K ayaking at an early age can help your kid start loving the outdoors more than the indoors. He or she will easily get attached to family trips in nature, especially those that take place near a water source, be it a river, lake or sea. However, while it is fun to take your kids with you on your river trips, they will need equipment fit for their age and size. So, without further ado, to help you determine which kayak will meet your and your kid’s needs, we offer you our best recommendations.
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Compact, made from polyethylene, measuring 108 inches in length, 31 inches in width and 18 inches in depth, it weighs 44 pounds and it is able to support up to 325 pounds. It has a Tri-hull combination for smoother water glide, and a comfortable, 4-way adjustable seat, with back support. It has 2 decks, both secured with bungee cord for you to be able to safely keep your luggage on board, one placed in front and the other placed in the rear. It has 2 lateral molded-in handles for easier transport and thanks to its bright color it’s easy to keep an eye on it. Thanks to its asymmetric design, you can have clean strokes, maximizing your efficiency while minimizing your fatigue.
Stable and secure, featuring a sit-on-top style of paddling, with a large open cockpit, you can be sure your 10 years old kid, and older, will be safe when venturing on the bay or intercostal waters. It has self-bailing scupper holes to prevent it from sinking and a paddle holder with a molded-in design. It also offers graduated footwalls for different kid heights. It comes with a 2.3 m aluminum paddle, and thanks to its square stern fishtails it will offer you a fast ride at a steady pace.
Additional features
Push-button breakdown for easy storage and adjustable blade feathering from either 0° or 60° angle for either right- or left-handed control
Eyelets accessories and cup holders
Asymmetrical blade design with dihedral shape allows a smooth, efficient stroke and helps lessen fatigue
PROS
CONS
Stable and steady
Lots of storage space
Asymetric design for clean strokes
Spacious cockpit
Some complained about the seat position
There were some complaints about it not being time resistant
VERDICT
A great way to tackle the waters, it provides you with a stable, smooth but fast run. Thanks to its adjustable seat and several foot support angles, your kid can use it even when he or she gets older, without having to worry about it not fitting anymore.
Lifetime Youth 90477
2. Lifetime Youth 90477
Designed for kids ages 5 years and up, it measures 72 inches in length, 24 inches in width and 9 inches in height, and it is able to support up to 130 pounds. It weighs 18 pounds, thus it is lightweight and easy to store or maneuver around, while its 1.5-inch draft and hull are made from high-density polyethylene, thus it is sturdy and durable. Moreover, the hull features with anti-slip design, while the reverse chine will provide increased stability. It provides your kid with a stable paddling platform, thanks to its wide stance, while the sloped back end provides not only an optimal position but also a comfortable one.
The swim-up steps will allow the rider to easily climb back up in case he or she has fallen out of the boat. The twin fin design will provide additional assistance in tracking, while thanks to its molded finger-handle it will ease its transportation process. It has scupper holes to help quickly drain the cockpit area, and multiple footrest positions for different rider sizes. UV-protected, it can sustain intense sun exposure without the color fading, cracking or splitting. It also comes with a youth paddle included, and with a limited 5-year warranty from the moment of your purchase.
PROS
CONS
Lightweight and portable
Quick re-entry system
Paddle included
Some complained about its time resistance
There were some complaints about the drain holes
VERDICT
All in all, it offers you and your kid a great way to explore the waters regardless of where you choose to spend your holiday. Thanks to the quick re-entry system it comes with your child can easily climb back up even if he or she happened to slip out, while thanks to its colorful design you can easily keep an eye on your kid, even from a distance.
Best Choice Products SKY3120
3. Best Choice Products SKY3120
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It is designed with an open cockpit, for increased space, side and front handles for easy maneuvering and with easy-roll skeg wheels for a more facile transport. It measures 72 inches in length, 26 inches in width and 7 inches in depth, it weighs 21 pounds and it has a weight capacity of 121 pounds. It is UV resistant, and it comes with a cup and bottle holder, to allow your child to stay hydrated, rear cargo storage, which is securely covered by net lacing and a front storage area, for increased luggage space, which is secured with a bungee cord. It comes with a padded, detachable seat, for increased comfort, while its hull design provides stability. It comes with molded footwalls for security and comfort, and it comes with a two-fin paddle. It is made from high-density polyethylene, and the recommended age is 5 years and older. Additionally, it comes with a 60-day return warranty from the moment of your purchase.
PROS
CONS
Plenty of storage space
Padded backrest
Molded footrests
Two-fin paddle
There were some complaints about the paddle
Some complained about the backrest
VERDICT
Easy to transport and maneuver around, it comes with plenty of storage space. Thanks to the open cockpit your child can easily climb back in, while the hull shape provides increased stability. It comes with a padded backrest for increased comfort and molded foot walls for additional support.
