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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to feel a bit worried about DS going kayaking tomorrow?

22 replies

Buda · 05/09/2008 12:41

DS is 7 and is going camping tonight here in Budapest with DH and some other Dads and DCs. They did it last year and had a fab time.

This year they are tagging on kayaking on the river.

I am not happy about it but don't know if I am just being a wuss! Guy that organised it rowed at Cambridge and they all think it is a great idea. I am terrified of water so that maybe coloring my viewpoint! You hear so many tragic stories of accidents with things like this and DS can't swim and what would happen if the kayak turned over and and and and?????

Tempted to say to DH that they skip that bit tomorrow and just come home.

DS is my P ONLY B so be gentle!

OP posts:
Original poster
Buda · 05/09/2008 13:07

Ok - I'm a wuss.

OP posts:
Original poster
Buda · 05/09/2008 13:49

Ahem.

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HuwEdwards · 05/09/2008 13:51

Well, owing to the current weather, I'd be a bit concerned too..flood water and all that. Can you phone the guy organising and discuss with him?

Original poster
Buda · 05/09/2008 13:52

We are in Hungary Huw! But thanks for replying.

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cargirl · 05/09/2008 13:52

If they are wearing life jackets, which they should be he will be fine. The kayak turns over, child falls out and comes up to the surface due to life jacket.

Sorry spent my childhood on rivers in kayaks and canoes.

cargirl · 05/09/2008 13:53

If they by freak accident come up under the kayak they are also fine because their is a huge air pocket made by the seat anyway.

HuwEdwards · 05/09/2008 13:53

lolol Buda!!!

In that case, let him go, he'll be life-jacketed up

BoysAreLikeDogs · 05/09/2008 13:54

Buda, he will be ok, he'll have a flotation jacket and be with adults.

This is the type of experience that children thrive on, a bit of a challenge, take him out of his comfort zone too.

We'll hold your hand if you like

Original poster
Buda · 05/09/2008 13:56

Thanks cargirl. Am irrationally worried. And over thinking it and thinking that maybe I should listen to my intuition etc etc.

Will warn DH that if no life jackets they do NOT go.

Am not at all sure that DS will want to go tbh.

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Saturn74 · 05/09/2008 13:56

Well..... the logical part of me says that he'll have a life jacket on, he'll be safe with his Dad and a good instructor, and he'll have a great time.

The bit of me that is slightly over-protective, and scared of the water, would be nervous re his age and the fact he can't swim too, though.

However, both my boys went canoeing at about 8, and although they could both swim, they weren't great at it.

DS1 was in a group of about 15 people, and not one of them capsized.

DS2 was in a group of about 8 people, two of whom were very nervous, and none of them capsized either.

So, he'll be fine - but I understand your worries.

Fennel · 05/09/2008 13:56

It really depends on the adults. My dds kayak with DP, they've done so from the age of about 5 or 6, and from being almost-swimmers. but DP is trained as a watersport instructor and he's pretty sensible about it so I don't worry. I wouldn't let them if I didn't feel confident in the adult they were with.

Original poster
Buda · 05/09/2008 13:56

Thanks Boys. Will be on here in the morning then looking for lots of hand holding!

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seeker · 05/09/2008 13:57

He'll be in a life jacket and he won't be on his own in a kayak - I would imagine he'll be with his dad. He'll be fine.

We went kayaking in the Florida Everglades with dd and ds when they were 4 and 9 - we went to look at the crocodiles!

DaphneMoon · 05/09/2008 14:07

Don't you sit on a kayak rather than in like a canoe? Far safer I would have thought, my biggest fear when it comes to canoes is going upside down and then not being able to get out. If he falls off Kayak he will float, you can't go under with a life jacket on.

cargirl · 05/09/2008 14:15

No you sit in the kayak - it has a very large man sized hole, he will just fall out if it capsizes!

jura · 05/09/2008 14:18

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

OrmIrian · 05/09/2008 14:18

DS#1 and DD have done this many times. They were made to capsize first time they went out so they knew what to do and realise it wasn't that scary. Ditto with sailing. It really really will be OK. Honest!

jura · 05/09/2008 14:18

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

cargirl · 05/09/2008 14:33

not to mention sea kayaks versus slalom kayaks which is what I'm assuming they are using......and those other kind that aren't sea kayaks but have the V shaped bottom - for speed racing?

Original poster
Buda · 05/09/2008 15:26

God it all sounds horrendous.

DH under strict instructions to not do it if in any doubt about safety. Not too sure Hungarian safety standards would be as good as UK/US ones.

They have just gone. House is very quiet without them - which is very odd as they are both out at work/school all day anyway!

OP posts:
OrmIrian · 06/09/2008 13:12

How was it buda?

Original poster
Buda · 06/09/2008 16:34

They survived!

Came back exhausted and filthy and covered in mossie bites. The kayaking was exhausting according to DH who is aching all over and having a lie-down. Apparently he and another Dad had really old heavy ones. They went a lot further than he thought and it was very windy and rough in places. DS hated it he says.

The camping bit was more succesful - a big pot of goulash cooked on a bograch (Hungarian cooking pot).

All going well till a big van appeared with some guys to camp about 40 metres away from then - with a generate and a karaoke machine which was going till around 4am. Very anti-social.

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