Kayaking encourages physical fitness and develops kids’ self-esteem. At summer programs, kids learn the proper kayak paddle strokes, gain respect for the environment and gain self-confidence.
Kid-sized kayaks, lifejackets, helmets and water sport clothing ease youth comfortably into kayaking with the proper fit for their size. Smaller, lighter kayaks are suited to the frame and weight of children. Shorter, smaller paddles help children navigate the water efficiently.
Here are paddling courses for kids offered locally:
* Meridian Parks and Recreation Department blends kayaking and rafting instruction into five-day, multisport Outdoor Adventure Camps. Taught by the Boise-based kayak school Riverroots LLC, kids receive a gentle introduction to kayaking. On the third day of the camp, they start on flat water in Boise, where they learn about the equipment, practice paddle strokes and have a good time.
On the fourth day, they progress to rafting on the Banks to Beehive section of the Payette River. Rafting develops paddle skills and water sense for kayaking.
Biking, rock climbing and other outdoor activities are included in the day camps, which run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The $160 fee covers instruction, equipment and transportation. Each day starts at the Meridian Community Center.
Contact: Meridian Parks and Recreation, 888-3579, meridiancity.org/activityguide/.
* Cascade Raft and Kayak north of Horseshoe Bend offers two- and four-day camps dedicated exclusively to water sports. “The focus is kayaking, but kids get an all-around river experience,” said Anne Long, office manager.
The Kids Paddling Adventure Day Camps are designed for kids ages 8-11.
Pool activities are conducted at the West YMCA followed by whitewater rafting on the Payette River for a $225 fee.
The Kids Paddling Adventure Overnight Camps for kids ages 12-18 years include accommodations along the Payette River, kayaking, rafting and boogie boarding in the river system for $450. Campers progress from flat water to moving water under the guidance of instructors.
“We have seen kids come through developing self-confidence, facing and overcoming challenges, and meeting other kids that are involved in healthy outdoor sports,” Long said.
Contact: Cascade Raft and Kayak, (800) 292-7238 or (208) 793-2221, cascaderaft.com.
* If you prefer an ongoing kids kayaking program, try Idaho River Kids. Based in the Payette River system, it’s a non-profit club with weekly kayaking activities throughout the summer. Experienced adult and youth volunteers teach kayak skills at local pools in the autumn and spring, and then conduct lessons on the river during the summer.
Alpenglow Mountainsport, an outdoor shop located in Boise, sponsors a fundraising boaters' swap in the spring and provides kid-sized kayaking equipment. Cascade Raft and Kayak provides vehicles and instructors.
Chuck Cremer, a parent volunteer with the Idaho River Kids and owner of Alpenglow Mountainsport in Boise, estimated this year’s membership at about 70 kids.
Weekly sessions are held on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, with kids divided into three groups by age and skill level, with a particular day assigned per group.
Depending on the kids’ abilities and river flow volume, field trips go to the lower Main Payette, the upper Main Payette and to the “Gutter” in Horseshoe Bend that features play waves, eddies and a fish ladder.
The summer weekly river sessions meet at the Cascade Raft and Kayak headquarters on Idaho 55 north of Horseshoe Bend. There is a $25 enrollment fee plus a $50 per month fee for the first child and $25 per month for each additional child in the family for the sessions. Scholarships are available.
Contact: Idaho River Kids, (800) 292-7238 or (208) 793-2221, idahoriverkids.org.
