How Allergies Can Affect Paddling This Spring

There are all sorts of variables you must consider and prepare for before venturing into open water in a paddling vessel. You need to check the weather, pack essentials, and plan a route. When paddling in the spring, you also need to think about allergies. Since paddling is an outdoor activity, allergies can negatively affect your experience in various ways.

Some issues you can encounter while paddling during peak allergy season include reduced visibility due to watery eyes, itchy and uncomfortable skin, and fatigue from allergy medication. Some paddlers may find it difficult to breathe, and others may experience an uncomfortable runny nose. To combat these symptoms, consider taking a non-drowsy allergy medicine before paddling, wearing protective clothing, and opting for routes with fewer triggers.

Paddling in spring has many benefits. It’s an exciting time when nature comes alive, and paddlers can finally get back on the water once the ice melts and the weather improves. This time of year, however, is also notorious for allergies. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, then you must know how they can affect a paddling journey, as well as ways to combat the symptoms that accompany spring allergies.

6 Ways Allergies Can Impact Your Paddling Journeys This Spring

1. Eye Irritation Can Impact Visibility

Itchy, watery eyes are among the most common allergy symptoms people experience in spring. Pollen and other allergies can cause eyes to fill with tears, or become so itchy that it’s uncomfortable.

These eye issues can significantly affect visibility and your ability to navigate on the water. If your symptoms are severe, it can be quite dangerous to venture out. If you have watery or itchy eyes while paddling, head to shore to avoid a dangerous situation.

2. Itchy Skin Makes Paddling Uncomfortable

Many spring allergies can also cause skin irritation. While itchy skin is often manageable, for some, the itching is extreme and unbearable. While it’s possible to paddle when your skin is itchy, it is certainly not ideal.

If you have itchy skin in the spring, consider bringing a cream or lotion to soothe the symptoms. Otherwise, it’s a good idea to cut your paddle short, as skin irritation will likely lead to an uncomfortable paddling journey.

3. Some Allergy Medications Cause Fatigue

Many allergy symptoms can be subdued with over-the-counter allergy medications. Itchy eyes, skin, and a runny nose can all be minimized by taking a pill in advance. Unfortunately, some of these medications have side effects that can interfere with paddling.

Several of the most effective allergy medicines can cause both fatigue and drowsiness. You should avoid taking any drowsy medicines before paddling. It can lead to disorientation and make a simple and safe journey significantly more dangerous. If you make this mistake while paddling this spring, head to shore as soon as you feel the negative side effects of allergy medication.

4. Allergies Can Cause Respiratory Problems

Respiratory issues are one of the most serious symptoms you must consider when paddling during peak allergy season. Some people experience wheezing and difficulty breathing when allergy triggers are particularly strong.

If you experience difficulty breathing due to outdoor allergies, you must be prepared. Paddling is a full-body workout, which means smooth breathing is essential. If you feel your breathing is heavier or more labored than usual, stop paddling immediately and venture out when your symptoms improve.

5. Paddling With A Runny Nose Is Not Ideal

A runny nose is another common and irritating result of seasonal allergies. If you often get a runny nose in the spring, you should be prepared for it while paddling. While it is perfectly safe to paddle with a runny nose, it can be uncomfortable and messy.

It’s hard to use tissues when you’re on the water, so consider bringing a hanky or handkerchief to wipe your nose while paddling.

6. Coastal Paddles Near Forests Can Trigger Allergy Symptoms

Remember that where you paddle can profoundly affect the severity of your allergy symptoms. Paddling on lakes that are surrounded by fields and forests will likely trigger stronger allergy symptoms than saltwater paddles, where there are fewer plants. Consider your paddling location, and choose an area where your allergies won’t be as severe.

5 Ways To Combat Allergies While Paddling

1. Use Non-Drowsy Allergy Medication

One of the best ways to combat allergies while paddling this spring is to medicate before you venture out. Many allergy medications give you complete relief from symptoms, including difficulty breathing, and itchy eyes and skin.

Before you take allergy medication, however, you must ensure it’s non-drowsy. Furthermore, don’t wait until the day you paddle to try the medicine for the first time. Use it in advance to ensure it doesn't cause any side effects and works effectively.

2. Check The Pollen Forecast

Most weather apps include pollen and allergy forecasts, especially in the spring. In addition to checking the weather, you should always check the pollen count in your area before packing your paddling gear.

Opt for days when pollen counts are low and conditions are favorable. Finding days like this will likely result in the most enjoyable (and safest) spring paddling adventures.

3. Wear Quality Glasses And Cover Your Skin

You can’t change pollen counts, but you can dress accordingly. You must pay particular attention to what you wear while paddling in the spring. Opt for sunglasses with great coverage, or even paddling goggles. Protecting your eyes will reduce the risk of watery and itchy eyes while paddling on the water.

You should also wear clothing that covers your skin. This will reduce skin irritation and help protect you from the sun’s harmful UV rays.

4. Consider Paddling After A Rainy Day

Pollen and other spring allergies travel by air. A rainy day can wash away and settle pollen and other spring allergy triggers. Therefore, it’s often best to plan a paddling excursion the morning after a rainy day.

You should check the pollen counts before paddling, but it’s often the case that allergy symptoms are less extreme after a rainstorm comes through.

5. Opt For Paddling Routes With Fewer Allergy Triggers

Another great way to combat seasonal allergies when paddling in the spring is to choose your location wisely. If you have a serious pollen allergy, you should avoid wooded areas and ponds with fields and flowers.

Whenever possible, choose bodies of water and routes where you are less likely to encounter your allergy triggers. While you can’t avoid spring allergies entirely, there are often locations that are better suited to allergy sufferers than others. Carefully choosing a paddling route can pay off in a big way during peak allergy season.