Key Takeaways
- Hocking Hills is known for hiking, camping, and fishing, but kayaking with kids on the calm Hocking River is a kid-friendly standout.
- A good starting age is 4 to 8, depending on maturity and comfort in the water.
- Teach swimming and floating first, and review wet-exit basics before launching.
- Keep first trips short, about 30 to 60 minutes, and plan roughly one-third your normal adult distance.
- Pack essentials, pick the right kayak and PFD (life jacket) for each person, and keep the pace slow and the group within shouting distance.
- Make it fun, share the lead, and save big instructions for the shoreline unless it is about safety.
Why Kayaking Belongs On Your Hocking Hills List
Hocking Hills is the place to be if you want to enjoy the outdoors with your kids. There are several hiking trails, campsites, and places to take your kids fishing. Taking the kids kayaking in Hocking Hills is the underrated win. The Hocking River has calm waters, beginner-friendly miles, close-to-shore paddling, and beautiful scenery that will keep your kids engaged. Add a kayak session to your hikes and fishing, and you have the perfect family-friendly mix.
When Kids Are Ready To Start
The best age range to teach kids to kayak is between four and eight years old. Of course, that is just a general rule. You know your children better than anyone, so you will be the best judge of whether or not they are mature enough to start kayaking. It is also a good idea to have someone experienced in kayaking if you yourself are not. You will also want to know the type of water you will be paddling in.
Choose Calm Water And Practice First
You will want to know the area you plan to take your kids for their first kayak trip. It is best to kayak with kids in calm waters like those you will often find in the Hocking River. However, you may want to consider practicing kayaking techniques in pools or ponds to get your kids prepared.
Swim Skills And Wet-Exit Basics
It is a good idea to teach your kids to swim well at least 50 to 100 feet before you even consider kayaking with them. It is also important that they learn to float in the water, both on their back and on their front. This is in case the kayak capsizes. Capsizing is when your kayak flips and you fall in the water. Once you are comfortable with their swimming and floating skills, you can start teaching them how to hold the paddle and to paddle correctly. Again, this can be done safely in swimming pools, small ponds, or even in the backyard.
Lessons And Local Help
Consider getting kayak lessons for your kids. Hocking Hills Canoe Livery does not specifically offer formal kayaking lessons for kids, but, as noted, it is ideal for beginners. The water is calm with a slow current, making it a great place for newcomers to learn. Staff members are happy to give tips and assist both kids and adults to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience on the water. Children can participate in kayak trips with an adult, and there are child-friendly kayaks available as well.
Getting In, Getting Out, And If You Flip
Kids and any first-timer should be taught how to get in and out of the kayak safely. They should also be taught exactly what to do if the kayak capsizes.
Plan A Short First Trip
When you are ready to plan the trip, you will want to be familiar with where you are going. You will also want to plan to kayak about a third of the distance you would normally travel with an adult. It is best to start with a trip that lasts a half-hour to one hour. You also do not want to show up empty-handed.
What To Bring
Plan to bring several items along with you. The essential items to bring kayaking are appropriate shoes and clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, a first-aid kit, hats, food and drinks, and bug spray, lines, cords, and floats. You will be able to rent the kayak, paddles, and PFDs (life jackets).
Picking Boats And PFDs
The staff will be able to assist you in choosing the right kayak, paddles, and PFDs for each family member. If your child is 8 or younger, they should be duffing. This means riding in the kayak’s center compartment. Most beginners will want to ride in a tandem kayak. Tandem kayaks seat two paddlers, and sometimes room for a kid. This way you can keep a watchful eye on your child and they can mimic your movements. You have control over the trip so that your kid is not just going crazy on his or her own.
For Experienced Kids
If you happen to have a kid who has experience kayaking, then there are kayaks for kids you can rent at Fox’s Canoe Livery. Of course, be sure to keep a watchful eye, even on the experienced kid. Then again, I do not have to remind any parent to expect the unexpected. Accidents do occur, so be on guard. That does not mean that you should not have fun.
Keep The Vibe Fun
When you plan these trips, it can be hectic. It may even cause some anxiety, but that is obviously not the point of kayaking. This is supposed to be a relaxing, fun getaway. Put emphasis on how much fun kayaking with your kids will be. Insert that in your checklist when planning the trip. Kids love to have fun. Get them excited about kayaking. Allow them to help plan the trip. Prepare them for the trip with enthusiasm. Help them be part of the planning. Research the trip with them and have them help pack the essentials.
Give Kids Real Jobs
Allow kids 7 and older to pack their own stuff. Obviously, double-check their bags before leaving, but give them that responsibility. Kids love to take on responsibilities. It makes them feel like an adult.
Pack Smart
Pack them healthy snacks, juices, and water bottles. Not to mention extra clothes stored in waterproof bags. Bring wide-brim hats for protection against sun or rain. Bring raincoats that fit well, water shoes, sunscreen, and bathroom essentials. Have a plan for bathroom breaks as well. A whistle in case of emergencies is not a bad idea either.
Safety Review Before You Launch
Before you head out, go over some safety drills. Review what to do if you capsize. Go over some what-if scenarios, and be sure to take your time. Answer all questions now, so no one is getting stressed out later.
Once everything is loaded and ready to go, do not rush off. Take some time to chill, go to the bathroom, put on some sunscreen, get a drink, and eat something. Getting this stuff loaded takes some energy, so enjoy a nice snack before you set off.
On The Water
Take it slow in the water. Go about one-third your normal pace, and be sure to stay close to one another. Keep within shouting distance. The rougher the waters get, the closer you should be to each other, but be sure not to crowd each other in rougher waters.
Make it a learning experience for all. Talk about what the water is doing, whether it is calm or picking up, how to slide into an eddy, how to brace when a wave hits, how to read and cross a current.
Keep the rules simple and easy to follow. Remain seated. Do not get wild out there. The kids should do what the adults tell them to do. Have everyone repeat the rules out loud so that no one is clueless out there.
Let the slowest paddler go first for a while, then switch it up a bit. This can really turn into a fun game, and it keeps everyone involved. Let the newbie take breaks in the tandem. Let little kids paddle a bit so they feel like they are a part of this.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good age to start kayaking with kids?
Generally 4 to 8 is a good window, but it depends on the child’s maturity and comfort level. Use your judgment and start small.
How long should the first trip be?
Aim for 30 to 60 minutes and about one-third of the distance you would cover with adults.
Do my kids need to know how to swim?
Yes. Teach them to swim 50 to 100 feet and to float on their back and front before kayaking.
Do I need lessons or expert help?
Lessons can help. Even without formal lessons, beginner-friendly spots like the Hocking River have calm water, and staff can offer tips and fit you with the right gear.
What should we bring?
Appropriate shoes and clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, a first-aid kit, hats, food and drinks, bug spray, lines, cords, and floats. You can rent kayaks, paddles, and PFDs.
Conclusion
Remember to have fun. Take mini-breaks, enjoy the scenery, and relax. Celebrate good paddling, remain upbeat about everything, and know that the time on shore, skipping rocks, snacking, and talking, is all part of the adventure as well. Kayaking with kids should be a fun outing. Get out there and create some memories at Fox’s Canoe Livery.