The above acronym is used by the BCU to express an idea important to the future of the sport of kayaking: Long Term Paddler Development.
A quote from the BCU website: “The Long Term Paddler Development model supports paddlers from the day they first get into a boat over a span of many years, providing a logical progression of programme planning and skill development from the young paddler to the experienced performer.”
While some folks are only interested in training “adults,” I think that it is vital to paddlesports to encourage youngsters to get involved. It’s rare that you see kids in boats and that’s a shame
I’m constantly amazed by the youngsters I see at ski areas who have highly advanced skills by ages 8 or 9. Imagine how it would push the sport if kids got into paddling in the same way. Quite often when our trips pull up to a beach, kids run up to the kayaks to have a look. With parents' permission I usually let them have a little float time (with a guide holding onto the boat if they don’t have a PFD). It’s a blast to see the fun they have exploring a new world.
There’s a lot of factors that get in the way of kids in kayaks, from the lack of easily available appropriate kayaks and expensive gear to the short summer season we have in Maine, but as in all things in life, if we don’t make the effort nothing will get done.
Above is 6 year old Zeke challenging his Dad to work on some new skills. Below the kids are trying out some kayaks from very different disciplines.
Even if you don’t normally hang out with kids I bet at some point you’ll be with your kayak when kids are around. Let them hop in and check it out. You never know – you might be creating the future of kayaking.
