Kayaking for Kids
Liquid Fusion Kayaking's Big Kids - Cate and Jeff love sharing kayak adventures with kids of all ages.
Kayaking for Kids
We think that seaweed is tastier than spinach. Yes, this is a matter of opinion; however, We think that you will agree with us that kayaking is a lot of FUN.
Check out these pages for information on the wildlife that we see and some tips on kayaking. Of course our opinion is that it is fun to read about these things, but more fun to do.
Come Paddle with us!!!
Noyo River Wonders and Wildlife
Noyo River Creature Feature:
(Click on the Creature Name to read more about it)
Osprey - An osprey diving for a fish right in front of our kayaks is one of our favorite wildlife sitings on the Noyo River.
River Otters - These are one of our favorite animals to watch on the river. Here's a video that we took of one scampering along the banks of the Noyo River.
Birds of the Noyo River
Featured Bird of the Moment -
Harlequin Duck - We have one of these hanging around on the Noyo River. This is not a typcal habitat for Harlequin Ducks, but he has migrated here for the past 2 winters. He is likely to migrate north any day now but is still around and appears to be enjoying warm sunny days on the Noyo River.
Commonly Seen Birds along the River:
Pelagic Cormorant - Sleek black birds that are amazing swimmers.
Double Crested Cormorant
Western Gull
Osprey
Turkey Vulture - this link has a coloring page.
Common Raven
Acorn Woodpecker - Bugs or acorns for breakfast?
Canadian Geese
Mallard Duck - a print out coloring page
Other Noyo Birds to watch for:
Green Heron
Spotted Sandpiper
Anna's Hummingbird
Violet Green Swallow
Barn Swallow
Brown Pelican
Common Merganser - We think that Mergansers have the cutest little ducklings.
Great Egret
Mammals of the Noyo River
Here is a list of the mammals that we commonly see along the Noyo River. Click on the name to read more about them.
Noyo Harbor Cat - Yes, we have idenified a special species of cat that lives along the banks of the Noyo River.
Noyo Harbor Fisherman/woman
Deer
Squirrel
Mendocino Coast Ocean Wildlife and Wonders
Here's a way to learn about some of the wildlife that we see when we kayak in the Pacific Ocean.
Take a submersible tour of the kelp forest. We don't have sea otters, but this kelp forest tour gives you an idea of the life that is beneath the ocean's surface. We can often see this sea life below us as we paddle over it. Click here to check it out.
Become a seal, whale, or fish and explore the ocean and its life. Click here to check it out.
Check out our Mendocino Coast Ocean wildlife list. Click on the name to learn more.
Marine Mammals -
Harbor Seal - Often harbor seals follow us around in our kayaks in both the Noyo River and in the ocean.
California Sea Lion - Arrrr, arrr, arrr, arrr. You may hear them before you see them. We commonly see them in the Noyo Harbor, in Noyo Bay, and hanging out on the buoys.
Gray Whale - we see gray whales between December and June.
Invertebrates -
Abalone -
Crab - Don't be one.
Starfish
Birds -
Black Oyster Catcher
Brown Pelican
Common Murre
Pacific Loon
Pelagic Cormorant
Pigeon Guillemot
Western Gull
Fish - We don't typically see them, but you might eat them at one of our restraunts, see an osprey catch one, or see people fishing for them.
Lingcod
Rockcod
Salmon
Surf Perch
Plants -
Boa Kelp
Palm Kelp
Try out this Tidepool Puzzle
Learn to Kayak
This page is under development - The LFK kids are out playing. Email them that you are expecting more work on their kids pages.
For now, here's a website with animated kayak instruction.
Kayaking for Parents
Kids love kayaking and we love sharing the outdoors via kayak with them. Kids really enjoy the special activities that we have for them. Each tour is customized to the kids' developmental levels and interests (Cate is a former classroom teacher whose classrom is now on the water).
We recommend our Sunset Bird Paddle or Noyo Meander for anyone ages 3 and up. We use stable and comfortable tandem sea kayaks for our tours that are great for kids and adults. We usually have 3 and 4 year old children sit in the lap of a parent in the front of one of our tandem sea kayaks (or in their own special seat between their parents). 5 years and up enjoy the front row seat of a tandem.
What about adventurous children? From mild to wild, we have options for everyone. Ages 9 and up will enjoy our cruising the wild -coastal exploration. And for those that like a lot of adventure, 12 years and up will be thrilled by our Wet & Wild - Kayaking ROCKS!!!
What about safety? All of our tours and classes are led by Jeff or Cate who are professional kayak instructors who specialize in teaching and certifying others in kayak safety. Also, they are both certified in first aid and cpr and are trained lifeguards.
As always, please call or email if you have questions about our tours and activities for kids.
Check out our newly developed pages for kids. These contain educational materials on the wildlife and wonders of the Noyo River and Pacific Ocean as well as information for kids on kayaking.