Kayaking down a river or on Lake Arthur is a great way to spend a sunny afternoon with a teenager or younger child.

Chris Collins of Hermitage decided to start kayaking with his son, Ethan, 15, two years ago.

“I thought it'd be a good sport for my son and I to do together,” Chris said. “I like being outside, and we can take advantage of the state parks.”

The Collinses participated in Jennings Environmental Education Center's Kayaking Adventure on Slippery Rock Creek.

Ethan said he enjoyed going down the creek and seeing all the birds.

“We've seen bald eagles, all different types of ducks, the blue herons; stuff we wouldn't normally see,” Chris said.

Jennings, as well as Moraine State Park, Adventure Outdoors and other outdoor clubs offer kayaking opportunities for beginners.

It's important to learn proper procedures from professionals before taking a child out on the water.

“Probably the most important thing is the safety aspect of kayaking,” said Miranda Crotsley, program coordinator at Jennings. “For everybody, but especially for youth, having a proper-fitting life jacket is a must.”

In Pennsylvania, children 12 or younger are required to wear a life jacket when in a boat 20 feet long or less and in all canoes and kayaks, according to the state Fish and Boat Commission.

Stephanie Taylor, environmental education specialist at Moraine, said it's important to try out the jacket.

“Put it on, get in the water and try it out before you trust it,” she said.

Not only is it important to be comfortable with it, the life jacket also must fit properly.

“A lot of times we buy kids a coat or something that they can grow into — that's a little big for awhile — but that's not something you want to do with a life jacket. You want to make sure it's the right size so they can be really safe in the water,” Crotsley said.

Wil Taylor, Jennings center manager, also said it's important to make sure the life jacket fits properly and is comfortable.

Taylor encouraged his son, Ethan, 13, of Grove City to try kayaking.

“My first time kayaking was a couple years ago in Pittsburgh, and I've wanted to get a kayak ever since then, so this summer we got one,” Ethan said.

The Taylors, including mom Rene, enjoy kayaing together every chance they get.

“I just like being outside, anything that gets me outside — I'm happy,” Wil Taylor said. “Outside on the water is even better.”

While enjoying the beauty of nature, it's also important that everyone know how to properly get into and out of a kayak.

“Teach them how to get in and out of the boat in the water, so they are comfortable with that and they will probably have fun with that on a hot day and tip themselves over,” Crotsley said.

It's also better to learn kayaking skills on still water rather than in a strong current.

“Start in calm water with minimal current such as Lake Arthur,” said Stephanie Taylor.

Before taking youngsters too far from shore, make sure they know how to maneuver the kayak.

“Really get them comfortable in the boat first so they know how to paddle forward and backward and all that stuff before they tackle moving water,” Crotsley.

If planning to purchase or rent a kayak, try different sizes.

“They have kayaks specifically for children 200 centimeters long roughly with a narrow shaft,” Stephanie Taylor said.

Wil Taylor recommends trying different types and sizes of kayaks as well before purchasing.

“There are lots of opportunities to try (kayaking) around here without having to buy your own,” he said. “Adventure Outdoors, Kayak Pittsburgh and the state parks all offer for the most part free opportunities or very reasonable (priced) opportunities to try it. That way you can get a feel for what type of boat you like, whether it's for you, and then just shop around.”

If planning a longer adventure, another important consideration is the seat.

“We bought cushions for them,” Wil Taylor said. “It's hard to tell when you buy the kayak if it's a comfortable seat. You really don't know until you've been on a long trip.”

Enjoying the beauty of nature is easy to do in a kayak, but when out with a youngster, you may want to add a little excitement.

“Give them something to do in the water, so they don't get bored,” Crotsley said. “give them a squirt gun, give them a sponge to throw around at their friends, make up some games they can play along the way, a little scavenger hunt or make different formations with the kayaks.”

Ethan Taylor had a lot of fun kayaking 10 miles in French Creek State Park in southeastern Pennsylvania because he was able to do other things, such as snorkel and picnic.

However; his favorite trip so far was on the Youghiogheny River in Ohiopyle State Park. “Because it was mostly rapids,” he said.

Ethan and his father have been taking advantage of state park kayaking rentals to enjoy being on the water.

Ethan's advice for those interested in kayaking: “Just have fun.”