Bringing your young family on your outdoor excursions is, of course, highly recommended and we do all that we can to accommodate everyone! Keeping this in mind, most of our sea kayaking equipment is adult sized and can be difficult for children to manage in any conditions by themselves. Our guided half day and full day tours are recommended for families with strong teenagers unless the families specifically organize a private tour with us. We do have a fleet of kids sit on tops for close-to-shore rentals with adult supervision as well as our youth programs. Below are some options to consider when paddling with your children and an outline of the Halfmoon Sea Kayak youth programs available through the summer and fall seasons.
Self Guided Family Rentals
Paddling with children
For getting your children out past the marina, we have tandem kayaks available for a strong adult and teenager combo to paddle. For families with smaller children (4 years to 7 years) we have tandem kayaks with center hatches that your children can sit in. Make sure you ask for the model name “Passat G3” when booking as these are limited in numbers and also popular with some multi day trippers.
We have two scaled down versions of our ocean going sea kayaks for younger teens taking our intro lessons. These kayaks provide a better fit that allows for a more realistic response to their paddle strokes and lower body movements.
We are a kayaking company so unfortunately don’t have a fleet of canoes. We do have two canoes however, that are popular with families with one small child or dog. Children can be placed in the center of the canoe and given their own paddle to help on the adventure.
Note: Proof of previous high level rescue training, specifically for canoes, is required when paddling with children.
Afternoon Youth Camps
Mighty Mergansers (Children 5 to 10 yrs.)
Do you have kids who are pumped to paddle? We offer a series of evening programming throughout summer and fall for children interested in learning basic paddling skills and building confidence on the water through an engaging and playful approach.
Overview of Mighty Mergansers
- Parts of a Kayak
- Paddles
- Safety equipment
- Paddling strokes
- Safety on the water
- Beach combing and marine life
- On and off water games
June Dates ( Thursday. and Fri. 330pm – 530pm)
TBA May 2024
July Dates ( Thurs. and Fri. 3pm – 5pm)
TBA May 2024
August Dates ( Thurs. and Fri. 3pm – 5pm)
TBA May 2024
Pricing
1 Day $60 Pricing weekly (drop ins)
2 Day $100 Pricing weekly
Teen Leaders
Leaders In Training (13 – 17 years) Volunteer Program
Students looking for volunteer hours are encouraged to register with us for practical leadership experience with a highly supportive team. An interest in paddling, outdoor recreation, or working with children are strong assets for the program. However, teens looking to volunteer do not need to have previous paddling and teaching experience, just an enthusiasm to learn!
Volunteers should come prepared with the following equipment to be prepared for time in and off the water:
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Bottled water and snacks
- Non-cotton, quick-drying clothing
- A towel and a dry change of clothing
May Dates ( Thursday. and Fri. 330pm – 530pm)
May 12th to May 27th
June Dates ( Thursday. and Fri. 330pm – 530pm)
June 9th to June 24th
July Dates ( Thurs. and Fri. 3pm – 5pm)
July 7th to 29th
August Dates ( Thurs. and Fri. 3pm – 5pm)
August 11th to 26th
Children’s after school programs F.A.Q.
Non-cotton, quick drying clothing is highly recommended. Warm clothing that can be layered is also recommended to be prepared to stay comfortable playing in all kinds of weather. Your child should also come prepared with a rain jacket and pain pants that are PVC or PU (you can find this out from reading the tag). Footwear should be a close-toed water shoe or old running shoes that are secure and okay to get wet.
A spare set of dry clothes is a must bring, as well as plenty of water, and a few snacks to keep the energy flowing!
We will still run programming if it is raining so ensure that your child comes prepared with proper rain gear, warm clothing, and a dry set of clothes. Cancelations will only occur in the case of thunder and lightning in which case parents/guardians will be given as much notification as possible.
Not at all! We just need their energy and enthusiasm to learn.
You can drop off and pick up your child at our location on 5718 Anchor Road, Sechelt, BC.
After arriving with your child and signing in with our program leader, parents/guardians are welcome to head out and enjoy their evening until pickup time.