2: Safety Considerations THINK LIKE A GUIDE. HONE YOUR SKILLS AND REMEMBER THESE POINTS.


BODY TEMP: Kids aren’t good at keeping warm when it’s cool and cool when it’s warm. Bring full-body insulation and a rain suit. For heat, use a large towel as shade or a cooling wet rag.


GEAR FIT: Small people need small gear—PFDs, kayaks and paddles sized correctly.


TOWING: If your child has their own kayak, set your boat and theirs up for easy towing.


ROUTE PLAN: More important than ever, make sure someone at home has your detailed route plan.


COMMUNICATION: Bring a cell, sat phone or SPOT messenger— for grandparents’ peace of mind.


Extra warm clothes and footwear handy.


Give kids their own pack to fill.


Sun protection—


sunhats, sunglasses, sunscreen, umbrella.


A child-sized paddle gets them participating.


Snacks keep smiles from turning upside down.


Shift packing priorities to accommodate


baby’s blanky or the teen’s iPod.


3: Tips and Tricks 10 LITTLE THINGS THAT MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE WITH LITTLE ONES


TEA TOWEL: For shade or to cool toddlers, or clean up unexpected eruptions.


CAMP CRAFTS: A small canoe paddle is ideal. Decorate it on a weather-bound day. Or tie a plastic fish to it so


they can “fish” en route.


CLOTH DIAPERS: Simply rinse and air out on deck for reuse on long trips.


HAMMOCK TIME: Critical for naptime—for both parents and kids.


BABY SLING: Great


for toddlers and small children to keep close to mom or dad in the boat, or to free hands around camp (.nurturedcub.ca).


TARP: A good tarp is a fort, a mudroom, a shaded sanctuary, and a dry haven all in one. It keeps dirt out of the tent


and provides a sheltered all-weather play area.


FRIENDS: Yours and theirs. Other families help share the load and share the fun. If your kids are having fun, so are you.


BEACH CAMPS: Choose a nice flat, mellow, kid-


friendly beach camp.


BACKPACK: Give your child their own daypack with their toys, sunhat, warm clothes and other gear. This helps build independence.


UMBRELLA: Great for sun and rain.


www.adventurekayakmag.com 33


ILLUSTRATION: PAUL MASON


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