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Kayaking Adventures: Great Activity for All Ages
Kayaking is an exciting and educational activity that offers pupils a unique way to explore the outdoors, develop new skills, and have fun. This water activity is open to youngsters with all levels of experience, as the difficulty changes based on the location.
About Kayaking
Children are equipped with life jackets and taught basic paddling techniques. Each kayaking session starts with instructors taking the group through equipment, health and safety, and finally, how to paddle with confidence. In colder seasons, kids can wear waterproofs or wetsuits, while in summer, lighter clothes that cover shoulders and legs are preferable to protect them from the elements. Afterwards, the pupils embark on a guided tour closer to shore to learn to manoeuvre their kayaks. This activity helps build confidence and introduces children to the joys of kayaking.
Recreational kayaking is the most common type for beginners and young children. It involves paddling on calm waters like lakes, ponds, or slow-moving rivers, making it perfect for short trips and a great introduction to the sport. Most of the UK centres which offer watersports will have kayaking, usually on lakes or canals, which makes it a perfect activity to add to your itinerary. You can check UK centres here.
Kayak games and challenges add an element of fun and teamwork to the activity. Kayaking in natural environments focuses on exploring natural habitats, allowing children to paddle through canals, observe wildlife, and learn about ecosystems and conservation.
For those ready for a bit more excitement, adventure kayaking offers the chance to navigate mild rapids or explore coastal waters. Safety is paramount, with experienced guides leading the way and ensuring that all participants are well-prepared and equipped. Kayaks usually have extra safety equipment as well to ensure that children are protected at all times. This activity is suitable for older or more experienced children (8 years+) as it requires more skill and supervision.
Acorn Adventure offers Ardèche Adventure with 2-day kayak descent, the adventure of a lifetime. A descent down the Ardèche gorge and its river rapids gives an amazing opportunity to explore this beautiful location. The evening is spent sleeping under the stars at the purpose-built bivvi site, which really adds to the adventure, and this much-loved canoe journey has been enjoyed by school & uniform groups for decades.
Best Time for Kayaking
The best time for kayaking largely depends on the location and weather conditions. Generally, late spring to early autumn is ideal for kayaking, as the weather is warmer and water conditions are more favourable. Specifically:
• Spring (April to June): This is a great time for kayaking as the weather starts to warm up and nature is in full bloom. It's perfect for environmental kayaking, where children can observe the awakening of wildlife and plants.
• Summer (July to August): Summer offers the warmest weather, making it ideal for all types of kayaking activities. Adventure kayaking and kayak games are particularly enjoyable during this time, as children can cool off in the water.
• Early Autumn (September to October): The weather is still pleasant, and the changing foliage provides a beautiful backdrop for kayaking. This season is excellent for kayaking, offering a serene and picturesque experience.
Kayaking is a versatile and enriching activity for school children. It also provides numerous benefits, including physical fitness, teamwork, and a deeper connection with nature.
Explore more adventure activities with Acorn Adventure Gateway by searching for your next adventure.
