Sea Kayaking with Children | Fostering a Love for the Outdoors
Sea kayaking is a wonderful way to explore nature, build physical strength, and create epic family memories. At Auckland Sea Kayaks, we’re a family-owned business and keen for our kids to enjoy paddling as much as we do. We believe it’s never too early to start, so have put together these handy tips to help encourage others to follow suit.
START WITH SHORT, FREQUENT TRIPS
When it comes to kayaking with young children, shorter trips are often more effective than starting with longer, more demanding outings. Frequent, enjoyable paddles will keep your child engaged and build their confidence on the water. During the COVID lockdown, we often paddled our then 18-month-old daughter Tui from the calm waters of Titirangi in West Auckland to the Wood Bay playground. These tiny trips were integral to her learning to love kayaking.
CHOOSE EXCITING DESTINATIONS
Paddling to destinations that interest your child can make the experience more engaging. Playgrounds, beaches, and spots where you can have a picnic or see wildlife are great options. The journey becomes an adventure when there’s something fun to look forward to at the end.
FAMILIARISE THEM WITH THE GEAR
Getting children used to wearing kayaking gear is crucial. Practice wearing life jackets at home to ensure they fit properly and feel comfortable. Investing in gear that fits your child correctly is important. For instance, we have a short collapsible kayak paddle for our now 4-year-old daughter. She loves to paddle, but a full-size adult paddle would be too difficult for her to handle. Properly fitted gear can make a big difference in their enjoyment and safety.
PAY ATTENTION TO THE WEATHER
To us, it’s just common sense – but you should go kayaking when the weather is calm and pleasant. Calm conditions not only make the experience more enjoyable but also ensure your child’s safety. Strong winds, rough waters, or cold temperatures can be overwhelming and even frightening for young kids. Choose days with gentle breezes and warm weather to make their first kayaking experiences positive.
MAKE IT FUN
Incorporate games and activities to keep the paddling trips fun. Bring along some toys or snacks, sing songs, or play simple games like “I Spy” to keep your child entertained. A positive and enjoyable experience will help them associate kayaking with fun and adventure.
PRACTICE OFTEN
Consistency is key when fostering a love for sea kayaking in young kids. Our rentals arm – Mission Bay Watersports, offers a great location to introduce your kids to kayaking, with sit-on-top kayak rentals available from just one hour. We take our kids here frequently during the summer to continue fostering their enthusiasm for the sport. Regular practice helps build their confidence and comfort on the water, making kayaking a natural and enjoyable activity for them.
ENCOURAGE AND PRAISE
Celebrate your child’s achievements, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement will boost their confidence and encourage them to keep trying. Whether they’ve mastered paddling straight or simply sat calmly in the kayak, praise their efforts and make them feel proud.
LEAD BY EXAMPLE
Children often mimic their parents, so show enthusiasm and enjoyment when you’re kayaking. Your excitement will be contagious, and your child will be more likely to develop a similar passion for the sport.
Our staff also fully embrace bringing their young families along for paddling adventures. Senior Guide Eric Webster shares, “Our son, now 4.5 years old, has truly enjoyed connecting to nature through sea kayaking (though to be honest, it’s often dad paddling while mum and son enjoy the ride in the front of a double kayak). He has developed a deeper understanding of high and low tides, moon cycles, seasons, and wildlife. The Hauraki Gulf is a world-class location for spotting sea friends. Conversations about maps and what the trip might be like for him, along with an hour in the boat, can be the highlight of our weekend and a relaxing way to connect as a family. It must be a top activity because ‘Row Row Row Your Boat’ is now a favourite with his baby sister.”
FINAL THOUGHTS
Introducing your child to sea kayaking can be a rewarding experience for the whole family. By starting with short, enjoyable trips, choosing interesting destinations, and ensuring they have the right gear, you can foster a lifelong love for kayaking in your little one.
At Auckland Sea Kayaks, we believe in the power of adventure to bring families closer and create lasting memories. We hope these tips help you and your family enjoy the beautiful waters of Auckland together. Happy paddling!
