The most satisfying experience for any parent paddler is to experience the opportunity to kayak along with the next generation of young children. Getting your kids on kayaks is the best way to get them familiar and face their fear of water with you piloting your kayak.
Once your kid gets old enough, they will pilot their kayak. Kids can also experience that same enthusiasm and excitement because you took kayaking in the first place. Your kids can do kayaking, but it is your responsibility to ensure that they get the right kayak for their smaller bodies, which is lighter to maneuver easily.
If you think that a teenage adult’s kayaks can work as a substitute, then you’re wrong. They are deep; therefore, small kids will not be able to stretch their legs up to paddles. Youth kayaks and paddles set is the right choice if you want your kids to enjoy kayaking considering their safety and enjoyable kayaking experience. They offer accurate width and dimensions from all sides that can fit your child.
The first question every parent paddler comes to their mind is, what is the minimum age for a kid to be able to paddle solo?
The main thing to remember here is the purpose for which you want your kids to kayak. Any 5-12-year-old kid can paddle easily on calm water for short distances in their child-sized kayaks. But, if you want your kids to paddle the kayak for a longer distance, they can’t. In those cases where the adventure is more important, you should try to accompany little kids with one or two adults who have prior experience in kayaking.
The best thing you can do to check whether your kid will be able to cope with paddling all by himself is by giving him some essential kayaking gear and getting him in the water. Once your child can paddle his kayak on his own; your responsibility comes in to choose the buy him the best kayak for kids of his age. Also, the role of age is more minor when compared to the role played by the size of your child.
In this article, you will get to know about the best kayak for kids, which is good in between inflatable kayak for kids, and lifestart kayak for kids followed up by clearing out many queries like how to choose a kayak for kids, and what kind of kayak is suitable for kids, etc.
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Top 20 Kayaks For Kids:- Top Picks For You
I have jotted down the 20 best kayaks for kids that will get your kid straight on the right foot for kayaking with their favorite kayak.
1. Hotmax Inflatable Kayak For Kids
The first kid kayak is a budget-friendly inflatable kayak for kids. It has room for allowing two paddlers to sit and paddle comfortably. There is separate storage at the bow and stern. The best benefit of the Hotmax Inflatable Kayak is eight air chambers separated at equal intervals. If one of the air chambers gets malfunctions, the other seven can manage to keep the kayak afloat.
Length: – 3.25 meters
Width: – 0.53 meters
Weight: – 9.25 kilograms
Weight Capacity: – 181.47 kilograms
This inflatable kayak is a lightweight and durable option for your kids to explore water lakes because it is made up of ultra-light PVC, making it both convenient and comfortable. It has a high-quality hull and possesses good resistance against saltwater or oil.
Since this is an inflatable kayak, the packaging and transportation of these kayaks are hassle-less because they can quickly deflate and again inflate. The eight chambers mechanism makes this kayak a very efficient contender in terms of safety. These kayaks are easy to operate for kids and can be used effectively for whitewater kayaking or recreational kayaking at best.
2. Intex Challenger K1 Inflatable Kayak For Kids
The Intex Challenger K1 Inflatable Kayak is one of the most affordable inflatable kayaks. It comes along with a majority of the paddling gear set. It also has a model for two paddlers. This kayak is only 28.4 lb; therefore, it is easy to carry inside its packaging bag.
Length: – 2.743 meters
Width: – 0.762 meters
Weight: – 12.88 kilograms
Weight Capacity: – 99.8 kilograms
The Intex Challenger K1 Inflatable Kayak has two air chamber columns present at the bottom and on the sides. The two chambers work together to help the kayak stay afloat if one of the two chambers gets damaged or does not function properly.
This kayak comes with a compact paddle, a fin, and a pump. There is enough space in the cockpit for your kid to fit comfortably even though it is not that big in dimensions. This kayak is best used for kayaking in flat waters.
