The Best Kayaks for Kids – Which Suits Your Little One?
The mere fact that you landed on this page indicates that you are thinking of letting your child enjoy kayaking. This water sport is undeniably fun and helpful as it allows your child to explore the waters while building physical strength through paddling. You have various options when looking for the best kayak for kids. For instance, you may opt for one that accommodate a single paddler only or one that can hold two users.
Kayaking provides numerous benefits to children. First off, it allows them to learn creative problem solving skills even when under pressure. As you may already know, kayaking requires you to come up with plans on the spot.
Also, the sport helps kids develop a sense of persistence and learn about the idea of risks and rewards. This is due to the fact that it is a bit challenging to learn. Meanwhile, kayaking also enables enthusiasts to be aware of the natural world and develop a desire to protect it.
Should you decide to get the best kayak for your kid, here are some of the best items that you may want to check. They are the best products in the market and each one could be a good buy. Just make sure to know what suits your child’s needs.
Table of Contents
- 9 Best Kayaks for Kids - Comparisons
- Best Kayaks for Kids - Reviews
- 1. Best Choice Products 6 ft Kids Kayak
- 2. Emotion 90245 Spitfire Sit-On-Top 8 Foot Kayak
- 3. Lifetime Youth 6 Feet Wave Kayak with Paddle
- 4. Sun Dolphin Bali 6-Foot Sit-on-top Kayak
- 5. Scubapro Old Town Canoes & Kayaks Heron Junior Kids Kayak
- 6. Ocean Kayak Malibu Two Tandem Sit-On-Top Recreational Kayak
- 7. Ocean Kayak Frenzy One-Person Sit-On-Top Recreational Kayak
- 8. Sevylor QuickPak Coverless Sit-On-Top Kayak
- 9. Sun Dolphin Journey 10-Foot Sit-on-top Fishing Kayak
- Conclusion
9 Best Kayaks for Kids - Comparisons
Image | Product Name | Weight Capacity | Size | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | 121 lbs | 6 ft | ||
  | 240 lb | 8 ft | ||
  | 130 lb | 6 ft | ||
  | 140 lb | 6 ft | ||
  | 115 lb | 6 ft | ||
  | 425 lb | 12 ft | ||
  | 325 lb | 9 ft | ||
  | 400 lb | 8 ft | ||
  | 250 lb | 10 ft |
Best Kayaks for Kids - Reviews
If you are looking for a kayak that your kids will surely love, the Best Choice Products 6 ft Kids Kayak With Paddle, Cushioned Backrest and Storage Compartment is the one you are looking for.
Designed and optimized for kids, it features a stable paddling platform due to its open cockpit and molded finger handles.
In addition to this, it has a sloped backend and swim-up step for easy re-entry. It also includes a 50" two-fin paddle and is recommended for kids ages five and up.
Pros
- The design promotes stability and safety for the kids.
- The kayak and paddle material are sturdy and UV-protected.
- The padded seat and backrest is really comfortable while kayaking
Cons
- Make sure to handle the paddle properly and not force it, so as not to break it.
- It can only handle at most 130 lbs.
If you are hunting for a high-performance and quality kayak, then the Emotion 90245 Spitfire Sit-On-Top 8 Foot Kayak, Green is the right fit for you.
This product is made from high density Polyethylene that ensures its strength and durability. It also features a ST Performance Hull that gives tracking option and upgraded stability.
Furthermore, it has front, rear and side carry handles for easy transport. Plus, the sit-on-top design is safe and spacious.
Pros
- It has a large 240-lb capacity.
- The carry handles in the kayak is maximized for easy transport.
- Its Hull comes with a 5-year limited manufacturer warranty.
- The quality of the material is superb.
Cons
- It is wider than it looks at 32" so be sure to have a suitable paddle to accompany this kayak.
- It can be damaged through transport so make sure to have a credible courier as well as warranty for your package.
The Lifetime Youth 6 Feet Wave Kayak with Paddle is specifically designed for kids five and up, and can support for as much as 130 lbs.
If a recreational kayak for kids is what you are looking for, then this might be a good buy for you. The product is lightweight at 18 lbs.
In addition to this, it is designed with molded finger handles on each side for easy transport. It also features a slope at the end plus a swim-up step for quick re-entry from the water to the kayak. You will also like the black double-sided paddle it comes with.
Pros
- It being so lightweight will mean ease in transport especially if the trip is far.
- The cockpit design is ergonomic which drastically enhances balance and motor skills for your kids.
Cons
- The weight capacity is limited to 130 lbs only. So if you are planning to accompany your kid in kayaking, this might not be possible with this product.
If you looking for an easily transportable kayak to bring with you anywhere, the Sun Dolphin Bali 6-Foot Sit-on-top Kayak may be the product you are looking for.
It features a sit-on-top design and an open cockpit that allow users to get back easily on the kayak.
