1. Kayaking will help your child build strength in their arms and hands.
This strength translates directly into having better fine motor coordination which improves handwriting and makes it easier for your child to write longer passages at school.
2. Kayaking requires more core strength than you might realize.
When children have good core strength, they are better able to do every single task during their day. From sitting at a desk to playing ball to taking out the trash and doing their chores without complaint.
3. Kayaking requires something called “bilateral coordination”
which means you have to use both arms together. The alternating action your arms do while rowing sends signals to the brain about how to use your arms together, and creates better pathways for complex tasks. What does that mean? The next time your kid wants to try a new sport, their brain and body will be better prepared.
4. Getting outside has been shown to reduce stress and make kids feel happier.
Happier kids are more fun to live with.
5. Kayaking gives kids a chance to increase their attention span
and focus in a different way than school requires. This also stimulates the brain to be able to focus on other things later. This means kayaking is great for kids with ADHD.
6. Kayaking is calming.
Speaking of ADHD, all that exercise from kayaking also has a calming effect on the brain. This means that having your kids go kayaking regularly can help them be less hyperactive.
7. It’s a fun way to get some sunshine and vitamin D.
7. It’s a fun way to get some sunshine and vitamin D.8. It builds confidence and self-esteem.
Learning to row your own boat takes a little time and practice, but once they can do it, it gives kids confidence in themselves and increases their self-esteem.
9. It is a good exercise for mom and dad too.
So it makes a great family outing.
10. It is easy to learn.
Even if you’ve never been in a boat, you can learn to use a kayak in calm lake waters very quickly, so you can all go create some great family memories this summer!
About the Author
Laura Sowdon, OTR/L is an occupational therapist, writer, speaker, educator, and creator of the Five Senses Literature Lessons homeschool curriculum. She has worked as an occupational therapist with children in public and private schools, as well as private practice. Laura has taught and managed homeschool co-ops as well as homeschooling her own three children. Laura is dedicated to the idea of educating children at a pace that aligns with brain and physical development milestones and respects neurodiversity in all its forms.
