Tips for kayaking with children
With a little thought and planning, kayaking with kids is a great way to foster a love of nature and help them develop hand-eye coordination. With kids, it’s usually a good idea to choose a kid-friendly destination without a lot of boat traffic or strong currents. You may want to start at small nearby lakes until they get a little more experienced. Here are some tips to help you plan a kayak trip with your kids, including tips on where to go, what to bring, and when your kids are ready to paddle on their own.
What Brig
The first thing to bring of course is your kayak! Most families can enjoy a day on the water with an inflatable kayak, which is easy to store in the trunk of the car and inflate when you hit the water. You will also need a lollipop for everyone who will be actively participating. Look for children’s popsicles, which are usually around 200cm long with a narrow shaft that’s easier for little hands to hold. PFDs (personal flotation devices) are also required, so select models that are approved by the United States Coast Guard. You can find child-sized PFDs, as well as those for kids 30-50 pounds and youth 50-90 pounds. A word of advice here: If you’re planning on bringing a baby, get them used to the PFD before your trip because they may refuse to wear it when you’re ready to hit the water.
Along with these basics, be sure to pack plenty of snacks and food, a change of clothes, and a first aid kit. Young children will also likely appreciate their own camera to take pictures, binoculars to spot animals, a journal, books, or even a fishing pole of their own if you plan on kayak fishing.
Choose the best place
When you’re enjoying paddle sports with your kids, try to choose areas that offer plenty of variety and great scenery to keep them interested. You’ll also want to get to know the area well beforehand. If possible, research the state parks in your area to find great kayaking areas that are kid-friendly and include a couple of bathroom stops. You’ll also need to think about the length of the trip, as younger kids won’t be up for rowing 6 miles. Consider your child’s strength, coordination, age, and swimming ability when planning your trip to make it safe and enjoyable for everyone.
When can your kids row?
Some children can start paddling their own kayak between the ages of 8 and 10, if they have experience. You’ll still want to venture into safe areas until they gain more experience. Younger children do well on inflatable kayaks, which are lightweight and a bit slower. For children over 10 years old, select a small kayak. Children over the age of 14 can learn to paddle in medium-sized inflatable kayaks. If your child is under 8 years old, the center of the kayak is the best place for them to sit with an adult. They won’t help propel the boat, but they will learn how the kayak feels as it moves. From the age of 8, they can also start riding on the bow of a double kayak to help you paddle.
Involve your children in the planning
Don’t forget to involve your children in planning the trip as well. If your kids have never played paddle sports before, let them ride the kayak at home so they get used to how it feels. They can also help you research the trip by looking at guides, animal charts, and images online.
Additional tips for kayaking with children
Be sure to praise your children and don’t criticize their efforts unless it’s a safety issue.
Make the rules clear in advance, including no standing or leaning in the kayak.
Go slowly and stay close to the rest of your family.
Take plenty of breaks to enjoy the scenery and point out interesting things to your children.