I'm 65 years old and my wife and I have been sea kayaking for 5-6 years. I am retired and have more time on my hands. We are on our second pair of boats. I paddle a Delta 18.5 and my wife paddles an Necky Eliza. What types of paddling do other older 'yakkers do? Where do you paddle? What are your paddling goals for the future? Mine are to learn more "open water" skills, paddle longer distances, improve my self rescues and eventually develop a roll. Does your age affect the types of trips you plan or the techniques you use? What are the age limits for sea kayaking? What do we have to look forward to? Will we get older-and-better?

The only question I can answer is that I'm 67 and paddling is getting better all the time. I don't have any particular goals except to get out and do it as often as is practical. I know I'm getting behind with some of my chores, but what the heck.

Oh well, I guess I can answer a couple of your other questions. I paddle primarily on the Columbia River, but occasionally I do one of the local smaller rivers and a lake, or two.

I have four kayaks, but lately I've only been using three of them. Yesterday I used the NC Expedition for a jaunt up the river in what turned out to be oceanic conditions--at least part of the time and Magic should be happy to know that I used my spray skirt.

One thing I have to keep relearning is to not bite off more than is comfortable to chew. I've learned that trying to go too far will often turn into a draining slog if conditions deteriorate. Yesterday came very close to that, because I didn't expect such a strong incoming tide.

Interesting thread to start. I am 64, and have been paddling for about 12 years, mostly on inland lakes and slower rivers in IL. I paddle on Lake Springfield about 3-4 times per week for exercise (I bike or go to the gym on other days), and generall try to get out on windy days when I can play in the waves a bit.

Like Paul Beaulieu, lately (since retirement)I have been working on developing more advanced bracing and wave control skills and working on a roll - for me by attending several sea kayak symposiums on the Great Lakes. I am meeting some of my goals by taking paddling day trips in the Apostle Islands (WI) and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (MI). I generally go on one or two paddles per year outside of IL in more scenic areas - to Canada and Florida in recent years.

I usually paddle my Warren Little Wing 12.5 as it is light weight (24 Llbs acutal) and is easy to handle both on and off the water. I also own and paddle a 16'9" Folbot Cooper that weighs about 35 Lbs. About the only limitation that older paddlers have is that we generally get tired more quickly than the younger folks, which can be a problem in rough conditions. My future goals include constantly improving my skills and some overnight trips in South Florida and other warm and scenic areas. I expect to paddle into my 80s barring any deterioration of my health.

I just thought of something else that I've learned over the years and that is to not overdo it. As I've learned some of the paddling techniques that seem to work for me, and as I've paddled more often and longer distances, I've gotten stronger. My theory is that your muscles can get stronger than some of the other parts and you can strain joints, ligaments and tendons if you apply the power you've gained, so try to moderate a bit. At least be aware that you can cause painfull damage if you push it too much.

It also pays to take a break and refuel before you poop yourself out. Paddling uses up a lot of energy and it can sneak up on you.

I'm 70 and have been sea kayaking since 1984. I am an exploration day-tripper, and generally paddle 15 to 20 nautical miles on a typical day's outing, mostly on New Jersey tidewater--bays, estuaries, the ocean, tidal rivers. I paddle solo about 2/3rds of the time, and with old buddies the rest. I work closely with the tides and the wind direction and strength to plan the day's route. I've not appreciably changed my approach to sea kayaking since I started, except to adopt lighter boats and paddles over the years. One of my steadiest partners is 78 and can paddle circles around people one-third his age. The plan is to always remember that one is a mariner, and that one should conduct oneself that way by being the most prudent and knowledgable boater out there on the water.

I must admit I'm very glad to read these posts.

I'm still a lad at 56, at least compared to the living fossils that have posted so far. For quite a while I have been wondering how long I'll be able to paddle. These posts have greatly eased my fears, and I think there's a very good chance I'll be an active paddler when I'm a living fossil as well.

So, my goal is to be able to cover 15-20 nautical miles a day when I'm in my 70's (something I'm not sure I can do today!).

