We joined Roundhouse Birmingham for a kayak tour along the canals to find out what makes outdoor adventure so rewarding in the heart of the city. From the mental benefits to the unique views, this spring feature shows why getting outside matters.
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00:00There's something calming about being this close to the water, especially in the middle of a busy city.
00:09From the moment you get into the kayak, your focus shifts away from emails, noise and traffic,
00:15and onto paddling, balance and the simple rhythm of moving forward.
00:19It's not just about exercise either, though it does get the arms working.
00:23It's the mental space it gives to you that really sticks.
00:27But what's the experience actually like for someone who's never done this before?
00:32I personally think kayaking is one of the most fun things you can do.
00:35It's something different, it gets you out seeing nature and experiencing the outdoors in a very different way from walking along.
00:42I think if you're all coming as a beginner, you don't need any experience, it's quite easy to pick up.
00:49As long as you can get it moving forwards and turning, you're grand.
00:53And as I say, we'll teach you all of that and make sure that you're happy and comfortable out on the water.
00:58I'm a big lover of kayaking and would say everyone should do it.
01:03It's easy to forget how good being outside feels until you're doing it.
01:07When the sun's out, it's the perfect time to get moving.
01:10The air's fresher, the days are longer and everything just feels a bit more alive.
01:14You don't have to travel far or spend loads either.
01:17Something like a canal tour shows how much is already here on our doorstep.
01:22For anyone stuck in a rut, whether that's mental or physical, this is a good way to break out of it.
01:28And remember that there's more to life than your phone or your inbox.
01:32So I think getting out in the sun and being out on the water and, you know, doing something active, I think does wonders for people's mental health.
01:39You know, it certainly does for me. I could have had the worst morning, but the minute I'm out on that kayak, nothing else matters.
01:44And I'm so zen because it's just chill.
01:47We spend so much time indoors.
01:49I think it's great to get out and actually, you know, use what we have on offer and especially in somewhere like Birmingham where, you know, it's all very urban and, you know, we have beautiful green spaces, but people might not think to use them all that often.
02:00So I think having something like this where you can get out and experience it entirely differently is pretty sweet.
02:07Birmingham's canal system is full of hidden corners and overlooked views and seeing it from the water gives you a completely different perspective.
02:16You're right there beneath the buildings, drifting past everything from graffiti covered tunnels to quiet tree line stretches.
02:23The city's hustle feels miles away. It's urban adventure without the faff.
02:29It's really interesting when you are sat at such a different angle, like we like to call it a duck's eye view of Birmingham.
02:35You know, as you're paddling along, you see so much more that you otherwise wouldn't, wouldn't notice as you're walking along.
02:40You know, we're all terrible. We all have the habit of walking, staring at the phone as we go.
02:43You know, we don't take in our surroundings. Whereas when you're on a kayak, your hands are occupied.
02:47You are just in the moment and you see so much more.
02:50I mean, I still spot things now. I've been here three years and I still see things I hadn't noticed every time I go out on the water.
02:56I see...
02:58..but I'm a big and I'm floating in the water.
03:00You're the first half of the water.