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Take Your Daughter Kayaking
Fred's Question:
I'm taking my 12 year old daughter sea kayaking near Tybee Island, Georgia on Labor Day. We'll be using a tandem (two-person) kayak. This will be her first trip. Do you have any suggestions to encourage her enjoyment?
— FredJonathan's Answer:
Your choice of a double kayak to introduce your daughter to the sport is perfect. First, a double will inspire more confidence in her, since she'll have you right with her all the time. The extra stability of a double helps as well. Perhaps most important, however, is that a double tends to equalize differences in strength between two paddlers. In the double, your daughter's efforts will augment yours, even if you are significantly stronger. In two singles she might constantly lag behind, and feel frustrated when you obviously had to hold back to let her keep up. However, don't be surprised if she beats you on stamina.
The main thing for you to keep in mind on the water is that any 12-year-old's attention span is shorter than yours. Avoid marathon paddling sessions; divide the day up with shore breaks, snack stops, and snorkelling excursions. Beachcombing, fishing, hiking inland, and last but not least, just lying-around time are all good ways to vary the activity. If you're in a sheltered bay with no wind or waves, consider letting her have the helmsman's position in the back so she can order you around for a while.
She'll probably be burning more calories than you, so meals and snacks will be important. Find out what her favorites are and buy a bunch, plus some surprises each day for her to discover in her day bag. If you don't have one, buy an Outback Oven and cook pizza for dinner one night; I guarantee that will be a hit.
Keep in mind that too much sun is not only unhealthy, but on a short-term basis can cause headaches and general fatigue. Make sure your daughter has a good hat, wide-brimmed but not so wide that it flops around in a wind, and lightweight, long-sleeved shirts. But remember that even with a hat sunburn is still possible from the reflection off the water. Use sunscreen, especially on the delicate septum under the nose, an often-overlooked spot. Double-gradient sunglasses will help prevent glare-induced eye irritation.
If she doesn't already have them, buy her a few pieces of equipment that will be her own, such as a flashlight, a knife or multi-tool, and a chart. It's surprising how a few such items will make a young person feel like he or she is part of the expedition, instead of just being dragged along. By the same token, make sure she has some responsibilities on the trip, without overburdening her with chores. Explain the paddling decisions you make each day and why, then involve her in them. The more you can make her an equal part of the team, the more fun you'll both have.
Good luck, and happy paddling!
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