

I would start there and then upgrade as your child gets older and more skilled.Īs a note, you may want to add a long rope to the kayak for safety. They’re easy to use, easy to get back on if they tip, and nearly indestructible. Sit on top model kayaks tend to be great choices for a child’s first kayak. Once you know if your children actually enjoy the sport and want to continue with it, you can upgrade. Particularly for your first kayak you’ll want something simple, cheap, and durable. Not only are they shorter, there are a few other features you should be on the lookout for when you choose a kayak for your kids.įirst, keep it simple. What Makes a Good Kids KayakĬhildren’s kayaks are a bit different from adults. It does come with a paddle, but don’t be fooled – it’s 84” long and way too big for small children. Some users complain that the back rest isn’t as supportive as it could be, but this can be fixed with a simple folding seat sports chair addition if needed.

However, it is a full-size kayak which mean you’ll want to graduate the kids into this kayak once they hit their teen years. Don’t worry though, there’s an included foot pump so you won’t run out of breath trying to puff it up like the Big Bad Wolf.Īt just 27 pounds the kayak can handle a load of 220 which is a pretty impressive ratio. Using durable inflatable materials, the kayak can be inflated with the included foot pump and is ready to go in almost no time flat.

When deflated it fits easily in the trunk or back of an SUV. The kayak is based around a welded aluminum frame which is compact and lightweight. Let’s take a look at how they accomplish this! It’s a real kayak that’s meant to paddle just like any other. This is a bit different from the kayaks we introduced you to above. This is a great addition that most won’t even notice but will add much to the effectiveness of the boat! 3. Without these fins, paddling such a short boat would be difficult to steer for novice kayakers. With deep lengthwise fins running the length of the boat, it’s made to track straight in the water. Plus, there’s a sloped deck at the back of the boat that’s made specifically so that it’s easier for kids to get back in the boat if it does tip.īecause it’s such a short boat and children tend to be novice paddlers, Lifetime designed this boat a bit different. In case the kayak tips, the water will easily drain out without much effort at all. To make things even simpler, it’s a sealed hull sit on top design which means its self-bailing.

With a total weight capacity of 130 pounds the kids will be able to use this for years. Since kids grow so fast you may end up replacing the paddle for one of the correct size as they age but it’s a minor factor. It’s got an included paddle so you don’t even need to worry about picking one up. I love that they make the process simple by offering a durable and simplistic boat that gets the job done. This is a boat I would recommend to anyone looking for a bomb proof child’s kayak at a great price. Lifetime makes a solid kayak and their youth model is no different. Lifetime Youth 6 Feet Wave Kayak with Paddle It’s not all bad though because this way you can buy a high-quality paddle that’s actually the correct size for your young kayaker! Besides, the padded foam seat makes up for it with a nice addition to the comfort factor. One thing I would have liked to see is an included paddle at this price point. Plus, it’s a nice enough kayak that your child may not progress beyond it in terms of skill. When you consider that this boat could easily last your child 10 years, the price tag seems quite reasonable. I wish Old Town could bring the price down a bit, but it’s really not that bad. With a max load of 100-115 pounds you’ll want to make sure you upgrade the kids to a full-size kayak by the time they reach this threshold. However, the boat only weighs 26 pounds so most adults will be able to easily carry this boat with one hand. There is a front and rear handle for carrying. True to a simplistic design, the traditional hull of this cockpit only sports a few add ons. I’ve seen these boats stand up to years of use and abuse so there’s no doubt you can keep this kayak in the family for generations. Old Town makes a great kayak for recreational users. Old Town Canoes & Kayaks Heron Junior Kids Kayak Review Here’s a selection of kayaks I would recommend for kids: 1. CHECK LATEST PRICE Best Kayaks for Kids: 3 Ideal Kayaks For Kids
