How to Take Kids Kayaking
Kids as young as five can kayak on their own with a youth kayak. Nothing beats this experience for a kid. For younger kids on a kayak for the first time, learning to paddle in a very small pond or even a pool will feel like they are white water rafting. Kids will usually be competent paddlers within just a few minutes, and after a couple hours they will naturally pickup safe and effective paddling.
Once your kids are old enough to swim and follow directions, they can paddle on their own while given “limits” from an adult on the shore and strict rules. Young kids should not be allowed to make contact with another boat or kayak or objects on the shore, because that is how tip-overs can happen. Adults can also paddle along with kids in a separate boat or kayak.
Once kids are capable swimmers and disciplined enough to follow instructions, you can embark on family paddling trips as a small “flotilla” where each kid paddles his or her own kayak. This is a great arrangment for larger lakes, which opens the possibility of paddling to a destination such as a picnic spot, island, or another adventure that is a huge accomplishment for a kid. Not only does this give a kid a great opportunity to exercise and build upper-body strenth, but it is a fun way to teach discipline that translates into the classroom or other sports.
Lake destinations are probably the best adventures for kids and kayaks. Be mindful of the wind. Wind can blow a kayak, and paddling with a tail-wind on the way to the destination may become a headwind that is too difficult for kids to overcome on the way back. The wind also tends to increase in the afternoon, especially in the summer. It is much better to start a kayaking adventure with kids in the morning than it is to start in the afternoon.
Creeks and rivers should be avoided until kids are teenagers. The current in a creek or river can be very strong. It is best to paddle into the current on your way to your destination, so it is harder to paddle on the way out and assier to paddle on the way back.
Kid-sized kayaks can fit in the back of a pickup or large SUV. The youngest kids should start kayaking in a lake’s swim area or in a very shallow lake with no wind or current and close to the watchful eye of an adult. The Liftime Youth Kayak (pictured) is a very simple and rugged kayak. This kayak rides on the top of the water, and it is made from one-piece hollow, solid plastic. It includes drain holes, footholds, and paddle holding notches. Kids should always wear a lifejacket when on a boat, especially a kayak. Even if kids are in a swim area, they should get accustomed to always wearing a lifejacket. Kids “swimmies” style flotation devices are actually Coast Guard Approved and suitable for kids who are learning to swim and as a lifejacket while on a kayak.
