Summer vacation is just around the corner, so parents everywhere looking to keep your children entertained why not try kayaking with your kids? It’s fun, healthy, engaging and just a little bit challenging.
Kayaking is a great way to enjoy a beautiful day on the river, lake, ocean or bay.
With proper equipment the sport is safe for all ages and guaranteed to amaze – and with a good plan, you’ll be able to really engage the entire family and create lasting memories.
Here’s what you need to know:
Children of all ages can enjoy kayaking: The unique view from the surface of the water and excitement of it all is guaranteed to keep them interested.
Older kids should be given their own boat and paddle to discover the joy of aquatic locomotion themselves. If everyone is able, the whole family should have individual kayaks and paddle out together, and smaller children, perhaps 8 years and below, can ride in a two-man kayak with a parent.
Keen supervision is recommended given the inherent danger of water, but once the whole family has mastered the basics and is fitted with personal floatation devices (PFDs) this risks are dramatically diminished.
A great place to start the kids padding their own boats is on a calm lake or bay. Teach them the basic paddle stroke on land.
The paddle blades should be kept vertical the shaft should be held a full arm’s length away from the chest.
Each stroke should start next to the kayaker’s knees and be pulled back no further than the hip.
Overreaching or pulling too far back will result in imbalance and often capsizing the boat. Having the kids sit ready in their kayaks as you shove them off into the water is advised.
Sometimes the most difficult part of the sport is pushing off the shore and smoothly hoping into the seat!
While kayaks and gear for the entire family can naturally be expensive, the best option is often to rent. Outfitters can help you pick the right size boat and paddle length for your children and will be sure to include appropriate sized PFD’s as well. Many lakeside campgrounds rent kayaking equipment daily or for the weekend.
For families looking to enjoy activity holidays kayaking tours many are in renowned kayaking locations such as Ardeche in France, Scotland, The Channel Islands or Croatia’s Mediterranean islands and bays. These tours can vary in duration and skill level so be sure to ask for family friendly itineraries and guides.
Whether you’ll be taking the kids and wife to a foreign continent or just to the local pond, a good change of pace is to experience the adventure with a kayak. With basic instruction, gear, and supervision, children will be safe and excited to explore.
When kayaking with kids you’ll notice they need minimal encouragement to enjoy themselves – and you could be starting off a new activity for the entire family to share. If nothing else, you’ll definitely leave enduring memories on an otherwise typical summer vacation.
