Kayaking with Kids:
An Age-by-Age Guide
For a great day on the water
Getting Started
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0555/5014/8772/t/7/assets/3-1681932773213_337x.jpg?v=1681932775)
Are you ready for an awesome adventure with your child? Taking them kayaking for the first time is a thrilling experience full of new discoveries and happy memories.
While it's important to take safety seriously, there's no need to stress! Start by making sure your child is well-equipped with a properly fitting life jacket and a stable and maneuverable kayak like the Evrwild Waterbear Kids' Kayak.
Once you're ready to go, show your child how to paddle forward, backward, and turn left and right, and watch their excitement as they try it on their own. Don't forget to provide lots of encouragement and positive vibes!
Kayaking is not just a cool activity, it's also a way to bond with your child while enjoying the beauty of nature. From spotting wildlife to splashing in the water, every moment is an opportunity for joy and connection. And as your child gains confidence and skill, kayaking will quickly become a cherished family tradition that creates lasting memories.
No matter the age of your child, our expert guide can assist you in setting realistic expectations for an amazing day of fun, sunshine, and family bonding on the water, all while setting your family up for a lifetime of kayaking adventures.
Breaking It Down
Although every child is unique, using their age can be one of the simplest ways to gain a good idea of what to anticipate.
The following is a general guide that lays out how age typically affects your child's abilities during a kayaking adventure.
Get Inspired!
- What Your Kayaking Adventure Could Look Like -
![Evrwild Water Bear Kids' Kayak - Grinnell Glacier Blue](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0555/5014/8772/t/7/assets/1-1681932789589_337x.jpg?v=1681932790)
![Evrwild Water Bear Kids' Kayak - Sunrise Peak Purple](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0555/5014/8772/t/7/assets/evie-santa-ellena-canyon-1681934811650_337x.jpg?v=1681934814)
![Evrwild Water Bear Kids' Kayak - Grinnell Glacier Blue](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0555/5014/8772/t/7/assets/5-1681934879939_337x.jpg?v=1681934880)
Age 4-6
I'm a 5-year-old and I'm so excited to go kayaking with my mom and dad! I can't wait to put on my life jacket and climb into the kayak. I'm a little bit scared because I've only been in my own kayak a couple times, but my parents say they will keep me safe.
As we start paddling, I feel the cool water splashing against the sides of the kayak. I can see fish swimming below us and birds flying above us. It's so beautiful! My parents point out all the different animals we see and I love learning about them.
Sometimes the water gets a little bit wavy and it makes the kayak move up and down. It feels like a roller coaster and I giggle and squeal with excitement.
I'm so happy to be on this adventure with my family.
We paddle to a little cove with a sandy bottom. My dad helps me climb out of the kayak and we go exploring in the shallow water. We find all sorts of cool things, like shiny rocks and shells. I'm having so much fun!
After we finish exploring, we climb back into the kayak and paddle back to the shore. I'm a little bit tired, but I feel so proud of myself for going on such a big adventure. I can't wait to go kayaking again!
Age 7-9
Hi, I'm a 7-year-old and I'm super excited to go kayaking with my family! I've been kayaking a few times before, so I'm feeling pretty confident about it.
As we paddle out onto the water, I feel the cool breeze on my face and the splash of the water on my legs. It's so refreshing! I can't wait to see what adventures we'll have.
We start to explore along the shoreline. We paddle into some of the shallow areas and my brother and I jump out to swim. The water is a bit chilly, but it feels amazing after being in the kayak for a while. We swim around and splash each other, laughing and having fun.
As we continue paddling, we come across a really cool spot with a rope swing. My dad suggests we take a break here and we get to take turns swinging out over the water and splashing down. It's so much fun!
As the day starts to wind down, we paddle back to shore. I'm feeling happy and grateful for the fun adventure we had today. I loved spending time with my family, exploring new places and swinging on the rope swing.
As we load up the kayaks I can't stop talking about all the cool things we saw and did. I know that today's adventure is going to be one of my favorite memories with my family. I can't wait to kayak with them again and create even more amazing memories together.
Age 10-12
As a 12-year-old, I'm really excited to go kayaking with my family. I've been kayaking before, but today we're exploring a new river and I can't wait to see what adventures we'll have.
As we start paddling, I dip my hand into the cool water. The river is calm and peaceful, with a gentle current that carries us downstream. We pass by tall trees, go under a bridge, and spot a small waterfall along the way. It's so much fun!
As we continue down the river, we come across a small beach where we stop to rest and have a picnic. We unpack our lunch and sit on the sand, enjoying the warm sun and the sound of the water flowing nearby.
After our break, we paddle on and come across a bend in the river. We hear the sound of rushing water up ahead and see some small rapids. After scouting them out, we navigate through the rapids with a bit of excitement and laughter, feeling the rush of the water beneath our kayaks.
As the day starts to wind down, we reach the end of our adventure and dock our kayaks. We're all a bit tired but happy after such a fun adventure. We pack up our gear and head back home, looking forward to the next time we can go kayaking together.
Overall, kayaking down the river was an amazing adventure. I loved experiencing the beauty of nature, navigating through the small rapids, and spending time with my family. It was a perfect day that I'll never forget.
Ready for Launch
As you can see - no matter what age - kayaking can be an exciting and unforgettable adventure for both you and your child. With help from our guide you can easliy plan a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Remeber to focus on having fun and in no time you'll be making memories. So, don't hesitate to hit the water and enjoy all the wonders that kayaking with your kids has to offer!