Mama Geek Posted June 4, 2016 Share Posted June 4, 2016 So dh is working a new contract job in an area with lots of sea kayaking and of course we want to try it. We are pretty good on fishing kayaks on lakes and dd has kayaked her own sit on top kids kayak and is a swimmer. I am noticing age restrictions on classes and often on tours that she doesn't meet, she is only about to turn 6. I am pretty overweight and I can pull myself up onto a small sailboat with a lot of effort and if my dh has one hand on the sailboat for a little extra stability (don't ask me how I know I can do this :coolgleamA: ) Are we just out of luck here, is sea kayaking for a very physically fit young kid that is used to the water a and an overweight mom a bad idea or is it something we can reasonably do? We are in an area that would require wet suits if that makes any difference. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MEmama Posted June 4, 2016 Share Posted June 4, 2016 I'm no expert by any means, but when it comes to age and ability, strength would my first concern. It can take A LOT more strength to keep a sea kayak going where you want it to go, not where the currents pull you. I'd be concerned about a 5 yo having enough swimming experience, unless she is very accustomed to off shore ocean swimming. Tides, currents, rips, etc are very real concerns for the strongest, most savvy swimmers. Of course, it all depends on what you mean by sea kayaking, where you are and what the conditions are. I've only done it in the North Atlantic, and even in protected waters I didn't feel comfortable or strong enough to want to do it again (and I'm pretty fit). Obviously, YMMV. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mama Geek Posted June 4, 2016 Author Share Posted June 4, 2016 Dd hasn't done offshore swimming but was on swim team last year. It would be in protected waters on the west coast. The places that do say kids can go use tandem kayaks. How stable are the kayaks, are you pretty likely to tip them if you haven't done it before? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Minerva Posted June 4, 2016 Share Posted June 4, 2016 We do lots of sea kayaking and have since my kids were teeny tiny. LIfe vests are a must. Practice falling out of your kayak and getting back in before you head out. If you are taking long trips, leave a plan with someone and carry a marine radio (VHF). Mostly you will probably be were the weather is nice and you are close to home. Check the swell report and the weather report. My seven year old shares a double kayak with my dh when we go for long trips. My ten year old shares a kayak with me if we are going far. If we are just messing about in the bay they take singles. The kayaks we use are clunky and stable. One thing that makes a big difference is a light paddle. It is such an amazing way to explore the ocean. It is quiet and slow so we often see lots of incredible marine life. Enjoy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liz CA Posted June 4, 2016 Share Posted June 4, 2016 Unless I was a very experienced kayaker and trained in rescue swimming and very familiar with the Pacific, I'd be worried taking a little 6yo girl into the Pacific. Grown men have struggled against the powerful currents, then there is the panic factor. Some people think more clearly in emergencies, others freeze. If you are talking about groups going out with instructor(s), I would be fine with that. I certainly would want more than one adult when a kid is going. What Minerva said regarding the type of kayak makes sense as well. Clunky and stable. The typical ocean kayak is skinnier and some may be more difficult to control in surf. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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