Kayaking for Kids
K is for Kayak
When considering things to do in Myrtle Beach while vacation planning, you should make sure that a kayak adventure makes the list. After all, kayaking is fun for people of all ages and all activity levels. And, if you haven’t tried kayaking, and your kids haven’t either, it’s an excellent activity for the entire family to try together. Kayaking is fun, and it is great exercise too!
But before any kayak adventure, there are some things you should know. Read on to learn more about what you should know about kayaking for kids.
PPP: What You Should Know about Kayaking for Kids
When it comes to the three things you should know about kayaking for kids, it is easy to remember: remember PPP.
1. Person
The first thing to consider when kayaking with kids is whether or not your child will kayak by themselves (single) or with a parent or other person (tandem). This is where the first P comes into play. A good rule of thumb is that children under age ten should ride with a responsible adult. Please have your child sit in front of you, as this will make it most manageable for you to steer. However, if you decide to have your child ride in a single kayak, make sure they are capable of paddling for the entire duration of your trip. Kayaking is fun, but it can be hard work, especially on a windier day. The last thing you want is for your child to tire out and be unable to make it back to the marina without a tow.
2. Paddle
Kayaking requires a paddle that is comfortable and usable based on the length of your arms and hands. Standard kayak paddles are wider in the diameter of the handle, making it a bit more challenging for children to hold them properly. For this reason, we suggest that you have your child use a paddle that is recommended for children to make the paddling experience as easy and comfortable as possible. Children’s paddles are thinner and lighter and usually have smaller blades, making them far easier to handle.
3. PFD
PFD stands for a personal flotation device, and per South Carolina state law, all kayakers must wear a USCG-approved life jacket when out on the water in a kayak. At Crazy Sister Marina, all kayakers, regardless of age or size, must be able to fit securely in a PFD (life jacket) to venture out onto the water in a kayak). Safety is of utmost concern when it comes to kayaking, and under no circumstances should a child wear a life jacket that is larger than what will fill securely. A life jacket that is too large can easily slip off should the child fall out of the kayaking and fail to provide the flotation protection that a PDF is designed to give. Quite simply, an oversized PFD will not float a child’s head above water either.
Your Child Will Love Kayaking in Myrtle Beach
With PPP in mind, we think kayaking for kids is a great item to add to your list of things to do in Myrtle Beach. So, why hesitate any further? Give Crazy Sister Marina a call and reserve some kayaks for your next family adventure. You’ll be sure to have a wonderful time!