A lot of my continued inspiration for living sustainably comes when I am exploring nature with my family. I especially love water – rivers, lakes, waterfalls, and the ocean are all great landscapes for reflection and activity. We have some fun kayak opportunities in our area, and I find kayaking to be the perfect mix of relaxation, time to enjoy nature, and adventure. It’s also an activity that the whole family loves. Ensuring you have the right gear and essentials will not only enhance your experience on the water but also keep you safe and prepared for any situation that may arise. To get you ready for your next kayak trip, here is a list of everything you need for a perfect family kayak adventure.
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Safety Comes First
Weather considerations
You always want to make sure that you and your family will be safe when going on the water. Check the weather and water conditions before you go. If there are any red flags, consider going another day. When choosing a location, you should consider the skill level and abilities of all members on board the boat. Here are some tips for reading the weather for kayaking. You should also check the forecast in the local area of the body of water.
Sunscreen and bug spray are essential.Trust me when I say that getting very sunburnt or eaten by bugs can ruin a trip. If you are kayaking in an area with a lot of wildlife, I recommend using reef safe sunscreen. Reef safe sunscreens often work by creating a protective mineral barrier instead of using traditional chemicals that can run into the water and damage living organisms like corals. To avoid harsh chemicals for our kids we also use a natural, DEET-free bug spray.
Other water safety tips
Even if everyone in your family can swim, I highly recommend wearing life jackets. Safety should always be a top priority, and wearing a well-fighting life jacket can make all the difference in an emergency situation. If you rent a kayak, the rental center will often have various sizes of vests. You could also bring some from home to make sure you have a good fit. We use a vest-style for our one year old and back buckle for our four year old.
Also, make sure you bring plenty of water! I’m obsessed with my Yeti cups because they keep ice water cold for hours. If you have a version without a handle, it may be worth buying a strap for easy hiking and boating transport.
It’s also a good idea to pack a small first aid kit containing essential items like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and adhesive tape. With these kits, you can provide basic care to minor injuries until further assistance is available.
Attire For the Water
I may be a water nerd, but I love having specific “boat shoes” that I can pull out when I am on a trip where I may get wet and dirty. I have had my Keens for years. They are great for allowing water to drain through, and the straps keep them on my feet when pushing kayaks off the shore in muddy waters. Of course, your everyday sandals will do as well if they are waterproof.
Bring a wide-brimmed hat or a cap with a neck flap to shield your face and neck from the sun’s rays. In addition, a pair of polarized sunglasses will not only protect your eyes from the glare but also allow you to better spot wildlife beneath the water’s surface.
As a parent, I feel like I almost always keep an extra pair of clothes in my vehicle because of spills or accidents. Having the extra clothes to change into is especially nice if I get wet on the water. My kid enjoys splashing with the oar, so even if my kayak doesn’t tip over for full immersion it’s nice to have a towel and back-up clothes in the car.
Other Supplies for a Perfect Family Kayak Adventure
Don’t forget to bring some snacks! Watermelon is the ultimate snack on the water. I swear watermelon tastes better when you are out on a boat in the ocean! I think the salt of the water compliments the fruity taste. Plus it’s refreshing and hydrating on a hot day and easy to eat. I highly recommend cutting it into pieces in advance. For more zero waste snacks that kids love, check out my post here.
If you go kayaking with some regularity, you may want to consider buying your own oar. It doesn’t hurt to have an extra oar on board in case one goes overboard, though this is likely less of a concern if you are on a small, calm body of water.
I am not a bird watcher, but if you are then break out the cargo shorts and bring a pair of binoculars onboard. It gives you an excuse to sit still in your kayak a bit, listen to the sounds of nature, and see what wildlife you can spot. The binoculars can also occupy kids for a while, but you may want to consider bringing other toys as well. If you are near a beachy area, throw in a few supplies to build sandcastles. You can also let your kids have a water cannon fight across boats. Just make sure that if anything goes overboard you pick it up and properly dispose of waste.
Lastly, don’t forget to bring a dry bag or a waterproof container to store your personal belongings, such as your phone, wallet, and keys. These items are best kept safe and dry to avoid any unexpected mishaps while out on the water. If you are looking for a small, cost-effective pouch I recommend this one that will fit most phones.
Conclusion
With these packing trips in hand, you will be well-prepared for the perfect family kayak adventure. By venturing off the beaten path and exploring the unexplored in your kayak, you’ll set yourself up for an unforgettable journey filled with remarkable encounters and breathtaking moments. So, with your gear packed and your spirit of adventure ignited, prepare to encounter nature’s wonders and build fun memories with your family.