SUNDOLPHIN 51675
4. SUNDOLPHIN 51675
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It measures 96 inches in length, 28 inches in width and weighs 27 pounds. Made from rugged UV-stabilized Fortiflex, with high-density polyethylene, it comes with an adjustable padded seat back that will keep you comfortable during your whole trip, and it is able to support up to 260 pounds. It has several storage compartments which will not only improve your trip’s overall conditions, but that will increase the kayak’s maneuverability and transportation, as well. Thus, thanks to its recessed drink holder you can take with you any type of drink you wish, as you can keep it close at hand. It has a convenient molded-in paddle holder while thanks to its fore and after carrying handles you won’t have any trouble getting it in and out of your car or getting it to water. If the storage space is still not enough, you can take advantage of the onboard storage deck, secured with shock cord, to prevent your items from falling over. Best used by kids ages 12 and up, it can be safely taken on rivers and lakes.
PROS
CONS
Several storage spaces
Sturdy and durable
Comfortable seat
Easy to transport
Some complained about its sides being too high to be able to paddle comfortably
There were some complaints about it being unstable
VERDICT
It provides with a lot of storage space, to help you take all the stuff you consider necessary for your trip, without the need of worrying where to put them. Easy to transport and use, it comes with a comfortable seat that will sustain your back on your trip, and provides you with a great way to admire lakes and rivers right from the middle of them.
Sun Dolphin Camino 8 SS
5. Sun Dolphin Camino 8 SS
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Designed for kids ages 10 and up, it measures 96 inches in length,31 and 1/2 inches in width and 12 inches in height, while it is able to support up to 225 pounds. It weighs 40 pounds, it is made from rugged UV-stabilized Fortiflex high-density polyethylene. It provides your kid with maximum stability in the water thanks to its square stern and it features a large open cockpit and adjustable padded seat with backrest for complete comfort.
It has scupper holes to quickly drain the cockpit area and multiple footrest positions for different kid heights. Thanks to its hard shell, it is sturdy and durable, and has molded finger handles on each side of it, for easier maneuverability. It offers a smooth ride and will track great on both calm and mild waters. It does come with a couple of storage compartments, but you can’t really fit much more than the essentials for a day out. It doesn’t come with a paddle.
PROS
CONS
Stable and comfortable
Easy to store and transport
Offers a smooth ride
Some complaints were made about it taking in lots of water
There were some complaints about it being too slow
VERDICT
Great for a relaxing trip on calm waters, it offers stability, durability and a smooth ride. It has a large cockpit, and it provides you with enough storage space for the essentials for an entire day. It is easy to store and carry as well.
Old Town Heron Junior Kayak
6. Old Town Heron Junior Kayak
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It measures 7 feet and 5 inches in length, it has a width of 25 iunches and it weights weights 26 pounds, thus making it lightwieht thus extremely easy to move around. It comes wih ta low deck height, 10.5 inches and it has a large and open cockipit, measuring 35” by 16.25”, thus providing your kid with easy entry and exit.
It has a weight capacity of 115 pounds, and it comes with a tethered tag-along system which will allow you to attach it to your kayak and pull your child along on those annoying windy days, or if your little one becomes tired of a day-worth of paddling. Additionally, it comes with a contoured and padded seat, which has a backrest designed in height and width to be comfortable for kids and provide them with intuitive control of their paddles and kayak.
Furthermore, it has an increased safety feature, as it has 3 oversized foam flotation parts installed inside it to keep the kayak floating even if there’s water inside. Thanks to its durable molded handles, it will provide you with a quick and easy way to load it and transport it around.
PROS
CONS
Contoured seat
Tag-along system
Durable and compact
It doesn’t come with footrests
It doesn’t come with a paddle
VERDICT
It provides your kid with a safe way of enjoying family trips on lakes. Made with increased safety measures, the kayak will not sink regardless of water entering inside, while thanks to its cushioned and contoured seat, your child will be able to be comfortable during the entire trip.
SUNDOLPHIN 52210
7. SUNDOLPHIN 52210
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It measures 72 inches in length, 25 and ¼ inches in width and 8 inches in height and it weighs 28 pounds. It is made from rugged UV-stabilized Fortiflex high-density polyethylene, and it is able to support up to 140 pounds. It has an open cockpit which allows for easy entry and a large comfortable seating area with several feet supports and protective thigh pads. Its structure is a mix of rigid and hard shell, and it has a ‘V’-shaped hull bottom with a soft chine while its deck height is 8 inches. It has a molded-in paddle holder and it comes with a paddle. At the back, it has a platform which can serve as a quick climb-up if your kid has slipped out, or as a ‘fishing’ area. Best used by kids aged between 5 and 10 years old, it is best to be taken to flat, sheltered, calm waters. Easy to store and transport, it doesn’t require extra cable or lifts.
