Odin’s First Kayak!
Getting the kids their own kayaks or paddle boards is something Sam and I have been talking about doing at some point in the future. The kids enjoy riding on the stand up paddle boards with us but there will come a point where they will need their own! We were fortunate enough to be gifted a kayak for Odin from our sweet neighbors. Our thought was that it would be a little easier to teach Odin to kayak in a lake rather than the ocean inlets. It would provide warmer temperature of water if he happened to fall in and just easier for us to help him with less barnacles on the rocks. Since we are experiencing warm temperatures this weekend we set out to spend the day at one of our favorite alpine lakes! Lake Cushman is an easy day trip from our house. So with two kids, one puppy, two SUPs and one kayak in tow we made our way to the lake!!
It was such a proud parenting moment watching Odin on his kayak for the first time! He is a natural! We could not believe how easily he picked it up!! He paddled with such confidence and didn’t get scared once. It was amazing to watch. Odin was even able to get in and out himself and pull his kayak on shore! He just seemed so comfortable and confident out on the water. It made my heart so happy to see! Sam has always been comfortable around water. Me on the other hand, not so much! I never learned to swim and didn’t spend much time in water that was deeper than five feet. I can swim now as an adult but I still have moments that are difficult when being out on the water. It has been so exciting to see our kids be so comfortable and confident around water!
Luckily we got to the lake early before it got super busy. Odin had lots of room to paddle around. Sam and I took turns paddling around with Aspen on the SUP. The kids and Freya enjoyed swimming on the beach in between rides on the kayak/SUP. We paddled out to some islands to explore! Odin made it the entire way there and back (about 50 yards one way) without a tow..TWICE!
Freya even got in on the fun! Dogs on paddle boards might be one of my favorite things! Haha. She was pretty unsure about it but we are hoping to go again soon. We are thinking she will feel more comfortable next time.
Aspen was definitely interested in trying the kayak. Odin did such a good job trying to teach her how to do it. She loved it but not ready to be on her own yet. We will see what happens next summer but she might be ready to give it a go by then.
So thankful for a fun and safe day at the lake with our little family!
On to the next adventure…