a full-size kayak may be difficult to handle on their own<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe width and depth of some cockpits make it hard for shorter arms and torsos to reach the water and paddle effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Choosing a boat that is a little narrower without compromising stability<\/strong> will counteract this.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe same goes for the length of the kayak. Choose a boat that\u2019s shorter <\/strong>(9-feet or less).<\/p>\n\n\n\nShorter kayaks move easier with less force required to maintain cruising speed<\/strong>. Shorter keels are also more maneuverable.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe drawback to a shorter boat is tracking can be subpar which can be frustrating in wind, waves, or surf. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Check the boat\u2019s load capacity<\/strong>, an indicator of how much weight the boat can carry.<\/p>\n\n\n\nLoading a kayak past its load capacity can make them sit lower in the water where they are less responsive and more liable to tip over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sit-In vs. Sit-On-Top Kids Kayak<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThere are several key differences between the two primary kayak designs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sit-in<\/strong> kayaks protect your legs and lower torso <\/strong>from rain and splashing water, especially if you\u2019re wearing a spray skirt that wraps around the outer combing of the cockpit.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBecause you\u2019re sitting inside the boat, your center of gravity remains close to the water which makes sit-in kayaks more stable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This allows them to be more streamlined and efficient<\/strong> without compromising the boat\u2019s stability.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThey\u2019re popular choices if you\u2019re focused on performance or live in a cold, wet environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sit-On-Top<\/strong> kayaks are more susceptible to splashing waves and as such keep you higher above the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThis can make them less stable so they\u2019re generally wider<\/strong> which can make them slower and less responsive<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThey tend to be recreational kayaks<\/strong> although some higher-end models are designed for fishing<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nInflatable Vs. Hard-Sided Youth Kayak<\/h3>\n\n\n\n In most cases, inflatable kayaks<\/strong> are cheaper and used for recreational trips on calm water.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThey\u2019re more durable<\/strong> than you may think thanks to a tough nylon exterior<\/strong> as long as you avoid serious collisions. <\/p>\n\n\n\nThe simpler design and material make inflatables cheaper but they don\u2019t perform as well. Many are blown off course in windy conditions<\/strong> and the bulkier design can slow them down. <\/p>\n\n\n\nHard-sided boats<\/strong> are more diverse with specific designs for every type of paddling.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPerformance is often much better<\/strong>, particularly with sit-in kayaks that are more streamlined. You\u2019ll find a lot more storage space and in many cases watertight hatches.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTandem Vs. Single Kid Kayak<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re looking to start your paddling career with a friend, you may prefer a tandem to a pair of singles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tandems are larger with a longer keel meaning that two coordinated paddlers can go faster than single kayaks. In many cases, there\u2019s more storage space and tandems are more stable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paddling a tandem<\/strong> with your child can provide more peace of mind and ensure that they stay close.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe greater stability is a big bonus <\/strong>and if they tire or get bored it\u2019s easier to get them back to shore.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIf you have more than one child, some tandems have room for a smaller third person<\/strong> if you want to bring more than one kid out at a time. <\/p>\n\n\n\nEssential Kayak Features for Kids<\/h3>\n\n\n\n In addition to the safety features you should bring on every kayak trip (life jacket, warm clothing, etc) there are a few more accessories you may want to consider for your kids. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If they\u2019re paddling their own single, a tow rope <\/strong>allows you to get them safely back to shore should they tire. Always secure your tow rope to a belt or clip that can be easily detached in case of an emergency. <\/p>\n\n\n\nIf you live in a warm climate, swimming may be a part of your family’s paddle day. If this seems likely, make sure your children\u2019s boats are outfitted with a paddle holder <\/strong>that will keep it secure when they jump in.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAnything that will improve a kayak\u2019s performance will go a long way to ensuring an enjoyable experience for both parents and children. Fins and skegs<\/strong> help a kayak track and will compensate for any inconsistencies in your paddle stroke. <\/p>\n\n\n\nA rudder<\/strong> controlled via foot pedals is a bit of a mixed bag. While a rudder can greatly enhance maneuverability, most child\u2019s size kayaks are short enough that they can be turned by any paddler regardless of their experience level. <\/p>\n\n\n\nBest Kayaks for Kids – FAQ<\/h2>\n\n\n\nWhat Type of Kayak Is Best for Children?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Stable kayaks are the best for children because the #1 priority is to make sure they don\u2019t capsize. Additionally, having good speed and maneuverability is important to help your child enjoy the experience and be able to safely avoid obstacles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Are There Kayaks for Kids?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Yes, there are kayaks for kids. These specifically designed kayaks are generally much shorter (between 6 to 8 ft long) and lighter than adult kayaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Can a Child Use a 10-Foot Kayak?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Yes, a child 12 years or older can use a 10-foot kayak safely, especially if they\u2019re tall for their age. That said, if your child is younger than that, we\u2019d recommend getting an 8-ft child kayak instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
best kayak for kids – Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n Stability and safety<\/strong> features should be the primary<\/strong> features<\/strong> you look for when selecting a kayak for your children.<\/p>\n\n\n\nLuckily many entry-level boats have prioritized both of these. I love the Malibu Tandem<\/strong> for its great stability and think paddling with your kids is the best way to introduce them.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBut if you\u2019d rather give them a single kayak, I\u2019d feel confident outfitting them in the Aruba 10<\/strong> from Sun Dolphin.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe fantastic stability and adjustable footpegs mean that it will continue to fit them into adulthood if they stick with the sport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What do you think? What kayaks have your kids loved? Let us know in the comments below.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Here\u2019s the truth: even if you\u2019re an experienced kayaker, you might not know how to pick the best kayak for kids. That\u2019s mainly because the priorities are quite different for children \u2014 it\u2019s not all about speed and maneuverability. Indeed, kayaks for kids come with tons of safety features and prime stability ratings to ensure […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":779,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_titles_title":"9 Best Kayaks for Kids (%%currentyear%% Update) : SAFETY Comes First","_seopress_titles_desc":"Get the best kayak for kids without breaking the bank! These kids kayaks are SAFE, STABLE and will make sure your children have a GREAT\u202fTIME on the water.","_seopress_robots_index":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2146"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2146"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2146\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5789,"href":"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2146\/revisions\/5789"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/779"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2146"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2146"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2146"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}