Planning a summer trip to a lake and want to take the kids kayaking for the first time (ages 6 and 9). Obviously life jackets are non-negotiable but I want to know what else I'm missing. Better quality gear? Helmets? Does anyone do tethers? Want them safe but also don't want to be that paranoid dad. What do you guys prioritize?
For first time with young kids I'd recommend going through an actual kayak place that does rentals - they usually have kid-sized kayaks and actual instructions. Safer than just launching with your own setup.
Pretty calm lake, local place about 20 min from here. Gonna do a beginner place rental first before trying my own kayaks.
Which lake? There's a difference between calm lake paddling and moving water. If it's a calm lake with a rental place nearby, honestly just get decent life jackets and go for it.
Sunscreen is the thing everyone forgets. Also bring way more water than you think you need. Kids dehydrate fast and don't always tell you until it's a problem.
Start in calm water (lake or flat river, not moving current) and wear the jackets even if they complain. First time should be boring safety-wise so they can focus on having fun.
Life jackets are absolutely non-negotiable, good instinct. Beyond that: helmets yes if they're learning to paddle and might fall, tethers not usually necessary unless you're going hard whitewater.
Smart move doing the rental place first. Let them figure out paddling technique in a controlled situation.
Don't overthink this. Kayaking with kids is great and honestly most local lake places are super safe for beginners. You're not being paranoid, you're being thoughtful.
Don't overthink it. Kids in life jackets plus an adult in the kayak equals safe. You're not being paranoid for wanting proper gear, you're being responsible.
Get them each their own personal flotation device sized for their weight. Adult life jackets don't fit kids properly. And yeah helmet isn't bad if you're doing moving water.
One thing people forget: kids need to practice falling in and getting back in while wearing a jacket. Do that in super shallow water first so they know they're safe.
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Life jackets are non-negotiable yes. Beyond that: helmets aren't really necessary for kayaking but they don't hurt, tethers are good if your 6yo isn't a strong swimmer, and honestly a leash from his jacket to the kayak is smarter than a tether to you.