Tips for Kayaking With Kids

By Brandon Rome

With a little thought and planning, kayaking with children is a great way to foster a love of nature and help them develop hand-eye coordination. With kids, it's usually a good idea to choose a kid-friendly destination without a lot of boat traffic or strong currents. You may want to begin in small lakes nearby until they get a bit more experience. Here are some tips to help you plan a kayaking trip with your children, including advice about where you should go, what you should bring and when your kids are ready to paddle on their own.

What to Bring

The first thing you need to bring, of course, is your kayak! Most families can enjoy a day on the water with an inflatable kayak, which is easy to store in the trunk of the car and inflate when you get to the water. You'll also need a paddle for everyone that will be actively involved. Look for child paddles, which are usually around 200 cm long with a narrow shaft that's easier for small hands to hold. PFDs (personal floatation devices) are also necessary, so select models that are approved by the United States Coast Guard. You can find infant-sized PFDs, as well as those for children between 30 and 50 pounds and youths between 50 and 90 pounds. A word of advice here: if you plan to bring a baby, get them used to the PFD before your trip because they may refuse to wear it when you're ready to hit the water.

Along with these basics, make sure you bring along plenty of snacks and food, a change of clothing and a first aid kit. Small kids will also likely appreciate their own camera to take pictures, binoculars to spot animals, a journal, books or even a fishing pole of their own if you plan to do some kayak fishing.

Choosing the Best Spot

When you're enjoying paddle sports with your kids, try to choose areas that offer a lot of variety and great scenery to keep them engaged. You'll also want to know the area well beforehand. If possible, research state parks in your area to find great kayaking areas that are kid-friendly and include a couple of stops for bathroom breaks. You'll also need to think about the length of the trip, as younger kids won't be up for a long 6-mile paddle. Keep in mind your child's strength, coordination, age and swimming ability when you're planning your trip to make it safe and enjoyable for everyone.

When Can Your Kids Paddle?

Some kids can begin paddling their own kayak by 8 to 10 years of age, if they have the experience. You'll still want to venture into safe areas until they gain more experience. Younger kids do well with inflatable kayaks, which are lightweight and a bit slower. For kids 10 and older, select a small kayak. Kids over the age of 14 can learn to paddle medium-sized inflatable kayaks. If your child is under 8, the middle of the kayak is the best place for them to sit with an adult. They won't help to propel the boat, but they will learn how the kayak feels as it moves. By the age of 8, they can also begin riding in the bow of a double kayak to help you paddle.

Involve Your Kids in the Planning

Don't forget to involve your children in the planning of the trip as well. If your kids have never been involved in paddle sports before, let them get in the kayak at home so they can get used to how it feels. They can also help you research the trip by looking through guidebooks, animal charts and pictures online.

Additional Tips for Kayaking with Kids

Be sure to give your kids lots of praise and don't criticize their efforts unless it's a matter of safety.

Make rules clear beforehand, including no standing or leaning in the kayak.

Go slowly and don't get separated from the rest of your family.

Take plenty of breaks to enjoy the scenery and point out interesting things to your children.

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Years ago, a salesperson showed Kitt two boats that were within his limited budget. He ended up choosing the wrong one.

"I was furious," Kitt says. "I had that boat for three months before I had to get rid of it and get one more appropriate for me. I was so mad at the guy that sold it to me that I opened kayak store in CNY."

ROGER’S NEW PROJECT IS THE BUILDING OF A PYGMY MURRELET KAYAK FROM A KIT TO PUT TOGETHER.

Day 69 - 1 hour

I finally got the first coat of varnish on the hull thinned 25% with mineral spirts, per my painting expert. We will find out tomorrow how well that worked.

Day 64-66 - Sept 25-29- Day 71-74 - 2 ½ more hours

I couldn't do too much each day. Applied a coat of varnish each day after a little sanding. It looks pretty good although I wish I knew more about applying varnish. It is tough to get that smooth finish. The thigh pad assemblies are completed as much as I could without setting in the cockpit and finding their final position and the angles necessary for my legs.

I did find a good number of runs from the hull onto the deck. They are a real pain to sand out. I applied masking tape to the hull to try not to repeat the mistake. Hopefully I will have it water ready by next week.

Day 75-76 - 3 more hours
I have put on the last coat of varnish, installed my deck cords and straps and I am 99.9% completed. All that is left is positioning the thigh braces and foam pads. This has been a unique project. I have learned so much about the process, much of it the hard way, and am looking forward to my next project. I know where I went wrong and the boat does have the scars to prove it. This weekend it meets the water and I am certain all will go well.

