What kind of kayak should you buy for your child? Which type of kayak is best?
Here's an overview of each type of kayak, with reviews and suggestions below.
Inflatable Kayaks for kids $Inflatable kayaks are the easiest kayak to travel with and are affordable. They are made of a very durable material. Inflatable kayaks work for not only kids, but for adults in the family as well. Inflatable kayaks can fit inside any vehicle and are easy to store in small spaces. They are appealing to college students, those who travel often, and city or apartment dwellers. They are the least expensive kayaks and can serve the needs of the whole family. Inflatable kayaks are the easiest way to try out the sport of kayaking for those who are hesitant or not sure how often they will use their new kayak. With inflatable kayaks, there is no commitment to store a bulky kayak and the intimidation factor is very low. However, if you have storage and will use your kayak often, you should consider the other kayak options as well. With an inflatable kayak there is the extra step of inflation that is avoided with the other two types of kayaks. If you have a river in your backyard like I do, you would not want to inflate a kayak when you can just throw one in the water everyday. For those without storage wanting to try a kayak, this is the clear winner.
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Sit-on-top kayaks for kids $$Sit-on-top kayaks are the easiest kayaks for all beginners and especially those with very young children. They are affordable, safe and they are fun. They are an all-around easy option. They don't need to be inflated or deflated, they are easy enough to travel with, they don't sink, you can't poke a hole in one, and they are easy to store. No previous experience or skill is needed to use a new sit-on-top kayak in calm water, making them really fun for families, friends, reunions, parties, etc. When they arrive, they are easy to throw in the water (or even a swimming pool for the smaller child-sized ones) to start paddling around. Sit-on-top kayaks come in sizes ranging from 6-feet for the youngest children and go up to sizes that fit teens and adults, 9 to 14-feet long. Some sit-on-top kayaks also can hold multiple paddlers, which are called tandem kayaks. Many sit-on-top kayaks are also used for fishing. For a more in-depth article about the different types of kayaks, click here and for a guide detailing what age kids can use different types of kayaks, click here. If your family is just getting into kayaking and you have no idea where to start, a sit-on-top kayak is always a great place to start. It's an easy entry into the world of paddling without a lot to buy or learn to get started. For casual family fun at the lake with kids and friends, the sit-on-top kayak is the clear winner.
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Traditional Kayaks for Kids $$$Traditional sit-inside kayaks are nimble and efficient when you are paddling longer distances. They are also easier to stay dry in and have more space for storing things. They cost more than sit-on-top and inflatable kayaks, and range in quality from entry level (cheaper construction) to very high quality (more money). With a sit-inside kayak your child will need an experienced paddler to teach them paddling and safety skills, because unlike a sit-on-top kayak, sit-inside kayaks can tip over (capsize) and take on water, requiring a paddler to know how to safely get out of a flipped kayak, also called a wet-exit, use a spray skirt, bail out a kayak, and how to re-enter a flipped kayak. For families who plan to use their kayaks for more than casual lake outings, this kayak is the clear winner.
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Kayak Reviews
INFLATABLE KAYAKS
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Best for a traveling family with teens
Intex Challenger Inflatable Kayak The Intex Challenger kayak is very affordable and great for children about 10 to 12 years old and up, though it can also work fine for younger children that are bigger/stronger than average. The Challenger consistently has thousands of positive reviews on Amazon. It enables anyone curious about kayaking to have a quality kayaking experience for very little money, even those without storage space. The Challenger includes a paddle and hand pump. It is a perfect first kayak for a family that may not kayak often, doesn't have space or want to worry about storing a traditional-sized kayak. It consistently gets incredibly high reviews and works for smaller sized adults as well, making it fun for family vacations. Check here for current prices and more pictures. |
SIT-ON-TOP KAYAKS
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Best for kids age 4-12 brand new to kayaking
Lifetime Wave Kayak (with paddle) This is the first kayak my kids started with. Actually, we have two of them. The price is really affordable, the kayak is worth every penny. The company states that it can work with paddlers as young as 5-years-old, but my 4-year-old paddled it this summer on our calm pond and has been riding on the back as a passenger since he was 3 . My 11-year-old son and his friends also use it and will probably fit in it for a few more years. The weight limit is 130 lbs. This kayak is easy to carry and loads of fun for young kids. If your child is already 11 or 12-years-old and doesn't have younger siblings to pass it on to, you may want to start with a bigger kayak, as they may be ready for something more. If you have any kids under 10 and your family is brand new at paddling sports, this is the kayak I would recommend. It is very tough material, light enough for my 9-year-old to drag across the yard himself (it has a nice little built-in carrying handle as you can see in this picture) and it comes in two sizes, 6 ft (great for ages 5-10) or 6.5 ft (great size for kids 5-12). My kids love the bright colors they come in. You can get one in hot pink, lime green, bright orange, yellow or blue. Each kid gets their own color, and they think that is awesome. I've noticed that the price goes up and down throughout the year, and largely depends on color, so check here for current rates, colors, and to see better pictures of the top of the kayak. I have not met one parent who has regretted this purchase. Many of our neighbors and friends have bought the Lifetime Wave kid kayak for their child after kayaking with our family. It is so fun and easy to use. |
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Best entry level kayak for kids 11 and up
