An outdoor enthusiast like me is always in hype to take their kids out for the weekend. Frankly, most importantly, I want to spend my time with my family. Some of us will want to hire somebody else to have a look at the kids while we enjoy the adventure.
Can I be totally honest with you? It’s very expensive. Plus your kids are going to feel distant. So the best thing you can do is to take them along for a trip and let them enjoy it also.
One activity that I and my wife absolutely love is kayaking. It’s a great activity for kids also. You cannot imagine how great a learning experience it could be for your kids.
For a kid, the practice of paddle in water is a great form of developing within adversity. Through facing the challenges during paddling they’ll learn much more than just kayaking. Let them explore the world with you.
You will be shocked to figure out how quickly they get adapted to the sport once you get them the right tool. Today I’ll be chatting about some of the best kayaks for kids. Let’s begin!
Chapter One: Best Kayaks For Kids 2021 Comparison
These are the eleven kid kayaks that sound excellent to me. I totally love the unique abilities each of them have. However, don’t expect them to be flawless. There will be some minor negatives with each of them, which is obvious. Nobody is perfect and the same goes for kayaks too.
Name | Weight | Capacity | |
|---|---|---|---|
18 Pounds | 130 Pounds | ||
18 Pounds | 400 Pounds | ||
36 Pounds | 230 Pounds | ||
23 Pounds | 140 Pounds | ||
27 Pounds | 220 Pounds | ||
21 Pounds | 120 Pounds | ||
44 Pounds | 272 Pounds | ||
47 pounds | 300 Pounds | ||
39 Pounds | 300 Pounds | ||
40 Pounds | 250 Pounds | ||
22 Pounds | 200 Pounds |
If you are not sure about what features you should look for just go directly to the buying guide. There are many points and aspects I discussed that will help you to make a better decision.
What you can do is pick the one that goes best with your child’s skill and necessity. That way things will go smooth for you and your kid.
1. Lifetime Youth Wave Kayak Paddle – A Beginner-Friendly Kid’s Kayak
The Lifetime wave kayak is a perfect choice for any parent who wants to have a kid-friendly kayak that comes on a budget. With excellent features, it’s one of the perfect design you can have.
The lifetime kids kayak is known for its enhance-ability for balancing. It gives you the stability you need with reverse chine for a safe kayaking journey. Motor skills are also on point to provide great speed but sometimes it gets slow.
The kayak is well planned with handles on both sides. These handles are specially formed with molded finger technology that gives a better and comfortable grip for kids.
This lightweight kayak is easily carried with only 18 lb. weight. It can hold up to 130 lbs. and any kid who is older than five years will be able to paddle easily.
- Excellent design to match any kid’s interest.
- Pricing is affordable for most parents.
- Lightweight and super maneuverability come along.
- A great kid kayak for beginners and practice sessions.
- Any kid above five years old will be suitable.
- A bit slow sometimes.
2. Sevylor Quikpak K1 Kayak – The 1-Person Tarpaulin Bottom Stability Excellence
The Sevylor kayak with one person seat will give your kid have closer contact with the beauty of kayaking. It’s a great exploring kayak to get with a nice set of features.
The kayak will need only five minutes to set up. Your kids will find it super easy to inflate or deflate by themselves thanks to the double lock valves.
It’s a rugged usage capable kayak with high-quality PVC built-in. More than one air chamber will ensure it stays inflated no matter what. Also, the airtight system is a great help for avoiding leaks.
Easy to carry backpack system is one of the greatest features this kayak provides. It turns into a comfortable seat and backrest that will help your kids to love the ride. With different position footrest, there will be no space for any glitch in comfort.
- A great kayak for regular usages.
- Can withstand rough handling like a pro.
- It’s super cheap and reasonable.
- Excellent looks and design for the kid.
- It is safe and stable for harsh water as well.
- The paddle that comes along is not good enough.
3. Ocean Kayak Banzai Kids Kayak – A Low-profile But High-quality Kayak
The Ocean Kayak Banzai with great countered seats and easy movement ability will take care of your kid’s passion for safety.
The low-profile seats are super comfortable for kids that move for perfect positioning. This gives the mobility that a small kid’s body needs while kayaking which I absolutely love.
With the Banzai Tag Along System, the parents will have extra support to tow the kayak to the shore whenever kids are tired or bored of paddling. A great addition for scared or lazy kids.
There are side handles for both sides, bow-stern handles, and cup holders for easy access and convenience. Your kids will stay hydrated when they have water accessible within their hands. The side handles will give a helping hand to easily carry the kayak from the car to the water.
- It’s a great kayak for kids who are just learning kayaking.
