How to Kayak With Small Children

You can kayak safely with small children.

Kayak enthusiasts love to spend an afternoon skimming across a placid lake or paddling down a small river. When children are added to the mix, many think their kayaking days are over. You can kayak with small children as long as important safety issues are taken care of first.

Things You'll Need

• Kayak
• Life vests
• Strong rope or strap (strong dog leash can work)
• Hat
• Sun block

Instructions

Kayak With Small Children

1. Slather waterproof sunscreen on your child before beginning your kayaking adventure. It can get hot and sweaty on the water and, while splashing can help cool you off, it can also wash off sunscreen. Cover all parts of your child, especially the legs, shoulders and neck, arms, and face.

2. Dress your small child in swimsuit, cool, light-color shorts, a white t-shirt, and a hat. They should also wear secure shoes such as strap-on sandals or water shoes. Sunglasses are a good idea since there can be a lot of glare on the water.

3. Secure your small child in an approved, child-sized life vest or life jacket. Use all the straps, including one that goes between the legs. Make sure you wear one as well.

4. Seat your child in front of you in the kayak. If you have a flat, kayak like that pictured above, it is easy to have them sit between your legs. If you have a kayak with an oval opening in the front, slide your small child down between your legs and have him lean against your chest. If the child does not fit comfortably in the opening, you cannot kayak with him in that position.

5. Tie a rope, nylon strap, or even a dog leash securely to your child's waist. Hook it to a life vest only if the vest is completely secure and has no-rip woven straps. Tie the other end of the rope or strap to you. In case of the kayak capsizing or your child somehow falling out, you will be able to retrieve him safely. This is especially important in water with any movement as your child could be swept out of your reach quickly.

6. Observe all safety rules of kayaking and boating. Do not try risky maneuvers or go into rough water when kayaking with a small child. The risk is not worth it.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure your kayak is rated for the combined weight of you and the child.

• Never used damaged life vests.