As for the amount of time required, the guidelines called for 80 hours. I have almost doubled that but I did install the sliding thigh braces, bulkheads and hatches and every deck related item available. That accounts for a good portion of the extra time. The other component that took much too much time was in trying correcting my error in allowing runs and drips of epoxy run all over the boat. What I have learned there is to cover my seams and wire holes on the outside of the hull with plastic tape and glue the seams from the inside where the runs don't show.

Project complete

I have cleaned out my garage and my car is home again. New Murrelet is happy on its rack and finally we made it to the water. I am really pleased initially how it handles. It has met all my expectations. This has been a great project. The only area which I am unhappy about is the adjustable thigh braces. They do not function well, which could be partially my problem on the fabrication of the slides. In any event, they are going to be located and epoxied into place (when I figure where they should be). Would I do it again? YES! This has been a great experience and the manufacturer has been very helpful. I would recommend their kits gladly.



I used my new kayak on our club’s weekly paddle for the first time Sunday. Almost 7 miles on the canal and I am very pleased. For a boat with no rudder or skeg, it tracked beautifully. Initial stability is good and secondary stability is great. Still having problems with the adjustable thigh braces but that can be fixed. Best of all, the only water in the boat was from our boots. I am very pleased.

Choosing the Proper Kayaking Accessories

By Ernest Tang

Kayaking is an unpredictable sport as you will not be able to foresee the outcome. It is only through preparation that you are able to prevail over whatever odds that might be thrown at you. Different kayaks are built for different purposes to cope with the diverse types of sea conditions. Some are just for sightseeing while other may be for dangerous white water kayaking. When you are dealing with the trying condition of the water, a kayak with a paddle is not enough. You will need other accessories to help you survive and the first equipment you will need is the ability to transport the kayak.

You need to outfit yourself with the right kayaking accessories and clothing is crucial. Clothing has to be waterproofed and disperse all perspiration. The best type is makes of synthetic material as they are resilient. Sandals have to be waterproofed as well as a pair of gloves that will protect your hands from freezing cold in addition to avert blisters.

Kayaking is a water contact sport and can keel over without warning. You can permit a little water displacement and above that, you will put your personal safety in danger. To overcome that you can use sprayskirt that cover you fully that help to avert paddle splash in addition to keeping off rapids. As in water sport, all kayaking accessories need to be waterproof with food cooler manufacture from vinyl to keep it afloat. Add a flotation device too in case of emergency.

There are other essential kayaking accessories depending on whether you are in calm water or out at sea. In the unpredictable sea, you need survival accessories and remember to prepare yourself for any outcome, even the worst. Whatever your discretion; do not over pack as you need to be agile to cope with the treacherous conditions.

A bilge pump, a map and a compass together with paddle floats will do nicely. Irrespective of your experience, you need to carry those indispensable accessories at all time. Other additional kayaking accessories that you can bring along are baseball hat, sun visor to cut off glare and maybe some snacks such as a cereal bar or chocolate to perk you up.

The kayaking expedition will be enjoyable and safe if you get yourself outfit with all the proper accessories. Kayaking is best done in group as more people can take care of each other and it is more exciting that way. Even without kayaking accessories, it can be done but not out at the treacherous sea. Whatever, it is best to equip yourself by choosing the proper kayaking accessories.

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Kayak sales

ROGER’S NEW PROJECT IS THE BUILDING OF A PYGMY MURRELET KAYAK FROM A KIT TO PUT TOGETHER.

Day 58 - 1 more hour

Removed all the hardware, seat, lines, etc. and epoxy saturated the holes. I will let it cure completely and start the sanding. Now the nerves are setting in. Soon we will see the final project, however it comes out. I also purchased some lower sawhorses. My table is a little too high to make it easy to sand the surface.

Day 59 - 4.5 more hours

Started the sanding today. Started with 120 grit on my orbital sander with LOTS of disks. I had a lot of runs and drips to remove. Really came out better than I had hoped. Finished with 220 grit with the orbital. Found a few areas that needed a bit more epoxy so I will let it cure for another day or two and start with a sanding block. Hand sanding only from here on.

Day 60-63 - 6 more hours

I read the instructions on the spar varnish! The manual advises that once you are finished with the glassing to take your boat kayaking. That is a very pleasant way of saying that is your only choice. You cannot start applying the varnish until 7 days after the last coating of epoxy. Well, I wasn't planning on introducing it to the world until it was finished so I decided to do some more sanding and I am really glad I did.

