Steve Medlock has chased adventure in the rapids of West Virginia’s New River, around the remote islands of the Florida Keys, and through the great expanse of Yellowstone Lake.

His kayak takes him there.

“It will take you to places you cannot go by any other means,” said the Bedford veterinarian. “You can get into really shallow water or paddle into headwaters that other boats can’t get to and you can’t hike to.”

It was one of these otherwise inaccessible places that Medlock proposed to his wife, asking the big question at Carl Ross Key off the eastern coast of Florida. They paddled through eight miles of six-foot waves to reach the isolated island. Their efforts paid off when they arrived at the isle oasis.

“There was a symphony of wind and little crickets,” Medlock said. “It was very romantic.”

Medlock hasn’t navigated to such an exotic spot in several years, but still sets out on kayaking journeys. Now he stays just a little closer to home—and often with company. Medlock’s wife, and seven children have kayaked on local lakes with him.

And one doesn’t even need to leave the area code to discover nature’s beauty from the water.

While kayaking on Lake Monroe, Medlock found himself within 30 or 40 feet of a bald eagle.

“There are all kinds of wildlife here in Indiana,” he said.

His passion to paddle started with a kayaking course through Indiana University Outdoor Adventures. He enjoyed it so much, he earned certification to teach kayaking from the American Canoe Association.

The activity opens doors to the outdoors, but correct technique and safety skills are important to learn as Medlock did.

“Though many perceive kayaking to be a dangerous sport, with proper equipment and training, it is actually quite safe: In my opinion it is much safer than cruising across the lake in a power boat at 40 or 50 mph,” Medlock said. “It really can be a family endeavor.” Medlock feels so confident in kayak safety that he took his daughter kayaking when she was just 3 years old.

A day on the lake can be a good workout, too. Correct paddling technique involves a boater’s entire body.

Medlock compares proper paddling to sitting on a barstool; it requires that same twisting motion of the torso which engages the abdominal muscles and legs. If the boater cuts into the water robustly, it can be a good aerobic work out as well. In just one hour of paddling, a 150-pound person can burn about 350 calories.

“You don’t have to be in top physical shape to be a kayaker,” Medlock said, “Anyone can do it, old and young. It can be as strenuous or as leisurely as you like.”

Grab a paddle and chart your own adventure.

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Area Boat Rental

Griffy Lake

Cost: $6 per hour or $50 10-rental pass (plus $1 paddle fee)

Where: Boathouse on the northeast side of the lake, 3300 N. Headley Road, Bloomington.

More Info: 812-349-3700

Lake Monroe Boat Rental

Cost: $15 for the first hour, $10 each additional hour

Where: Paynetown

State Recreation Area

off Ind. 446.

More Info: 812-837-9909

Indiana University Outdoor Adventures

Cost: $20-32 per night (includes “car-topper” kit, personal flotation devices and paddles)

Where: Eigenmann Hall, Room 020, 1900 E. Tenth Street, Bloomington.

More Info: 812-855-2231