Tripping With Tots
The Indians call it"chautauqua," which means "traveling show," and it aptly describes a family of canoeists on a pleasant float downstream. Put these together in the same canoe: Mom and Dad, a wiggling two year old and inquisitive five year old, waterproof packsacks filled with dry clothes, an ice chest stocked with pop, a Thermos of milk, bags of disposable diapers, sunscreen and bug dope, toilet paper, facial tissues and Handi-Wipes, jackets, hats, paddles, a camera and pair of stuffed teddy bears, potato chips, pretzels, and candy snacks...and the view from dockside is in every sense, a "chautauqua!"
At these times you're sure to wonder if all the pre-trip planning and packing, the stern instructions to the kids, and the hopeful prayers for a brilliant rain-free day are really worth the joys of a family canoe outing. Is canoeing with children all that it's cracked up to be? Or is it really more trouble than it's worth?
The first time you see the bright eyes of your child come alive with wonder at the sight of a big blue heron standing knee-deep in sea-green duckweed a dozen feet away or soothe the frightened cry that results when a foot-long fish jumps brashly across your bow or thrill to the bubbly laughter of a breezy glide down gentle rapids, you'll "know." Then no amount of pre- or post trip drudgery will ever again chain you to the dull confines of house or garden work when on the river there awaits the sunlit morning of a new day.
Children are magic. And canoes are the perfect vehicle to transport them into the ever-changing, always entertaining world of nature. There's no better way to keep a youthful heart than to paddle with young people. Canoes provide all the entertainment kids need to provide all the laughs you need.
So much for philosophy. Now let's be deadly honest: Canoeing with children can be a trying experience, even when you do everything right. Your role as parent and leader requires canoe handling knowledge, a perceptive eye, and patience, patience, patience. Even then, don't expect miracles. Kids will behave like kids.
The Right Attitude
Uppermost in your mind should be the realization that you're canoeing for the sake of the children, not the adults. Everything should be structured around their safety, well-being, and concerns. I've seen parents set toddlers on the cold, damp floor of a metal canoe without so much as a square of plastic for insulation. Without a dry place to sit, a comfortable backrest, and a soft pad to sleep on, they'll respond by crying, screaming, and kicking— exactly what you can't tolerate in the tippy confines of a canoe. The right equipment and a detailed battle plan will eliminate most problems.
First, Get Some Instruction!
The greatest safety margin that you can provide for your children is for you to be both a competent swimmer and a reasonably good canoeist. These two factors will keep you out of trouble in almost all situations in which you have non-swimmers aboard. If there is a canoe club nearby, join it. If not, read and reread the good books on canoeing available in your local library. Then, get out and practice— without kids. At any rate, do join your state canoe association. As a member of a canoe club, you will become acquainted with other canoeing families, and your mind will be more at ease knowing there are others to share your experiences and to help with problems.
The Proper Equipment
First and foremost is the life jacket. Toddlers absolutely must wear their life jackets at all times. A bit of psychology helps— and generally this means that both mom and dad set an example. Since the rocking motion of a canoe is conducive to extra-long naps, it is important that the life jackets your children wear be extremely comfortable ones that they can sleep in.
Several companies now make specialized life jackets for preschoolers, all of which have been thoroughly tested and Coast Guard approved. Although expensive, they are an excellent investment for the safety of your child, since children will wear them contentedly even through their naps. Swim aids, while more attractive and less expensive than Coast Guard-approved life jackets, should be avoided, for they will not keep the head of a non-swimmer afloat.
The bottom of a canoe (aluminum models, at least) may run only a few degrees warmer than the temperature of the water. Consequently, it is important to cover the bottom with adequate cushioning for both insulation and comfort. The best solution is to place an air mattress, nylon-covered foam pad, or piece of Ensolite foam on the bottom of the canoe for the children to sit on and later to curl up on for a nap. Children will want to sit up and view the countryside, so a backrest of some kind should be provided. A foam cushion makes a suitable backrest when propped up against a canoe thwart, and when nap time rolls around, it makes a good pillow as well.
Each child should have his or her favorite blanket and toy. By all means, provide a canoe paddle of miniature dimensions, for children love to paddle (it is wise to tie a string to the paddle and to secure this string to a canoe thwart). Don't become disenchanted by your passenger's inability to paddle properly. Let kids play with their paddles as they wish (just so they don't hit each other or you), for this is part of their good time.
A complete change of clothes from nose to toes must be provided, and rain gear is very important. The best rain covering for toddlers is a poncho. The hood and extra-long body of the poncho will cover a child completely. A less-expensive solution is to provide each child with a plastic leaf-and-lawn-sized garbage bag. Merely cut a slit for the head in the top of the bag and furnish a"sou'wester" style hat to go with it.
It is also advisable to bring along a spare blanket. When children fall asleep in the canoe, they may need additional insulation not provided by their security blankets. Lastly, a lightweight nylon or plastic fly of about 8 feet by 10 feet is desirable for shelter in case you want to get off the water during a heavy rain or as a cover for the kids when they are sleeping, should a light rain begin.
Proper footgear is always a concern. After years of canoeing with children I'm completely won over to sneakers and galoshes (or slip-on rubber boots). This combination keeps feet dry in rain and when wading ashore or exploring the river's edge. Once aboard the canoe—or in camp—the boots are quickly removable.
In addition to food and drink for the day, bring a Thermos of milk for the kids and some penny candy. Plan to stop for a few minutes each hour, and allow time for fun and games during the lunch break. Generally, river trips of about ten miles are ideal; longer trips tend to get somewhat trying for both children and adults, and three or four hours on the water is plenty with young children. For toddlers in diapers, the disposable kind are indispensable. Take several, packed in a waterproof plastic bag, and place used diapers in a plastic bag to be brought home for proper disposal.
Insects: Nothing can spoil a trip faster than determined mosquitoes and black flies. Repellents are essential but mustn't be too strong. Super-effective products that contain more than 40 percent DEET (diethylmeta-toluamide) may be too caustic for sensitive young skin. Citronella or cream-base formulas are best. If bugs are really a problem, provide a headnet and gloves for everyone.
It should go without saying that river sections with rapids should be avoided—even by highly skilled canoeists. Very mild, bouncing water can, of course, be paddled and adds to the fun. A final word of safety: If you have two non-swimmers aboard, decide before the trip how you will handle an upset should it occur. Generally one parent goes after each child. Do not take three non-swimmers on a canoe trip when there are only two swimmers to watch them Should you overturn, your first responsibility is to your children. With everyone wearing life jackets in a slow-moving river or placid lake, rescue should present no problems, especially if another canoe is nearby.
Where are you going?
What do you want to do?
