Canoeing with Children

Canoeing can be a fun and affordable family vacation no matter how young or old your children are. Here are some tips for canoeing with your kids:

 

·        Families with young children- If everyone can fit in one boat, your best bet is to find a high-sided, stable expedition boat. These boats accommodate large volumes, which is extremely necessary with several people on board. The high-sides on this type of boat will keep the kids from falling overboard and the stability is crucial with the shifting bodies of kids!

·        Families with older children- If you kids can manage paddling, this may be a great time to break off into parent-child teams in two boats. This will allow more room for storage and give the kids a chance to participate. You may want to opt for a smaller, touring class boat so smaller paddlers won’t have to reach as far when stroking.

·        Families with Lots of Children- If you have a larger brood, it may be time to break out the kid-sized kayaks. A larger canoe can carry the food, supplies, and small children while the older children can canoe alongside in their own kayaks.

·        Extra supplies to bring for kids: For kids to enjoy canoeing, they have to be made comfortable. Here are some things to help ease the trip for them:

·        Kid-sized folding chairs for inside the boat- keeps kids off the wet floor and up high enough to see what’s going on

·        Kid-sized life vests- get them in the habit of wearing them from day one

·        Bucket and shovel for playing on the shore

·        Sippy cups with spill-proof lids

·        Picnic blanket- very useful for infants and crawlers

·        Kid-carrier backpack for tired toddlers

·        Water shoes

·        Rain gear

·        Hats with visors

 

http://paddling.about.com

www.canoetexas.com/tips3html.

www.africa.com/activities/canoeing_top10.jhtml?activity=Canoeing

www.nsc.org/library/facts/canoesas.htm

http://gorp.away.com