In this post, I would like to once again introduce an alternative general training tool.
Sports activities and training should be as varied as possible. This is mainly to keep motivation high and avoid one-sided training. In each of the last two years I have done two longer training sessions with the bike and the ski rollers as the highlight of the year. This year I have chosen the kayak.
The idea was to complete a longer distance by kayak. The considerations led to the intention to do a "day trip". Without too much experience in kayaking, the question naturally arose as to how long a day trip could be.
For this purpose, an intensive map study of basically known terrain in the area of the Müggelsee in the southeast of Berlin was carried out.
This finally led to the following possible kayak round. Kleiner Müggelsee-Müggelsee-Müggelspree-Dahme-Seddinsee-Gosener Kanal-Alter Spreearm-Müggelspree-Kleiner Müggelsee. According to Google-Maps about 30km paddling distance.
On August 14, 2021, the time had come. After driving to the small Müggelsee and setting up the kayak, I went out on the water around 06:00 in the morning.
The first stage took me to Müggelsee and its crossing. At this early stage still very quiet and little traveled. In addition, it went quite quickly. I have encountered at this early time only a group of stand-up paddlers.
After that, entry into the Müggelspree. Still very calm water and some early swimmers, with which I also briefly came into conversation.
In the Köpenick area then the change to the Dahme. Here the water became a little more turbulent due to the rising wind. I also had to cope with the first heavier motorboat waves in the channel. After about 2h on the water I had to take the first break. The reason was mainly the strain on my buttocks. So I had to leave the boat. Still in Köpenick, but already in the area of the Dahme also found an appropriate place.
Now followed the section on the Dahme. The regatta course Grünau, the lido Wendenschloss, the lido Grünau, the large and small Rohrwall and the district Karolinenhof were passed. In the area Schmöckwitz opposite the small island Werderchen followed then another break at a pier. This time I remained in the boat.
Well strengthened it went on the Seddinsee. Here the wind and the corresponding places became stronger. Still I longed for the entrance into the hopefully calmer Gosener channel. However, the negative surprise followed here. The wind drove the waves into the channel. In addition the one or other motorboat driver came. Everything together led to strong swells in the canal with waves crashing back from the canal walls. This made paddling until after the road bridge not exactly a pleasure.
After surviving Gosener Kanal, I was able to turn into the old Spreearm. Here came the paddling pleasure on calm, almost romantic fairway. Another small break in the area of the Russenbrücke, which I usually pass by bike.
The last section led again along the Müggelspree back to the small Müggelsee. Now the advanced time of day became more than clear by the clearly increased traffic. Especially the party boats are certainly a special phenomenon.
After 5h 14min on the water I reached the small Müggelsee again. The clock showed just under 30km paddling distance.
Paddling is fun. Paddling is a challenge. Not only the shoulders and arms are addressed. Despite sitting, the stabilizers in the core of the body are also challenged. The hands on the paddle are also at risk of blistering. The biggest challenge for me personally, however, was the gluteal endurance. Here, completely different parts are stressed than when cycling.
I can unreservedly recommend this form of training to everyone. Especially the gliding on calm waters in the middle of nature led me back to the me.
The boat used was an AirFusion EVO KAYAK from the company Advanced Elements (https://www.advancedelements.com/).
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