It's a great workout, a chance to explore the outdoors and can be loads of fun.
The Hildebrand family has been hooked on kayaking since they picked up the water sport two years ago.
"We love being outdoors, and the boys love it," matriarch Sarah Hildebrand said, referencing 15-year-old Andrew and 9-year-old Ashton.
Seth Hildebrand, her husband, pointed out the fitness boost from constant rowing.
"It's great exercise," he said.
The family also uses their kayaking excursions for wildlife viewing. They've spotted baby ducks, geese, snakes, turtles and countless other critters. Once, Ashton found a snake eating a frog.
"There's a tree up here full of cranes," Sarah Hildebrand said from her preferred kayaking spot. That locale is Honey Creek Access, a Missouri Conservation Department area a few miles south of Jefferson City.
They've explored other creeks and rivers, but consider that one their favorite. Sometimes they make as many as three trips a week to Honey Creek.
"We try to get out here as much as we can," Sarah said.
But Central Missouri has no shortage of other kayaking territories. Two state parks within an hour of Jefferson City - Finger Lakes State Park and Lake of the Ozarks State Park - offer kayak rental services. Bring your own kayak, and you'll have dozens of waterways to choose from.
The Hildebrands picked up kayaking from Sarah's sister, a longtime enthusiast.
"I've been doing it a long time," Susan Baker said.
Now that the family has some experience, they prefer their kayaked waters to have some motion. The best time for that is after heavy rains.
"I like it after a storm because the water's rolling," Sarah said.
Susan agreed, "It makes a four-hour float more like a one-hour float because it just flows."
The sisters also agree newer kayakers should stick with calmer creeks and rivers. Another main safety rule is to always wear life jackets.
The American Canoe Association also encourages canoeists and kayakers to be aware of their surroundings and consider other boats with whom they're sharing the water. For example, a motorboat can travel much faster than a paddler, so give them plenty of space.
Quinn, the state parks spokesman, reiterated the fitness benefits and scenery.
"It's great, low-impact exercise that can improve one's aerobic fitness, strength and flexibility and is great for heart health," he said. "And, kayaking and canoeing allow people to see landscapes and wildlife that just can't be experienced from a hiking or biking trail."