Canoe-Kids

Canoeing - Always an Exciting Nature Trip for the Whole Family.

A boat trip with kids is a wonderful experience. The whole family in one boat, teamwork and team spirit united. Canoeing is one of the few adventure sports that you can start with the youngest members of the family (depending on the water and the parents' experience, always with life jackets or floatation aids for good swimmers), and it brings a lot of joy to growing kids as well. Nature exploration and observation, physical activity or serene gliding, small rapids that can provide more action than some water rides in an amusement park, picnics on gravel bars or riverbank meadows (please, remember to respect nature and only leave traces when absolutely necessary), being outdoors, discovering new perspectives – that's what canoeing is all about. Even modern management training programs use the positive aspects of canoeing for team building - why not for your family too?

Boat Selection

Especially a larger canoe offers space for your kids' friends, making it twice as much fun for them. Alternatively, you can embark on a trip with multiple families and boats. Canoeing is not difficult at all; in fact, it's quite easy, and children often take over the steering from their parents. Basic techniques and paddle strokes are quick and easy to learn, and you don't necessarily need to take courses for that. You can check the GATZ website under the 'Canoeing Techniques' section. Sketches of paddle strokes and beginner tips, also found in the GATZ-KANUS catalog, can be very helpful in the beginning. A standard reference for techniques is the book 'Der Canadier'.  The basics can be understood within 10-15 minutes on calm waters.
When choosing a boat, it's important to ensure that each larger kid has their own seat, although it's also possible to seat two kids side by side on wide middle seats. For smaller kids, it's best to create space on the boat floor. An air mattress or sleeping pad provides the necessary comfort on the 'inboard' playground. On sunny days, an umbrella provides the necessary sun protection for the littlest ones. Kid-sized, buoyant life jackets are an absolute must! There are very comfortable models available with appealing designs. You can find these in the dedicated 'Kids' Equipment' section, which is specifically set up for its importance. Make sure to get informed about their proper use.

Before the first trip

it's best to seek advice from the recommended canoe specialty store by GATZ-KANUS or a reputable canoe rental service. Typically, the latter is recognizable by well-maintained, high-quality boat equipment, helping you choose the right boat and route. It's crucial that good and safe equipment is provided – that's the most important condition for a beautiful and unforgettable trip. Your own or rented canoe typically fits on all common vehicles and roof rack systems. Loading larger canoes is also quick and easy when you pay attention to a few principles of weight distribution. The boat is secured with lashing straps and additionally fastened with ropes to the towing eyes.

For the first trip

with kids on the water, it's recommended to choose a lake or reservoir. In good weather, this helps quickly overcome any apprehension, allowing everyone to get used to the boat. It's a safe place to experiment and discover how much the boat can handle without capsizing. The next time, you can venture onto a calm river with the family. The initial trips shouldn't be too long since it's an activity that's usually unfamiliar for most, involving fresh air and different muscle groups than, for example, jogging or cycling.

What should you bring on a trip?

For this, the checklist from the download section can be helpful. Additionally, especially in the beginning, you should have enough spare clothing (in waterproof dry bags or barrels), toys for entertainment, picnic supplies, and so on on board. Often, your kids' own paddle will dispel any boredom and provide plenty of entertainment and motivation for the kids to follow in their parents' footsteps. There are lightweight models available, which good rental services also provide. Alternatively, consider purchasing the paddle before the trip for a prelude and lasting memory. It's fun to record each trip on the paddle. If necessary, the child's paddle should be secured to the boat with a cord. This prevents the parents from having to paddle back repeatedly to retrieve a lost paddle, which would make the trip much longer. If a kids' paddle is not available, a stick can suffice for small kids for a short time. In any case, kids should not be passive passengers without a role and the opportunity to participate.

The nature experience

Observing and discovering, playing and even crafting – by the river, every kid becomes a naturalist. For particularly adventurous kids, a small set of equipment can provide a lot of joy. Items such as identification books, boxes for collecting leaves or stones, a magnifying glass, a container for water, a camera – the imagination knows no bounds. Parents can enjoy a picnic while their kids discover animal tracks, observe wildlife, and build watermills, dams, and more. In the tranquility of nature, kids learn patience and restraint – basic principles that enable them to observe beavers, otters, birds, fish, and much more. Many wonderful experiences cannot be predicted, but they will leave lasting impressions. The vast treasures of nature will entertain your kids. A simple river rally prepared in advance requires little effort but offers fun for everyone.

At the end

Sensitive luggage is stored in waterproof bags or barrels. Clothing should consist of regular sports or hiking attire with lightweight shoes or water shoes/sandals. Under no circumstances should rubber boots or clothing that soaks up water be worn.

When everything is planned and prepared, the route is chosen, and arrangements are made for the return transport of the boat and paddlers to the starting point (utilizing train connections along the rivers or leaving bicycles at the destination point during the trip, as canoes and bikes complement each other quite well), then you're ready to embark on the 'big journey' with the family.

The GATZ-KANUS team wishes you a lot of fun!

Any more questions or concerns? In our team, nearly everyone has seen their own kids grow up in canoes and can and will gladly help with extensive experience.