The kids’ first introduction to kayaking was a Walk On Adventure at LL Bean. We wore personal flotation devices designed for kayaking that made paddling easy. But our on the water time was way too short for my girls’ liking so I planned our second trip on the Saco River in North Conway.
The outfitter in North Conway had a good family rate for kayak rentals (my criteria, at the time, for choosing one) but the equipment we were given at the Saco River was not nearly as nice as what we used with LL Bean. Everything appeared in working order even if the life vests were the less than comfortable classic orange types.
After the guy from the outfitters dumped all our gear on the beach he took off without another word. Fino and my younger daughter lead our family in the water. Unfortunately after a bend in the river, the speed of the water picked up. It wasn’t super fast but it made my daughter, 10 at the time, nervous and she stopped paddling. Her kayak hit a stump and over she went.
Even though we had discussed what to do if the kayak flipped, it still took her by surprise. She was in a full crying jag by the time I was able to maneuver myself over to her at the shore. Even though upset, she did manage to get herself to shore, but to “save” her stuffed animal riding in the boat with her. She was a-OK but not so keen on getting back in the kayak. She did though and paddled four miles down the river without further incident.
It took until the following summer to convince my daughter to give the sport another try with a tandem kayak. We found an outfitter in Naples that listed some family-friendly paddles and after some discussion about what we were looking for - low boat traffic, landmarks to stop along the way, a nice swimming option - we settled on Tricky Pond in Naples as our destination. That paddle included a very fun rope swing and turned out to be the highlight of my kids’ summer.
Ted Raymond of Sebago Kayaking Company, an outfitter in Naples, offers tips to parents looking to take their kids on their first kayaking adventure.
“My best advice to parents is to think objectively about their child. If the (child) is very independent, can swim, is physically able to swing the paddle and wants to go out on their own, get them in a small boat. If they’re timid, go with the tandem.“
I took that advice to heart and let each of my daughters’ pick out the boat they felt most comfortable with at the outfitter. Both opted for the sit on top type, my older one in a single with my younger child opting for a tandem to paddle with me.
Raymond explains the importance of giving kids choices.
“(As an outfitter) I don’t have a magic number for kids to go out on their own. Ten year olds are all different. I always try to recommend to people not to get your mind set on one kayak. Some people are more comfortable with sit on tops, some like to sit inside. I watch to see if the kids are trying to get in the tandem or want to get in the single because that can help parents decide.”
“Make it not just about kayaking to cover distance, make it about the experience,” Raymond suggests to parents with overly ambitious ideas about paddling with their kids.
This summer my family has been out on a few paddles with our canoe as well as borrowed kayaks. And while Tricky Pond had some great rope swings and swimming, our paddle with cousins on Brown Brook off Lake Sokokis in Limerick had some great nature watching options.
The notable thing about this particular trip was that I had planned to explore Lake Sokokis. But there was so much boat traffic the day we visited that we opted to stick to the quiet waters of Brown Brook because it was better suited to our comfort level.
It turned out that although swimming wasn’t an option as we paddled down Brown Brook, we found a bird’s nest with tiny eggs, chewed branches and pilings indicating beaver activity and a dragonfly eating a butterfly (yes, there were a few comments about not being aware that was possible).One of the great things about living in Maine are the plethera of paddling options. For kayak owners with some experience looking for new places to explore with their family, Raymond offers this last piece of advice.
“Even if you have your own kayaks don’t hesitate to call a local outfitter. You have no other way of knowing what a body of water is like so you’re not going to be able to really predict (how things will really be). I’ve never found an outfitter who wasn’t happy to offer suggestions when asked.”
Places to explore
Ted Raymond of Sebago Kayaking Company has a few suggestions for family-friendly paddles in the Lakes Region but notes, “there are literally 100s of lakes in the area and almost all have good paddling.”
* Moose Pond: Moose Pond is a beautiful paddle. With access at both the Denmark and Bridgton ends, it affords great views of Pleasant Mountain.
* Muddy River: Actually a cove with access to Sebago Lake, it runs parallel to Tricky Pond. Access is right off of Route 114. A sand bar and Sebago Lake State Park offer places to get out and stretch.
* Songo River: With a number of access points, this virtually current free river meanders between Brandy Pond and Sebago Lake. At the mid mark kayakers are treated to a slice of history with the Songo Locks. NOTE: As the link between Long Lake, Brandy Pond and Sebago Lake, the river is a busy area on weekends. All boat traffic is headway speed only and many kayakers can be seen on the river during a weekend. But if you are looking for quiet, this trip is best saved for a weekday.
* Thomas Pond: What appears to be a very small pond, opens out a larger open round pond after negotiating a small channel. Access is right off of 302.
* Tricky Pond: Easy access at both ends of the lake and quite paddling make this a great low key trip for anyone.
* Dingley Islands, Sebago Lake. Accessed near Point Sebago Resort. Although actually on big Sebago Lake, this chain of islands that runs along the point headed out to Frye Island, offers both protected and beautiful paddling. Though here again, best done on weekdays.
Tips while paddling with children:
* Plan ahead. Even if you are bringing or borrowing a boat, call your local outfitter. They are the best source for local information and conditions.
* Snacks, water and sunscreen in a waterproof bag are important.
* Make the kids part of the decision process.
* On the first few paddles, take a shorter trip then you think you want. Leave more time for relaxing, swimming and snacking. Leave wishing you could do more, not getting a serious work out trying to get back. Also consider the attention span of your child. Three hours is a long time to sit in a kayak.
* Consider a sit on top as they allow for easy hopping on and off and swimming along they way.
* Think about taking a day off from work. Lakes are popular places in the summer and weekends are going to be busy no matter where you go. A nice day mid-week can make for super kayaking.
* Don’t forget the fall. The water is still warm and the colors are even better when combined with the reflection off the water. And after Labor Day the crowds are much smaller.
* If you have small children, think about a tandem and ask about junior gear. Kids will want to participate and a smaller, lighter paddle can make that more fun for them.
* Most important: Relax. The focus should be on fun and adventure and a kayak is a wonderful way to get there.
- Ted Raymond, www.sebagokayakcompany.com
Originally published in Raising Maine Magazine, August 2010
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