It’s not as hard as you might think to find the best kids kayak, and we’re here to make it even easier by reviewing 5 of the best kids kayak on the market right now.
All of these kayaks have one thing in common: they are made with your child’s safety and health in mind. Your kid might or might not keep kayaking as a hobby as they get older, but if you get them one of these boats, you’ll be giving them a head start!
One of the best ways for a family to spend time together on the water is to go kayaking. A kayak can take you where you want to go, whether you want to cross a calm lake or a river with rapids.
We’re glad that there are so many more kids’ kayaks on the market now than there were a few years ago, but it does make it harder to choose the best kids’ kayak.
We’ve been kayaking with our kids for over a decade and have tried SO MANY different kayaks for kids over the years, so we’re here to help you find the best kids kayak.
Like kayaks for adults, there are different kinds of kayaks for kids. These kayaks are different from the ones for adults because they are made for kids and have shorter sides to make pedaling easier. There are many different kinds of youth kayaks, so you can get one that is inflatable, sits on top, or can handle whitewater.
This guide will talk about the most common kinds of kayaks for kids. We will also show you some of the best kids kayak that you can buy.
Table of Contents
List Of Best Kids Kayak – Top Picks
Here is a list of our best kids kayak.
1. Lifetime Youth Wave
photo credit – canva.com
The Lifetime Youth Wave is made with kids in mind. This boat is a great addition to the paddling family because it is light and has a reverse chine that makes it more stable.
Even though the Lifetime Youth Wave doesn’t have a seat back, it’s still comfortable for kids of any size to sit in and paddle. The boat is made to be light, which makes it easy to move and store. With molded finger handles and a weight of only 18 pounds, your kids can even carry it themselves, saving you the trouble. The Wave Kayak is 6 feet long and can hold up to 130 pounds of weight. With all of these features, it is one of the best kayaks for kids on the market right now.
The kayak is more stable because of the reverse chine, but your kids may find it hard to steer in anything but the calmest water because of it. Overall, this kayak for kids is a great way for all kids to get started paddling. Read more to get to know more about kids soccer ball.
Pros
- Designed for greater stability
- Paddle is included
- Light in weight
Cons
- Tracking isn’t the best
2. Sun Dolphin Bali 6 Foot
photo credit- canva.com
This is the smallest size of the popular Sun Dolphin Bali series of kayaks for kids. It is perfect for younger paddlers because it is short.
The Sun Dolphin Bali 6 foot has a strong design and extra stable tracking. The hull is made of UV-stabilized Fortiflex polyurethane, which makes it perfect for kids who are more likely to hit rocks and other hard things while kayaking. It also has an easy-entry swim deck built into the hull, so kids of any size can easily jump off and get back on.
Even though this kayak doesn’t have a seat, most people still find it comfortable. The paddle that comes with it isn’t very sturdy, and the self-bailing feature doesn’t work as well as it should. But for kids just starting out, the Sun Dolphin Bali 6 foot is a great choice.
Pros
- Durable design
- Easy to get on and off
- Steady following
Cons
- There is no seat
- The paddle that’s included isn’t very sturdy
3. Lifetime Manta
photo credit – canva.com
The Lifetime Manta is a tandem kayak that puts you and your kids in the same boat so you can help them learn how to paddle and feel more comfortable on the water.
This kayak is a good choice for people who are new to kayaking because it has padded seat backs and a hull that is made to be more stable. It can also be used by your child on his or her own once he or she is more used to the sport.
The Lifetime Manta doesn’t come with paddles, and it can be hard to move around, especially when the water is rough.
Pros
- The design of the hull makes it stable
- The seat backs are padded
- It can be used alone or with a partner
Cons
- No paddles included
4. Perception Hi-Five 6.5 Kids Sit on Top Kayak
Photo credit – canva.com
This sit-on-top kayak for kids is a great choice for a wide range of ages. It’s stable enough for young paddlers, but the weight limit means that even your teens can use it. This kayak comes with a paddle made for kids and can also be used as a SUP board, so it can be used in a lot of different ways. You can also attach it to your kayak with anchors and a tether when your young paddler needs a break.
