5 Essentials for Little Paddlers
Whether in a canoe, kayak, or a raft, going out on the water is something that everyone in the family can enjoy. But that doesn鈥檛 mean that it鈥檚 always easy: Getting kids ready for a couple of days on a river is like prepping them for a road trip, but even trickier. Get the right kind of gear, and everyone will have a lot more fun.
NRS Wetsock 2.0
Keen Newport H2 Sandals
MTI Children鈥檚 PFD
Jackson Fun 1 Kayak
Oakiwear One-Piece Boating Suit
Whitewater Kids: NRS Wetsock 2.0
We don鈥檛 normally advocate wearing socks with sandals, but we鈥檒l make an exception for these neoprene beauties. Featuring titanium adhesive and flat-locked seams, the provides the perfect combination of comfort, cushioning, and warmth without unnecessary bulk. Toss them on your little one鈥檚 feet for chilly morning put-ins or cold water wading along the shore. (If you can鈥檛 find these specialty socks, choose fast-drying Merino wool. It will absorb 30% of it鈥檚 weight in water, keeping your feet warmer and drier longer.)
Whitewater Kids: Keen Newport H2 Sandals
The old-school design of the has stood the test of time鈥攏ot just for the kiddos, but for moms and dads too. The rubberized toe box is a genius idea for protecting your kids鈥 piggies from stubbing on rocks and logs on all their water-filled adventures, and the webbing uppers allow for quick-drying breathability. After years of using these shoes in our family, I can only come up with one complaint: They sure do stink after a while. Luckily, the entire shoe is machine-washable.
Whitewater Kids: MTI Children鈥檚 PFD
It goes without saying that kids need a personal flotation device if they鈥檙e going on the water. For children 30 to 50 pounds, the is a great option. Designed with comfort in mind, the crotch and waist straps provide a secure fit without riding up, while the front zipper only goes halfway up the chest, allowing your child to have complete freedom of movement. Made with rugged fabric, it鈥檚 durable enough to stand up to adventures through riverside brush.
Whitewater Kids: Jackson Fun 1 Kayak
There鈥檚 not a cuter sight on the water than seeing your little river-rats-in-training in their own kayak. However, that much cuteness does come at a price, and this little boat sports a hefty one. But don鈥檛 let the cost deter you: A weight range of 30 to 80 pounds means your child can use this boat through his or her childhood. As Jackson鈥檚 first kid-specific kayak, the is a great way for your budding kayaker to learn how to paddle, roll, or even pull some tricks.
Whitewater Kids: Oakiwear One-Piece Boating Suit
This is built for any and all adventures of the wet and wild variety, from cool-weather boating trips to puddle-jumping in the backyard. The suit is easy to get on and off, even over shoe, while the hood stays in place and doesn鈥檛 fall into the eyes. Even sized with room to grow, it鈥檚 lightweight and bulk-free. Best of all, it鈥檚 easy to clean: When my son Canaan was around a year old, he wore this suit almost non-stop through a particularly rainy spring, and it still looked brand-new by the end of the season.