Words and Pictures by Delwyn Dickey   

 Kayaking             Snorkelling           Diving

Above the water  - Kayaking

Messing about in boats is a New Zealand tradition and we seem to be attracted to it in our droves. Owning a fizz boat or a sailing boat can be a fairly serious undertaking from a time perspective and also financially. If you don’t want to commit that time and money, you can still get out on the water with your kids and explore the shoreline or waterways with kayaks. These are relatively inexpensive alternatives to fully fledged boats and a lot easier to transport around, with a roof rack being generally all you need for a couple of kayaks. If there are more than two kayaks you can get H frames for existing trailers, which can easily handle four or more kayaks at a time or specially made kayaking trailers.

Sit in and Sit on Kayaks
There are basically two different types of kayaks – sit on and sit in.

Sit on kayaks are used at the beach and are usually the least expensive. They start at around $400. These are great for kids to climb all over and while they will fill up with water if turned over, they won’t sink. As well as the obvious paddling they can also be used – if anchored – as a swimming platform, and are great for older kids to use as a base for snorkelling – to climb on to and have a breather.

They also handle rough waves surprisingly well and are really good for exploring coastlines. They are just as suitable for adults as kids with the more serious models being capable of taking a sail. These are usually summer season boats as the paddler is going to get wet when using one. To use in colder weather the paddler will probably need a full length wet suit and possibly diving booties to keep warm.

Sit in kayaks are generally more expensive and are not really designed for the type of rough and tumble that sit ons are. These start around $800. Again there are two types of sit ins. One is designed for still water use such as waterways, lakes and calm beaches. These have wider, flat bottoms, are very stable and safe to learn in.

You are able to buy a 'skirt' which the paddler wears around the waist and which fits over the cockpit, keeping the paddler dry. This means that these kayaks are more suitable for using in colder weather too, so you may find that you use it more than a sit on.

Kayaking in windy, exposed sites is not recommended, especially for children, as the wind tends to scud the boat across the top of the water and it can be very tiring for young and adult paddlers alike to keep to their course.

If you’re looking for another way to get maximum use, kayaks have become more popular in recent years with sports fishermen. One keen soul was spotted returning to a Northland beach with his sit on being powered by a small outboard motor and stocked up with paddles, snorkelling and fishing gear and a chilly bin!

Life Jackets
A well-fitting life jacket is a must. This is not an item that you can let them grow into. It must fit properly or the child can slip out of it when they get in the water. If it means up-sizing each year then just do it – your child's safety is more important than saving money.

There are also life jackets available that are specially designed to allow maximum arm movement for paddling.

Other Safety Ideas
Out on the water you need to be seen – this is no time to be a shrinking violet. A kayak is small compared to many boats and low to the water, so let that inner attention seeker out and go for ultra-bright coloured boats, paddles and jackets. Chopper guard flags on the back of kayaks are also a great idea. 

Part two  

Snorkelling and    Diving

This article continues over the next page. Don't miss out on finding out more about snorkelling and diving with your family.