We have been asked what an appropriate age is to introduce kids to paddling
The stock answer is everyone has their own personal risk tolerances, and you need to take that into consideration. I had an advantage operating an Outdoor Recreation business that specialized in paddling. As a result, my kids were exposed to it at an early age, whether that be in the comfort of paddling in an indoor pool at one of our classes, or taking them out in calm, protected waters to explore on their own. As a result of my prior experience, they were on the water paddling their own kayak or paddle board at 5 or 6 years old. To this day I can still see the crap eating grin on my 17-year-olds face when he was 5 years old paddling around in his own kayak. The sense of freedom and being in control of his kayak drove his desire and appreciation of the sport.
Not everyone will have that professional background and experience to eliminate some of the anxiety that comes with introducing your kids to new activities. Children mature at different rates, and each one is unique in their ability to follow directions and explore on their own.
Some things to consider before introducing your kids to paddling:
- Does your child know how to swim?
- Does your child have a fear of water?
- Can you ensure your child can follow instructions, especially in emergency situations?
- Can you confirm that they are interested in paddling?
Odds are if the first bullet point above is yes, the other three will follow. If they can swim, they likely do not have a fear of water and they can follow directions. When asked if their kid can join a class, my stock answer is so long as they will not detract from the experience of the other participants. If a parent is asking if they can join, they can likely swim and do not have a fear of water.
Some tips to ensure your child has an enjoyable experience on the water:
- Have the correct sized gear. Sawed off or altered adult gear is not going to fit your child properly, potentially leading to an unsatisfactory experience.
- Make sure the kayak or paddle board fits them.
- Make sure their PFD is properly fitted. As you can see here, this kayak did NOT fit my child properly. But by this time he had already paddled and was just happy to join in on the fun.
Finally, practice on land before heading out. You can learn a lot on solid ground before venturing out on the water. Plus your child will be comfortable asking questions and you can have a good back and forth with them as they will not be concentrating on the water.
Make the first experience in calm and protected waters. You do not want a first time paddling experience to be in windy conditions with turbulent waters. Opt for coves with trees that can block the wind, and stay close to shore. Taking the proper steps to introduce your child to paddling can ensure a lifetime of memories are made on the water.
