Kayaking is a great activity for young or old because it can be as relaxing or exciting as you want it to be. Families with teenagers might enjoy paddling through swift-flowing streams, while those with younger children will enjoy the peacefulness afforded by a gentle stream or calm lake. No matter which type of kayaking appeals to you and your family, the important thing is to get out there and enjoy it together.
Taking young children on a kayaking trip is a great way to teach them about all of the things they're going to come across. Go slowly, and give them a chance to point out all of the interesting (to them) things that they see. Explain about the birds, fish, and plants that you pass, and the roles that each one plays in the ecosystem. Making the trip fun will increase the odds that the children will want to go again, and will spark their curiosity about all of the things they saw and experienced. Of course, it's also important to be safe- everyone in a kayak should be wearing a properly-fitted personal flotation device, water shoes (regular sneakers become too heavy when they get waterlogged), sunscreen, and insect repellent.
Going out on the water right away can actually be far from relaxing for some kids. They might even be frightened by the idea, especially if they've never been on a boat or in a natural body of water before. Therefore, it's helpful to get children used to sitting properly in a kayak while it's on land. Pretend to paddle, and let the child explore the kayak's interior. Make sure that they know that they must sit down at all times, and not stand up, lean over the side, or do anything that could cause them to fall overboard or the kayak to capsize. Older children can be taught how to properly paddle and steer a kayak at this point, as well.
Even with the best safety precautions, some kids may simply be too young to be able to safely enjoy a kayaking trip. Babies that are too little to swim and understand instructions like "Sit down" are most likely best left safely on dry land, since even having them in the kayak places them at risk if it should tip or capsize. For the sake of these children, wait until they're older to begin taking them on kayaking trips.
Taking young children on a kayaking trip is a great way to teach them about all of the things they're going to come across. Go slowly, and give them a chance to point out all of the interesting (to them) things that they see. Explain about the birds, fish, and plants that you pass, and the roles that each one plays in the ecosystem. Making the trip fun will increase the odds that the children will want to go again, and will spark their curiosity about all of the things they saw and experienced. Of course, it's also important to be safe- everyone in a kayak should be wearing a properly-fitted personal flotation device, water shoes (regular sneakers become too heavy when they get waterlogged), sunscreen, and insect repellent.
Going out on the water right away can actually be far from relaxing for some kids. They might even be frightened by the idea, especially if they've never been on a boat or in a natural body of water before. Therefore, it's helpful to get children used to sitting properly in a kayak while it's on land. Pretend to paddle, and let the child explore the kayak's interior. Make sure that they know that they must sit down at all times, and not stand up, lean over the side, or do anything that could cause them to fall overboard or the kayak to capsize. Older children can be taught how to properly paddle and steer a kayak at this point, as well.
Even with the best safety precautions, some kids may simply be too young to be able to safely enjoy a kayaking trip. Babies that are too little to swim and understand instructions like "Sit down" are most likely best left safely on dry land, since even having them in the kayak places them at risk if it should tip or capsize. For the sake of these children, wait until they're older to begin taking them on kayaking trips.