Your kids will enjoy kayaking with this kayaking because it is easy to keep this kayak on a straight path, and this kayak does not reach higher speeds that can cause any trouble for your kids. This kayak can be rotated and accelerated effortlessly by your kids.
3. Intex Explorer K2 Inflatable Kayak For Kids
The Intex Explorer K2 Inflatable Kayak is one of the most comfort-oriented kayaks you can give to your kid because it has soft chambers, and the seat is also adjustable and has a backrest. This kayak has a higher maximum speed than the above two kayaks. This kayak has a distinctive feature of removable SKEG to adjust for directional stability.
Length: – 3.12 meters
Width: – 0.91 meters
Weight: – 13.8 kilograms
Weight Capacity: – 181.44 kilograms
This kayak comes in a bright yellow color model making it visible even after the sunset from far. Hence, in case of any emergency, your kid’s kayak can be easily identified compared to other kayaks.
Intex Explorer K2 Kayak is best suited for the smaller mass of water bodies such as ponds, lakes, still rivers, and decent weather conditions. This kayak should not be used if your kids are up for long kayaking trips. The only problem lies in the space dedicated to legroom and keeping gear.
4. Aquaglide Deschutes Inflatable Kayak For Kids
The Aquaglide Deschutes Inflatable Kayak is an open-style kayak designed for solo paddlers. The kayak is packaged beautifully with bubble wrapping that protects interior accessories for the kayak. It contains a plastic splash guard, a tracking fin, a repair kit, an instructions book, and a valve adaptor. This kayak has four handles attached to carrying bows and sterns on both sides.
Length: – 3.35 meters
Width: – 0.86 meters
Weight: – 8.61 kilograms
Weight Capacity: – 136.07 kilograms
Aquaglide Deschutes Inflatable Kayak is the best option for your kid if he has a fear of water splashing over him. This kayak has a high beam structure, making it very stable if your kid is notoriously unsafe.
This kayak has three different sockets for placing the feet, and it is made up of Duratex, which is ultraviolet resistant; therefore, there is no issue of sun damage on the kayak skin. The open-cockpit style will help your kid get in and get out quickly with ease.
5. Old Town Heron Recreational Kayak
The Old Town Heron Recreational Kayak is a type of sit-inside kayak that is highly durable and strong because it can pass through any blockages such as creek bends and has a fast hull that helps young inexperienced kids to maintain the balance along with propelling forward in the straight path.
Length: – 2.91 meters
Width: – 0.33 meters
Weight: – 16.8 kilograms
Weight Capacity: – 136.10 kilograms
The Old Town Heron Recreational Kayak is a lightweight kayak that is also small in length, making the transportation and storage effortless. This kayak has a well-padded seat that aids in the backrest of your kids. With a flat hull structure, stability can never be an issue. Still, due to the short length, your kids may find it difficult in the beginning to direct and control the kayak directed forwarded, especially if the water does not rest. This kayak can be used when the environment is calm and has milder winds.
Because of the small size, this kayak will not serve as an excellent container to carry additional materials such as maps other than paddling gear such as food, fishing gear, etc.
6. Pelican Sit-On-Top Kayak – Sentinel 100X
The Pelican Sentinel 100X is a type of sit-on-top kayak used for recreational purposes because of its durable body. This kayak is best suited for exploring flatwater bodies like lakes and slow-moving rivers. It can withstand the bumps and the knocks produced due to rock plateaus in the river while kayaking.
Length: – 3.048 meters
Width: – 0.762 meters
Weight: – 19.50 kilograms
Weight Capacity: – 136.10 kilograms
The Pelican Sentinel 100 X Kayak can be maneuvered easily because it is lightweight and compact in dimensions. It is one of the safest options for your kids because the speed is not that much. After all, a large hull is supposed to provide extra stability to the kayak, which decreases the speed by minor margins. Though, it is good for your kid’s safety point of view.
