Kayaking with the family
Fun time on the water with the kids and the family. It is a time of Adventure for floating down the river or on a calm lake. So much fun Kayaking with friends and all the laughs about who does what and who acts the goofiest. About ten years ago on a bike ride to Kings Island from Xenia Ohio, the old railroad hub a very close friend of mine and his two boys were heading to Kings Island for our overnight stay. My buddy and long-time friend who I worked with at Panasonic was on this trip. We planned to take our time which we did. We had a good breakfast and were looking forward to the time along the way. We got about halfway and was hot and was time to cool off we decided to stop at this place along the way called Morgans Canoe Shop. They offered Canoeing and Kayaking. We stopped for a few hours and enjoyed our time on the water with laughs. I wanted to Kayak but Steve wanted to canoe and his sons wanted to Kayak as well. So Steve and I were in a Canoe, he steered and I paddled. He was so mesmerized by this snake going across the water with a mouse in its mouth that we ran into the side bank. We laughed so hard and talked about that day for months. Even our co-workers asked us about it cause Steve was in such awe of the mouse and snake.
Off-topic, yes I know, I wanted to share that experience with you. The main point was the company we had and the laughs with the memories will never be forgotten. Will say that trip was planned but some extras along the way with the trip made it all worth it. Steve’s sons had so much fun they wanted to make that a tradition. Busy work schedules and life changes did not make that happen. Steve named that ride Tour de Kings Island. We wanted to do a big Kayak trip and were planning it. But it did not go long for Steve. A few years later he lost his life to pneumonia. He was like my Brother in so many ways. Our time is short here and we do not know when its our time to go home with the Lord. You are missed my Brother! Till we meet again with Jesus or King.
Tips on Safety when Kayaking
- Always wear a Lifejacket
- Go with friends and or Family
- Never go alone on the water
- Be a good swimmer in a Current
- Stay Hydrated
- Keep Snacks and electronics in a waterproof bag
Is Kayaking Difficult for Beginners
No Kayaking is not difficult for beginners. It is tedious because you need to keep your balance and by doing so you need to keep your head straight and your legs at a comfortable sit. Meaning it is a balance. Learning is fun. Kayaks are kind of narrow. They come short or long. Some are for traveling downstream and others are for fishing. The storage is what makes a kayak fun. It is only you unless you get a two-man kayak then at that point, you are better off getting a canoe Two Two-person kayaks are called Kayak Tandem. Tandem Kayaks are more stable than solo kayaks because they are longer and have a wider hull. Kayaking is Great exercise along with Canoeing, it has a low impact on the body and can improve your fitness, strength, and flexibility. The muscles it works are your arms, shoulders, and chest.
Kayaking with toddlers
There are so many precautions while with toddlers it almost feels not worth it and want to wait till they are way older. But that is not the case. Toddlers whether we know it or not want to go with mom and dad. They are fearless. It is only when we show emotion and then they pick up on that then they are scared for no reason.
Safety Precautions While Kayaking
- Life Jackets make sure they are worn properly
- Always start in Calm Water as they get older introduce them to more conditions
- Be Patient and encourage them with a smile
- Bring Supplies Snacks and water
- Watch the Weather and the conditions for the day
- Child maturity there level of development skills
There is so much beauty and wonder that we may never get to see. From a Kayaking view, you can see inside caves and under trees where you will not be able to see while you are riding your bike or hiking a trail. I think the peace would speak for itself when you are out on the water. The adventure itself is worth seeing.
Where does your next Adventure take you? In the Mountains of Colorado and fishing by the lakes or on a large body of water with your family in a Kayak and making memories. I hope and pray you see so much and get to enjoy all the Wonders out there in your Travels.
Stay Safe and God Bless.
Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run, and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint.