bag is essential for any paddling excursion, including a romantic paddling date. You can keep cameras, phones, and anything that can’t get wet in your dry bag. If you have a picnic blanket and napkins for a romantic paddling picnic, then store those items in a dry bag as well.

6. A Quick-Dry Blanket

A micro-fiber and quick dry towel is great to have as a paddler. If you plan to enjoy some picnics ashore, or like to lay on the beach, you might want to invest in a quick-dry blanket or a very large quick dry towel.

These are great for those who enjoy island-hopping adventures, as they release moisture quickly and provide a great place to sit and picnic no matter where you end up.

7. Waterproof Speaker And Playlist

Some find the sound of small waves breaking on shore soothing and romantic. Sure, this is a lovely sound best enjoyed with your partner by your side, but sometimes music is best for setting a romantic mood.

Bring a fully-charged waterproof speak along on your romantic paddling trip. Play a nostalgic and meaningful playlist for your partner while you paddle, or set it up along with your picnic.

8. Plenty Of Water And Other Liquids

You must always pack ample water for a paddling journey to avoid dehydration. Make sure you bring more than enough fluids for you and your partner for your romantic journey. Consider spicing things up with some sparkling water, or spa water with citrus, herbs, or cucumbers infused in it. These are all delicious and creative ways to stay hydrated on your date.

Summing Up How To Have A Safe And Romantic Paddling Date

Paddling is a wonderful activity to enjoy as a couple. It is great exercise, brings you both into nature, and is a great way to practice communication skills. To ensure your paddling date is both safe and romantic you must pack correctly.

Make sure you both have quality PFDs, and bring along plenty of gourmet foods and beverages to keep you hydrated and set a romantic tone. Always map out a route and talk about it before venturing out. When possible opt to ride tandem, as it will keep you coupled at all times, and it’s a great way to share the work.