This kayak should be preferred during summer days because it sit-on-top kayak. A tank well is present at the back with bungee cords which can help your young, excited paddler to carry a fishing crate and other kayaking gear.
7. Pelican Agro-100X
The Pelican Agro- 100X is the most affordable and well-balanced kayak for your kids. It is the best beginner-level recreational kayak. The Agro- 100X is the cheapest model in the Pelican kayaks, and you can see one-two Agros in nearby kayaking locations to your place.
Length: – 3.04 meters
Width: – 0.71 meters
Weight: – 16.4 kilograms
Weight Capacity: – 124.73 kilograms
The Pelican Agro- the process makes 100X of molding a press on the heated surface of a plastic material. This kayak has a big cockpit that will help your kid sit with great leg space. This kayak has an adjustable and shiftable seat and arch-shaped hull to provide comfort and necessary stability. This arch-shaped will help young paddlers handle the kayak while recreational kayaking in white water.
This kayak is short in length, making it effortlessly easy to turn around quickly, even in waves. Pelican Agro- 100X Kayaks are one of the toughest known kayaks in the market.
8. Pelican – River Gorge 130X Tandem Kayak
The Pelican – River Gorge 130X Tandem Kayak is a unique kayak for someone comfortable sharing the adventurous kayaking experience with a partner on the side. It is lightweight and is widely used for its agility strengths. This is a sit-on-top kayak that adds extra functionality to an open cockpit. For children, there is a bottle socket, comfortable footrest panels, and additional eyelets that the kid paddler can use to place optional gearing equipment.
Length: – 3.95 meters
Width: – 0.35 meters
Weight: – 33 kilograms
Weight Capacity: – 227 kilograms
This kayak is flat at the bottom, which helps the paddler load the kayak quickly and smoothly. The best part about this open cockpit kayak is it has the maximum weight capacity out of all the kayaks mentioned above which can be beneficial from a stability point of view so if your kid is out with a picnic plan, which can include many amenities.
The only thing that keeps this fantastic and heaviest kayak from being the go-to choice of common paddlers is that it doesn’t come with paddles. So, you have to buy the paddle set for this kayak separately. Kids who want to kayak solo should not prefer this kayak because it is heavy than the usual kayaks, and hence it requires two members to move forward with them by paddling.
9. Perception Outlaw Sit on Top Fishing Kayak
Perception Outlaw Sit-On-Top Fishing Kayak is the perfect choice for every beginner paddler who has a keen interest in fishing and kayaking. This kayak is lighter than other sit-on-top kayaks, which makes it unsuitable for carrying a lot of baggage and accessories.
Length: – 3.52 meters
Width: – 0.89 meters
Weight: – 35 kilograms
Weight Capacity: – 192 kilograms
If your kid likes to be more adventurous, the Pelican Outlaw Fishing Kayak can withstand extreme disruption of any level. It is built with solid polythene material and has excellent stability. The high seat aids in a broader view, and being an open cockpit kayak makes it effortless for your kids.
The speed of the Pelican Outlaw Fishing Kayak is not that high, which makes it a trusted option for safety and durability.
10. Sun Dolphin Bali Sit-on-top Kayak For Kids
Sun Dolphin Bali Sit-On-Top Recreational Kayak is one of your kids’ cheapest and most compact options. This kayak still has ample space in the form of a Portable Accessory Carrier to help your kid carry essential kayaking gears. This kayak is considered a lightweight kayak option for your kids.
Length: – 3.32 meters
Width: – 0.87 meters
Weight: – 20 kilograms
Weight Capacity: – 112 kilograms
This kayak can be easily maneuvered and transported by the kids. It has ample room for your foot to be placed comfortably with adjustable foot braces. The thigh pads and back pads make this kayak more safety-oriented.
Portable Accessories Carrier is the attachment added to store items that will not be used frequently throughout the journey.
