A Perfectly Packed Day: Kayaking on the Rideau River Before Business C

A Perfectly Packed Day: Kayaking on the Rideau River Before Business Calls

Sep 25, 2024 | posted by Vitaliy Deputat

On June 28, 2024, I had a lot on my plate—a busy day ahead that included a fishing trip on the Rideau River and an appointment for an oil change at 9 a.m. at the local car dealership in Ottawa. Despite the packed schedule, I decided to test how well my Neris Smart Pro S kayak would fit into my lifestyle as a busy professional.

An Early Morning Start

To make the most of the day, I woke up at 5 a.m., packed my gear, and headed over to Eccolands Park by the Rideau River. It's a location that has always intrigued me for fishing, so I was excited to explore it further. I arrived just after sunrise, with the soft light of dawn casting a peaceful glow on the water and a hint of fog hanging in the air. The view was serene and had a certain philosophical beauty that made me appreciate the quiet moments.

A serene morning view of the Rideau River just before paddling, with soft sunlight and a light mist rising from the calm waters.

I unloaded my fishing gear and kayak from the car and began assembling my Neris Smart Pro S. Timing myself, it took just 17 minutes to fully assemble the kayak—a pretty good result for only my second time doing it! I've come to love how quickly I can get it ready, especially on tight schedules like today.

A person assembling the Neris Smart Pro S kayak, showcasing how it takes just 15-17 minutes from start to finish, with gear laid out and ready for the water.

On the Water

By 6 a.m., I was paddling along the calm waters, never venturing too far from the dock—no more than 1 kilometer. The morning sun was rising, and the river was quiet, with only me and the sounds of nature around. My goal was to catch some fish, but as luck would have it, I only caught weeds! I switched lures multiple times, but the fish seemed elusive.

Attempting to fish on the Rideau River, gently twitching the fishing rod while seated in the Neris Smart Pro S kayak, surrounded by calm waters and natural scenery.

Around 8 a.m., a few water skiers showed up, disturbing the calm I was hoping for. At that point, I decided to pack up and head back. Despite not catching any fish, the experience was rejuvenating. I paddled back to shore, disassembled the kayak in 20 minutes, and packed everything away.

From Kayak to Business

By 8:30 a.m., I had swapped my kayaking clothes for jeans and a T-shirt, ready to make it to my 9 a.m. oil change appointment. While my car was being serviced, I enjoyed a well-deserved breakfast, reflecting on the morning paddle.

Quickly changing clothes from kayaking gear to casual jeans and a t-shirt, preparing for a busy day ahead after a morning on the water.

Conclusion

What struck me most was how well the Neris Smart Pro S kayak fits into my busy lifestyle. It's lightweight, easy to assemble, and allows me to sneak in a quick paddle or fishing session, even on days packed with other responsibilities. No matter how busy the day gets, there's always time for a good morning paddle. The flexibility of this kayak allows for an adventure even amidst the demands of everyday life.