Kids on kayaks

How old were your kids when you started taking them out with you on the yak? How did they do? And any tips?

My son is 2 and a half and I want to start getting him used to the kayak, he's been out with me once last October, he did great. Ive been wanting to take him to the lakes around here, but I am worried with all the rude lake lice out there. Thanks

Jeff

Mason on the kayak last October





Mason when he was one on the yak in the pool

Jeff,
That's cool to have your children out with you.
I like the family shots - only segestion is to teach them young to get used to always wearing a PFD (Missing in the above photos)
Have fun with your family - they grow up way to fast.
Eric

Our oldest was 9 months the first time he accompanied me on the kayak.  We have another boy right now that's just about to hit 7 months. I'd not bet against him accompanying me for a minute or two tomorrow. PFD's are a good thing, James always wears his when on the kayak with his mom and I. Jonathon will too.

James` first time in a kayak, Memorial Day weekend, 2007. A PFD was purchased the next day, honest.




James earlier this summer, fishing with me in the community lake. He caught this bluegill all by himself.

Well, I did have to grab it to take the picture and get the hook out.

And put the worm on the hook:




Regards,
Scott

Jeff,
My two boys are 3 and 7 and love being on the kayak.  I started taking them out when they turned 3 since that seemed to be the age that they would sit in one spot for an extended period of time.  So far I have only taken them out to Lake Natoma and Mather Lake since the no power boat rule tends to minimize the rude lake lice problem. 

Brandon

Jeff-

My boys started out pretty young. We generally hit the lakes but, I'll take them on the Delta every now and again. We ran into you a couple of years ago out there. Kids, PFD, rod (leashed at all times) and some water equals a great day.

Enjoy it...

Freddie

I've taken my older son on the kayak on rivers, but not on the ocean.  We have a little zodiac that we'll take him out on the ocean with when it's very calm, but usually he stays home still.  In a couple more years I'll probably be able to get him his own boat and start taking him out, but he's still too small to handle a kayak at 5.  I do take him hiking, backpacking and camping, and haven't been fishing as much since he's been big enough to do such things with.  Ocean fishing will come in due time.

I first put Omar on a boat about 2 years ago, he was almost 5, mostly at Del Valle.

Last year we were camping at Horseshoe Bend and he was slaying the blue gills while I paddled us around. He's been hooked since. I would sometimes pick him up from school and go out to Quarry Lake but we never had much luck there.

About a month ago I put him on a kayak alone at the Aquan boat house.  He seemed to handle it pretty well, I think he's ready for one of his own.  I just need to find out where to get a small paddle from.