11. Sun Dolphin Aruba SS Sit-in Kayak
The Sun Dolphin Aruba SS Sit-in Kayak has a large and comfortable seating area which is perfect for beginners paddlers, especially kids. This kayak is highly stable, and even the sharpest of the waves hit can’t turn its course direction of a sudden. This kayak has a dry storage compartment where mobile phones, foods, etc. can be kept while kayaking.
Length: – 3.64 meters
Width: – 0.76 meters
Weight: – 21 kilograms
Weight Capacity: – 179 kilograms
This kayak comes along with a built-in paddle holder on each side. The sit-inside cockpit-style makes this kayak safer for your kids to stay balanced and protected from external turbulence. Another exciting feature of this kayak is your kid can also fish with this kayak.
The only two problems your kid can come across are paddling this kayak smoothly and there is no bottle holder.
12. Driftsun Rover White-Water Kayak
The Driftsun Rover White-Water Kayak is a 2-person inflatable white water kayak. This versatile kayak is an excellent option for your kids if they want to experience kayaking in rough white water. The paddles are adjustable, which helps control the kayak in during high tides.
Length: – 2.60 meters
Width: – 0.91 meters
Weight: – 10 kilograms
Weight Capacity: – 140 kilograms
The Driftsun Rover White-Water Kayak comprises the best accessories and top-notch quality materials. Removable seats and rear tracking skeg also aid in better monitoring of the kayak by your kids. This kayak also has a front camera mount that can be used to place a camera and record the adventure of your kids.
13. Lifetime Youth Wave Kayak For Kids
The Lifetime Youth Wave is a Sit-On-Top Kayak that is ideally suited for kids under the age group of 5-15 years. This kayak comes up with an adjustable cockpit that makes kayaking more balanced. This kayak Hasak has no transporting or carrying its molded finger handles. This kayak has a twin-fin design with the help of which your kids can surf and track flawlessly.
Length: – 2.28 meters
Width: – 0.61 meters
Weight: – 8.6 kilograms
Weight Capacity: – 60 kilograms
The Lifetime Youth Wave Kayak has multiple footrest sockets that come in handy for different foot sizes of paddlers and also provide enough space to flex your leg muscles. This kayak is light and can be carried by your kids effortlessly.
14. Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak For Kids
The Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak is the perfect compact fishing kayak for your kids. This kayak is super easy to carry because of its lightweight design and tight hull.
Length: 3.04 meters
Width: 0.36 meters
Weight: 23.6 kilograms
Weight Capacity: – 124.74 kilograms
The Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak has a wide padded seat and cushioned backseat for long fishing and paddling adventures. The chine rails and deep tracking channels are responsible for adding extra stability to the design. The fishing rod holders, two separate storage segments, carry handles, and multiple foot braces cover nearly every concern of any paddlers.
15. Intex Excursion Pro Kayak Series
The Intex Excursion Pro Kayak lies in the category of recreational kayak for occasional use by your children. This kayak is the best driven when kayak it is driven by two paddlers. This kayak comes with useful accessories and reasonable dimensions being an inflatable kayak. The Intex Excursion Pro Kayak is not suited for long kayaking journeys because of its stiff air chambers and rigid paddles.
Length: – 3.81 meters
Width: – 0.33 meters
Weight: – 15.7 kilograms
Weight Capacity: – 181.43 kilograms
This kayak comes with additional facilities such as a small repair kit, a drainage hole, carry handles, a camera mount, pressure gauge, and dual-action pumps. This kayak can also be switched between a solo and tandem kayak. Adjustable footpegs can be comforting for your kids.
16. Elkton Outdoors Inflatable Fishing Kayak 130
The Elkton Outdoors Inflatable Fishing Kayak 130 is explicitly designed for kayaking and fishing purposes. This durable fishing kayak is perfect for children equally interested in fishing and kayaking in challenging waters. Elkton Outdoors Inflatable Fishing Kayak is available for only one paddler right now. Elkton Outdoors Steelhead Fishing Kayak 150 is the kayak you should opt for if you want to kayak with a partner or friends.