PROS
CONS
Stable and safe
Comes with the paddle included
Easy to store and transport
There were some complaints about the paddle’s quality
Some complained about it being bulky, slow and bad at taking turns
VERDICT
Stable, regardless of what lake or slow river you take it to, it has bright and eye-catching colors to help you monitor your kid wherever he or she ventures. Thanks to the platform it has on the back, your kid can easily climb back in if he or she has slipped out.
Lifetime Lotus
8. Lifetime Lotus
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It measures 30 inches in width, 8 feet in length, with a draft of 3 inches and it weighs 38 pounds. It is made from UV-protected high-density polyethylene and it is able to support a weight up to 250 pounds. The paddle it comes with measures 86.6 inches in length and is made of molded polymer and aircraft grade aluminum. Additionally, the hull design provides your kid with ultra-stability and tracking. It has several footrest positions for different paddlers, so even when your kid grows older, he or she can still use it.
It comes with an adjustable quick-release seat with back support for a more comfortable position while paddling and it has a tank well storage with a bungee cord lacing to secure items. It has front and rear T-shaped handles and center-carry handles for easier transportation. Additionally, it has 5 self-bailing scupper holes, to drain water from the cockpit and from the tank as well. It will glide smoothly on all types of water – ponds, rivers, and intercostal waterways – and it is best suited for kids ages 15 or older. It has a 5-year limited warranty from the moment of your purchase.
PROS
CONS
Comes with paddle included
Stable and easy to transport
Ability to store items onboard
Limited color choice
Some complained about it being slow
VERDICT
Safe and stable, offering you easy transportation and maneuverability, it has the paddles included. It has a seat with back support, for a more comfortable ride and it offers you enough space to securely carry with you whatever items you see necessary for your water-trip.
Intex Challenger K1
9. Intex Challenger K1
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It measures 2.6 feet in width, 15 inches in height and 9 feet in length, weighing 27.2 pounds and it can support up to 220 pounds. It is made from durable, heavy-duty and puncture-resistant rugged vinyl, with an eye-catching welded design for more safety. It has two separated air chambers, for additional security, Boston valves for quick inflation and deflation, and an inflatable I-beam floor for rigidity. It has a cockpit, and a removable, adjustable seat designed for comfort and space, with a closed deck for stability and safety and a cargo net where you can store your items.
It has a grab line on both ends for easier maneuverability while its directional movement skeg is removable. NMMA Certified, as it complies with ABYC standards, it is also TUV approved, and it is safe to be taken on lakes and slow rivers, by kids age 11 or older. It comes with an 84-inch long aluminum oar, a repair patch kit, a manual and a high-output pump for easier setup. Moreover, it comes with a carry-bag which allows you to keep all accessories in one place. It also has a 30-day return policy from the moment of your purchase.
PROS
CONS
Comfortable and detachable seat
Two separated air chambers
Oar included
Compact and lightweight
Quick to set up
There were some complaints about it deflating after few uses
Some complained about it being uncomfortable
VERDICT
Thanks to its 2 separated air chamber and I-beam floor, you can rest assured as it will not let you down in the middle of a lake. Easy to set up and deflate, it offers you stability, safety, and durability during a linear and smooth journey on lakes and slow rivers. Additionally, it comes with all the necessary accessories for a safe trip, and it provides you with a carry bag so you can store them easily.
Sit-on-Top VS Sit-Inside
Regardless of what you need your kayak for, you will have to choose eventually between the two existing types: sit-on-top and sit-inside. While both versions are made with single or double seats in mind, they also come with hard shells or inflatable designs. They share two similarities: both have seats, some may come padded and with back support, others will not – and a form of foot support.
If you plan on making a prolonged journey – a whole day – it is best to choose one that has pedals as feet support, as they are more comfortable and ergonomic, and one with already built-in back support for more convenience.
Sit-on-Top
It has a design which provides the user with an open cockpit, and with lots of free space. It looks similar to a surfboard, and it is, most of the times, used for fishing, scuba diving, and even surfing. It has small draining holes on the bottom, thus providing you with a quick way to get rid of any amount of unwanted water.
Advantages
It is unsinkable because if the kid’s kayak happens to be turned over by a wave, wind or sudden movements, and your kids finds himself in water, all you have to do is simply flip it on the other side and you’re good to go once again. Additionally, it provides you with quick gear access as it has a lot of space, so you can easily store several items and gear. It is comfortable for large people, as well, thanks to its wide cockpit while it is less expensive since it is thinner and doesn’t require so much material.
