
Beyond that, seats, inclusion of floatation or spray skirts and other safety equipment also can make the deal even better. Additionally, paddles that come with the kayak will be designed specifically for the use of children. Try to find options that come with paddles, which will greatly reduce your cost. The final thing to take note of when shopping around for a junior kayak is what features the kayak comes with if any. In fact, there are plenty of affordable sit on top kids kayaks on the market that can be purchased for just over $100.Ī kids sit in kayak costs between $300-$500.Ī kids inflatable kayak costs between $200-$700 (whitewater inflatables rae more durable and expensive)Ī kids whitewater kayak costs $500-$1000. While you certainly want to go with a good quality boat, you don’t necessarily need to spend a small fortune to get one. Here are our top recommended kids kayak paddles (listed in order of preference):Īnother important factor to consider when shopping around for family kayaks is the price of the kayak. Make sure to invest in a kids kayak paddle (many of the kayaks below come with a kids sized paddle). Adult paddles are too long for most kids and only make paddling more challenging for them. One of the most important pieces of paddling gear you need to get for kayaking with kids is a kid sized paddle. These kayaking conditions are also great for adventurous teenagers. This includes both hardsided and inflatable kayaks. A sit on top kayak can also be used here, but there is a good chance of falling in, so be prepared for that.Ĭlass 3-4 Whitewater (technical with large rapids, experienced kids kayakers only): Only take boats designed for whitewater here. Here are our general rules of thumb for what kayaks to use in what conditions.įlat Rivers, Class 1 moving water: Any kayak, though be careful of inflatable recreational kayaks if there are rocks protruding or just under the surface.Ĭlass 2 moving water (mildly technical, or with medium sized rapids): Whitewater inflatable kayak, whitewater hardside kayak with a skirt and helmet. The conditions of the water you want to kayak in also need to be taken into account to keep your kids safe while kayaking. Before we cover the best kids’ kayaks, let’s go over the different types of kayaks for kids Sit on Top Kayaks While various designs and styles are available for children’s kayaks, your most common choices will be sit on tops, sit insides, inflatable kayaks, and kids’ whitewater kayaks.Įach type comes with its own benefits and drawbacks, and it’s up to you to decide which style fits your family kayaking needs the most. To maximize the fun when kayaking with kids, it’s important to make sure you choose the right type of kayak for both your kids abilities and where you’ll be paddling.


Our family spends A LOT of time on the water, and we use our kids kayaks on the lake, down whitewater rivers, and even little kayaks for kids in the ocean. As a kid, I started paddling with my family when I was just 10-years-old and some of my absolute best memories were made on the water.
KIDS KAYAK FULL
Whether you’re looking to paddle across a calm lake or a river full or rapids, a kayak can take you where you want to go.Īs a big paddling loving family, kids kayaks are something we’ve had since our older kids were toddlers and we’ve tested out so many in the last 16 years.

Kayaking with kids is one of the best ways to spend time on the water as a family. As an amazon associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links where we earn from qualifying purchases.
