Re: [Paddlewise] Age and Strength for kayaking (was not young and never will be)

From: Dave Flory <dflory_at_earthlink.net>
Date: Fri, 15 Oct 1999 18:07:29 -0700
> Umm, my point was that not just some, but rather many of us are
> paddling 70 lb. boats.  Sea Lions are very common.

OK, my relevant point is that even if the boat weighs 100 lbs. there is
no reason a normally healthy 80 year old can't be strong enough to lift
it onto the top of a car. My 83 year old could lift 100 lbs overhead
without great effort after about 9 mos. of conditioning for 30-40
minutes, 3 times a week. Add to this the fact that nobody that age, who
is smart about using their body, would just lift up the boat and put it
on the top, one should lift one end at a time, which is about half the
weight.

If one is basically healthy, there is no reason one can't kayak well
into the 80's and perhaps beyond. Things like arthritis, injury, cardiac
illness, etc. can all stop this but someone without debilitating illness
or injury can stay strong enough for this kind of thing into the century
point, _IF_ they keep active and exercise. Exercise of any sort, and
kayaking in particular, will help to keep the mind young. A healthy mind
in a healthy body and life is really worth living.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Dave Flory, San Jose, CA.     dflory_at_earthlink.net
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    Speak softly and study Aikido, then you won't need a big stick.
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Received on Fri Oct 15 1999 - 18:10:02 PDT

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