Kayaking with Children

If you’re wondering whether it’s worth going kayaking with children, we’re here to help! A river is naturally a fascinating place for children, thanks to its dynamic nature and abundance of wildlife. Children are sure to love spending time on the water. It’ll also be a great opportunity to get to know Lithuania’s nature and wildlife. A great way to prepare for a kayaking trip is to get your child used to the water, perhaps through swimming lessons or a dip in a lake.

Why is it worth going kayaking with children?

Kayaking is one of the most popular ways to spend your free time in the summer, but this activity can also capture children’s interest. Time spent in nature can teach children many valuable lessons; here are just a few of them:

Learning about nature

It’s an invaluable experience for a child to see ducks and swans not in a book, but in real life! Rivers are a source of water for animals, so you can spot them all day long. You can also explore the river’s vegetation: giant reeds, algae or moss during breaks. A clear river offers the chance to see the mysterious life beneath the water. In Lithuanian rivers, you can spot trout, grayling and chub. Don’t forget to take your phone or camera so you can capture your first kayaking trips.

Teamwork

Getting the hang of the paddling rhythm can be a very valuable lesson. Paddling is not just teamwork, but a sport in its own right! If your child is over 6 years old, we recommend involving your young trip-mate in the teamwork. Check whether the kayak hire company offers smaller paddles. If they don’t have smaller paddles, you can look for another hire company or consider buying one.

Discipline

Kayaking with children requires clear rules to be set out and adhered to. A careless action in a kayak can cause it to capsize or lead to other consequences. From the very first minutes, young paddlers will need to learn what behaviour is acceptable on ‘deck’.

Places of interest should leave a good impression

Children often find it difficult to sit still for long periods. Once you’ve set off, we recommend taking a break after 30–45 minutes. Have a clear reason for stopping and explain it to the child. It’s a good idea to break up the kayaking trip with a stop to go for a walk and visit a well-known or interesting spot. After a walk, they’ll find it easier to sit in the kayak and you’ll be able to take breaks less frequently.

7 Tips to Ensure a Smooth Trip

Tip #1:

Let your child play an active part in the trip. If they aren’t actively involved, children will very quickly get bored. Make sure you have a child-sized paddle or some personal toys that won’t easily be lost in the water. Active rowing also improves health and sleep. If you’d like to find out more about the health benefits, you can read our article on the subject here.

Tip #2:

Bring some snacks. Out in the countryside, even children who are usually fussy eaters suddenly work up an appetite. Time spent in the sun and on the water does the trick.

Tip #3:

Dress for all possible weather conditions and dampness. Whilst adults may be comfortable in wet clothes, children often find this unbearable. Make sure to pack at least one extra set of dry clothes for the trip.

Tip #4:

Choose to stay at a farmstead rather than a campsite. If you’re planning a route that includes an overnight stay, we recommend staying at a farmhouse. The whole family will be able to sleep more comfortably there, which will mean you can set off in a better mood.

Tip #5:

Include a walk around places of interest in your trip. Have a clear timetable. Plan your trip around the children’s nap times, and make regular stops. Always have a destination for your next stop that the young traveller is aware of.

Tip #6:

Cruising on a weekday will ensure peace and quiet on the river. If you’re cruising with a child for the first time, it’s best to choose a weekday. Fewer people are out on the rivers on weekdays, so you’ll experience less stress regarding safety and your schedule.

Tip #7:

Don’t choose very long routes. Children under 6 can comfortably paddle for 2–3 hours. Paddling with older children may take longer, but don’t forget to take breaks.

How can you ensure children’s safety when kayaking?

The right life jacket

Check whether the lifejackets offered by the kayak hire company will fit your child. Lifejackets are usually sized by weight rather than by size. Lifejackets up to 20 kilograms are suitable for young children, whilst older children should wear one appropriate to their weight. It is important to try on the lifejacket before setting off to ensure it fits properly.

Correct seating arrangement

In a kayak, the heavier member of the crew always sits at the back, and the lighter one at the front. Older children should sit either at the front or in the middle (on the extra seat).

Discuss the rules before setting off

The main rules are as follows:

• never take off your life jacket;
• do not lean over the side;
• get in and out safely (get in and out one at a time; whilst one person is getting in or out of the kayak, the other holds it steady);
• do not stand up in the kayak;
• keep an eye on your course and any upcoming obstacles;
• do not consume alcoholic drinks in the kayak and do not get into it whilst under the influence (for adults).

Best types of kayaks according to children’s age

For children up to 6 years old. Most rental kayaks have the option of fitting an additional child’s seat in the middle. This is the recommended seating position if the child does not yet have sufficient willingness or skills to carry out navigation and paddling tasks. It is worth noting that when paddling with children under 3 years old, you will need to keep a close eye on them, so only one person will be able to paddle. It is worth asking the kayak hire company whether they provide a child seat and whether their kayaks are suitable for fitting one.

For children aged 6 and over. Older children are happy to take the front seat in the kayak. You should consider whether a standard paddle is suitable for your child. It is worth considering a children’s paddle as an alternative.

8 Rivers for your family trip

Rivers with few obstacles and which are wide enough will be suitable for a family trip. This is our recommended list of rivers, but it may vary depending on the prevailing weather conditions.

• The Nevėžis – a fairly wide river with a slow current, located in central Lithuania.
• Šventoji – the perfect balance of nature and tranquillity.
• Šešupė – this river, flowing through the plains, should leave a lasting impression on children.
• The Venta – a river in northern Lithuania that’s perfect for a peaceful family trip.
• Žeimena – on this river in Aukštaitija, you’re sure to spot a variety of wildlife.
• The Merkys – one of the cleanest rivers – will certainly allow you to see a variety of fish species.
• The Minija – a river of stunning beauty in Samogitia that you’ll certainly remember for a long time to come.
• The Sea – if you’re ready to take on your first challenge.

Rivers worth mentioning:

• The Neris – a popular choice amongst the capital’s residents. An excellent choice for a first paddle, though the lack of obstacles may make the trip a little less exciting.
• The Nemunas – Lithuania’s longest river also offers unrivalled scenery. We do not recommend this river for more experienced families, as the lack of obstacles will not keep the little ones sufficiently entertained.

Conclusions

Now that you’ve learnt more, you can start planning your packing list. You can find our recommended packing list, tailored to the length of your route and your accommodation, in our article. Give kayaking with children a go and share your experiences and tips in the comments so that other parents can avoid making the same mistakes.

Sources:

https://www.naturoti.lt/baidareje-su-vaiku

https://www.seimosgidas.lt/baidaremis-su-vaikais-ir-sunimis-plaukite-verkne/

https://runwildmychild.com/kayaking-with-kids/