- Seats support pretty well to provide enough stability.
- The Towing system is great for tired kids.
- Handles are comfortable and the grip is tight.
- Drain holes are missing.
4. SUNDOLPHIN Sun Dolphin Bali 6-Foot – The Kid-Friendly Sit-on-top Kayak
A perfect kayak for the whole family fun with easy paddling and strong stability features coming your way. It’s a great combination of less weight and great capacity.
The kayak comes with an open cockpit design to give the finest entry experience for kids. It’s easy to carry for the less weight structure. Your kids will be able to carry it themselves.
Also, the tracking and paddling are easy to get the perfect stability on rough water. I wish it was a bit fast but it’s also kind of relieving since kids will be safe with less speed.
The seats are comfortable and the space covers a huge surface. So the kids are going to be comfortable inside. Also, there is a paddle holder to ensure your kids can keep the paddles whenever they are tired.
High-density polyethylene construction will give superior performance on the water. It’s compatible with rough usage and withstands wear and tear with grace.
- A great kayak that floats pretty well.
- The weight capacity is good and usable.
- Kids will love the convenient design.
- It’s stable and gives a safe kayaking experience.
- The price is moderately low and reasonable.
- It’s a bit slow.
5. Intex Challenger K1 Kayak – With Aluminum Oars and High Output Air Pump Technology
The Intex kids kayak is one of the dealers that concern about safety and versatility from the very beginning. It’s known for providing durable and strong material competence that matches nobody in the industry.
This is a super durable kid kayak that is made from welded material. The eye-catching design with excellent graphics will win kid’s hearts and they’ll love to have a ride on it.
It comes with a hi-output hand pump that’s manual. Pumping is easy and effortless to get a perfect set up in no time.
- Per dollar fun ratio is pretty high.
- A complete package for getting into kayaking.
- The carrying bag is a great addition.
- Very well sized and fits in the trunk easily.
- Durable enough to withstand rough handling.
- The included paddles are a bit flimsy.
6. Best Choice Products Sports 6 Kids Kayak – Excellent Bonus Package Including Paddle And Cushioned Backrest
The Best Choice Products Sports 6 just like its name provides some best-looking features that will match your kid’s comfort zone and capabilities pretty well. Just read on the features and you’ll also figure out why this is named the best choice kayak.
The kayak with an open cockpit design enables pretty space for your kid’s usability. There are side handles as well as toggles types. The lightweight kayak is easy to carry from vehicle to water.
A whole set of extra accessories are included with the overall package. You get cup and bottle holders, front storage set up, and a great rear cargo storage space as well. There are bungee cords to keep tools in place
- A great kayak that will suit young kids.
- Maneuvering this kayak is a piece of cake.
- A lightweight kayak for decent portability.
- Durable with great quality material.
- Weight capacity is mind-blowing.
- The paddles are problematic and short.
7. Ocean Kayak Frenzy vs Scrambler Sit-On-Top Kayaks – A Fight between Two Excellent Recreational Models
Now it’s time for some comparison. These two are from a favorite manufacturer of mine, Ocean Kayak. The Ocean Kayak Frenzy is more famous but some people also consider the Scrambler version better.
The features I mention below will tell you about both kayaks and I’ll point to the comparing factors. Hopefully, it will be better to choose which suits you the most.
People ask a common question about frenzy. What is the top speed of frenzy ocean kayak? But you should be worried about stability more than speed. Your kids need stability for safe riding. The frenzy is very quick to respond in harsh water and is a perfect choice for flat water.
With a Tri-Form hull design, it gives a great balance for kids to keep the line straight. However, the scrambler is a bit inferior here but it still manages to give a versatile performance.
The frenzy and scrambler both come with similar seating features. Both include 4-way adjustable seats that would go well for whole day paddling conditions. With comfort plus back support, your kids will have a great experience while leaning the body with both kayaks.
However, scrambler includes footwells with a patented overlapping design that helps your kid to have a better seating position. It’s compatible with any leg length.
The frenzy includes a stern tank that comes with detachable bungee cords with bow deck bungee as well. This area will hold any gear or food and other items with effort but they might get wet.
On the other hand, scrambler includes a six-inch cam lock hatch to hold all your possessions safe from getting wet. It also includes a bungee strap for tools that are large.
The Clash Winner?
But that does not mean Scrambler is incapable as a kayak. In fact for parents who want to have better seating comfort with foot braces and a safe storage facility can definitely go for the scrambler.
