Children and Paddling

With your busy schedule and the kids’ electronic games, text messaging, Facebook, year-round school and theme parks, it’s more important than ever before to introduce your children to the real outdoors, enjoying summer and learning what nature has to offer. It’s a great way to get them out of their “comfort zone” and learn new things and for you to bond with them.

In fact, studies on brain development show that children with outdoor recreation as a regular component of their “daily diet” have greater learning retention share more, gain confidence and experience fewer episodes of depression.

Paddling is a great way to connect with nature close up. Landscapes and wildlife can be experienced in its splendor for real instead of on TV. Or, challenging conditions can create teamwork and memories that last a lifetime. Kayaking with your child is a great way to spend quality time with them for sure, but it is also a great way to teach them the lessons of life. Kayaking can help build a stronger bond between you and your child. Your child depends on you for safety and trusts in your for guidance. Kayaking with them on a regular basis is something that is sure build a strong relationship between parent and child.

Kids love the water and they’ll have a fantastic time exploring with you. Later on, they’ll be able to head out on their own adventures.

When to Start?

There’s almost no time too soon to start a child paddling. Some adults begin taking their kids with them at two months old. Dane Jackson, son of world champion Eric Jackson is almost beating his dad in whitewater rodeo competitions. If they’re going to be paddling themselves, it’s best that they be good swimmers.

Kids are like learning sponges. Teach them to kayak early and it will stick with them. They also are incredibly fun-loving and kayaking is great fun!

Team Up and Plan Ahead

If you’re taking several children out, it’s best to team up with another adult. One of you can handle the gear while the other helps pack lunches. It also helps with safety situations.

Map out your distances and times and be sure to consider that your guests are not always able to cover the same ground as you are. Include lots of time for rest.

Make It a Game, Keeping Focus, be Patient…

Introducing children to kayaking is a serious venture. But don’t make it seem so serious to them, or they might get scared or might not get the idea of how much fun they are about to have.

It’s sensible to get them to play with the boats in shallow water or a pool so they get the feel of the action. Of course you’ll supervise. You might have a capsize-and- rescue game in the shallow water. Or a game where the subject matter is which equipment is needed, which food, and then safety and navigation, for example.

If you have a tandem kayak, it is a great way to start teaching children because you can seat them forward and give them a chance to practice paddling. Meanwhile, you as the aft paddler control the boat.

On longer touring days, keep them entertained by asking them to look into the sky or water to identify or count all the different animals they see. Fishing is fabulous fun too! Don’t forget your patience. Kids might seen apprehensive, even bored at first, but give them a chance and they’ll get it!!

Safety Always

Ensure everyone is wearing a good-fitting PFD (see below). It’s best to include children that are confident swimmers. Other issues to consider are food, rehydration, sun block, cold water and strong currents. The adults are responsible for ensuring the territory to be covered is well within their skill level.

Kayak Choice

As with adults there are many options. There are even children’s whitewater kayaks. When starting a child kayaking, whether in a single or tandem kayak, stability is very important. Stability is what gives a child confidence and therefore the desire to learn more. In a tandem kayak stability is important because the kayak can help compensate for random movements of the child.

Open Cockpit Single and Tandem Models – Kayaks with generously sized cockpits whether single or tandem are great for adults taking out the youngest children. Parents can put their children directly in front of them as they paddle.

Sit On Top Models – Sit on top kayaks are also a good choice for children because they self-drain if they swamp. Some sit on top kayaks are really great in surf. They are also ideal fishing platforms.

Recreational Models – Traditional sit inside recreational models work very well with children as they grow. These kayaks are designed to be stable and forgiving. Models above ten feet start to become more appropriate.

Whitewater Models – There are whitewater kayaks just for kids. These are downsized versions of adult craft. They require a much higher level of skill and agility. They allow maneuvering in tight spaces on moving rivers.

Lessons at Northwest River Guides

It is best for the whole family to take part in a pool or calm water session organized by a local paddling club or kayak school in order to go through the basic exit and rescue exercises with competent help nearby. In this way the child can understand what happens and the parents can set up emergency procedures. If you are planning a river trip make sure the lessons cover how to swim/float with current. Try to make a game of it so rescue doesn’t get them too worried, and remember to have fun – this is supposed to be a fun activity.You can reach Northwest River Guides, in Portland, Oregon at 503-722-1122.

Equipment

PFDs – Most states require children under a specified age to wear PFDs while riding in open boats. Whether for child or adult, correct sizing of a PFD is paramount if it is to be reliably safe. Toddlers need extra flotation to keep their noses and mouth out of the water. Some PFDs have a crotch strap to prevent the PFD from rising above the shoulders. An incorrect size might cause the child’s body to float in a manner that could interfere with breathing or rescue. Children’s PFDs are sized based on body weight. For example, most PFDs for kids 0-30 lbs will have a flotation collar that helps turn the child face up in the water. Youth sizes cover children 50-90 lbs and are sized based on height. You can find the size on the back of the PFD and it will be stated in weight ranges. When planning a trip with a group of kids ensure you have the correct PFDs for all of them. It’s also important to take into consideration the paddling activity in which the child is to be engaged. PFDs designed for water skiing might not be appropriate for kayaking, for example. Whitewater PFDs are different than PFDs for fishing or touring.

