Kayaking and canoeing are great water activities to open up loads of opportunities for a family adventure. Either kayaking or canoeing can increase our health. To make a remarkable Hokkaido trip with kids, I recommend 6 kid-friendly kayaking and canoeing courses in Hokkaido.
What’s Different Between Kayaking and Canoeing
There are two distinct crafts.
Different Cockpits of The Boat
The main difference between a canoe in a kayak is the large open cockpit, knee block (typically use foam to make it), and footrest. Nowadays, the fundamental difference is that there is no rudder on a canoe, and therefore, the single-bladed paddle used by the paddlers must steer the craft in the sprint race.
Kayak has a smaller enclosed cockpit that has a seat and a footplate. Now both of these items can be personalised for comfort and physical attributes. The foot-plate has a steering mechanism, a tiller bar that controls a rudder at the end of the boat to help it go left, right, or keep it in a straight line.
Two Types of Paddles
The canoe paddle and the kayak paddle are different. Firstly, a canoe paddle has one blade, a long shaft, a T piece left or right-handle paddle can use any canoe paddle. These are typically 500 grams in weight and are generally made of carbon fibre, and it has a slight adjustment for different lengths.
Secondly, the kayak uses a double-bladed paddle much more like a spoon. There are two places for your hands, for entry on either side of the boat. Again, the small adjuster in the mud in the middle allows for different angles and length changes. It is typically 600 to 700 grams generally made of carbon fibre.
In Short
Canoe: used on the knee with a single-bladed paddle. It has a large open cockpit, knee block, and footrest.
Kayak: in a seated position with a double-bladed paddle. It has a smaller enclosed cockpit, seat, and footplate.
Now you have a good understanding of the tools of the kayak and canoe trade.
6 Benefits of Kayaking and Canoeing
Kayaking and canoeing are fun, educational, and interactive water activities for kids and adults. They are low-impact activities that can improve your aerobic fitness. The related benefits include:
- Increase Fitness
They help many parts of fitness, such as aerobic, flexibility, and strength.
- Improved Mental Health
Kayaking and canoeing are not only good for physical health but mental health. It helps lower levels of stress, depression, and anxiety. Also, you can build confidence.
- Improved Cardiovascular Health
They can pump blood around the body more efficiently. In other words, they are good for your heart.
- Improve Core Strength and Stability
They help prevent or reduce back pain, improve balance, and enhance mobility.
- Keep Fit
Get rid of wear and tear in joints. You can burn calories even in a relaxing course.
- Quality Family Time
Kayaking and canoeing help unplug your kids from the screen and offer a memorable time for a family.
Kayaking and Canoeing with Kids: Packing Guide
It’s always good to get prepared, especially when you accompany kids.
- Life Jacket
We all know how important it is. Make sure the shop provides it. (Normally they do)
- First Aid
A good first-aid can handle most medical situations quickly and effectively on the river.
- Water and Snack
Rafting is a water sport, and Hydration is essential for rafters. Also, you can get hungry soon after rafting, and a snack can help kids wait for you to find a restaurant.
- Shoes for Rafting
Closed-toe shoes are designed to stay on your feet and grip well in wet conditions.
- A Change of Clothes
Take a change of clothes with you. You might get wet while rafting.
- Extra Plastic Bag
It would help if you had a plastic bag for wet clothes.
- Body Protect
Prepare sunscreen and a cap to protect yourself in the sunray.
Information
Here are six kid-friendly kayaking and canoeing courses in Hokkaido. Adults must accompany children.
Good Sports
Extremely polite and service with a reasonable price.
Location: Niseko
Available Age: 9 and above
Language: Japanese, English
Address: 044-0081 Hokkaido, Abuta Gun, Kutchan Cho Yamada 70-1
Contact: 0136-23-4560
Official Website [Click Here]
Niseko Adventure Centre
The friendly staff are patient with kids.
Location: Niseko
Available Age: 7 and above
Language: Japanese, English
Address: 179-53 Yamada, Kutchan, Abuta District, Hokkaido 044-0081
Contact: +81 136-23-2093
Official Website [Click Here]
Akan Nature Center (阿寒ネイチャーセンター)
Good experience with friendly staff. I want to visit here again.
Location: Kushiro
Available Age: 3 and above
Language: Japanese, English
Address: 5 Chome-3-3 Akancho Akankoonsen, Kushiro, Hokkaido 085-0467
Contact: +81 154-67-2801
Official Website [Click Here]
Lake Shikaribetsu Nature Center
The staff are fun, friendly, and helpful.
Location: Lake Shikaribetsu
Available Age: 3 and above
Language: Japanese, little English
Address: 〒081-0344 Hokkaido, Kato District, Shikaoi, Kitaurimaku, 然別湖畔
Contact: +81 156-69-8181
Official Website: Japanese with some English [Click Here]
TORO Nature Center (塘路ネイチャーセンター)
They take care of you.
Location: Kushiro
Available Age: 7 and above
Language: Japanese, English
Address: North7th Ave. 86-17, Toro, Shibecha, Kawakami, HOKKAIDO, 088-2261
Contact: +81 15-487-3100
E-mail: [email protected]
Official Website [Click Here]
Exander Onuma Canoe House (イクサンダー大沼カヌーハウス)
Relax canoeing. The staff are professional and friendly.
Location: Nanae
Available Age: 3 and above (Free if under 3 yrs old)
Language: Japanese, little English
Address: 22-4 Onumacho, Nanae, Kameda District, Hokkaido 041-1354
Contact: +81 138-67-3419
Official Website: Japanese with some English [Click Here]
To know more about water activities to do with kids in the summer in Hokkaido—Click here>>