I had used my orbital sander with 120 grit and then 220 grit and thought it was pretty good. I noticed that the surface still had a mottled surface even though it felt fine. I started sanding it by hand with the 220 grit paper and was really pleased with the improvement. On the photos you can see both sides of the hull. One half is hand sanded and the other is not. Vast improvement; however at the rate I am going it will take another 12 hours to get it ready for the varnish. With the amount of time I have invested already I am not going to cut corners now. So it looks like no varnish until I'm ready.

Day 64-66 - 8 more hours

I have continued to sand the hull with 220 grit paper by hand and it looks pretty good. My 7 days of waiting are almost up (before I can start the varnish) and then I realized I forgot the half rounds for the hatches. It looks like the hatches will have to wait a week more before they get completed. Also got the clips epoxied under the hatches for the retaining cords.

I did weigh the boat. Without the straps, cords, seat and hatch covers it weighed 38 lbs.

I came up with a fixture to help with the epoxy saturating of the ½ rounds. To allow me to do all sides at once, I made a "V" form from some aluminum foil. Worked neat. I have the hatch seals installed, glued the Velcro to the seat pad and epoxied the other half of the Velcro to the hull, held down by some bricks over Mylar.

I have to epoxy the ½ rounds in place; after they cure I can then remove the hatch straps and can start the varnish. The finish is in sight.

Stand Up Paddleboard for Exercise

By Elizabeth Froment

Stand up paddleboarding is taking the world by storm! Originally started by surfers in Hawaii looking for a way to keep in shape while the waves were not good, they found that using a paddleboard provided a perfect way to still be out on the water, and get exercise at the same time.

Since that time, millions of people have gotten into the world of SUP (stand up paddleboarding). Now people paddleboard to get out on the water, explore, enjoy nature, have fun with friends, and to exercise all at the same time.

Paddleboarding is one of the best core workouts you can find. From a paddlers toes to her head, practically every muscle in the body is being used (even counting the smiles!). Because a major component of stand up paddleboarding is balance, the feet and legs are working hard to keep the board (and you) balanced and sturdy. At the same time, since paddling is involved, arms, hands, shoulders and the back is all utilized to keep the paddleboard gliding on top of the water. All the while, the paddlers core abdominal and back muscles are getting a fantastic workout.

Another benefit that comes with stand up paddleboarding is that the sport is super low impact. If an athlete is struggling because of joint or muscle pain running or doing other exercises at the gym, paddleboarding can really help. Since there are no heavy movements or violent impacts associated with SUP, someone can paddle for hours, burn over 1,000 calories and not feel achy and creaky the next morning.

Now, many people (men and women alike) are getting into a new way to use your stand up paddleboard: yoga. That's right, yoga on a paddleboard! Doing yoga on the board provides an extra balance dimension, which can be an extra bit of fun and challenge for a yoga practitioner. What might be the best benefit of doing yoga on a stand up paddleboard is the view. Being able to take in the water and relax in the sun adds a really nice experience to yoga that someone could not get in a gym or studio.

Many people are still on the fence as to weather they want to buy a stand up paddleboard, but once they realize that there are so many extra benefits to paddleboarding such as exercise, fun, exploration and enjoying nature, it can push them in the right direction.

Elizabeth Froment writes about stand up paddleboarding, including its excitement and benefits. Check out more great info on paddleboarding [http://paddleboardforsale.net/], and get out on the water!

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CNY paddleboards sales

ROGER’S NEW PROJECT IS THE BUILDING OF A PYGMY MURRELET KAYAK FROM A KIT TO PUT TOGETHER.

Day 51 - 1 more hour

I inverted the boat in my back yard and completed the other end pour (and then I went paddling with my kayak club).

Day 52 - 1 more hour

Installed the hip braces and started cleaning up around the hatch and coaming areas.

Days 53-54 - 4 more hours

I installed the hatch spacer strips, one side each night. Finally installed and glassed the coaming. I had waited to apply the upper coat of glass until they were installed, I felt it would look better and it does. Not much left and I will be able to sand the boat in prep for the varnish. I did put a fill coat on coaming and hip braces to smooth out the surfaces.

Days 55-56 - 2 more hours

I installed the seat back and hand toggles. Not much excitement and it looks closer to being finished every day now. I am still waiting for the new foam thigh brace pads from Pygmy. They were backordered on my last order. I would also like to caution everyone about lining up their components correctly before they drill holes in the boat or you will have some patching to do later (see last photo).

