School Summer Holidays are nearly here…

Don’t panic! Almost 6 weeks to fill, with chill out time, fun with friends, and quality time as a family.

We are here to make it easy for you to enjoy and make memories on the river.

Going paddling with kids isn’t as daunting as you think. With some basic prep, our experience and quality kit you will have, a safe but great day. Trust us!

These are our top tips to make is easy:

1. Be prepared!

Talk to us- we will recommend which craft is most suited to you and your family, whatever the age, experience, needs and size of your group. We can also give advice on your route, whether you are novices or well oiled paddlers.

Take some snacks and maybe a picnic. if you are on the river for the full day. It is always a good goal to aim for. it acts as a carrot as much as anything else!  Whatever your food likes are, you don’t need to go big and fancy, but just a bit of chopped fruit, carrot and cucumber sticks, chocolate or crisps will do the trick. It’s amazing how quickly you can divert a strop with the shake of a snack packet. Don’t forget water or juice either!

Make sure they’re wearing comfortable clothes. – not their brand new Air Force 1’s.Think PE kit, shorts and T shirt if warm and layers if colder. If you have light waterproofs, pack these if there is the potential for rain that day. We will provide Dry bags, to keep change of clothes if needed.

Be sun safe! – not only should you prepare for wet weather, but the heat. Some parts of the upper Thames are nice and shaded but others are very exposed. Ensure you apply sun cream before you set off and have some packed in your essentials kit. Sunglasses and a hat are also a must for hot days. If you intend to swim check with us first. The water temperature isn’t always as warm as you think.

2. Stay safe!

The correct buoyancy aid is essential – we will fit you and your precious cargo with approved life jackets for young children and buoyancy aids for older children and teenagers. No matter how good a swimmer you are, these need to stay on.

Read our Safety Guides and tips for the river – we have lots of tips and information on how to stay safe when hiring with us.

Kids love to copy. – the good and the bad!Take this opportunity to show them how you would paddle and adapt your style so they can join in… even if it’s just for a short

period before they get tired. We will ask when you get back. Children love to share their achievements.

Be sun safe! – not only should you prepare for wet weather, but the heat. Some parts of the upper Thames are nice and shaded but others are very exposed. Ensure you apply sun cream before you set off and have some packed in your essentials kit. Sunglasses and a hat are also a must for hot days. If you intend to swim check with us first. The water temperature isn’t always as warm as you think.

3. Get them involved!

Use your imagination! Make your time on the river an adventure; explain the journey before you go, tell them what you will see and maybe even make up a story together.

Connect with nature! There is so much wildlife to see on the river from dragonflies to kingfishers. Take our Nature sheet with you and get spotting! Sadly, you’ll also likely see litter. This is a great opportunity to talk about the effect this has on our wildlife and plants. Go Green!

Little paddlers! – we have smaller paddles for children. Let them have a go! Bigger kids can be more independent in single kayaks, then if they fall in its not your fault!

One last thing…

Paddling with kids should be fun! Enjoy your time out on the river as a family and remember to take plenty of pictures along the way and tag us in them. The pictures and memories will last a lifetime and we will put them on our gallery wall.