4 Reasons Kayaking is the Ideal Corporate Team Building Activity
Real2 SEO Expert
Kayaking is a fantastic activity for building corporate team unity and breaking up any stagnant patterns of communication that might have calcified in the office environment.
Here are a few reasons why you should consider taking your team kayaking during your next company outing:
Team Work
It requires teamwork: Tandem kayaking is a team effort. To paddle well, both participants must work in unison coordinating their strokes. The paddler in the back acts as the rudder, keeping the kayak on course, while the paddler in front sets the pace. It is the responsibility of the paddler in the back to mirror the pace of the paddler in front and communicate with him or her to make sure they are aligned. Rather than having a conversation about deadlines, targets or clients, this sort of non-sequitur conversation about something other than work creates an opportunity for both participants to develop better skills on how they communicate with each other.
Promotes Problem Solving
It promotes problem-solving: Kayaking can involve navigating through obstacles or, sometimes, challenging conditions, which can require quick thinking and problem-solving skills. This can help team members learn to work together to overcome challenges and find solutions. During some of our corporate kayak outings we offer teams a chance to practice problem solving skills in kayaks together with a communication game, where the paddler in the back is blindfolded and must listen to the paddler in front of them as they race the craft around buoys. Before getting into kayaks for the team-building exercise, we have paddlers take part in a communication-styles workshop where they identify their communication styles on land and then use the insights gained from this information to work together on the water.
Supports Physical and Mental Well-Being
It promotes physical and mental well-being: Sometimes people just need a break. Kayaking is a great way to get some exercise and fresh air, which can help to improve physical and mental well-being. For teams that live locally, the activity is a great reminder as to why Orange County is such a great place to live in and can bring about a renewed appreciation for being in the area. This gratification and revivification from the outdoors can lead to increased productivity and a positive team dynamic.
Locations
We can kayak in a variety of locations: Kayaking can be done in a variety of locations in Orange County, from the quaint harbor of Dana Point, to the impressive canals and back bays of Newport Beach, Long Beach and Huntington Beach, to the azure ocean waters of Laguna Beach – we have a variety of settings to choose from based on conditions and your team’s physical ability. This allows teams to choose a setting that best suits their needs and preferences.
Overall, kayaking is a fun and exciting activity that can help to build corporate team unity and improve team dynamics. So if you're looking for a unique and rewarding team-building activity for a team of 6 or 60, consider giving one of Expert Active’s kayak or paddleboard outings a try!