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ADVICE: Sea Kayaking - The Perfect Choice for Bonding on Vacation.Sea Kayak Adventures Baja For years I have suggested sea kayaking as the ideal low-stress family vacation activity - the obvious benefits include fresh air, gorgeous scenery, and enough exercise to allow for sweets after dinner.

Beyond that, it is the ultimate earth friendly activity; it provides one-on-one time; no two trips will ever be the same because Mother Nature manages the backdrop for each adventure. I am, as is my whole family – all three generations - pro sea kayaking. In my zeal to relate positive experiences and make trip suggestions I have ignored the blank looks by those who have never held a paddle. However recently I was cornered by a dad who made it perfectly clear that sharing not just the fun stuff the about  kayaking but also the how would be very helpful.  Okay – I got it.
 
Here’s the scoop. I asked Nancy Mertz, owner of Sea Kayak Adventures and definitely an expert, to share her perspective and provide tips for parents or grandparents who are considering kayaking with, kids, teens or maybe even the family dog. For more than a decade Sea Kayak Adventures has been kayaking with families in Baja California’s Sea of Cortez and God's Pocket, BC. Some families come prepared while others need coaching but everyone has fun.Sea Kayak Family Adventures
 
At the heart of these According to Mertz, “One of our great pleasures on our family tours is seeing moms being able to have a vacation from the cooking, planning and camp logistics.  Our guides do all the work of cooking and logistics, all gear and activities are provided - moms can just show up and have fun with their families.”

Paddle right - no your other right! From my own experience I have learened that children have their own kayaking style and that sometimes it is not possible to stay in synch and that a 12 year-old "Type A" persnality must travel  in a single kayak. I also know  that time in a kayak with a younger being is luscious time to share secrets, make observations, and just chill - something more difficult to do on land. I delight in know my phone will not ring and my daughter will not be distracted by a text from a bored friend.  I have learned that double kayaks a perfect for slow paced yet often revealing conversations - a bonus for any parent willing to listen. it is a fact that sinlge seat  kayaks make it easy to have personal space amid a group; engage in a paddling competion or to instigate a (pre approved) friendly water fight. Whether in a single or a double the bonding moments come from sharing the adventure of quiet time whether it is a day or a week.

Tips and Advice
What is the ideal trip length? We all know that no two families are the same so there is no correct answer for all.   According to Mertz, the age of the youth and their abilities and interests will determine how long a trip will be ideal. It is wise to start with half day or day tours kayaking on lakes or calm water bodies nearby to see if your child enjoys the experience and if you enjoyed sharing the experience as well.Sea Kayk Adventures God's Pocket BC
 
Only tall and strong need apply. Children need a certain amount of strength and height to be able (thus more likely to enjoy) paddling in kayaks - especially in double kayaks.  “I have taken my nieces and nephews as young as eight years of age sea kayaking. Sometimes one sat on my lap in the kayak and I did paddling and other times I sat in a single kayak right next to their single kayak. Both ways were delightful for me and fun for them. We can splashed water and "had races"(dressed for the weather and wearing PFD's of course).When introduced to kayaking in fun short durations, youngsters really enjoy it and hopefully will develop a lifelong love for it,” Mertz added.

Know when to go. If parents can see that their child enjoy paddling and camping, and can keep up a physical pursuit for two hours at a time with breaks, then it is time to consider a two or three-day trip. Sea Kayak Adventures recommends that children be age 11 or older, at least 100 lbs and 4 ft 11 inches tall, in order to paddle in the double kayaks that most outfitters use for multi-day tours.  You would not want your child to be discouraged if the paddling is hard due to too large a boat or too windy. Need to know: Not to be confused with inflatable duckies, there are sit-on-top kayaks and "sit-inside with spray skirts expedition" types of kayaks.

Where on earth to begin? Starting off in warm water locations with great beaches and at the time of calmest winds offers a much more inviting introduction to kayaking for youths ages 11-14 because they can swim and snorkel in addition to the kayaking.   For cold water locations, the main activities will be the kayaking, wildlife watching, hiking or land activities - so teens 14 and older who are used to doing sustained physical activities are better suited for these tours.

Choosing Outfitter or Kayaking Trip 
1. Ask if they actually operate the tours (or are just a sales broker/middleman), have the proper permits to operate in those waters, how long in business, what trip includes, who are the guides, and you can ask for references of other families who have gone on recent trips.

2. Know ahead of time what is included - length of tour, what gear included, motorboat supported or not (motorboat goes along carrying heavier gear), base camp or not (move camp each night or stay at one camp the whole time).

3. Often outfitters will offer family-only tours, which are more fun for kids because there is the opportunity to socialize with others their own age and the whole trip can be paced and geared toward youth.  On family-only tours, companies will often have activities just for kids or guides who are particularly geared toward kids allowing adults free time.

4. Some companies offer youth rates, or charter trips/discounts for families that come as a whole group with 8-12 participants.

5. Most companies have top certified guides, liability insurance, excellent equipment, and safety procedures but always confirm the fact.

Sea kayak Adventures Baja Whale WatchingMake it happen. Sea Kayak Adventures, Inc. Toll-free 1-800-616-1943 or www.seakayakadventures.com

Grandparent alert! In addition to awesome kayaking adventure Sea kayak Adventures also offers whale-watching tours (non-kayaking)  in the Baja's Magdalina Bay for kids as young as eight each February and early March. The trips are wildly popular because they offer not just whales but also a chance to go sand dune jumping and practice sandcastle building.
 
Content by Nancy Nelson-Duac, Editor FTF based on an interview with Nancy Mertz Sea Kayak Adventures. Images provided by Sea Kayak Adventures. Copyright 2011.


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