
When you’re 6 years old, the most important feature your kayak can have is enough space for your favorite action figure or stuffed animal.

This kayak’s 26-inch beam means it’s very stable for notoriously wobbly kids, with three different foot positions for growing boys and girls. For Mom and Dad’s sake, the backrest could be a gift from the heavens.Īpart from the seat, Best Choice Sports also has added a similar “swim-up step” feature that allows little Johnny to climb into the kayak from the water - which is great for kids with short attention spans who like to swim, kayak and splash their sister all at the same time. If you take the Lifetime Youth Wave kayak and add a padded seat and backrest and convenient carrying handles, you’ll get the Best Choice Sports 6’ kids kayak.īefore you shrug that off, consider this: an uncomfortable kid is a cranky kid, and a kayak for a 7-year-old is probably not the most comfortable thing to begin with.

Rear “swim up step” for easy entry from the water.The Lifetime Wave Youth 6-footer is also one of the best cheap kayaks for kids, a priority for parents on a budget. Multiple molded-in footrests mean it’s a kayak that can grow with your child, too. Younger paddlers will also find the Wave Youth kayak easy to maneuver and paddle, thanks to its “twin fin” design. And self-draining scupper holes mean your child doesn’t have to fear the kayak filling up with water.
#Kids kayak portable
A great sit-on-top kids kayak weighing just 18 pounds, it’s easily portable in the back of an SUV or truck, and molded finger handles mean it’s easy for parents to pick up and carry.įor kids who love to swim, the Lifetime Wave also features a rear “swim-up step” so paddlers can climb aboard from the water. Rated for kids 5 and up, this kayak is super stable and inviting for youngsters who are a little unsure of themselves on the water. While it goes without saying that the youngest of paddlers should never be left unsupervised and should always wear an appropriately sized lifejacket, the Lifetime Wave Youth 6-foot kayak is a great starter kayak for little ones. *American Paddler's recommendation, not manufacturer's Kayaks for 4-8 Year Olds Inflatable Kayak for Kids: Intex Challenger K1Ī QUICK RUNDOWN: THE 9 BEST KIDS KAYAKS OF 2023 (CLICK LINKS BELOW TO SEE PRICES ON AMAZON.COM).Kayaks for 12 Year Olds and Up: Pelican Summit 100X and Malibu Mini X.Kayaks for 8-12 Year Olds: Sun Dolphin Bali SS 8, Sun Dolphin Aruba SS 8 and Old Town Heron Junior.Kayaks for 4-8 Year Olds: Lifetime Youth Wave kayak and Emotion Sparky Youth kayak.While age is less important than your child’s size when it comes to choosing the right kayak, the ranges below will give you a good starting point. Which one is best for your child depends largely on their age, size and experience.īelow, you’ll find American Paddler’s guide to the best kids kayaks, broken down by age group. Kids kayaks come in many different sizes and shapes, from sit-on-tops to covered, sit-inside boats, fishing kayaks for kids and even whitewater creekboats for older children. While very young tikes should ride in the boat with Mom or Dad, older children might love playing and splashing around in their own boat. Besides getting them off the couch and into the great outdoors, kayaking with your kids is a terrific way to build lifelong family memories. There are lots of great reasons to encourage your children’s kayak adventures.

When it comes to a youngster’s newfound love of paddling, the best kayak for kids is not only one that’s safe, stable and affordable - it’s also one your child will love.
