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A small and stable kids’ inflatable paddle board provides maximum fun at sea, helping children build confidence on the water from their very first offshore adventure. Paddle boarding is an excellent activity for children, offering a blend of excitement, physical exercise, and a chance to connect with nature. This guide will cover everything you need to know about kids and paddle boarding, from the appropriate age to start, to choosing the right board and essential safety tips.
What Age Can Kids Paddle Board?
Children as young as two can learn the basics of paddle boarding. If your child can sit up on their own, they can join you on the front of your paddle board as you paddle, and maybe even practice a bit of paddling themselves. To ensure safety, always paddle in a safe, controlled environment with flat water and no strong currents. Stay within arm’s reach of your child at all times, and ensure they’re wearing a properly sized and fitted life jacket. Generally, between ages 6 and 8, a child will be ready to graduate to their board.
Choosing a Paddle Board for Kids
Selecting the right paddle board for your child is crucial for their enjoyment and safety. The best paddle board for kids should be around eight feet long and 28 to 30 inches wide. A light overall weight is important so your child can carry their board to and from the water. Easy grab handles help with this, too. Textured deck pads, which boost grip, are a key feature, as is a durable, puncture-resistant construction (PVC is a good choice). Accessories like bungee cord storage space, a leash, a pump, an adjustable paddle, and a carry backpack are also beneficial.
Budget Considerations
Like a kids’ bike, your child will eventually outgrow their paddle board. By their teens, they will likely prefer to use adult paddle boards. It’s important to keep costs down when purchasing a kids’ inflatable paddle board. Aim to spend between $200 and $250 on a reliable, durable kids’ paddle board. This ensures you avoid cheap, low-quality boards but also don’t overspend on an item your child will eventually outgrow.
Sizing a Kids’ Paddle Board
The ideal kids’ paddle boards are around eight feet long. This length offers the perfect blend of maneuverability, stability, and performance for most children. Younger children, typically under five or six, are usually best off riding on the front of an adult’s board. As they grow older and more confident, they can transition to using their board.
Paddle Boarding in the Ocean
Anyone can paddle board in the ocean with the right experience and gear. However, ocean paddle boarding is much more challenging than flatwater paddling due to waves and currents. If you plan an ocean paddle boarding trip, practice in a sheltered, calm body of water—such as a marina or inlet—before heading out into the open ocean. Always use a leash and wear a life jacket for safety.
Teaching Kids to Paddle Board
Start by practicing on land (without fins on the board) to familiarize your child with the board and paddle. Find a calm, shallow area of water to practice climbing on and off the board and paddling while kneeling. Once your child is comfortable kneeling, help them stand up slowly, keeping their knees bent and focusing on balance. Offer positive encouragement and gradually increase the duration and distance of paddling sessions.
Paddle Boarding with a Toddler
Even the smallest children can hang out on the front of an adult paddle board while you paddle around. However, it’s recommended that your child be at least two years old and able to sit up on their own. Ensure they are wearing a properly sized and fitted personal floatation device (PFD) and that you’re paddling in a calm, controlled body of water, without wind, waves, or strong currents.
Life Jackets for Paddle Boarders
Laws vary from state to state, but the most common law is that one Coast Guard-approved personal floatation device (PFD) is required per person on all watercraft, including paddle boards. Although adults aren’t legally required to wear their PFD, paddlers under 13 years of age must wear one at all times. PFDs only work when you wear them, so it is recommended that all paddle boarders wear properly fitted and sized PFDs at all times.
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