Oklahoma Man Keeps 15-Year Kayaking Streak Alive: 'Never underestimate an old man with a kayak'

For 15 years, Lloyd Moden has paddled in his kayak at least once a month without missing a single month. Rain, shine, or even ice, he’s kept the streak alive.

“There have been times when I have had to break ice to kayak or not kayak because I couldn’t get to the lakes,” Moden said.

The tradition started by accident.

“I remember kayaking last month,” Moden said. “I remember where I kayaked the month before and the month before that, so I got to thinking, I have done it for three to four months in a row, can I do six months, can I do a year. So, I ended up with a year, that was not the intent when I started off to continue, but after a year, I started thinking, well, let’s go for two years.”

Two years turned into fifteen. At 82 years old, Moden shows no signs of stopping.

His son, Darin Moden, said it’s just part of who his dad is.

“I’ll be on the couch watching my third or fourth TV show, and he’s out kayaking, cutting limbs, or traveling the world,” Darin Moden said.

That personality has taken Lloyd kayaking in 10 states and several countries. He owns around 10 kayaks, more than most people own shoes.

“You can never have too many kayaks,” he said.

For Moden, the streak is secondary to the joy and health the sport brings.

“I’m blessed with good health. We’ve always been told to take time to smell the roses, and whatever your passion is, pursue that,” Moden said.

From humid summer afternoons to icy winter mornings, for Moden, the best time to kayak is anytime.