Drawbacks
While its wide design might be seen as an advantage most of the times it can pose a disadvantage at times. Because it has a wider design than its counterparts, it is slower and harder to maneuver, and it also requires more effort from the user, as the paddle will have to be longer in order for it to reach the water. It can be unstable at times because of its high gravity center and wide beamwidth. So it is advised for you not to do sudden moves. Since it has nothing to protect you against the wind, you will feel the full force of the elements whenever they manifest while because of the holes it has for easier water drainage, it will have some amount of water present at all times.
Sit-Inside
It has an enclosed cockpit, thus it resembles the traditional design more than its counterpart. It is narrower, thus faster, with the gravity center placed lower, into the water. It has no draining holes, so you will be safe and dry at the end of your journey.
Advantages
It is best for recreational paddle or camp trips, as it allows you to view the beauty of nature at your own pace. You won’t have to worry about water getting in, as it has no holes in its design and it provides you with stability, being less likely to be tipped over by sudden moves. It is narrow, so it provides you with more speed and easy maneuverability, as it doesn’t require longer paddles. It provides you with a comfortable position during your trip, as you won’t have to put in an additional effort to propel yourself forward. Additionally, only your upper body part will be exposed to the elements’ wrath, as your lower part will be protected by the cockpit and will be slightly submerged underwater.
Drawbacks
Because of its narrow design, it might make you feel confined while making entering and reentering inside it a bit difficult if it tips over. It can be easily sunk if the water manages to slip inside and you will need a pump, regardless of its type, to quickly take the water out. It has low initial stability, so it will take you a bit of effort to get inside, at first. Additionally, it provides you with limited space, as there is not very much room for you to bring your equipment or gear with you. Thus, not only will you be limited by storage space, but you will have to keep in mind the size of the objects you want to take with you, as they will have to be able to fit through the hatches.
Sit-on-Top VS Sit-Inside
Sit-on-Top
Sit-Inside
Wide and slow
Narrow and fast
Unstable in the long run
Stable in the long run
Limited maneuverability and control
Quick response to direction changes
Full exposure to elements
Partial exposure to elements
Certain amount of water present inside it all times
No water inside it
The Right Paddle Size
It’s not enough to have a fitting kayak to have a pleasant trip on a lake or a river, but you’ll also need a fitting paddle. However, picking the right type might prove to be a challenge for a beginner, as choosing the paddle type depends on several factors: the kayak type, the paddler’s height and built, and the preferred stroke type.
Kayak Type
Usually, kayaks can be classified into 4 different groups: less than 23 inches long, 24 to 28 inches long, 29 – 33 inches long, and over 34 inches long. You’ll have to keep in mind that a wide kayak will require a long paddle, as the paddler will have to be able to reach beyond the gunwales to maintain a proper form. Depending on the paddler’s height, the paddle length will differ accordingly. In the table below we provide you with the paddle length expressed in cm and the way, it changes according to the paddler’s height and kayak’s width.
Paddler Height
Kayak Width
< 23”
24” – 28”
29” – 33”
> 34”
< 5’5”
210 cm
220 cm
230 cm
240 cm
5’5” – 5’11’
220 cm
230 cm
240 cm
250 cm
6’+
220 cm
230 cm
250 cm
260 cm
Body Type and Stroke
While two paddlers might have the same height, it might be distributed differently depending on the body build. If you’re going to use the height as a measuring factor, then you’ll have to take into account the torso. To do so, you’ll have to measure it from between your legs, straight up to the tip of your nose. This will help you determine the paddle length.
Additionally, you’ll have to consider the angle you’re using while paddling, as well as the type of stroke you’re going to use. Do you find more comfortable a powerful, high, but less acute stroke, or do you prefer lower, more relaxed ones? Take a look at the chart below and pick the one that suits you best.
Verdict
Family outings are always a great way to allow your children to have fun, while still being able to keep an eye on them. While kayaking is always fun when you’re in a group, kids need different types of boats depending on their paddling style, size, and age. For example,Ocean Kayak Frenzy, a sit-on-top style is a great way for beginners to try out the water, thanks to its large deck which comes with plenty of storage area, as well. It provides the paddler with freedom, and thanks to its design, it will minimize the fatigue while paddling.
However, if your child is an intermediate or advanced paddler, then, surely, SUNDOLPHIN 51675 will suit him or her. It comes with a comfortable seat, while still providing you with plenty of storage space under the deck. Not to mention that it will optimize your kid’s strokes, minimizing the weariness of the trip. But no matter which above-mentioned model you decide to try out, your kids will surely have fun.
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