Length: – 3.30 meters
Width: – 0.1 meters
Weight: – 18.14 kilograms
Weight Capacity: – 180 kilograms
1000D Reinforced Layered PVC is the material used in this kayak that makes it strong and capable enough to run over sharp rocks. This inflatable kayak has several features that can be used while fishing such as the bungee storage system.
17. Sevylor Quikpak K1 1-Person Kayak For Kids
The Sevylor Quikpak K1 1-Person Kayak can be used by one paddler at a time. This kayak is highly durable and strong because it is made up of 21-gauge PVC material which is capable to withstand pressure and strain in recreational kayaking. The Sevylor Quikpak Kayak has multiple air chambers that will prevent any sinking even if one or two chambers got punctured.
Length: – 2.61 meters
Width: – 0.91 meters
Weight: – 8.16 kilograms
Weight Capacity: – 175 kilograms
This kayak has a tarpaulin bottom that prevents the outer skin from puncturing. Multiple foot braces and backrest allow the paddler to enjoy comfy kayaking. Though the tracking can require extra effort and energy due to its small hull feature, this kayak is nearly a good choice for your kids.
18. Aquaglide Navarro 130 Inflatable Kayak For Kids
The Aquaglide Navarro 130 Inflatable Kayak is an all-around touring boat that can be utilized by a single paddler at a time. This is a heavy kayak and hence can carry a weight of around 250 pounds. This kayak is also suitable for kids because of its adjustable backrest and footrests. The drainage hole doesn’t allow the water to accumulate inside the kayak.
Length: – 3.35 meters
Width: – 0.69 meters
Weight: – 18.25 kilograms
Weight Capacity: – 113.3 kilograms
Aquaglide Navarro comes up with an actual cushioned seat rather than an inflatable seat. It has ideal legroom for kids and can be smaller for tall paddlers. This is the heaviest single paddler kayak with 18 kilograms.
19. Aquaglide Noyo 90 Inflatable Kayak For Kids
The Aquaglide Noyo 90 Inflatable Kayak is a perfect choice for the solo-paddlers or short-duration trips with children. This kayak has a closed deck style that helps to cover the paddle dry and is fully protected from getting wet. The Noyo is easy to carry and compact in size for decent maneuverability in the water.
Length: – 2.74 meters
Width: – 0.89 meters
Weight: – 9.5 kilograms
Weight Capacity: – 113 kilograms
This kayak has an attached quick-release fin that is easy to eject and install. It contains paddle holders, and D-rings to store bags and other gears.
20. Oru Foldable Kayaks
Oru Foldable Kayaks come in several different varieties from the lightest solo kayaks to the heaviest tandem kayaks in a moderately expensive range. The Beach LT model is suitable for single paddlers and is the lightest and smallest kayak under the Oru Kayaks.
The Beach LT is just 11.79 kilograms. Another kayak known for its intense durability and straight trajectory is Haven which is a tandem kayak whose weight is 19 kilograms.
How To Choose The Best Kayaks For Kids
There are a few factors that you should consider while choosing the best kayak for your kids.
- Weight: – The kayak should not be heavy that your kid can’t carry around.
- Length: – The kayak should not be excessively bigger in dimension. The preferable kayak should be less than 6-8 feet in length.
- Width: – The kayak’s width cannot be wider because the arms of the kids can’t control the paddles and their elbows will hit the rim of the kayak. Broader kayaks can be stable but maneuverability will be better with the narrower ones.
- Cockpit: – Choosing a kayak that has a big room in the cockpit can give your kid some space to trip easily and safely get back in position in time.
- Price: – The price of the kayak is an essential factor because the investment in kayaks depends on the fact that how long your kid is going to kayak or stop in the near future.
- Stability: – The right amount of balance is very important for kid kayakers because they aren’t going to perform stunts and take quick turns in the beginning.
