Kayaking With Kids: A Guide To Amazing Family Adventures
Make Your Kids Kayak Adventure A Fun Family Activity
Kayaking with kids is a fantastic way to explore many of the thousands of serene waterways around the world. Your family will get closer to nature, create memories and instil a love of adventure for the great outdoors in your kids.
As a fun, inexpensive and family-friendly activity, kayaking is hard to beat.
We often head to the water to kayak as a family in new travel destinations. Our kids love exploring lochs, rivers, mangroves, seas, and even the open ocean, whatever the season! Over the years we’ve come up with some top tips for a successful kayaking adventure with kids.
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Top Family Kayaking Destinations
🌟Kealakekua Bay, Hawaii
🌟Labuan Bajo, Indonesia
🌟Byron Bay, Australia
Kayaking With Kids
Finding meaningful ways to connect with family and nature is increasingly important in our fast-paced world, and kayaking is a great way to do both. We’ve made many lasting memories on the water, and paddling together helps forge closer bonds.
With 71% of the earth’s surface covered in water, there is no shortage of choice when it comes to places to kayak! There are thousands of adventures to be had, whether on your doorstep or around the world.
Our kids thrive when they are on the water, spotting wildlife and seeing the world from a different perspective while enjoying the freedom to explore.
Best Age To Start Kayaking With Kids
The best age to start kayaking with children depends on their individual physical development and comfort in the water. With proper supervision, once a child can sit with a well-fitted life jacket, they can enjoy short kayaking trips as a passenger in an open or tandem kayak.
As they grow older and gain more experience, children can take on more active roles in paddling. Kids aged 3 to 5 may have developed enough coordination and strength to practice basic paddling techniques before moving on to their own single kayak once they are ready.
By age 10, most kids should be physically and mentally mature enough to safely control kayaks for longer periods. Even at this age, it is essential to have a ratio of one adult per child for close supervision.
Best Length Trip For Kayaking With Kids
Over the years, we have noticed various factors influence how long our kids are happy to paddle. The list below has some of the most important ones to consider.
Age – Although young children can kayak, they will naturally tolerate longer periods on the water as they get older.
Comfort – Child-sized equipment, suitable clothing, and fine weather will all help children be comfortable!
Interest – Navigating from A to B and having things to see and do along the way will entertain kids for longer than being on a calm pond going in circles.
Energy – If tired or hungry, your kids might lose interest quickly.
Company – Solo kayaking is not as much fun as having friends and family to interact with. Racing, chatting, or simply encouraging your kids – will help them enjoy their day on the water.
Benefits Of Family Kayaking
It is hard to quantify the benefits of kayaking with kids, and it is perhaps fair to say that they are immeasurable! Paddling along peaceful shores, spotting wildlife and simply enjoying each other’s company are just some of the benefits we’ve found, and we’ve listed a few more below.
✨ Physical Exercise – Kayaking is a full-body workout, engaging your arms, shoulders, core and legs. Paddling strengthens muscles, improves cardiovascular health, and enhances endurance.
✨ Having Outdoor Adventures – Spending time outdoors in a natural environment instils a sense of wonder and curiosity, especially in children. Kayaking can allow families to discover hidden coves and secluded islands, observe wildlife, and appreciate the natural wonders around them.
✨ Stress Relief – The tranquillity of kayaking across calm water helps with relaxation and stress relief. Additionally, the rhythmic motion of paddling can be meditative, promoting mental clarity and peace of mind. It has even been known to put young kids to sleep!
✨ Teaches determination And Cooperation – Kayaking encourages teamwork and communication as you navigate the waters as a family. Working in sync to paddle and steer fosters teamwork, problem-solving, and trust, strengthening family bonds and creating shared memories. Mastering this new skill requires dedication and persistence to overcome inevitable challenges.
✨ Quality Family Time – Kayaking is a unique opportunity for families to unplug from technology and distractions and focus on each other. Whether paddling together, sharing stories, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature in silence, family kayaking creates cherished moments and strengthens relationships.
✨Offers A Different Perspective – Travelling in kayaks on the water instead of standing above changes what you see. Our kids notice insects, wildlife and environmental changes when paddling. They ask questions, experiment, and explore from their vantage point, which they couldn’t have on foot.
✨ Educational – Kayaking trips can be a learning experience for your kids. Teach them about the local ecosystem, point out different plants and wildlife, and discuss the importance of environmental conservation. Encourage children to ask questions and engage with their surroundings, fostering a deeper appreciation for nature.
Kids often feel a real sense of accomplishment as their skills develop. Learning to paddle efficiently, navigate currents, and manoeuvre the kayak builds confidence and resilience.
✨ Environmental Awareness – Exploring natural waterways builds an appreciation for the environment and encourages stewardship of our natural resources. Our family gained a deeper understanding of ecosystems, wildlife habitats, and the importance of preserving our planet for future generations.
Choosing the Right Kids Kayak
Before you hit the water, ensure you have the appropriate kayaks and accessories for both you and your children. Choosing from a single or double kayak will depend on age and ability, but it’s best to have a specific child-sized version if you invest in one.
Sit-on kayaks are the easiest for beginners as they are more stable and easier to get into than sit-in kayaks. Kayaks also come in rigid or inflatable forms to suit transportation requirements. We suggest opting for a kayak with a backrest for comfort.
Your options when hiring kayaks might be limited, but always check their condition before going on the water.
Paddle sizes should be appropriate for their strength and size, and everyone should always be equipped with properly fitted life jackets.
