Any water adventure is priceless — especially when you get to see the excitement in your children’s eyes aboard a kid’s kayak. Like any trip, however, kayaking with kids requires a substantial amount of effort and careful planning to make sure it goes smoothly as possible.
As a parent, you want what’s best for your kids’ safety. If you’re new to the sport, we’re here to help. Take a look at our helpful guide on everything you need to know before renting a kayak for kids.
Tip #1: Plan Your Trip
Before anything else, you need to plan the entire trip. This involves knowing alternative routes, keeping emergency contacts, and bringing a first aid kit. Other important things to consider when kayaking with kids include:
Adult-to-Child Ratio
Make sure your child is comfortable being in open water before choosing your kid’s kayak. Compared to a swimming pool, open waters like the ocean can be daunting for some kids. If you just started kayaking, it’s best to consider having an experienced kayaker with you. Ideally, the adults-to-kids ratio would be one adult for each child .
Location
If you are kayaking with kids, it’s crucial to venture out on calm waters with minimal currents. You can start with protected small lakes, bays, and slow-moving rivers to reduce your kids’ stress levels while improving their skills and confidence. As you take more kayak trips, your destination options for more adventurous waters widen.
Duration of Trip
It’s a known fact that children have a shorter attention span, but you can spend more time kayaking with your kids as they age. While kayaking with kids makes a fun-filled adventure, overdoing it could overwhelm your child.
Regardless of age, 30 minutes to an hour is ideal for all first-time kayakers. For babies and toddlers, sitting at the water’s edge for a few moments should suffice.
With careful consideration of factors like your child’s swimming ability and familiarity with water, you can begin kayaking with kids with 15 to 30 minutes of paddling followed by quick breaks. This way, your child would be less likely to be bored and restless.
Tip #2: Choose the Right Boat Options for Kids Kayak
Another important thing to consider when kayaking with kids is to adapt the watercraft for your little one.
Kayak or Canoe?
Choosing between a canoe or kayak for kids will depend on factors like:
- trip goals
- your child’s ability and age
- destination
- comfort levels
- paddling opportunities
- seat choice
When kayaking with kids ages four to seven, have them sit on your kayak’s bow. However, this will not provide a lot of momentum and will limit the distance you travel.
If you have children under seven, a canoe is a more stable choice than a kayak for kids. Canoes are also safe since they are stable and come with a lot of gear and enough space for two to three passengers.
You won’t have to worry about children age eight and older, as they can paddle the bow of a kayak or canoe.
Paddle Sizes
Apart from your kid’s boat, getting the right paddle size for your kids is important so they can maneuver the watercraft properly on water. The most recommended size for kayak paddles is around 200 cm long with a narrow shaft. To choose canoe paddles, measure them by resting the handle on the child’s foot. Make sure the blade is about nose height.
Single or Double Paddling?
Choosing between double or single paddling style when kayaking with kids is based on factors like the child’s age, paddling experience, and physical abilities. The same factors also determine whether your kid will be the paddler or a duffer — one who rides the boat’s center compartment.
Tip #3: Equip Essential Safety Gear
Being prepared ensures your kids’ safety when kayaking. As a parent, you d to need to teach your kids about the rules of kayaking and on-the-water safety. Enforcing these rules during the trip helps your kids develop good kayaking habits in the future.
Other than that, make sure to prepare the necessary gear:
Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
All passengers — young and old — are required by law to wear a PFD when engaging in water activities like kayaking. Secure a U.S. Coast Guard-approved PFD that fits right for your kids.
In general, PFDs for kids are categorized based on the child’s weight and size range. They are as follows:
- Infants — Less than 33 pounds
- Children — 33 to 55 pounds
- Youth — 55 to 88 pounds
Lines and Floats
Line and float bags will come in handy as part of your checklist. Compared to plain rope, lines with flotation devices are helpful with safety techniques during rescue situations. In general, the following gears should be within reach:
- tow lines
- a throw bag
- paddle floats
- first aid kits
Tip #4: Pack for the Trip
Packing for kids is a common practice for parents, but children ages seven and older can be in charge of packing on their own.
Here are some essential things you should not forget when kayaking with kids:
- high-protein foods and snacks
- water bottles
- sun protection
- spare clothes and towels
- water shoes
- rain weather gear
- bathroom supplies (e.g., wipes and toilet paper)
- sunglasses
- emergency whistles
- camera
Rent a Kayak Today
Make kayaking a unique family-fun adventure to remember.
At Island Marine Rentals, we offer simple, easy-to-use single and double kayaks that are fit for solo and family adventures. Get a chance to explore awe-inspiring views of the Gulf of Mexico with various excursions offered at our boat rental in Clearwater Beach, FL. For inquiries and reservations, contact us today!
