Re: [Paddlewise] Teaching Kids: Looking for sources

Hi Jack,

I've been kayakking with children a couple of times, and the most
important thing I can say is: Have fun! When I take adults for their
first paddle, they are paddling with half of their concentration, while
the rest is occupied with keeping their clothes dry, worrying about
getting home in time for dinner, thinking about their jobs... With kids
I have the feeling I give them an experience for life. They are able to
enjoy the moment with everything they've got. Just sitting in a kayak
may be all they need to be happy. Some may want to do some splashing,
screaming, showing off or even paddling.

I never give preset classes to children. I just give them something to
start on (standing up in a boat, capsising, scramble-rescues, a ball to
throw with... If they're interested, I might show them some strokes,
braces or rolls, but only if they want to, and only as an inspiration to
their own play. I keep that up until things get out of hand, and then I
step back and enjoy the show, or participate as one of them.

I teach that way because that's what I like. I try it with adults too,
but it's much harder with them. But apart from being fun for me, I also
think playing is the best way to learn. Playing gives room for trying
things out, for making your own mistakes, and for overcoming your own
fears at your own speed.

Next class I will be teaching is a rescue-course for 50+ paddlers, by
the way. I think half of them will skip the capsise, because they are
too scared and believe they will never capsise anyway...

Niels.


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