I imagine you aren’t here by accident. You are probably trying to find a list of products and an honest guide on how to kayak with kids without losing your mind. I am going to explain the process and supplies behind some of our shenanigans, so you are prepared, and it becomes an outlet for your family like it is for mine.
One of the most important things is choosing your kayak. You have several types, sit in, sit on, and some for fishing, sporting fancy trolling motors. I remember standing in REI, staring at the Pescador Pro 100 my husband was preparing to take home, thinking to myself, this is what I want. Not because I wanted to fish out of it, that is a plus, but because the flat bottom makes the perfect spot for my toddler to sit and play while we explored the Potomac River in Maryland. A cup holder, closed compartment for my phone, and places to strap the diaper bag too, it turned out to be the perfect fit.
You need to consider the types of places that are best suited for small children. No one in their right mind would place their child in danger, but the reality is, you must be aware of the environment you are going to be in. You wouldn’t want to take on rapids with a terrified toddler screaming at you, but if you aren’t informed about the water conditions then it is easy to get into a situation that could have been avoided. A Google search will turn up a sea of information, pun intended, about water depth, currents, and even visibility. Checking the weather is also imperative since paddling out of a storm is not the average person’s idea of fun. You may even want to consider getting an umbrella like this one for sunny days.
Now that you understand the journey you are embarking on, I can move on to tell you that if you have a child under 30lbs, you will need a coast guard approved, life jacket that supports their head. It will give you peace of mind if they fall overboard. It’s inevitable, at some point they will end up in the water. My six-year-old for example leaning a little too far to one side, subsequently needing to be assisted back onto her kayak. Let it be a lesson that skipping the floatation device is not only illegal, but a recipe for disaster.
You are now ready to pack essentials, and I am going to list a few of my favorite things to bring for spending hours on the water with kids. I want to provide you with some items that are often overlooked.
- Towel/blanket. You will thank yourself when someone is wet and cold.
- Change of clothes. You can leave them back at the car or pack them along.
- Toys/Cups that FLOAT. They will get thrown. It will ruin the trip. They will cry.
- Tough diaper bags. Not the first thing that comes to mind when talking babies, but durability can make a huge difference.
- Treasure chest. Not a real one, but you will need a bag or bucket to fill with all the loot you find.
- Tether your paddle. It can get turbulent when kids get fussy, so tethering it is the best way to avoid having to chase it down if it gets away from you.
- BEACHES AND BARS. Not Florida, I’m talking about how you enter the kayak. It’s easier to get everything, including myself and my son in on a flat bank, sand bar or beach.
Kayaking should be an exciting experience, don’t stress if it takes a few outings to find your groove. You are now ready to enter the water with all the tools you need to get your family out in nature and living life.
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