Tips For Family Kayaking Success
Family kayaking can be a worthwhile adventure, full of fun and bonding experiences. Here are some tips to ensure success in paddling.
- Choose the Right Kayak: Pick kayaks suitable for your family members’ skill levels and size. Sit-on-top kids kayaks are generally more stable and easier to manage, making them ideal for beginners and families.
- Safety First: Prioritise safety by always wearing properly fitted life jackets. Familiarise yourselves with basic water safety and rescue techniques. Establish clear rules with kids, such as staying seated while paddling, keeping hands inside the kayak and paddling together.
- Learn Basic Skills: Take a beginner’s course or a guided session with your kids to safely learn basic techniques for fun adventures. Guided tours are also a fun and informative addition, giving you confidence in paddling and tips on improving.
- Family-Friendly Kayaking Location: Look for family-friendly routes with easy access points and designated paddling areas. Consider exploring gentle rivers, calm lakes, or coastal estuaries with limited traffic, where kids can observe wildlife and enjoy the scenic surroundings.
- Start Small: Begin with calm, shallow waters such as lakes or slow-moving rivers and short periods of time on the water. This lets everyone get comfortable with kayaking without dealing with strong currents or finding it challenging.
- Plan Ahead: Check the weather forecast and water conditions before heading out. Consider distance and potential obstacles when choosing a route suitable for your family’s abilities and interests.
- Pack Wisely: Bring essentials like water, snacks, sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and a first aid kit. Waterproof bags or containers can protect belongings from getting wet.
- Practice Paddling: Spend some time onshore practising basic paddling techniques, including how to hold the paddle correctly, steer, and maintain stability. Encourage kids to paddle at their own pace and learn from mistakes.
- Stay Together: Stick together as a group while kayaking, especially if you have children or less experienced paddlers. Assign a lead and sweep paddler to ensure nobody gets left behind.
- Take Breaks: Plan for regular breaks to rest, refuel, and enjoy the surroundings. Use these breaks to explore nearby beaches, islands, nature trails or skim stones.
- Respect Nature: Teach your family to respect the environment by avoiding disturbing wildlife, not littering, and leaving no trace. Take the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of nature around you.
- Keep It Fun: Most importantly, focus on having fun and creating lasting memories together. Encourage laughter, games, and exploration to make the experience enjoyable for everyone.
Packing Essentials For Kayaking With Kids
When gearing up for a kayaking adventure with kids, packing the right essentials is crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience. When choosing what to wear, be guided by the air and water temperature.
- Life Jackets: Ensure each child wears a properly fitted life jacket with a whistle.
- Wetsuit: For warmth, depending on the weather in your location.
- Sun Protection: Pack sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to shield against UV rays.
- Water and Snacks: Stay hydrated and energized with water and easy-to-eat snacks.
- Dry Bag: Keep your belongings dry in a waterproof ‘Dry Bag.’
- Extra Clothing: Pack a change of clothes in case someone gets wet.
- Navigation: Carry a map or GPS device for guidance.
Best Family Kayaking Destinations
Choosing the right destination is key to ensuring an enjoyable experience for the whole family. Once your family has mastered basic kayaking skills and follows safety measures and rules, you can kayak on most water sources. Here are some of our favourite family-friendly kayaking adventures, from lakes to coastlines.
- Loch Lomond, Scotland: Explore the stunning scenery and calm waters of Scotland’s largest freshwater lake, perfect for families with its gentle paddling routes and abundant wildlife.
- Dolomites, Italy: Embark on a kayaking adventure amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the Dolomites, where crystal-clear mountain lakes offer peaceful paddling opportunities for all ages.
- Labuan Bajo, Indonesia: Navigate through the pristine waters of Labuan Bajo’s Komodo National Park, home to stunning coral reefs, hidden coves, and the legendary Komodo dragons, sure to thrill adventurous families.
- Khao Sok, Thailand: Immerse yourself in the lush rainforests and towering limestone cliffs of Khao Sok National Park as you paddle along its tranquil rivers and emerald-green lakes, a paradise for nature-loving families.
- Byron Bay, Australia: Experience the laid-back vibes of Byron Bay as you kayak along its scenic coastline, where you might encounter dolphins, turtles, and even humpback whales during their migration season.
- Kealakekua Bay, Hawaii: Explore Big Island’s Pacific coast for a memorable adventure amidst calm, clear turquoise waters, stunning coastal scenery and colourful sea life.
- Halong Bay, Vietnam: Embark on a magical journey through the towering limestone karsts and emerald waters of Halong Bay. Families can paddle amidst breathtaking scenery and discover hidden caves and lagoons.
Kayaking With Kids FAQs
Kids as young as 4 or 5 can start kayaking with proper supervision and safety measures in place. It ultimately depends on the child’s size, coordination, and comfort level in the water.
With proper safety equipment and appropriate water conditions, Kayaking is considered to be a safe activity for kids. Ensure that all water activities are fully supervised by an appropriate adult who is a competent swimmer.
The best kayak for kids is typically a lightweight and stable sit-on-top kayak designed specifically for children. Look for kayaks with adjustable seats, easy-to-use paddles, and bright colours for visibility and safety on the water.
Kayaking can be relatively easy for children, especially with good instruction and supervision. Properly equipped and with calm waters and guidance from adults, most kids quickly learn the basics of paddling and enjoy the adventure!
Final Thoughts | Kayaking With Kids
Kayaking can be a rewarding experience for kids of any age. Whether your family is exploring lakes, rivers, or coastal waters, you can have a safe, fun, and memorable kayaking adventure with the right equipment and skill.
