Everything you need to know to get your kid started in kayaking
Beginners need a quality, lightweight paddle with the right features to succeed as they learn to paddle a kayak. What is the best affordable kayak paddle for beginners?Perfect for youth and teens, as well as adults who are learning to kayak, the Carlisle Magic Plus is the #1 best paddle for beginners, as it balances affordability, quality, and the technical features that first time paddlers need to succeed. The paddle blade is designed for efficient and powerful strokes. It's durable and light, has an asymmetrical slightly curved blade for efficiency and comfort, and an easy to use button ferrule to adjust the angle of the blades. It's brightly colored and easy to spot if you drop in the water, reinforced with fiberglass making it strong and light, and is designed for touring and recreation, making it the all-around best paddle for those new to the sport. Balancing price and qualityI voted the Carlisle Magic Plus as the #1 kayak paddle for beginners because it is both very affordable and yet has what a beginner needs to succeed. Any paddle that is cheaper than the Carlisle Magic Plus is too heavy, too cheaply made, and too unpleasant to use to hook a new paddler and help them both enjoy and fall in love with the sport. While there are high-end delicious paddles that are as light as a feather and made of 100% carbon fiber, they are too much money for a beginner ($300-$500) and while I will say they are 100% worth the price, beginners are not ready to spend that kind of money on a paddle in a sport they are just dipping their toe in. The Carlisle Magic Plus hovers right around $100 and is a steal for the combination of features and build. |
Height |
Kayak under 25" width |
Kayak over 25" width |
Kayak Over 28" width |
4 ½ to 5 ft |
190-210 |
210-220 |
230 |
5 to 5 ½ ft |
210 |
220 |
230 |
5 ½ to 6 ft |
220 |
230 |
230-240 |
6 ft and up |
220-230 |
230-240 |
240 |
All
10 Year Olds
10-year-olds
7 Year Olds
8 Year Olds
9 Year Olds
Beginner Kayak Paddle
Best Gift Kayak
Best Gift - Kayak
Carlisle Magic Plus
Christmas And Black Friday
Family Kayaks
Five-year-olds
How Old Do Kids Need To Be To Kayak?
Intro To Kayaking: Questions Answered
Kayak Paddleboard Hybrids
Kayak Pricing
Kayak Trailers
Life Jackets
Making Kayaking An Amazing Experience
Paddle For Beginners
Paddle Strokes
Seven Year Olds
Six-year-olds
Skills
Types Of Kayaks
Youth/teen Kayak Paddle