Kayaking is not only for adults. It is for everyone, right?. It can even be for your dogs and pets. But of course, it is undeniable that children deserve to enjoy this leisure as well.
At this point, there are a lot of things that you have to consider already. The first one is their safety. The other one is their comfort and convenience while they are learning how to paddle. You will secure a lot of kayaking amenities here. But among them, you should prioritize the best kayak for kids.
More...
The kayak that your kid should paddle must provide them with an excellent platform to understand the sport. You can't just let your young ones learn the ropes of paddling in a vessel that is not meant for their skills and age. At least at this part of their lives, you need to give them a little pampering. A good boat should work for that case.
In here, I will showcase some of the kayaks that are great for kids who want to learn how to paddle. Fortunately, most of these kayaks are on the entry-level. Therefore, you should not hesitate to invest in them. Go check them out!
Click to View Post Navigation
Best Kayak For Kids On The 2022 Market
Product Name | Image | Quality | Our Rating | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. Lifetime Youth Wave Kayak with Paddle - Editor's Pick |  | A+ | |||||
2. Sun Dolphin Aruba - Runner-Up |  | A | |||||
3. Intex Challenger K1 Kayak - Budget-Friendly Pick |  | A | |||||
4. Vibe Kayaks Skipjack 90 - Premium Choice |  | A | |||||
 | A | ||||||
#1. Lifetime Youth Wave Kayak with Paddle - Editor's Pick
Let me emphasize to you that this kayak is designed for children whose age reaches six years old and up. If you see that it doesn't look as flashy and as intimidating as your kayak, then that's completely understandable. This kayak is meant to teach your kids the basics of paddling and how they can balance themselves while they are in the water.
For training purposes, the Kayak Lifetime is already an excellent choice. It has a stable platform due to its flat hull design. Your kids will not panic because it will not wobble, especially if you are just in a calm lake or river. Furthermore, the hull is spacious enough to cater to the brisk movements of small kids.
It is also noticeable that the back portion of the kayak has a sloped design. This particular feature will allow your children to re-enter the boat quickly if in case they got toppled over. Multiple footrest adjustments and scupper holes are also present in this vessel. Your kids will be safe and comfortable here!
Pros
Cons
#2. Sun Dolphin Aruba - Runner-Up
Honestly, I had a hard time between Kayak Lifetime and Sun Dolphin Aruba should come out on top of this. The Sun Dolphin Aruba is a sit-in kayak, which might not provide convenience and mobility that children need. For the most part, I do believe that every practice session for kayaking should take place in a sit-on-top kayaks, not the other way around. However, this doesn't mean that Aruba has poor quality.
The cockpit of this boat is large enough for entry. It will not get stiff, which somehow can provide accessibility for quick entry and exit. The seat is rather more comfortable than what I have expected. The seat can recline and has enough padding so that your kid will have a good time sitting here. The back support is pretty high. For small paddlers, that might become an issue.
Meanwhile, I can say that the ergonomics of this kayak is never lacking. The foot braces are adjustable, and gear compartments are available so that they can bring their stuff on the water. Rigidity is not an issue, as well. They can put this on test consistently. Trust me. Its quality will never wear out.
Pros
Cons
#3. Intex Challenger K1 Kayak - Budget-Friendly Pick
Do you want something that doesn't hurt your budget? Then an inflatable kayak is the right one for you and your kids. Specifically, I am talking about the Intex Challenger K1 Kayak. If you have been following this blog, you are probably aware that this is not the first time I featured this kayak. It is an excellent inflatable vessel after all. And fortunately, it fits well to the needs of your kids.
This kayak is a nimble unit that ensures maneuverability above all else. Young ones who are practicing their paddling skills will find comfort on this boat. The durability of this vessel is impressive too. Even if it is an inflatable kayak, it is still difficult to pierce. It can withstand strong impacts, too. You can guarantee that your kid will be safe here.
The cockpit has been constructed to maximize the comfort of its paddler. It is pretty spacious, as well. For small paddlers like your little kid, the cockpit of this kayak is exceptionally roomy. All the essential accessories are included in this package.
Pros
Cons
#4. Vibe Kayaks Skipjack 90 - Premium Choice
The Skipjack 90 of Vibe Kayaks is commonly picked by anglers because of its stability in calm waters. But the same feature is also useful for kids who want to learn how to paddle.
As it stands right now, the Skipjack 90 is one of the top kayaks that remains balanced and buoyant all the time. And since it is compact, transporting it to the desired destination of your young ones wouldn't be a problem.
There are a lot of things that you can do in this kayak. It can be used for touring or fishing purposes. There's no limit as to how you want your child to utilize it. You can be sure that this boat can help hone their paddling skills. Because I know that this kayak displays impressive maneuverability and tracking, I am confident that it can take my kids wherever they want to go.
