5 Things Every Parent Should Know when Rafting with Kids
by Harley McAllister
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Rafting - whether it is a scenic float or a whitewater adventure, is one of the greatest ways to get kids outside. The irresistible draw of the water is as true of the young as it is of the old, and riparian habitats are always ripe with enough plants, animals, insects, and just plain old water to encourage kids of any age to explore and make new discoveries. You can also bring a lot more stuff to keep you and the kids comfortable because you aren't carrying it on your back. It is sort of like car camping on the water! And everyone loves to get wet on a hot summer day.
But it is also an environment that comes with certain risks, both to actual physical safety or to a lesser extent risk of a fussy kid. So with that caveat in mind, here is a list of 5 things to remember when planning to take your young ones out on the river. |
Get your kids out on the water!
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1. Safety Comes First
Moving water can be dangerous, so there are a few precautions that must be taken. First of all, get a PFD (personal flotation device) that is designed specifically for kids, and specifically for whitewater. PFD's for kids need to fit them well, so that they don't slide over their narrow shoulders if the situation gets serious. Most good children's PFD's also come with a crotch strap to help prevent this problem.
Also, a PFD designed for water skiing or jet skis doesn't count, whether it is for adults or kids. These PFD's actually have relatively little flotation and are designed more for impact protection than flotation. The reason whitewater looks white is that it is extremely aerated from the turbulence, which means the water is lower density and therefore has less buoyancy. So whitewater vests compensate by adding more flotation. So get a true whitewater life jacket, and one with an attached head float is even better in the event that the wearer becomes unconscious. Click on the photo above to see a larger version, and look at the Stearns PFD's the kids are wearing. Oh yeah, and wear them!
Also, a PFD designed for water skiing or jet skis doesn't count, whether it is for adults or kids. These PFD's actually have relatively little flotation and are designed more for impact protection than flotation. The reason whitewater looks white is that it is extremely aerated from the turbulence, which means the water is lower density and therefore has less buoyancy. So whitewater vests compensate by adding more flotation. So get a true whitewater life jacket, and one with an attached head float is even better in the event that the wearer becomes unconscious. Click on the photo above to see a larger version, and look at the Stearns PFD's the kids are wearing. Oh yeah, and wear them!
2. Pick the Right River
Children's bodies are smaller, so they have less ability to maintain their core temperature in cold conditions. A rule of thumb for adults is that if the water temperature plus the air temperature is less than 100 degrees, you should wear a wet suit. Well, if the adults need a wet suit, it is probably not a good river for kids.
If the water is cold, the kids will not want to swim, have water fights, and get splashed in the rapids. So go later in the summer when the water and weather are warmer, pick rivers that are lower in elevation, and do what you can to find an environment where kids will want to get wet. Unlike adults, kids will quickly get tired of sitting in a boat and soaking up the scenery. They need activities to hold their attention.
Likewise, one of the best ways to hold kids attention is for there to be a good number of fun rapids. But you need to be the judge of what class of rapids is too much. We tend to find that Class III rapids have big roller coaster waves and lots of splashy fun. But a Class IV rapid is more likely to have keeper holes, wrap rocks, and other serious hazards that could result in passengers being thrown into the water or even a flipped boat. 95 times out of 100 you might be fine, but if your kid is suddenly swimming through a Class IV rapid with large waves or worse yet holes, you need to really think about whether that is an experience you are willing to risk for them. So, size up the river, the skill set of your group, and the availability of an extra adult to be dedicated to holding on to children in the rough stuff, and make a good decision.
If the water is cold, the kids will not want to swim, have water fights, and get splashed in the rapids. So go later in the summer when the water and weather are warmer, pick rivers that are lower in elevation, and do what you can to find an environment where kids will want to get wet. Unlike adults, kids will quickly get tired of sitting in a boat and soaking up the scenery. They need activities to hold their attention.
Likewise, one of the best ways to hold kids attention is for there to be a good number of fun rapids. But you need to be the judge of what class of rapids is too much. We tend to find that Class III rapids have big roller coaster waves and lots of splashy fun. But a Class IV rapid is more likely to have keeper holes, wrap rocks, and other serious hazards that could result in passengers being thrown into the water or even a flipped boat. 95 times out of 100 you might be fine, but if your kid is suddenly swimming through a Class IV rapid with large waves or worse yet holes, you need to really think about whether that is an experience you are willing to risk for them. So, size up the river, the skill set of your group, and the availability of an extra adult to be dedicated to holding on to children in the rough stuff, and make a good decision.
3. Attention Span
As mentioned above, I am happy to float along a river for hours just admiring the scenery. But kids don't see things that way, they need more regular activity, and it is up to you to provide it for them. Try to stop every 1.5 to 2 hours, whether it is for a snack break, for a side hike, for lunch, or to check out a hot spring or side creek. Bring a bug net so they can catch insects, frogs, salamanders, etc. While you are on the boat, devise other things to do. You can play "I spy", or other word games. Plan a sneak attack on one of the other boats, with water guns a-blazing. In calmer sections have kids jump into the water and swim along, or jump off the boat into the water. Better yet, give them some time on the oars when you can.
It can be hard at times, but do your best to allow time for these spur of the moment activities throughout the day. And finally, if you want your kids to be happy for longer stretches in the boat, do your best when arranging your gear to build them a "nest" or a "captains seat" where they will be comfortable. Depending on water and air temps, we will alternately make room for them in the front or the back of the boat to either keep them drier or wetter as conditions dictate.
It can be hard at times, but do your best to allow time for these spur of the moment activities throughout the day. And finally, if you want your kids to be happy for longer stretches in the boat, do your best when arranging your gear to build them a "nest" or a "captains seat" where they will be comfortable. Depending on water and air temps, we will alternately make room for them in the front or the back of the boat to either keep them drier or wetter as conditions dictate.
4. Stop the Fussing Fast
Rafting is by nature a fun activity, so if the kids are fussy there are three likely culprits - they are cold, wet, or hungry. So take measures to mitigate all of these things and keep them close at hand. For hunger, we keep a watertight box lashed right behind the rowers chair filled with snacks. When kids get grouchy there is nothing like a quick food fix to get their attitudes back on track. And who is happy when they are cold or wet? Prevent this by getting some appropriate gear. Now, the term "gear" usually means big dollars, but we have found ways around this. First, children's short-sleeved wet suits are actually pretty reasonably priced because they are used in lots of other activities and widely available, even at garage sales and second hand stores. They can be lifesavers. Likewise find a good set of rain/splash gear that can keep that river water off them in the rapids in addition to any rain. Splash jackets designed specifically for whitewater are very expensive, but all you really need is a waterproof shell that is breathable. The best solution that we have found are Frogg Toggs rain pants and jackets. The material is lightweight, breathable, waterproof, packs easily, and very reasonably priced. These articles will keep your kids happy and your budget in check.
5. Don't let the items above keep you from getting out!
Rafting does bring some unique challenges, but we have found the rewards to be well worth the effort. Find the few things you need to make it fun for your kids, then get out there and do it. Our family's river memories are some of our fondest. If you want to see for yourselves, check out the rafting videos on our "Our 4 Outdoors" Youtube page for videos from the Green River in CO and the Middle Fork of the Salmon in ID.
