|
Getting Kids Started in Kayaking
By Natalie Bartley
Idaho is known as the Whitewater State, and the Treasure Valley offers easy access to nearby rivers where kids and their parents can hone their paddling skills.
Youth participation in paddle sports is growing to the point where outdoor manufacturers and outdoor retailers are offering kid-sized kayaks, safety equipment, and water sport clothing.
Jackson Kayak produces a smaller, lighter kayak that is suited to the frame and weight of children. Boat designer and professional paddler Eric Jackson got his two children into kayaking at a young age and created a boat to meet kids' needs.
A locally inspired helmet, by Whitewater Research and Safety Institute, is designed with custom fit padding to size it to kids' heads. Lotus Designs offers Personal Flotation Devices, the Half-Pint PFD, for children up to 90 pounds. Waterproof breathable pants and jackets for kids are made by Kokatat. Also known as splash jackets, they help keep youth drier and warmer. Werner, a paddle company, has youth-sized shorter paddles with a smaller diameter shaft where the child grips, and smaller blades.
"Of course the selection for kids isn't as good as for adults, as is typical of specialized technical gear, but it is available," said Ray Schuler, a salesman at Idaho River Sports retail shop in Boise.
A big question that parents face is "What age should I start my child in kayaking?"
John Garrett, co-owner of a Boise-based paddle sports instruction school called Riverroots, says "In my opinion, it is when the kid wants to get out there. They should be extremely comfortable around water, be able to focus, and have the maturity level."
Another question, if the parents are kayakers, is whether to teach their child or leave it to the professionals. And for non-kayaking parents, the question may be, "Do I take lessons too so we can enjoy the sport as a family?"
Teaching the child yourself, if you are a competent kayaker, can be less expensive and enhance bonding with your child, or not. Leaving it to the pros can alleviate child/parent stressors and give the child a solid foundation that includes safety techniques and skills. And if you're not a kayaker, learning to kayak with your child can lead to a lifetime of memorable family outings.
Professionals like John and Sara Garrett offer summer whitewater day camps in June and July, emphasizing proper paddling techniques and respect for the river. The Whitewater Sampler camp is geared to children ages 10 to 14 and offers instruction in inflatable kayaks and rafts. Children ages 12 to 17 can sign up for Kayak Skills Development camp, which focuses on hard shell kayaks. Both camps start lessons at Quinn's Pond in Boise, then move to the Boise River and finally to a section of the Payette River.
John's advice to parents is "Don't put too much pressure on the kids; it needs to be fun." He also says to make sure the equipment fits the child and to resist the temptation to buy large equipment with the thought that children grow fast and the child will soon fit the boat or PFD. "Proper fitting equipment is essential, that includes layered clothing even in the summer," he said.
If the child is not ready for a hard shell kayak, there are other options. John suggests inflatable kayaks, which resemble small rafts. They are more forgiving in the water than a hard shell kayak and are easy to right after capsizing. Also, they are not as form-fitting as a hard shell kayak, thus can be can be used for many years as the child grows. A sit-on-top kayak is another option that does not require learning a kayak roll. Canoeing and rafting is yet another way to develop paddle skills and water sense without jumping right into kayaking.
Jesse Sears, Outdoor Program coordinator at Boise State University, grew up on rivers and started doing river trips with his father when he was 5 years old. By the time he was 12, he took up kayaking. Jessie has taught children as young as 10 to kayak. He says "It is a great sport for kids for lifetime fitness. They are starting earlier and earlier."
Some outfitters teach kayaking to kids as young as 6. Check with each company for their entry age. Jesse suggests kids need to "feel comfortable with the water and boat, and feel comfortable turning [it] over and getting out."
Boise State University is offering summer day camps with paddling components for youth ages 11 to 14. A day camp, By Land and Water, includes climbing, orienteering, kayaking, and rafting. Another summer camp with an overnight trip, Jagged Peaks and Raging Rivers, includes rock climbing, kayaking, rafting, and camping.
Many local options are available for pool practices. Try the Downtown and West YMCAs, Nampa Recreation Center, Rocky Mountain Fitness and Recreation, and Boise State University. Call your nearest pool for prices and current schedules.
And, you can get a look at and paddle kayaks, rafts, and canoes at the annual Idaho River Sports Demo Day at ParkCenter Pond in Boise on May 20 (see sidebar for more information).
Which ever route you select-kayak classes for the children, lessons for the family, or sharing your kayak skills with your children-dress them warmly for unexpected swimming. Wear PFDs and helmets on the rivers and PFDs on the lakes. Even during pool practice, kids can get used to the differences in buoyancy that a PFD provides.
LOCAL outdoor KAYAKING GROUPS & LESSONS
Riverroots Ltd. Whitewater Summer Day Camps
(208) 850-7637
www.riverrootsltd.com
Whitewater Sampler
June 25-29, July 23-27
$395
Kayak Skills Development
Level I July 9-13
Level II July 30-August 3
$495
Boise State University
(208) 426-5667
http://rec.boisestate.edu
By Land and Water Day Camp
June 11-15
$289
Jagged Peaks and Raging
Rivers- includes an overnight trip
June 18-22, July 9-13
$389
Cascade Kayak School
(800) 292-7238 or (208) 793-2221
www.cascaderaft.com
Idaho River Sports Demo Day
May 20
(208) 336-4844
www.idahoriversports.com
Natalie Bartley is a Boise-based writer and a certified kayak instructor who started canoeing, kayaking, and rafting as a teen in summer camping programs.
|