The lightweight build ensures easy transport, coupled that with carrying handles present on the sides of this product. Also, this kayak is perfect for beginners and kids for them to learn more about balance and kayaking in general
Pros
- Carrying it around is not a hassle due to its lightweight build.
- It comes with a paddle so you need not spend extra in buying one.
- Very good for fishing trips too, as the product is designed for it too.
- You can choose from three vivid colors.
Cons
- Its light weight may not be agreeable to some especially for bigger users.
The Old Town Canoes & Kayaks Heron Junior Kids Kayak is specifically made just for kids. If this is what you are looking for, then you are in for a treat.
It has tag along system that lets you tow your kids with you if needed. It is weighted at 26 pounds only, making it very easy to transport.
In addition to this, it has a contoured seat for smaller bodies that are comfortable too. The products load capacity is between 100 to 115 lbs.
Pros
- It is a very good start kayak for your kids to learn character-building, patience, motor skills and kayaking n general.
- Since this product is targeted to kids, maneuverability and ease in padding can observed, making it even more enjoyable for kids.
- It allows your kids to be familiarized with kayaking as they progress a proper kayak in the future.
Cons
- Make sure to let the adults know that the kayak is for kids only, so as not to damage the product accidentally.
If you are starting family with a child and is looking for a kayak that can accommodate all of you in one go, then the Ocean Kayak 12-Feet Malibu Two Tandem Sit-On-Top Recreational Kayak will make a run for your money.
It's capacity is between 375 to 425 lbs, enough to carry one, two or two plus a child. it also comes with two comfort seats, gear straps, patented overlapping food wells, handles and skid plate.
It is also comfortable whatever your length may be.
Pros
- The capacity is so flexible and can sit two people and a child or pet.
- The sit-on-top design is versatile and be paddled solo or in tandem.
- The product is durable and very stable even at full capacity.
Cons
- Expect to pay more for this kayak but the features are definitely worth the price.
- It is not light at 57 lbs but given the capacity, this is expected.
The Ocean Kayak Frenzy Sit-On-Top Recreational Kayak is a compact recreational kayak that packs a lot of fun.
If this is your preference you definitely must check it out. This product is renowned for its Tri-From hull that enhances stability, tracking and maneuverability.
It also has padded comfortable seats that provides cushioning and support. In addition to this, its length of 9 ft. with only 43 lbs in weight means transportability and ease in storage.
Pros
- It has a high load capacity of 275 to 325 lbs, which can be good for tandem kayaking.
- The product is very responsive and stable in the water.
- It can cater to a wide range of paddlers from children to adults.
Cons
- The leg area maybe cramped for tall users, but still manageable to say the least.
SevylorQuikpak K1 1-Person Kayak is perfect for beginners; therefore, you may want to check this out for your kid who is just starting to learn.
You can set it up in less than five minutes, so your kid can enjoy a great amount of time on the water.
Moreover, it uses an innovative backpack design that lets its users carry everything they need. It also has a drink holder and bungee storage area where your kid can put and access some drinks.
Pros
- It comes with carry handles that allows for easy transportation.
- The easy-to-carry backpack system is convertible to a seat.
- It comes with numerous features that provide comfort to its users.
- Being easy to set up allows its users to maximize their time kayaking.
Cons
- There may be some minor issues regarding the product’s durability. Users should make sure they are handling the product properly to avoid unfavorable happenings.
A product of one of the most recognized brands of best kayaks, Sun Dolphin Journey 10-Foot Sit-on-top Fishing Kayak could indeed be a best buy.
It perfectly suits lakes and rivers; you may use it to access secluded fishing spots as well.
It aims to provide comfort and convenience to users especially to beginners. It comes with a cockpit that allows for easy entry.
Pros
- It makes transportation easy; thanks to its retractable carrying handles.
- Its large seating area fits any user. It comes with protective thigh pads and adjustable foot braces.
- The product has the capacity to paddle and track easily.
- It is lightweight and easy to carry.
- It indeed has a great performance and an exceptional quality.
Cons
- It is a bit expensive, given its popularity and high quality.
- It tends to have some minor stability issues.
Conclusion
Have you made your choice? Closely looking at the featured products above, we can say that all of them could be the best item for a customer depending on his or needs and preferences. As a buyer yourself, you just need to be responsible enough and sure of your requirements before taking a pick. Remember, kayaking could be dangerous if a user fails to choose a kayak that performs well and perfectly suits his or her situation.
When searching for the best kayak for kids, you should educate yourself on numerous things like the different types of kayaks, features, measurements, best brands, and a lot more. Never buy one without having enough knowledge about the product and the sport itself, because doing so will not do you any good. It can even cause harm.
Also, make sure to weigh all the important factors that determine a good buy. Never prioritize price without giving importance to quality. With enough patience, you can surely find a high-quality item that does not require you to spend a huge amount of money.
Kayaking is a fulfilling sport that can teach a lot of necessary things to your kid. Allow your child to make the most out of his or her kayaking experience by getting the best item in the market.
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