Kayak For Kids

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.

Top 9 Kayaks For Kids Comparison

Photo	Product Name	Dimension	Weight	Maximum Capacity	Age	Material	Paddle Included	Price
Best Overall	1.Ocean Kayak Frenzy	108 x 31 x 18 inches	44 pounds	325 pounds	10+	Polyethylene		Check Price
Our Choice	2. Lifetime Youth 90477	72 x 24 x 9 inches	18 pounds	130 pounds	5+	UV-protected high-density polyethylene		Check Price
	3. Best Choice Products SKY3120	72 x 26 x 7 inches	21 pounds	121 pounds	5+	High-density polyethylene		Check Price
Best for Intermediate-Advanced Paddlers	4. SUNDOLPHIN 51675	96 x 28 x 16 inches	27 pounds	260 pounds	12+	Rugged UV-stabilized Fortiflex, with high-density polyethylene		Check Price
	5. Sun Dolphin Camino 8 SS	96 x 31 x 12 inches	40 pounds	225 pounds	10+	Rugged UV-stabilized Fortiflex high-density polyethylene		Check Price
Best for Beginners	6.Old Town Heron Junior Kayak	25 x 84.5 inches	26 pounds	115 pounds	5+	Single-layer polyethylene		Check Price
	7. SUNDOLPHIN 52210	72 x 24 x 8 inches	28 pounds	140 pounds	5 – 10	Rugged UV-stabilized Fortiflex high-density polyethylene		Check Price
Best for Teenagers	8.Lifetime Lotus	96 x 30 x 10 inches	38 pounds	250 pounds	15+	UV-protected high-density polyethylene		Check Price
Best Budget-friendly	9. Intex Challenger K1	108 x 30 x 13 inches	27.2 pounds	220 pounds	11+	Heavy-duty and puncture-resistant rugged vinyl		Check Price

1. Ocean Kayak Frenzy

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 inches and it weighs 26 pounds, thus making it lightweight thus extremely easy to move around. It comes with a low deck height, 10.5 inches and it has a large and open cockpit, 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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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

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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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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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. So, to help you make an informed decision, let’s review them quickly:

Best Overall : Ocean Kayak Frenzy
For example, Ocean Kayak Frenzy with its 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. The design will minimize fatigue while paddling, while the 4-way adjustable seat with a back support makes it a perfect choice for kids 10 years old and older.

Our Choice : Lifetime Youth 90477
Available in bright colors and made from UV-protected high-density polyethylene, Lifetime Youth 90477 is sturdy, durable and easy to keep track of. Usable by kids ages 5 years and up, it offers a sit-on-top design for increased stability. In case a wave does flip it, there are swim-up steps that allow your little one to return safely to the kayak. For increased convenience, it comes with a youth paddle included.

Best for Intermediate-Advanced Paddlers : a href=”#4_SUNDOLPHIN_51675″>SUNDOLPHIN 51675
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. It is made from sturdy rugged UV Fortiflex, and it comes with molded-in handles for easy maneuverability.

Best for Beginners : Old Town Heron Junior Kayak
If your child is just starting on his/her kayak adventure, Old Town Heron Junior Kayak provides a safe way to start. Made for beginners, as it can be used by kids with ages of 5 years and older, it is made from a single layer of polyethylene which comes with a sit-inside design. This will allow your child to safely paddle regardless of the water temperature, as the kayak will maintain an even, dry heat.

Best for Teenagers : Lifetime Lotus
Perfect for tackling several types of water bodies, like ponds, rivers, and even intercoastal waterways, Lifetime Lotus can be safely used by kids older than 15 years. With a sit-on-top design, it will provide stability and will be harder to flip over. It comes with several footrests for a comfortable paddling position, and it comes with an adjustable quick-release seat that provides back support.

Best Budget-friendly Kayak for Kids : Intex Challenger K1
You don’t necessarily have to spend hundreds of dollars on a kayak when Intex Challenger K1 comes with an asking price for all pockets. But don’t let that factor trick you into thinking it can’t deliver high-quality. On the contrary, it has a generous weight capacity, which enables your child to pack the important items, while the adjustable seat provides comfort and spaces. Durable and sturdy, it is best suited for kids age 11 and older.