Pros
- Stability
- Comfortable
- Lightweight
- Durable
Cons
- Limited capacity
- Slow speed
- Limited storage
5. Hardshell Whitewater Kayaks
photo credit – canva.com
For family kayaking trips, finding a whitewater kayak for kids is important because they need something that fits their size to stay safe on whitewater. If your child is paddling on a river that is more difficult than class 2, they should use a hardshell whitewater kayak and wear a spray skirt and a helmet. There are also a few different kinds of whitewater kayaks, depending on whether you want a play boat for surfing waves or a creek boat for getting around quickly in tricky water.
Pros
- Durability
- Performance
- Customization
- Aesthetics
Cons
- Cost
- Storage
- Maintenance
Things to Keep in Mind When Choosing a Best Kids Kayak
There are a few more considerations to keep in mind while choosing a best kids kayak in addition to understanding the differences between various youth kayak styles. The size of your child, the conditions of the water you intend to kayak in, and your overall financial situation are all crucial considerations.
Some kayaks may include additional features that might enhance the enjoyment of the activity. Your child will have the finest kayaking experience if you choose a best kids kayak with special characteristics, such as supportive seating and tailored paddles.
Childs size
Depending on your child’s age, height, and weight, one kayak might work better than another. As your child gets older and has more control over the kayak, a longer kayak is usually better. In general, you should choose a child’s kayak that is about the same size as them to help them stay balanced and stable.
If you get your child a kayak with a closed cockpit, the size of your child is also important. If they’re bigger, you’ll need to make sure they can sit in the cockpit without feeling too crowded. Kayaks with better quality will have foot pegs that can be moved so that kids can be more comfortable in their boats.
Stability
Children’s kayaks should be stable enough to prevent tipping over, especially for beginners. Look for kayaks with a wide base, flat hulls, and high sides that help to increase stability.
Weight
A kayak that is too heavy for a child can be difficult to move around or control. Choose a lightweight kayak that your child can easily carry and launch into the water.
Durability
Kids tend to be hard on their gear, so a kayak that can withstand bumps and scrapes is essential. Look for kayaks made from durable materials such as polyethylene, which can withstand impacts.
Comfort
A comfortable kayak will ensure that your child enjoys their kayaking experience. Look for kayaks with padded seats, adjustable footrests, and ergonomic designs.
Buoyancy
Children’s kayaks should be buoyant enough to stay afloat, even if they capsize. Look for kayaks with enough buoyancy to keep your child safe in the water.
Safety features
Always look for kayaks with safety features such as grab handles, paddle parks, and reflective stickers to enhance visibility.
Skill level
Consider your child’s skill level when choosing a kayak. If your child is a beginner, look for kayaks with beginner-friendly features such as stable designs and shorter lengths.
Purpose
Consider the type of water your child will be kayaking in, whether it’s calm lakes or slow-moving rivers, and choose a kayak that is suitable for that environment.
Overall, when choosing a kids kayak, safety and comfort should be the top priorities. Keep these factors in mind and do your research to find a kayak that is both safe and enjoyable for your child.
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Kids Kayak
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the best kids kayak:
Wat is the best kayak size for kids?
The best kayak size for kids depends on their age, height, and weight. You can refer to the kayak manufacturer’s recommended age and weight limits to help you choose the right size kayak.
What is the best material for kids’ kayaks?
Polyethylene is a popular material for kids’ kayaks because it is durable, lightweight, and affordable. However, there are also other materials such as fiberglass and carbon fiber that are suitable for kids’ kayaks, but they are more expensive.
What are some of the best brands for kids’ kayaks?
Some of the best brands for kids’ kayaks include Lifetime, Pelican, Old Town, Perception, and Sun Dolphin. However, there are many other reputable brands on the market, and it is important to do your research before making a purchase.
What are some of the features to look for in the best kids’ kayaks?
The best kids’ kayaks should have features such as stability, buoyancy, durability, comfort, and safety features. They should also be lightweight and easy to maneuver.
What is the best type of kayak for kids?
The best type of kayak for kids depends on the type of water they will be kayaking in and their skill level. Recreational kayaks and sit-on-top kayaks are popular choices for kids because they are stable and easy to use. However, there are also other types of kayaks such as touring kayaks and whitewater kayaks that may be suitable for more experienced kids.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best kids kayak will ultimately depend on their individual needs and preferences. However, these top picks offer excellent quality, safety features, and performance, making them great options to consider for any young kayaker. Read More about best gifts book for babies.
