The Ultimate Guide to Kayaking with Kids
Kayaking isn’t just a sport—it’s an incredible way to bond as a family, explore the outdoors, and foster a love for adventure. Whether you’re planning a day trip or an extended paddle, this guide will help you prepare for memorable—and safe—experiences on the water with your children.
Why Kayaking with Kids is Awesome
Kayaking opens up a world of fun and learning for families. Whether it’s spotting wildlife, playing with floating toys, or simply enjoying the gentle rhythm of paddling, kids love the adventure. Beyond entertainment, kayaking builds skills like teamwork, coordination, and navigation—all while creating unforgettable memories.
Getting Started
Training First
Before heading out, all adults should be comfortable with basic or ideally even more intermediate and advanced kayaking skills, including paddling, capsize recovery, and navigation. Kids aged 7 and up can benefit from dedicated kayaking lessons or kayak camps, which provide age-appropriate training.
Start Small
Begin with short trips of one to two hours on calm, protected waters. Rent kayaks to try different styles and let kids set the pace. Use these initial outings to gauge their interest and comfort levels.
Set the Tone: Enthusiasm is contagious! Highlight the joys of kayaking, like spotting birds, hearing the waves, or simply enjoying the serenity of the water.
Longer Trips
For multi-day trips, planning is key. Discuss routes, pack together, and delegate tasks among group members. Be mindful of kids’ stamina during preparation and paddling. Breaks for play, food, and rest are essential.
Choosing the Right Kayak and Gear
Kayaks by Age
- Babies to 3 Years: Paddle with two adults in a double kayak, keeping the child in one adult’s lap for safety.
- Ages 3–7: Use double kayaks with a middle hatch such as a Passat G3 that accommodates a child seat or let them paddle supervised in shallow waters with a sit-on-top kayak.
- Ages 7–12: Kids can sit in the front of a double kayak or paddle independently in calm waters. Tow ropes are useful in case they tire.
- Teens: Stronger paddlers may be ready for longer trips in their own kayaks.
Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs)
Select well-fitting PFDs suitable for your child’s weight. For babies under 20 lbs, the Salus Bijoux is highly recommended, although it isn’t Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) approved due to its size. Salus Nimbus and Mustang models are excellent choices for older kids, combining safety and comfort.
Clothing
Dress kids in quick-drying layers like fleece and polyester. Avoid cotton, which retains moisture and saps heat. Rain gear, warm hats, and water-friendly footwear like gumboots or sandals are essential. For colder or wetter conditions, consider snug wetsuits.
Safety First: Essential Precautions
Safety is paramount when kayaking with kids. Follow these key precautions:
- Proper Training: Adults should have prior paddling lessons, and kids should practice basic skills in warm, calm conditions.
- Practice Capsize Recovery: Before longer trips, practice re-entry skills as a family. Consider taking a private lesson for this to get expert guidance and support.
- Gear Up: Invest in high-quality life jackets (or PFDs) like Salus models, tailored to your child’s weight and size.
- Choose Calm Waters: Stick to calm, protected areas for your adventures.
- Never Tie Kids to the Kayak: This can create hazardous situations.
- Safety in Numbers: Kayak with additional adults or join guided family tours for extra support.
- Prepare for Emergencies: Bring a VHF radio, first aid kit, and plenty of water. Leave a detailed trip plan with someone at home.
Hazards to Watch Out For
Capsize Risks
While capsizing is rare in double kayaks, it’s critical to practice recovery techniques each season. Parents should take a lesson to learn the necessary skills and initially practice on their own, before introducing the concept to the kids. Your child can begin their practice on a calm warm day in shoulder depth water. Wet exits and capsize recoveries should be done each season.
Dehydration
Keep kids hydrated with secure, easy-to-use water bottles. Juice boxes with secure lids can also help encourage hydration.
Hypothermia
Wet kids are at risk for hypothermia, even in mild weather. Always bring spare clothes, a towel, and a blanket to quickly warm them if they get wet. Rain gear can also keep water spray at bay.
Outdoor First Aid
Be prepared to handle common issues like bee stings, minor cuts, and allergies. Know how to respond to more serious situations, and ensure your first aid kit is stocked and accessible. Consider taking a Wilderness First Aid Course.
Contingency Planning
Be clear about your capabilities. Be realistic about what the kids can do. Plan your trip with a comfortable weather window. Always plan for the unexpected. Identify safe stopover points and have a strategy for delays, bad weather, or other emergencies. Familiarize yourself with local emergency contacts and VHF radio protocols.
Entertainment Tips for Kids
Keeping kids engaged is the secret to a successful outing:
- Floating Toys: Bring lightweight, floating toys to tow or play with on the water.
- Interactive Snacks: Make snack time fun with activities like “fishing” for fishy crackers.
- Nature Exploration: Carry small aquarium nets or magnifying glasses for examining aquatic life.
- Songs and Stories: Keep a repertoire of songs, jokes, or stories to pass the time.
- Naptime Comfort: Use an extra PFD as a cushion if they want to nap in the kayak.
Ready to Paddle?
With the right preparation, gear, and focus on safety, kayaking with kids can be a rewarding adventure for the entire family. Start small, plan thoroughly, and embrace the joy of exploring the water together. Check out our lessons, guided family tours, summer camps and rentals to kick off your family’s kayaking journey!