| NOVEMBER 2008 --
Save Our Kids from “Nature Deficit Disorder:” Take Them Fishing |
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| In his book Last Child in the Woods, Richard Louv argues that kids are so plugged into television and video games that they have lost their connection to the natural world. Kids from all walks of life used to play outside after school in nearby parks, woods or other outside playgrounds. Recently I heard someone referring to a survey in which one child, when asked why he did not like to play outside, replied "because there are no electrical outlets to plug into." This is a pretty sad situation and we need to do something about it. Scientists are discovering that when kids are in contact with nature they experienced benefits in many ways that include reduced symptoms of hyperactivity and attention deficit disorders. I have talked about this subject in the past and do not want to be repetitive, but I have to ask again: what better way is there to get a kid close to nature than to take them fishing? |
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| I have found that taking kids fishing in a kayak gets them out in nature and benefits them beyond just their learning how to bait a hook, cast, etc. It teaches them paddling and boat handling skills in a quiet, peaceful, environmentally friendly atmosphere. |  |
| They see and hear much more wildlife and the sounds of nature than they are used to because they quietly present a non-threatening, low profile to wildlife and fish. Adults also benefit from an environment like this because they are able to slow down and get away from everyday life in the fast lane. What better classroom could you ask for? Native Watercraft believes in this so strongly that we have designed a miniature model for the popular Ultimate series of kayaks that is 9.5 feet long, suited to small paddlers. It is easy for most kids to paddle by themselves: now a kid can have a kayak just like the big people. Remember when you put a kid in his or her own kayak to make sure he or she is wearing their PFD, and give them safety instruction. Observe children closely and if a child seems to be getting tired never force them to continue if they are not having fun. You should also explain to a child that it is important to be environmentally friendly and why. They are the future stewards of the earth, and this environment presents the perfect opportunity to introduce and instill within them the importance of resource stewardship. |
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| Most important of all: when you make it fun and don't over do it, you'll enjoy yourself with as much a feeling of reward as do the kids. I just had one of the best days on the water that I have experienced in a while working with my seven year old friend Aidan. To see his enthusiasm and eagerness to learn was impressive. |  |
| However, to see the joy in his eyes when he made cast was even better. To hear the laughter when he made a not-so-good cast up into the trees, after I reminded him that we were not fishing for squirrels, was the best. To watch Aidan paddling, casting |
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| while standing up and learning by doing made me reminisce about my childhood and realize how fortunate I was that someone had planted the seed for fishing in my soul. It caused me to love the outdoors, as I have for all these years. If you'd like to see us in action that afternoon, we were lucky enough to catch it on video HERE. |
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