Day 57 - 3 hours more

Using a method from my work, I marked all the locations for the deck lines, etc. using masking tape. No lines on the surface required, just aligned the tape with the carpenters square on the measurement in the manual and use the intersections to mark the hole locations. This proved to be very exact. I then mounted all the deck lines to verify locations. Looks Great! Now everything must come off so I can seal the edges of the holes and sand and varnish the boat.

How to Land Fish From a Kayak or SUP

By Steven M Becker

I've lost good sized trout and bigger fish including a 20# Mahi Mahi right at the boat because I didn't have the experience or know how to land them. Small boats require careful planning and organization to successfully land fish.

It is a challenge to land a fish from a kayak or paddleboard. These types of boats will tip easily. Add the weight and pressure of a fish and you will be unbalanced. Know where your weight is during the entire process. You will not be able to lean over and look at a big fish while landing it.

The rod, the fish and the net or gaff are all in play during the landing. Organize your gear so you know where it is and synchronize all three for a succseful outcome.

A medium handled net or gaff of 12 - 16" is the best size for a small boat. It is easy to store and will not cause the boat to become unbalanced while landing a fish. Long handles make for a lot of leverage but you will need to lean too far against the other side of the boat to catch the fish. Short handles force you to lean to close causing a potential for capsize. Nets are best used for softer finned fish. Anything spiny or with teeth is better landed with a gaff.

It is exciting to get a strike when fishing but the work has just begun. Landing the fish by yourself is a far bigger challenge than hooking it. If you are trolling it is important to keep paddling for 4 or 6 good long strokes to set the hook. The fish will not hook itself it needs the forward momentum of the boat. Keep even pressure on the line. No jerks or slack. Either will loose the fish. Drag is important as well. Leave it loose enough for the fish to take line if it needs to make a run.

Don't reel too much line in. You want to be able to lift the rod tip to near vertical to manipulate the fish where you want it before it leaves the water. This is usually the leader length or about 6'.

Once the fish is ready to be landed use your left hand for the rod and your right for the net. Lift the rod high so you can move the fish to the waiting net or gaff. Trying to swipe or reach for the fish will cause them to spook and make a run. It is better to move the fish to the waiting net. Patience is a virtue here. Once the fish is in the net or on the gaff bring it into the boat and save the keepers or release the fish.

Tough fighters require submission. A billy club is effective for this. Many species will fight harder once landed than they did in the water. Sharp teeth and fins are a recipe for disaster when you are in close quarters.

Small boats require organization, experience and know how to land fish. Once you have mastered this it is rewarding to start landing fish.

Paddling for Trout is a great reference for kayak and SUP anglers. For more info and reviews, products and more check out The Fishing Geek

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CNY fishing kayaks sales

ROGER’S NEW PROJECT IS THE BUILDING OF A PYGMY MURRELET KAYAK FROM A KIT TO PUT TOGETHER.

Days 46-47 - 2 more hours

Prepped the lower coaming area and got the upper coaming installed. I only glassed the lower surface of the upper coaming. I think it will be better looking if I glass both together and run the glass down the inside of the lower coaming at the same time. Finally starting to look like a real kayak.



Days 48 - 3 more hours

Cut out the hatch openings. Very long process by hand. There is a problem keeping the blade perpendicular to the hull that would be much easier with a jig saw. We will all find out how good I did when I install them back on the hull.



Day 49 - 3 more hours

Out of town all week, first day back to the boat. Finished glassing the sheer in the hatch areas. Made some tools to assist with the process. I bought some sanding foam block and mounted them on a dowel. I could sand the surfaces almost all the way to the bow and stern. Also mounted a bristle brush on another stick to seat the glass with epoxy. Both worked very sell. Of course I also make the syringe extension as per the manual although going through the hatch openings, it turned out much shorter.



Day 50 - 5 more hours

Today I got a lot done. I glassed the upper edges of both bulkheads. The rear had quite a gap and I will fill the areas more when I do the stern pour. I used scraps of glass rather than the tape due to the odd shape of the areas. Worked pretty good. After everything had set up I moved the boat into my back yard to do the bow pour. I used a bucket of water to cool the bow. It did get hot. Tomorrow will try to get the stern done and get it back inside before it rains again. Also included a photo of my Hull ID Number. I used a felt tip pen on the surface and just put a layer of epoxy over it. Didn't come out too bad.