Kayaking is Good For Kids, Mentally and Physically

Is kayaking good for kids?

Kayaking is very good for kids.  It is easy to learn and is good for improving the mental health and self-esteem of youth, encouraging time in nature while also building confidence, autonomy, strength and stamina.   

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Kayaking is a Great Hobby for Improving Mental and Physical Health

Kayaking is easy to learn on calm water and young people feel a sense of freedom exploring a lake or pond on their very own kayak.  

Giving youth opportunities to feel autonomous, such as kayaking alone on a lake or pond, improves young people’s sense of self and well-being, lowers anxiety and depression, and improves their concept of self. 

It’s not always easy to find ways to do this in our day and age, but our family has found that paddling sports like kayaking to be an effective way to improve our kid's independence and self-esteem. 

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“Satisfying leisure experiences help to promote autonomy, formation of self-identity, social engagement and sense of achievement.

​Adolescence is a vital time of discovery of new interests and affirmation of personal and social values and ideals” (Roult et al., 2016).

It increases a sense of wellness.  
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You breathe in fresh air, and lower stress hormones.  

You build core strength and coordination.  

You soak in Vitamin D and get away from screens, social media, and news.  

You feel grounded and yet magically weightless on the water.     

You notice things in nature and your capacity for joy, wonder, and delight increases.

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Kayaks come in every size.  ​

There are tiny kayaks for 4 and 5-year-olds, small kayaks for children, medium-sized kayaks for tweens and teens and smaller adults, and large kayaks for any size or need. 

There are easy sit-on-top kayaks that anyone can use with no training. 

There are sit-inside kayaks for those wanting to learn advanced paddling skills on swifter waterways. 

There are inflatable kayaks for those who live in small apartments or have small cars. 

​There is a kayak for everyone.  (Here's what kayak I recommend for each age)

We've all been through so much the past few years, and no one has felt it more than our youth. 

You can help the young person in your life improve mental and physical health by introducing them to the world of kayaking where they can discover their own ability to lower stress and anxiety while spending time on the water exploring nature in the great outdoors. 

There is no greater gift than that of well-being.  

Happy Kayaking!

Megan