8. Old Town Heron 9XT Recreational Kayak – The Perfect Old Town Kids Kayak
The Old Town 9XT is a polythene material kayak that helps the recreational paddler to have the most out of the sports kayaking. It’s extremely well suited for kids who are passionate about kayaking.
The construction quality is dope with a polyethylene hull design that can resist any weather conditions. So your kids will have great support against choppy currents every time.
The seats allow for a supportive backing system with additional paddings. Kids will also enjoy adjustable foot braces to get utmost positioning comfort. The seats are also adjustable by the way.
- Lifting into caddie is such a relief.
- Handling is easy and user-friendly most of the time.
- Seats are adjustable and comfortable flex type.
- A great kayak for flatwater paddling trips.
- A rudder is missing from the complete package.
9. Sun Dolphin Camino 8 Kayak – The Excellent SS Design
The Sun Dolphin Camino 8 ss is a large open cockpit design kayak that gives access for easy entry. It’s a perfect choice for kids who are more likely to tip over and are just beginning with kayaking.
To offer maximum stability for your kid’s safety, the sun dolphin 8 comes with an SS design. It’s a great structure to maintain balance in rough water conditions.
The seats are well-positioned and kids will be able to adjust it for maximum comfort while seating. The extra pads with quality backrest is a great feature to count as well.
- A beginner friendly kayak for learning kids.
- A stable kayak in harsh water conditions.
- Seats are pretty comfortable to use.
- It’s a perfect kayak for any kid.
- The affordable price range for any parent.
- A bit smaller than average.
10. Rave Sea Rebel Inflatable Kayak – A Sports Kayak with Four Comfy Handles
The Rave Sports kids kayak is a great kayak for the lake, stream, and river environments. It’s nice for traversing and relaxing and kids’ who like to go fishing will really enjoy the ride.
The Rave Sports sea rebel kayak features a bottom made of strong PVC Tarpaulin material to provide super durability. With a heavy-duty nylon cover, the overall design stands out and matches well with your kids’ regular rough usage.
There are four form filled handles coming along. These are comfortable to grip and kids who are scared will find it easier to hold and go kayaking. The foam is high quality and does not come out easily.
- The kayak is lightweight and portable.
- It’s easy to store in car trunks.
- A perfect one seat kid kayak for beginners.
- Comes with a carrying bag that is convenient.
- The hand pump is a great addition.
- You need separate paddles.
Chapter Two: The Paybacks of Getting a Kid Kayak!
Having a hobby of kayaking and knowing how to use a kayak will pay in so many ways. You cannot imagine how fruitful an activity kayaking is. And getting a great tool to accomplish that will make things easier for your kid. Want to know more about the paybacks? Keep reading!
A Kayak Will Help Getting Kids out The House
Have you ever wondered why you cannot keep your kids away from tablets and phones? Why can’t they get off these remote tools and get rid of the control? You went out and played with your friends when you were a kid. What’s wrong with today’s generation?
It’s actually because kids today are more likely to look at the outer environment as some kind of alien planet. You need a sport or game that will engrave their thinking. Kayaking with its adventurous thrill can help!
A Kid-Friendly Physical Activity
As I was growing up there was so many activities I got to do with my friends? We were cycling around or even climbed trees on a picnic. Some of us even fought the school bully. There was a lot of physical activity going around us. So we were kind of fit and growing healthy.
Today, kids don’t like riding a bicycle (I find it hard to believe but yes). They have no interest in climbing trees as these lead to hospital visits more than often. While bullies have their job done online. So how would your kid manage to do any physical activity at all? Going to school and sitting at a study table is not physical activity, you know.
It Will Build Confidence and Hobby
When you grab a great tool for your kid they will appreciate your effort. It will bring a sense of seriousness within them that would lead to making the hobby more enjoyable. When a kid would feel he or she is doing a thrilling activity then the chances to build up a great hobby would be better. A great kayak will keep them safe and interested.
Chapter Three: Understanding Different Types of Kayak for Different Environments
Getting the best kayaks for kids from so many different types might be confusing. So learning about all styles and designs will help you figure out the right possession and features very well. Every design can suit your kids for certain activities.
This style of kayak is great with multiple features. It gives multiple seating positions which makes the ride versatile. Also, the footrests are on point with paddlers no matter what size. The recreational will fit kids of any height.
For example rudders for better stability along with outriggers and skirts. These additional tools are a great benefit for offshore conditions. Kids who are pro at kayaking and are elder can try this with proper safety measurements and knowledge.
Some of them are mounts for electronic devices or rod holders. Some even have fish finders and chart plotters. The kayaks are great for huge internal storage. So when you go fishing with your kids on it, there will be huge space for your kids to reside in along with fishing gears and accessories.
