Kayaking Date Ideas

With warm sunny days and balmy evenings, the summer months offer endless opportunities for dating in the great outdoors. Getting out and about in nature is always a great option to spend time, and will be even more fun if you take the person you like with you. And what better way to do that than getting out on the water in a kayak? Whether you live near a river, a lake, or the ocean, we think there’s something inherently romantic about being on the water together. If you need a bit of inspiration, or tips on how to make it work, we’ve put together a guide to kayaking dates that’s sure to make this a summer of love (on a boat).

Any activity that allows you to let your guard down and be real with each other, is really the best kind of date idea. Sure, going for drinks or dinner is classic, but there’s a lot of pressure— especially if you’re only just getting to know each other. Taking part in an activity which requires a bit of teamwork and the ability to laugh at yourself can be a great way to bring you closer together. That’s why we think a kayaking date is such a good idea— it’s budget-friendly too.

If you’re feeling inspired and ready to take your date kayaking, here are a few tips to help make sure you both have a good time. First and foremost, it’s best to be sure they actually want to give it a go. It’s not for everyone, and although it’s always beneficial to try new things, if kayaking on some open water just isn’t their bag, respect that and opt for something else. However, if they’re as excited by the idea as you, here’s how to make your kayaking date one to remember.

If you’re both beginners, or fairly new to kayaking, hire your kayak and paddles from a reputable rental place. They’ll also be able to advise on the best places to go and stretches of water to avoid. It also won’t do any harm to check out some instructional videos online before you go, just so you have a grasp of the basic skills you’ll need. And, of course, don’t forget your life jackets!

Whether you bring a snack or go all out with a gourmet picnic, don’t set out without something to eat and drink. On a hot summer’s day, staying hydrated is essential, so packing enough water is a must. When it comes to food, take into consideration that whatever you bring needs to be easy to transport, so a few sandwiches and chips will be ideal. Bring some bubbles if you want to make it extra special, but just make sure you have a waterproof backpack or cooler to get your picnic there and back in one piece.  

Unlike a more traditional date, you won’t be getting dressed up to the nines for your kayaking date. There’s definitely no need for heels or a smart shirt. There is, however, a dress code of sorts to adhere to. As well as life jackets, you’ll both need to wear clothes that are quick-drying—so think swimsuits, shorts, tank tops and tees, and maybe even a rash vest to protect your skin from the sun and potential bug bites. It’s also a good idea to bring some extra dry clothes you can change into while you’re taking a break onshore, or for when you get back to dry land at the end of your kayaking adventure.

A little preparation goes a long way for any kind of date, but especially one in nature. So wherever you’re paddling this summer, have your route planned out and make sure there’s a pretty spot where you can stop for your picnic lunch. Ideally it should be somewhere you can disembark and relaunch your kayak easily.

While you can go on a kayaking date in cold weather, let’s be honest, the warmer months of spring and summer are a much more attractive option. If it’s a particularly hot day, avoid setting out in the midday heat. Go in the early morning to watch the sunrise or early evening instead. And if you’re looking to make your kayaking date even more romantic, why not go at dusk? If you don’t want to go it alone, lots of kayak excursion companies offer twilight tours. You’ll stop off to toast marshmallows on the shore with a mug of hot cocoa, before hopping back in your tandem kayak to paddle home.

Don’t see yourself in a kayak? There are plenty of other water sports that make fun summer dates. Here are just a few you could try with your Bumble date.

Paddle boarding has become more and more popular over the last few years, and while we’ve all heard how great it is for your core, it’s also a great activity for a date. As with any outdoorsy date, you both need to feel comfortable enough with each other that you won’t get embarrassed if you don’t nail it the first time. Falling in the water is kind of inevitable, so embrace the jeopardy. You can hire paddle boards pretty much anywhere there’s some open water, so get kitted out and get out there. A still day is probably best for beginners, and have a post-paddling plan too. After you’ve dried off, settle back to enjoy a glass of something cold in the summer sun.

Like kayaking, canoeing is another great date idea. While it does require some effort, it’s a fairly leisurely activity that’s fun and won’t blow the budget. You could rent separate canoes and paddle side by side, and even race one another. Or rent a two-person canoe and get in sync with your paddle strokes. The couple that paddles together, stays together. We assume.

This one’s for the true romantics out there. Head to your nearest boating lake and hire a rowboat for an hour or two. For really old skool vibes, take a picnic hamper, a bottle of bubbles and preferably a book of poetry to recite, as you lie back and take in the view.

For something more high octane, how about catching some waves on a surfing date? Or at least attempting to. If you’re lucky enough to live by the beach, book a surf lesson for two with a local surf school. Who knows, you might both fall in love with it, and surfing could become your new joint passion.

If you’ve been looking for fun things to do outdoors with your Bumble date, hopefully we’ve provided plenty of ideas for water sport dates and kayaking dates this summer. Whether you take it slow on a rowboat or set out for a twilight kayak tour, it’s sure to be a date to remember.