It’s hot. It’s summer. Water is good. Being active is good.
How can we combine it all? In a kayak!
A kayak is a traditional water craft that was invented by the Inuit of the north. Originally it was built using a wooden frame covered in seal skins. Today’s kayaks are made of all sorts of great plastics and other new-age materials. In fact, last weekend out in the mountains we saw a couple out in inflatable kayaks! (They don’t recommend them as they are a lot of work to inflate and put together. The one I am going out in tomorrow won’t be inflatable nor made from seal skin. I’m sticking to space age materials. )
Kayaks are easy for kids to use because of their double-ended paddles. In other words, they have that great scoop on each end making it simple for kids to hold and paddle. As well, kayaks are lower to the water and surprisingly stable meaning it is easy for kids to reach the water to paddle (compared to a canoe), control, maneuver, and basically have a rip roaring good time with little in terms of knowledge or even great motor control.
If you aren’t sure about letting your offspring out in a kayak alone, consider these ideas:
Rent one! See if you like kayaking. Sporting good places sometimes rent them as do some camps, and sometimes there will be a rental place right there at your favourite lake.
Borrow one! Know someone who has the gear? See if you can borrow it or if they will take you out.
Second hand! Check the local paper, check online… you know the drill.
Specialty sporting goods stores! Ask an expert what they think you may need and get yourself outfitted. (Sometimes you can rent an item and if you decide to purchase it, your rental cost will go towards the cost of purchase.)
Ready? Let’s go kayaking with the kids!
Enjoy!
How about you? Have you been out kayaking? Have your kids? What did you/they think?
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It’s Tweetable (made easy):
]]>Tips, ideas, & suggestions on how to get the kids kayaking. Fun & easy! via @KidsPlay http://t.co/uvb9KYUK
— Jean Oram (@KidsPlay) July 12, 2012