There are sit-in as well as sit configurations available for this type also. You should consider the weather conditions to decide which type to go for.
Since the tool is able to get inflated or deflated, your kids can easily set it up themselves and take it to the shore. Also, inflatable kayaks are mostly very cheap in price. However, these are less likely to be stable than rigid ones. However, some good brands do a lot to fight well in hard water environments.
Chapter Four: The Skill Level Plays An Important Part!
I want to ask certain questions before I start telling you about the factors of deciding a kayak. Prior to that process, we need to talk about your kid’s skill level. The criteria below will determine what kayak features they need.
Chapter Five: How to Choose a Kayak for Kids!
Every parent would want to invest in a quality product whenever it comes to the matter of their kids. Nowadays the competition on best kayaks for kids is high because there are tons of brands offering excellent features and abilities. No matter what kayak you choose there are some factors you ought to consider before making a final bid. Let’s talk about a few but important of them.
Look for Resilience
We all know how kids are. They will do whatever they want with the tool they get and sometimes it gets rough. Particularly the ones who are very young. So as a parent we need to choose a kayak that gives durability and robustness.
It should withstand regular wear and tear. Don’t go for a kayak that sounds too flimsy since it won’t be able to resist a child’s senseless play. Material like polyethylene and inflatable ones are a decent choice here. These are more likely to give you a tough and durable kayak for kids.
Balance Needs to Be On Point
A kayak that will keep your children safe from tipping over is what we can declare as a perfect balance kayak. This is important! All the parents who are just beginning with their kids to teach kayaking need to give attention here.
You can’t allow a poor kayak with inferior stability to ruin your kid’s practice sessions. Go for the ones that will help to build their confidence while riding. They’ll be trying paddling with it and anything that tips over and again is a big no.
A kayak that includes skegs, fins, and chines will boast stable performance. The tracking ability upsurges with these additions. For a child kayak, a reverse chines configuration works the best. It ensures that the kayak is stable laterally.
Not too wide nor too long!
Width is a factor that will decide the maneuverability. A wide kayak would do great for fishing journeys. However, that width will also bring hardship to turn the kayak. Which will make the kid struggle inside the kayak.
Weight Matters
Most kayak will consider your child’s average weight and mention it. Look for the ranges that the manufacturer provides. It will show you the acceptable users for a particular kayak. If you find out that your child is not suitable for the measurements given then consider something else.
Add-on Tow Ropes Are A Great Addition!
Some kid kayaks will feature this excellent addition. These features would help to quickly pull them along whenever you see kids are tired of paddling. Usually, a good rope for towing would be somewhat twenty ft.
Foot Braces Needs to Be Adjustable
A kayak that offers adjustable foot braces is great for kids who are growing. This will help you to use the same kayak for years. A molded frame foot brace will also do enough good for your children.
Don’t Go For Extra Features
A fancy kayak with a bunch of unnecessary features will only make it complicated for your kids. Also, they are more expensive. Most of the time these kayaks will break easily and needs high maintenance. Don’t take those hassles!
Go for the simple ones. A kayak with humble storage, comfort for paddling, and plastic seats will do fine. Adjustable seats, additional storages are some features that you can consider when your kids are more advanced kayakers with avid paddling.
Reasonable Price
Kid kayaks are mostly inexpensive if you don’t have the mentality to absolutely buy anything that shows unlimited features. You need to go with features that will be useful. That way, the kayak tool is a pretty cheap and affordable one to get for your kids' enjoyment.
Travel-Friendly
Most kid kayaks are lightweight. So portability will never be a problem. You still need to have some weight to keep the whole thing stable. But yet it’s comparatively light and easy to carry from vehicle to beach and vice versa.
Chapter Six: Frequently Asked Questions About Kids Kayak
Conclusion
The kayaks that adults use is definitely very different from the ones that a kid can use. Even if there are many features that both type shares they are still two dissimilar types.
Kids will always have difficulty with paddling and there would be issues that most adults don’t go through during a kayaking trip. So keeping your kid's ability and knowledge in mind should be your top priority of course.
With great stability and amazing features, this is a great purchase on a budget that includes all basic standards a kid kayak needs to have. Of course, for any kayak, the kid will need to have rudimentary knowledge about kayaking.
However, that does not mean the other options are worthless. There might be another kayak model that will suit your situation and needs better. If you find some other kayak from the list to be your best choice go for it. I’m sure all of them would serve with grace to make your kid’s kayaking a memorable experience. Happy Kayaking Everyone!
Nice blog really to choose a best kayaks for kids safety is most important! Thanks for best collection review. Really helpful guideline.