Ways To Celebrate Mother’s Day With Your Paddling Mom

May is not only a fantastic month for paddling in many regions around the world, but it’s also the month when people celebrate all the amazing mothers in the world. Mother’s Day is a holiday to show mothers in your life how much they mean to you. While brunches and festive dinners are common on this holiday, if the mother in your life loves paddling, you should find ways to incorporate this activity into Mother’s Day.

If the mother in your life loves paddling, consider buying her safety gear, new accessories, or even a new paddling vessel. You can take a sunrise or sunset paddle, plan a surprise picnic on an afternoon paddle, or choose a brunch location on the water near a launch location. Make the paddling extra special by adding a birdwatching element, or take a weekend trip to a unique paddling destination.

Instead of going with the cliche gift of flowers and chocolate, or going to the same restaurant you always go to on this May holiday, consider mixing it up this Mother’s Day. If your mom loves paddling, there are all sorts of thoughtful and creative ways you can incorporate this watersport into your celebration. Keep reading to learn all the best ways to celebrate Mother’s Day with your paddling mom.

10 Ways To Celebrate Mother’s Day With A Paddling Mom

1. Buy Mom The Gift Of Safety Gear

There are few gifts more thoughtful than safety gear. For one, every paddler needs a reliable (and comfortable) PFD that fits. There are all sorts of other safety gifts you can buy for the paddling mom in your life.

You can go smaller with a whistle, headlamp, or UV-protectant clothing. Or you can go much bigger with a gift of a reliable GPS, a waterproof VHF radio, or a personal tracker beacon. Regardless of your budget, there is a piece of safety gear you can get for your paddling mom. It’s something she will use, and she’ll be touched that you worry about her on the water.

2. Find Healthy And Fun Paddling Snack Recipes

If your mom loves cooking as much as she enjoys paddling, consider creating a paddling cookbook of sorts. Paddling snacks are essential on every paddle. It’s always better to bring healthy and homemade treats rather than store-bought junk. You want energy and nutrients, and not additives and chemicals.

Take time to create or combine various recipes that make for great shelf-stable paddling snacks. You can also make a few of the recipes on Mother’s Day to show her how delicious and practical each item is.

3. Plan A Surprise Picnic On Your Route

If you plan on paddling with the mom in your life on Mother’s Day, you should sneak in a few special surprises along the route whenever possible. One great way to make a paddling adventure extra special this Mother’s Day is to plan a surprise picnic.

You can prepare some of Mom’s favorite foods, or choose some brunch staples that will stay fresh while you paddle. Bring fresh juice and coffee to make it an official brunch, and don’t forget a nice picnic cloth and elevated decorations. A picnic is a simple yet memorable way to show thanks to the mom in your life.

4. Embark On A Sunrise Or Sunset Paddle As A Family

Mother’s Day is all about spending time with family. While this often involves parties at home or brunch reservations at a restaurant, you should remember that there are many ways to spend the day with family.

One healthy and memorable way to celebrate Mother’s Day is with a sunrise or sunset paddle with the entire family. Paddling as a family is a fun activity, and it’s the perfect way to spend the day with a mother who loves being on the water with a paddle in hand.

5. Buy Mom Some Thoughtful Paddling Accessories

Safety equipment can make a great gift, but if your paddling mom is all set in that department, consider another paddling accessory. There are endless paddling gifts you can buy your mom. From clothing to skin care, and everything in between.

Before Mother’s Day, consider dropping hints to your mom or asking if there’s anything she needs to make paddling more enjoyable. There are also items like dry bags, waterproof phone cases, and sunscreen that every paddler can use.

6. Incorporate Bird Watching To Make Your Route Memorable

Another fun way to make a Mother’s Day paddling session special is to incorporate wildlife viewing. Spring is an excellent time to view wildlife while paddling, especially birds. Whether your mom is an avid birder or unaware of which species are always flying overhead, birdwatching is a fun activity to add to your paddling trip.

You can buy your mom a bird book, and bring along a few sets of binoculars. Bird watching is something anyone can do, and it’s a great way to connect with your mom and with nature on this special day.

7. Take A Weekend Trip To A Paddling Destination

Mother’s Day always falls on a Sunday. Therefore, if your schedule allows, you can potentially take a weekend trip to a particularly incredible paddling destination within driving distance. You can rent a modest hotel room for a night, or book a vacation rental for the entire family.

Regardless of how you decide to plan, a quick paddling trip is a fantastic way to get your family together and show your appreciation for the mom in your life.

8. Have Mother’s Day Brunch Near A Launch Location

Family brunch is a classic Mother’s Day tradition. Thousands of restaurants feature Mother’s Day specials, and many families cook extravagant spreads to show love to all the moms in the family. If you want to keep your family’s brunch tradition alive while also incorporating paddling, consider a new location.

Find a restaurant or park near one of your mom’s favorite launch locations. You can enjoy a lovely brunch after you embark on a paddling route. Choosing this option checks all the boxes and will likely please family members who aren’t keen on paddling.

9. Find An Epic Organized Paddling Tour

Another great gift you can give the mom in your life this Mother’s Day is an epic day of paddling. Find an organized paddling adventure nearby or somewhere she plans to visit in the near future. Buy her a gift card or book the tour directly if you know her availability.

Giving a mom a paddling excursion as a gift allows you to have a relaxed holiday with the family, but also know your mom will soon have the chance to embark on a memorable paddling journey.

10. Chip In As A Family For A New Board, Boat, Or Paddle

Perhaps the ultimate gift you can give a mother who loves paddling this Mother’s Day is a new and improved paddling vessel. Kayaks, canoes, and SUP boards are expensive, but if several family members chip in, this epic gift becomes more affordable.

If the mom you’re shopping for already has a paddling vessel, consider something different. An inflatable SUP-kayak hybrid is a great option, offering portability and versatility for paddling. Alternatively, you can give her an upgraded kayak, canoe, or SUP board so she can take her passion to the next level.