The Best 5 Kayaks for Kids With Paddles in 2022

Kayaking is a fun activity that all the family can get involved with. Spending time with each other in the outdoors provides a great opportunity to bond.

Kids kayaking has become popular in recent years. Kids find they enjoy being out on the water and may want to learn how to paddle in their own kids kayak.

In this guide, we review some of the best kids kayak products available.

5 of the best kids kayak products

1. Youth Wave Kayak (With Paddle)

The Youth Wave Kayak is a sit on top kayak that comes with a paddle and is available in a bright, lime green color. This will make it easier to spot your kids when they are out on the water.

This kayak is for kids of all ages, and is a single person kayak. It has a reverse chine for increased stability. The ergonomic cockpit design also helps with balance. It has a swim up step to make it easy for kids to get in and out of the kayak. The dimensions are width 24 inches and length 72 inches.

For extra safety, you can attach a kayak paddle leach to secure it to your kayak. This means your kids will never float too far away from you.

The Youth Wave Kayak is a great first kayak for kids who want to learn how to paddle solo. It is easy to handle and paddle, as well as being light to maneuver.

2. Lifetime Youth 6 Feet Wave Kayak with Paddle

The Lifetime Youth 6 Feet Wave Kayak is suitable for kids aged 5 years and above, or up to 130lbs. It’s manufactured from high density polyethylene, providing strength and durability. These are important features when out on the water, especially for kids.

It has a wide stance that provides a stable paddling platform, keeping your kids in the kayak. It also has a swim up step to make it easy to get back into the kayak from the water.

This kayak has a comfortable design with multiple footrest positions. This provides stability for your kids. It will ensure they feel confident when paddling. The kayak also comes with a double-sided paddle.

The Lifetime Youth 6 Feet Wave Kayak is ideal for recreational kids kayaking. It is extremely stable and so will give you peace of mind when your kids are out on the water. It is also lightweight with finger handles so you can easily transport it.

3. Sun Dolphin Bali 6-Foot Sit-on-top Kayak

The Sun Dolphin Bali kayak comes with a large, comfortable seating area. This feature makes it a great kayak choice for kids of all ages. It has an open cockpit style, which means access to the kayak is simple. Graduated footwells can also accommodate various heights.

The kayak tracks and paddles with ease, providing stability and durability. There is also a convenient paddle holder, and a paddle comes with the kayak.

The dimensions of this kayak are length 72 inches and width 24 inches. The weight capacity is 140lbs.

The Sun Dolphin Bali kayak is perfect for family fun on a lake or river. It is very lightweight and so easy for kids to maneuver. The bright ocean blue color ensures your kids are quickly spotted on the water. This provides additional safety.

4. Intex Challenger K1 Kayak

The Intex Challenger K1 kayak is an inflatable kayak that is suitable for older kids. It’s made of durable welded material and is best used on a slow-moving river or lake. It also comes with an 84-inch aluminum oar.

Comfort is a major feature of this kayak. The cockpit has a streamlined design to maximize space. The inflatable floor and seat with backrest provides extra comfort. The inflatable floor also offers stability, so you can be sure your kids are secure in this kayak.

Don’t be put off with it being an inflatable kayak. It is made with heavy duty puncture-resistant vinyl and has 2 separate air chambers. Boston valves allow for quick inflation and deflation. It also comes with a manual air pump and repair kit for extra peace of mind.

An extra feature of this kayak is a cargo net, which makes it easy to store extra gear. Perfect if you are planning a day trip down the river.

The Intex Challenger K1 kayak is ideal for kids who want to join the family on a fun paddle down the river. It also looks great with funky art graphics!

5. Ocean Kayak Banzai Kids Kayak

The Ocean Kayak Banzai kids kayak is great for beginner kids kayaking. It’s lightweight, and with a slimline shape, it is easy to maneuver on and off the water. It comes in a green and white color, which is unusual and will stand out.

It has a lower profile deck and comfortable seat, which makes it easier for kids with shorter arms to paddle. There is also a tag-and-tow system, so you can ensure your kids don’t stray too far away from your own kayak.

The Ocean Kayak Banzai is great for kids of all ages – they will have a lot of fun on the water with this one. It tracks straight and is easy to handle. There is no drain hole, so you may get wet, but isn’t that all part of the fun of kids kayaking?! All in all, this kayak is perfect for casual kids kayaking.

Benefits of kids kayaking

Kayaking is a low-impact activity that can help kids improve their fitness. Plus, they will have have fun at the same time. They will become more aware of their bodies and want to take care of them.

Kayaking also helps to teach kids vital life skills. These include problem solving, persistence and communication skills. They will need to learn how to paddle and overcome any obstacles in the water. They will also learn how to listen to, and respond to, instructions.

Kayaking is also a peaceful way to spend time. It can encourage kids to appreciate the beauty of nature and the outdoors.

Things to consider with kids kayaking

The most important thing to consider is the safety of the kids. Before getting out on the water in a kayak, kids should be comfortable with swimming.

Kids will likely be less skilled than adults at kayaking. If it is the first time they have kayaked solo, they will need to build their confidence on the water. The choice of kids kayak will help them to do this.

A kayak that is smaller in size will help kids to control the kayak better. This will help them improve their paddling skills.

The conditions of the water should also be suitable for kids. Calm, quiet waters will be easier for new kayakers than busier waters with rapids.

Conclusion

Kids kayaking is a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy together. With a variety of kids kayak options available, you will be able to find the perfect kayak to suit your kids’ needs.

Most kids kayaks are easy to handle on the water, with simple entry. You can also find options to tow their kayak by connecting it to yours. This will give you peace of mind that they are never too far away.

So, whether your kids are learning to paddle, or have been kayaking for a while, there is a suitable kayak for them.