Paddles – This is the perfect accompaniment to for the little paddler in your family. Today there are a number of recreational, touring and whitewater models suited for children. These paddles will be shorter and have a smaller shaft diameter. Paddle sizing is important for the same reason that a kayak that fits makes for a much easier and more fun experience for you and your kids. Kids’ paddles come in lengths in the 150-180cm range.

Splashwear – You can find rash guards, paddle jackets and even spray skirts just for kits.

Interested in buying a new kayak but want to try before you plunk down that green? Or, have you watched those kayaking on the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon and wanted to try it for yourself? Now’s your chance!

Sunday at 9:00 Next Adventure and Northwest River Guides team up to offer demo kayaks and beginner kayak lessons in Portland. You reserve a kayak in advance, then get an introductory kayak lesson followed by a guided tour from Sellwood Park to Ross Island!

You’ll be introduced to the parts of a kayak, kayak fit, entering / exiting, safety, and then be on your way to check out the birdlife at Ross Island. You’ll see ospreys, herons, terns, seagulls and maybe a nesting pair of bald eagles!

To take advantage of this opportunity you need to make advance reservations. Call 503-722-1122, stop by Next Adventure at 426 SE Grand, or use their online reservation system.

Good Day All,

I just wanted to take a few moments to thank everyone, from TRR staff to all the volunteers and participants, whom assisted in making a difference in the lives of our veterans and their families during the BVA 64^th National Convention. From the feedback I received from all our veterans, the activities were an overwhelming success.

Many of you only had limited or short contact with our Operation Peer Support (OPS) veterans during the activities, let me take a moment to give you a “behind the scenes” look at this group of heroes and their families.

The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have created the greatest number of troops coming back with blindness and visual impairments than any conflict since the civil war. This is due to the new generation of protective gear worn by our troops and the advances in medical care. Many would not have survived their injuries in previous conflicts. With this survival rate, many of our Wounded Warriors return home with life changing and devastating injuries that not only effect the veteran but the families as well. You observed our Wounded Warriors with injuries such as blindness, amputations, disfigurements, Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI), and PTSD. Many of our veterans have multiple injuries that fall into these categories. Some of these are visible injuries and some are not so readily apparent. In each case, these injuries have a tremendous impact on the Wounded Warriors and their families.

I started with the OPS Program as a participant when the program was first created. I know the challenges that surviving combat and the effect traumatic injury and loss of vision has had on myself and on my family. Part of the many areas of the healing process is realizing that life is not over after injury and that one can still participate in many of the things that we enjoyed prior to our injuries, and even try out new adventures as well.

During the last week, I saw the beginnings of transformation, at different levels, in the newly blinded veterans who participated in this year’s convention and in the paddling and other activities. Some of them were able to get back in the water for the first time since being injured while for others, this was their first time kayaking, rafting, climbing, etc. In this group, there were veterans and family members that questioned their ability to participate and had some apprehension and, in some cases, fear of the unknown. With support from their fellow veterans and all of you, many of these fears were tamed and they jumped right in and began to get some of the feelings of independence they may have thought they lost. This was true not only for the newly blinded veteran but also for our 87 year old participating WWII veteran who had never rafted before but always wanted to.

Your volunteerism, professionalism, and motivation was outstanding and trust was quickly established with the group. This enabled our participants to get the most out of the activities and events. I, too, was absorbed by this feeling of inclusion. This resulted in a level of trust where I personally jumped, being totally blind, into a Class III rapids for a swim down river. By the way, this “highlight” was mentioned several times by participants as a favorite during the rafting trip.

In closing, you all made a tremendous difference in the lives of our veterans. I would like to thank you personally as well as on behalf of the Blinded Veterans Association for your support of our veterans and Operation Peer Support.

Warmest Regards,

Steve Beres

Operation Peer Support

Are you thinking about taking up whitewater kayaking?  Have you practiced in the pool? Then you are ready to head to the river for a beginner kayak lesson  with Northwest River Guides!  We’ll introduce you to kayaks, paddles, equipment, and get you in the boat, and on the river – starting with an easy stretch.

As you progress with whitewater kayaking, you’ll also witness incredibly beautiful rivers, gorges, birds, and wildlife at different times of year. Imagine that you can eventually take your whitewater passion to exotic destinations overseas!

Our introductory lessons take place on the Clackamas River here in Portland, Oregon. We teach on an easy section of the Clackamas River where you’ll build confidence. We’ll show you peel outs, eddy turns, ferries, and if you are doing well, even rolling in current. You’ll learn proper outfitting, a few things about river scouting and safety. The lessons run four hours. Saturdays 9:00 – 1:00 and Sundays 2:00 – 6:00.

To register call 503-772-1122 and we’ll get y0u set up with gear that fits!

This Weekend!

