One of the toughest quandaries I had to overcome when deciding to have kids was the fear I would have to curb my outdoor pursuits. I soon learned kids are malleable; they can adapt to, and enjoy, just about any outdoor adventure when their basic needs are met. Invest some energy in making sure your kids travel in comfort and security when they are young and by the time they are seven or eight they will carry their own packs, paddle with efficiency and be full participants in your outdoor pursuits.
Sure, it takes more planning and snacks than a solo trip—but the payoff? Lifelong paddling partners who think you’re a hero.
How to get kids into paddling
Ages 0–2
There is no such thing as too young. However, the safety considerations you would use on your own trips are magnified when a baby is involved. Small people are far more susceptible to hypothermia and hyperthermia. All decisions revolve around keeping the baby warm (but not too warm) and dry. Put the baby in a sling to keep close, on your lap or on a foam pad on the hull. Always use an appropriately sized PFD. Use a large towel or umbrella for sun or drizzle protection. Capsizing is not an option. Plan routes to minimize risk: no crossings, close to shore, lots of spots to land and camp.
Ages 3–9
At this stage, paddling with kids is less about mileage and more about creating comfort, familiarity and fun on the water. Children in this age range can often travel for long periods when they have space to move around and stay entertained. Including other families or friends on outings can add to the fun and help share the workload. Choosing appropriate gear is key—kayaks with center hatches or canoes with additional seating make it easier to bring kids along comfortably. The focus should be on short, enjoyable outings that build confidence and spark curiosity about paddling.
Ages 9 and up
Once they’ve developed basic paddling skills, as well as some strength and confidence, it’s time to get them solo into the bow of a tandem boat or a small, properly fitted solo kayak. Plan routes with many options to keep beach playtime long and paddling time short—my rule is an hour max on the water before and after lunch. Consider a water taxi. If they don’t want to paddle, head for camp. You may cover less ground than when they were just toddlers along for the ride. Have patience, and you may hear the words every paddling parent dreams of: “Where are we going next year?
Route choice
This is wholly dependent on the temperament of the trippers. Start with short day trips, then lengthen them accordingly, but don’t be afraid to think big. I took my two- and three-year-old kids on a 450-kilometer trip on Ontario’s Albany River. During those two weeks, plenty of gorp breaks and beach stops kept the kids happy, even on some 50-kilometer days.
Diapers
I generally despise disposables, but admit they are a godsend on canoe trips. You’ll need a barrel lined with garbage bags for either soiled disposables or dirty cloth diapers. The key is a liberal sprinkling of baking soda to keep the smell down and bears away.
Toys
Make room in the canoe for another small barrel full of toys, games and stuffed animals. Having these diversions readily available is essential. Kids drop stuff overboard constantly, so you may want to tether in any “on-the-move” play toys, or risk perfecting your pivoting strokes.
Tents
A larger tent is a must. It’s a great play place for toddlers and kids and will be well worth the extra effort it takes to pack it and carry it around when the bugs or weather are bad. A family bed of sheets and throw blankets works best when toddlers need the security of their parents. Introduce toddlers to their own sleeping bags, and eventually an adjoining tent when they are ready, but if you rush it you’ll find they would rather stay home.
Bugs
Some might say I was cruel, but when my kids were toddlers I let them get bitten a little just to strengthen their immune systems. Today, black flies and mosquitoes don’t bother them, at least not enough to ruin an outing. That being said, some measures are sensible. I used to set up a light mesh tent at the end of portages where my wife and babies could escape while I carried over the remaining gear. Sheets of loose bug netting can be draped over kid carriers, and bug jackets are essential once they are a few years old. Don’t slather your kids with caustic repellent. A light dab of Tiger Balm, orange rind or citronella on the exposed backsides of their hands works well.
Safety
Your job is to plan well and remain calm if things get tense; your kids will pick up on anxious behavior and it may sour the next trip. As usual, safety comes down to attentiveness and common sense—don’t tether your kids to the canoe thwarts. There are excellent baby and toddler PFDs on the market. Make sure they wear them at all times, even around the campsite.
This article was published in Issue 73 of Paddling Magazine. Family planning. | Feature photo: Bruce Kirkby