Pros
Cons
Another basic kayak that your kids can use is the Lifetime Hydros 85. This one has a simple interface, just like the first kayak that I have listed. It is designed for kids and teens alike. The weight of this boat has been perfectly managed so that it can be carried easily. Specifically, it only weighs 18 pounds. Even your kids can handle it.
The design of this kayak is pretty ergonomic as well. The end is sloped so that it can be easily accessed. Meanwhile, the footrest can be adjusted into different positions so that any riders can find comfort riding it. When it comes to rigidity, this boat is not lagging. It has structural durability that can withstand the elements without wearing out.
Pros
Cons
Kayaking Tips For Kids
Having the best kayak for kids is one thing. Getting the entire session safe and satisfactory is another thing.
Of course, this is not a threat to discourage adults from bringing their kids on the water. In fact, I do encourage that they do otherwise. Kayaking can bring a new world of experience to your young ones. The things that they can meet on the boat is something that they cannot get to any of their day-to-day activities. It is extremely fun and exciting, especially if you let them do the paddling on their own.
However, it is your duty to keep the adventure safe and memorable. You don't want to bring your children in a kayaking session without prior preparations. You have to secure the necessary accessories and amenities so that they can come prepared.
Here are some of the essential tips that you need to consider whenever you are bringing your kids to a boat.
Tip 1: Identify The Route
You can't just be careless with the destination, especially that you are with your kids. As much as possible, you want to bring them somewhere where it is secured. The visibility of patrols would really be a plus.
At this point, you have to choose whether you are going to bring them to the sea, river, or lake. Honestly, any of these destinations are acceptable as long as they do not pose extreme peril or technicality. Don't bring your kids to oceans, especially where the waves are roaring. White rapids are not also prohibited. Lakes are great because they are still but avoid those that are infested by dangerous creatures like snakes and crocodiles.
Bring them somewhere that is certified to be safe. You need to ask the locals to identify the level of difficulty of a particular route. In this way, you will have peace of mind that your kids will be fine throughout the session.
Of course, you have to make sure that the weather is beautiful while you are kayaking. Adults can easily shrug off strong wind and rain, but imagine the panic that these elements can induce to children.
Tip 2: Instill The Concept Of Safety
Safety should be an inherent trait. Humans became the apex predator because we are more cautious than other creatures that are roaming in this world.
You can inculcate the same instinct to your children whenever they are going to kayak. While they are still young, you need to teach them that practicing safety procedures is necessary for any outdoor adventures.
Make this as a part of the disciplinary regimen of your little angels. Teach them all the basics. For instance, you need to remind them always that wearing a personal floatation device is a necessary precaution that they should not forget. Even if they can swim, you need to tell them that the water provides a lot of unexpected elements. Without these safety gears, their chances of surviving are at risk.
Also, remind them of the following things:
Tip 3: Know What To Bring
Kayaking is more than just the paddle and the boat. You have to make your children realize that. Kids always have this sense of unrestricted excitement. They would immediately jump into things without thinking of their repercussions. Compared to adults, kids are not that cerebral and rational. These things make these pure, and you should protect it at all cost.
But of course, broadening their minds is another thing. When it comes to kayaking, you need to teach them everything--including the stuff that they should take on their trip. I have made a checklist of all the kayaking essentials. In this way, you can have an idea of what to bring for a particular session.
For starters, food and water are two of the things that every kayaker should not forget. Replenishments are crucial because kayaking can be exhausting leisure. Even if you haven't completed your route, your body can experience weariness already. If you don't have amenities like freeze-dried food, you won't last in the adventure.
You can say that your young ones are bursting with energy. However, keep in mind that their bodies have limits. You need to remind them to bring their energy foods. On a lighter note, eating while floating in the water is leisure that your kids should be able to relish.
Bottom Line
When kayaking with your kids, it is essential that you can teach them to have fun. Just like what my folks did, I was reminded that kayaking is for fun and nothing else. Your children should see it as a stress-reliever and a venue for relaxation and relieving them from their mundane activities.
You can ensure that they can embrace kayaking by giving them the right amenities. For instance, providing the best kayak for kids can spice up their interest in this activity. The right kayak can make the safe and comfortable while they are on the water.
That's it for now. If you have questions related to kayaking, feel free to drop them in the comment section below.
Now that you have acquired a piece of new knowledge about kayaking, I hope that you can do more in the water. Of course, let me emphasize that the right kayak will be able to change the way you can traverse the water and enjoy your time there. If you want to know the beginner's kayak, lake kayaks, river kayaks, ocean kayaks, touring kayaks, recreational kayaks, kayak for dogs, inflatable kayaks, sit-on-top kayaks, tandem kayaks, pedal kayaks, and cost-efficient kayaks, I have them listed in this blog. Check out all the types of kayaks here and see what the market can offer to you.