FYI my wife and I own 12' and 14' Wilderness Systems Tsunamis, and a 16' Necky Zoar. If a 16'-18' sea kayak appears on our local Craiglist cheap, I might purchase it.

Over the years, I've found it's been wise to own and have read 3 or 4 sea kayaking manuals; also David Burch's excellent Fundamentals of Kayak Navigation, which is a goldmine of nautical information. It's also been useful to be a goal-oriented tripper--rather than showing up at some launch site and deciding just to go paddling, I've looked at the weather and tidal info and then decided where to launch and what/where will be the lunchtime turnaround point. Accumulating the largest possible number of useable launch sites is always good.

Efficient paddling technique is essential. Torso rotation, keeping the lightest possible grip on the paddle shaft, varying one's tempo and paddle angle, and paddling at an easy rate that you can sustain for many hours, are all keys for keeping going in this activity, I've found.

Regarding safety, I always strive to keep well within my "envelope" of ability, and turn around & go back to the launch site, or paddle somewhere else if I don't feel right in the conditions. And always--Know the Wind; Respect the Wind; FEAR the Wind.

Yeah, and don't put a lot of faith in what weather reports say. For some reason, the wind always blows harder than what is predicted and that translates to bigger waves when the current is counter to the wind.

Living fossil huh? Magic, are you going to sit there and take that?

For the record, if my tongue-in-cheek post wasn't clear enough, I envy all those "living fossils" and hope I'm lucky enough to become one. Sad to say, the moment of reckoning is not that far off. "Living fossil," here I come...

No offense taken at all; certainly not by me. I am a living fossil, and consider it a badge of honor.

Wow! It's a pleasure to learn that some rather knowledgeable paddlers and prolific contributors have also been around for a while. Many paddlers I know are older than me and paddle at a much higher level. I've seldom heard the exploits, concerns and interests of older paddlers addressed. As a group I think we have more free time to spend on the water and an appreciation for good stuff that keeps minds and bodies focused. It's probably indicative that I could not have guessed anyone's age by reading their posts. It's cool to be thinking about the next boat, the next skill and next trip to plan.

I began kayaking when in my 40's and was heartened to see so many folks who are in their 50's, 60's and 70's paddling. Many of the people in the association to which I belong are in this age group. I'm pushing 52 and paddling keeps on getting better. Strange Magic said it all! I paddle many kayaks and row a scull for my exercise. I try to work the wind and tides to my advantage, take Alexander classes for posture (good for general health and any sport), and attend kayak symposia/lessons to improve my techniques. I also surf kayak - but don't attempt anything over 3 feet yet. I respect the ocean's strength and know what my limits are. Maturity has its rewards!

I started at age 52.

I see kayaking as complementary to my other love, backpacking (lightweight, of course)...you get to travel on the other side of the shoreline, and can even paddle among the migrating waterfowl rather than viewing them from land from far away.

And if my knees and ankles ever give out (old injuries) so I can't hike any more, I can continue to paddle.

Who knows, I might even take up whitewater kayaking one day...

near 58 and I like it rough! Go with girl friend who is 55. We do ten miles some days. Just started in July. She surprised me she can go so far. I'll need to find a paddler that likes rougher water for some excursions next year. Thought about it for years fun and good for the mind and body.

I hit 60 several months ago and started kayaking through an ACA safety course (with a 76 year old instructor) in 2008 after getting T-Boned by a car while legally passing through a relatively safe (I thought) intersection on my beautiful carbon fiber road bike. Paddling seemed a reasonable way to continue my fitness training...fresh air, aerobic workouts and no cars. I've always lived near salt air and love all things on, in and under the water.
The enjoyment I found in my kayak can only be fully understood by those of us who practice this ancient sport. I am still recovering from neck injuries suffered in the '08 car accident, but cannot now imagine life without my boats.
My goal is to develop a dependable roll and to be as good a paddler as that 76 year old instructor until the day I paddle away from this old world.

Hurricane Tampico 140S
Heritage 120 cockpitted fishing kayak