Kayaking and children

Kayaking - one can paddle on rivers, lakes and the sea.

Health benefits

Kayaking is a low impact activity that can improve aerobic fitness, strength and flexibility. Specific health benefits include:

• Improved cardiovascular fitness
• Increased muscle strength, particularly in the back, arms, shoulders and chest, from moving the paddle
• Increased torso and leg strength, as the strength to power a canoe or kayak comes mainly from rotating the torso and applying pressure with your legs
• Reduced risk of wear-and-tear on joints and tissues, since paddling is a low impact activity.
  
  

Getting started

What age to start? At any age children will feel your mood and not enjoy it if you are not relaxed. From the time they can sit up and see the world around them they will enjoy the magic sensation of being afloat and secure in parents’ arms, watching birds, looking at boats, overhanging branches. From three to about six they will want to copy, so make up a little paddle for them or have them between your knees so they hold the paddle too. Don’t expect too much in the way of technique. As they get older children begin to develop the idea of doing things themselves. Now they will need a proper paddle and their first paddle is a bit like the keys to the car, so make an event of it. Remember that hands are small and they are not strong, your old paddle will not do. About eight to ten they will be ready to try out on their own, or to participate in longer trips in the tandem. This is the best age for camping trips and the best camping trips include friends.

General tips for beginners include:

• Join a club – the best way to learn how to paddle is to join a local club. While it’s possible to learn a great deal about the sport through reading, lessons will improve your technique, reduce your risk of injuries and help you become more aware of safety issues when on the water.
• Be a competent swimmer – since paddling involves the occasional tip into the water, make sure you are a competent swimmer. If necessary, brush up on your swimming technique.
• Try before you buy – paddling can be an expensive pastime. Consider borrowing or hiring equipment at first until you are sure that you enjoy kayaking enough to pay for a full kit.
  
  

Basic kit

The exact requirements of a full kit differ slightly depending on the type of paddling you plan to do and the demands of the waterway, but a basic kit should include:

• Kayak
• Personal floatation device (PFD), such as a life vest or jacket
• Helmet
• Wetsuit
• Wetsuit shoes
• Appropriate clothing.
  
  

Sea kayaking – extra equipment

The risks of sea kayaking call for extra safety equipment. In addition to the basic kit and items listed above, you would need:

• Waterproof torch that floats
• Compass
• Spare paddle
• Marine radio.
  
  

Health and safety

General suggestions include:

• Learn how to paddle from experienced teachers.
• Know how to use your first aid kit. Take a first aid course if necessary.
• Be visible to other crafts. Put reflective tape or fluorescent paint on your helmet, life jacket and kayak.
• Always wear your personal floatation device and helmet.
• Make sure you know about potential hazards in the proposed waterway.
• Check weather conditions before you paddle.
• Dress for the conditions. Apply 30+ SPF sunscreen to all exposed areas of skin.
• Avoid dehydration. Take plenty of water to drink.
• Keep your equipment in good repair. 
  
  Kayaking is a great way to enjoy our waterways - fun for all family!