Do you want to set sail on an unforgettable boating adventure with your kids? Then using an inflatable boat is a great way to do just that. Not only will you strengthen the bond with your kids, but you'll also create special family memories that will last you a lifetime!
Still, when it comes to picking out the right vessel, you may be wondering if an inflatable boat is the best pick. And the answer is yes—it's incredibly fun and safe!
If you're introducing your little ones to the water, here are the best tips and tricks for sailing an inflatable boat with kids.
Why Choose An Inflatable Boat For Sailing With Kids?
If you want to take your kids on a fun and exciting watery adventure, you can't go wrong with an inflatable boat. But why? What makes these boats so popular for families?
Well, there are plenty of reasons you may want to choose an inflatable boat over a traditional one. The main benefits of inflatable boats typically include their portability, affordability, safety, and versatility.
Portability
Firstly, inflatable boats are incredibly portable. Thanks to their lightweight design, they can easily be deflated and packed away when not in use. One of the biggest myths about inflatable boats is that they're hard to inflate. But that simply isn't true! So don't worry about having to reinflate them when it's time for your next trip.
Additionally, their compact design means they can be stored just about anywhere, so they won't take up tons of space when you're not out on the water. This will also save you loads of time and effort when it comes to transporting your boat.
Affordability
Another reason that plenty of families prefer inflatable boats is their cost. Compared to traditional boats, inflatable ones are much more affordable, which means they're the perfect investment for sailing families who don't want to break the bank to have fun. Just be sure to know what to look for when you're buying an inflatable boat!
Purchasing an inflatable boat also means you'll have your own boat to use whenever you please—without having to pay to rent one for a day.
Safety
If you have small children, you'll love the design of an inflatable boat, too. They're usually made out of lightweight materials and have soft edges, which help reduce the risk of very young children being injured while on board. The profile of the boat is also much lower (so it's closer to the water), so your ride will be a lot smoother and safer.
Versatility
Lastly, inflatable boats are super versatile! Whether you're sailing on a lake or river or exploring coastal waters, they can adapt to almost any environment. That means you can take the whole family out on the water no matter where you go.
Essential Safety Tips For Sailing With Kids
If you're sailing with children (whether your own children or their friends), safety will always be a top priority—and for good reason! To ensure your kids' safety, there are a few things you'll need to consider. These include:
-
Life jackets: The first (and most important) step is to make sure your children are wearing life jackets before the boat is launched. Remember to check that they're well-fitted, too. Even if your children are strong swimmers, these jackets act as a fail-safe were they to fall in the water.
-
Weather conditions: It's important to ensure you're sailing in the right weather conditions. Ideally, you'll want to avoid strong winds or rough waters. So, be sure to pay attention to your local weather forecasts so that you're well-prepared before you set sail.
-
Sun protection: Whether you're staying on the boat or dipping into the water for a swim, having adequate sun protection is essential. Since kids' skin is generally more sensitive, you'll want to make sure you keep reapplying their sunscreen throughout the day.
-
Medical prep: Although it's great to set sail and focus on having fun, you need to have realistic expectations of what it means to be out in the water with kids. You always want to have seasickness remedies on hand as well as a well-stocked first aid kit on board in case of emergencies.
-
Safety nets: In some cases, you can install boat accessories like safety nets around the edges of your inflatable boat. This will provide extra protection against small bumps on the water—especially for younger children and toddlers.
-
Rules: Before you start cruising, be sure to set clear rules and boundaries for when everyone's on board. For example, they shouldn't lean over the sides of the boat or move around too much when it's moving.
-
Float plans: Always log a float plan with someone you trust, like friends or family members, before you set sail. Your plan should include all the details of your boat, how many people are going, when you plan on launching it, your trip details, and when you plan on being back on shore.
Making The Sailing Experience Fun And Educational
As parents, it's important to teach your kids how to enjoy everything boating has to offer while also ensuring they learn something from the trip. Here's how you can make the experience more exciting and educational for your kids:
End Early, Sail Often Make trips short/end them before the kids is tired/done/cranky, end while they are having fun
Involve your kids in the pre-sailing setup
One of the best ways to engage your kids and teach them how to sail an inflatable boat is to involve them in the pre-sailing setup. For example, teaching them basic skills like how to tie knots or prepare the boat not only amps up the excitement but also helps to build valuable sailing skills.
Having hands-on experience will also better prepare your children for an emergency. Plus, they'll learn a lot about the need for safety when you're sailing.
Create onboard activities
If you're sailing with small children, you may want to find a way to keep them entertained while on board. One great way to do this is to encourage activities like nature spotting.
This will keep your kids engaged in the sailing experience and also educate them about the things they see. For instance, it's a great opportunity to teach them about the fish or wildlife in the area.
End Early, Sail often
Unlike other sports, sailing is different almost every time you get out on the water, depending on factors like the wind, current, tides, and weather. This can teach your kids how to think outside the box like true sailors and is great for their adaptability.
So, to help them get the most out of the sport, you'll want to go boating often. Your kids will learn how to think on their feet and learn new problem-solving skills they can apply to their everyday lives.
Pro Tip: End your sailing outings before your kid becomes tired or cranky and while they are still having fun. It’s a good sign if they are protesting leaving because that means they’ll be excited to come back again!
Balancing Sailing And Other Adventures
Sailing with your kids is a great way to bond as a family. But it doesn't have to be the only item on your itinerary! Why not add a few additional activities to round out the experience for the entire family to enjoy?
For example, after a day of sailing, you can always anchor your boat and enjoy a picnic on a nearby beach. That way, your kids can explore and play on the shoreline or try something new, like fishing off the side of the boat.
If the weather is right, you can include activities like snorkeling or swimming to help cool off and encourage your kids to explore the marine life up close.
FAQs
What is the best age to sail with kids?
The best age to start sailing with your kids varies. While shorter boat trips may be fun for toddlers and children up to around six years old, you can try your hand at longer trips with older kids. Plus, when they're a bit older, they can also start to learn the basics of sailing!
While you can take babies on the water with you, it's important to ensure that they're old enough to fit into a life jacket and that you're sticking to calm and safe waters like a lake.
Can inflatable boats handle rough water?
Inflatable boats are typically used on calmer water since they aren't necessarily built for rough conditions. While they can take a knock or a bump here and there, their construction means they aren't designed to withstand high waves. Instead, they're better suited for lakes and rivers.
Final Thoughts
Sailing an inflatable boat can be an exciting and memorable experience for the entire family! However, as parents, it's always important to ensure that you take the necessary safety precautions before you set sail so that everyone can enjoy their time on the water without any worry.
So, whether you want to go on a casual cruise down the river or you're looking to hit the water every weekend, an inflatable boat is a great way to do it.