Slalom: Roaring river on the Clackamas next weekend (August 29th, 30th.) Free clinic covering generic whitewater paddling skills in the context of a slalom course on Saturday with Paul of Alder Creek.  Northwest River Guides has a fleet of slalom boats available for smaller paddlers- www.northwestriverguides.com Most folks will be in plastic boats. Slalom boats available for demo. Reply to me for details or just drive up to Roaring River campground on Saturday and paddle.

Class II.

Wildwater: 2009 Fall Northwest League of Whitewater Racers Wildwater Training Camp. Sept 25 – Sept 27. See http://www.nwwhitewater.org/ and follow the link on the so named topic. Rich has wildwater boats for folks to use during the camp. Flatwater stroke clinic by a noted WA sprint paddler / instructor Greg Dutton. Collect and review stroke videos. Evening entertainment: review the day’s video, world cup wildwater and other paddling videos. Training races on easier water. Note that Rich Roehner (the event host) and Tom Baker won US nationals in C2 wildwater this year. If you want to race in the World Cup, wildwater might be your sport — wide open for youth. It isn’t a secret that Rich and Tom’s combined age is ~ 100.

Difficulty — flatwater and class 1-2, but in tippy boats. Reply to Jennie at: theleague@nwwhitewater.org to reserve a spot and (if needed) a boat.

Rolling is an essential skill for whitewater and sea kayaking. That’s because cold water sucks energy from your body. Even when sea kayaking in warm water, re-entering and pumping water out of a sea kayak is hard work!  And in a river swimming sometimes puts you in harms way. Better to roll up and be on your way!

If you want to learn the eskimo roll, want to tune up your roll or have a roll on one side and want to learn your off-side roll, Northwest River Guides can help. Minimizing distraction is key to learning this counter intuitive skill. The calm, warm water of the pool helps calm your nerves when upside down under water.

Northwest river guides offers pool sessions Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays in Portland, Oregon. Call 503-772-1122 to register, and take the first step to getting your kayak roll! Classes take place at 8-9:30 p.m. at USA Athletics right off 82nd Ave in NE Portland!

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This Sunday August 23 try one of Portland’s best dynamic duos – Try out a kayak from Next Adventure and enjoy a beginner kayak lesson from Northwest River Guides at the same time! And you’ll also get a guided beginner kayak tour on the Willamette River in Portland Oregon – we’ll take you from Sellwood Park to Ross Island!

Meet at Sellwood Park at 9:00 a.m. We’ll introduce you to kayak nomenclature (bow, stern, cockpit, foot rests, etc.). Then we’ll get you outfitted with a life jacket (these days known as a PFD, or personal flotation device). You’ll get an on-land lesson on kayak paddles, how to hold the paddle and paddle strokes. Then we hit the water and enjoy a two-and-a-half hour paddle to Ross Island! You should be able to check out ospreys, blue herons, nesting eagles, and perhaps kingfishers.

This lesson and demo also qualifies you for a 10% discount on your next purchase at Next Adventure.

To take part in this incredible opportunity you’ll need to register and reserve a kayak. Call 503-722-1122, stop by Next Adventure at 426 SE Grand Ave, Portland, or use Next Adventure’s online reservation system.

See you out there!

Monday’s paddle with the Blind Veteran’s Association, Team River Runner and Northwest River Guides was covered by the Oregonian Wednesday August 19 read the article here.

[Heather leading Steve Beres along Ross Island's shore]

Monday I helped guide a paddle with  Northwest River Guides and the Blind Veterans Association! There was certainly some trepidation amongst the guides as it was our first time working witn sightless paddlers! We hosted over 30 individuals who had been injured serving in the armed forces of the United States and Britain. Yes, there were two injured British vets amongst us.

Our nervousness stemmed from simple lack of experience/information on working with persons with visual limitations. How would they board the kayaks? How would they hold the paddle? How would they be able to keep the boats going straight, or turn? What would a rescue be like if someone flipped over? These thoughts went through my mind over and over.

[Guide dog "guiding" a raft to shore]

The group was comprised of vets with various levels of experience with their own disabilities and with boating. Some had been sightless for years and were well adjusted to their condition, while for many this was their first time ever trying a recreational activity since becoming blind. Through conversations with the vets I discovered that the brain adjusts when one of one’s senses is dulled or eliminated. Other senses grow more sensitive. The brain learns. The person compensates. Smell, feeling and hearing become ever more intertwined.

We had two groups of paddlers, one in rafts and the other in kayaks. It was perfect weather about eighty degrees and breezy.  The kayaks were arranged on the beach in Sellwood Park in Portland, Oregon, for a paddle to Ross Island, on the Willamette River. We introduced the veterans to the cockpits of the kayaks and their paddles. Foot rests and back bands were adjusted. Then we launched. I was asked to be very vocal and even ‘beep’ so they could follow. It turned out that the vets were very adept at steering their kayaks! We only had one capsize, which was at the shore. This is something that’s common with beginners anyway.

We reached Ross Island and disembarked for a brief meeting and talk about the paddle. Then, it was back to Sellwook Park. Again, these guys did a fantastic job paddling and steering their craft. Next up was a barbeque and then they were treated to a Willamette Jet Boat ride! That’s a great way to spend the day on the Willamette River!