Sun Dolphin Bali Sit-on-top 8 Foot This kayak is the next size up from a 6 or 6.5 ft kids kayak. At 8 feet, a larger 8 to 10 year old could enjoy this kayak, otherwise I would suggest the Sun Dolphin Bali starting at around 11 years old. It can also work for teenagers and small adults. As a sit-on-top, it is easy for beginners and a good price for a kayak that can be used by both a mom and her son or daughter. It has an adjustable seat back, but you will need to order your own paddle. For this width of kayak (28"), choose a 220 cm paddle for kids under 6 feet tall and 230 cm paddle for 6 feet and taller. Check here for current amazon price on the Sun Dolphin. Read my Paddle Guide and Reviews for a paddle to go with this kayak. |
SIT-INSIDE KAYAKS
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Best Quality Sit-Inside for Kids Age 7+
Pereption Prodigy XS Kid Kayak 10 feet long, 23" wide with a weight limit of 150 lbs. These are FAST boats because they weigh only 26 lbs. Quick and easily maneuverable, they are also very stable. At 26 lbs they are light enough for 7-12-year-olds to move around and to help load. They are narrow enough that the kids can use appropriately kid-sized paddles without banging their fingers on the sides. They have real, adjustable foot pegs, which is a huge plus. Petite women also enjoy using this kayak. It comes in a few different colors. For this size of kayak (23" wide) consider a paddle between 190 and 210 cm. (see our paddle guide for kids paddle sizing.) |
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Best Entry-level sit-inside for kids 9 and up
Sun Dolphin Aruba (8 feet) This is great for an entry-level sit-inside kayak for kids. If you read reviews on the 10-foot versions of the same kayak, it gets higher reviews than the 8 foot because these are all silly adults trying to use this smaller kayak that works much better for young people. It is great for kids and teenagers who are just starting out. Believe me, they will have a blast. For 9-year-olds and up, go with the 8 foot. For kids 12 and up, go with the 10-foot (below). Click here for colors and current prices on the 8-foot. (Note: you will also need to purchase a paddle.) For this width of kayak (28"), choose a 220 cm paddle for kids under 6 feet tall and 230 cm paddle for 6 feet and taller. Read my Paddle Guide and Reviews article for the right paddle to go with this kayak. |
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Best entry-level Sit-Inside for kids age 12 +
Sun Dolphin Aruba (10 feet) This kayak works great for any kids in the 11 or 12 age range and up. It is well known that this brand is probably one of the cheapest sit-inside kayaks you can buy. Once your child becomes proficient, you can upgrade to high-priced and higher-quality kayak if you want to. I promise that your tween/teen will have a blast with this and won't care or know that you didn't spend big bucks to get their first kayak. Click here to see more photos and the different color options; prices tend to vary by color and season. (Note: the Sun Dolphin Aruba also comes in an 8-foot length; see review above. Also, you will need to purchase a paddle.) For this width of kayak (30"), choose a 230 cm paddle for kids under 6 feet tall and 240 cm paddle for 6 feet and taller. |
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Old Town Heron Junior
Quality sit-inside for kids age 7 - 12 year olds This kid-sized sit-inside is 7 feet and 5 inches long and can hold kids up to 115 lbs. One fun feature of the Heron Junior is that you can tow your tired kid back if they get too tired. The Heron Junior feels like a mini version of your kayak rather than a toy kayak. It feels so much better quality than the kayaks you might find at a box store. Here is the current price on Amazon. Choose this sit-inside if you want a shorter kayak truly for little ones, or consider the Perception Prodigy XS listed above if you want a kayak that will last a few more years. The Heron is 7'5" and goes up to 115 lbs while the Prodigy is 10' and goes up to 150 lbs. Both are quality sit-inside kid kayaks. |
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Best Quality Sit-Inside for age 12+
Old Town Heron 9XT Recreational The Heron 9XT is a dependable and well-loved sit-inside kayak that both you and your child can use. Kids age 12 and up can certainly paddle it, and some kids who are 10 or 11 may be able to paddle this as well, depending on their size and physical ability. This is the next step up in entry-level kayaks from the small child-sized kayaks. Old Town makes high-quality canoes and kayaks. I grew up with my dad's Old Town canoes, and now I've bought my husband an old Town Canoe as well, and he loves it. It was the best Father's Day present the kids and I ever gave him! This is the perfect entry-level kayak if you want to have a vessel the whole family can share. It is 9.5 feet long with a 300 lb weight capacity and it is easy to use for beginners. For some families, it makes more sense to have a kayak that can fit kids and adults, especially if you have an older child or teen. This all-around kayak costs more than the kayaks you will see for sale at cheap box stores, but you are buying a higher quality kayak and you will get what you pay for; it is lighter and easier to maneuver. Don't forget to purchase a paddle or paddles that will fit whichever family members you plan on using it (see my Paddle Guide and Reviews). For this width of kayak (28.5"), I would suggest, choose a 230 cm paddle for kids under 6 feet tall and 240 cm paddle for 6 feet and taller. Here are the current prices for Heron. |
Generally, if the parents don't already kayak I recommend beginning by purchasing sit-on-tops for the kids and the whole family. There is very little to learn with a sit-on-top kayak, little stress, and no risk of the kayak taking on water. They are a great way to cheaply and quickly get into a paddling sport and it is easy to progress from there to sit-insides or tandems or whatever. For recreational lakes and slow rivers, kids tend to be less intimidated and have more fun with sit-on-tops. However it depends on the type of water you will be paddling in and the type of family you are. Sit-inside kayaks certainly have more potential for more advanced kayaking skills and touring trips in the future. For entry-level family play there is no intimidation factor with sit-on-tops. Whatever you choose, remember life jackets and paddles. HAPPY PADDLING!
(For an in-depth discussion about each type of kids kayak, please read my post KAYAK OPTIONS FOR KIDS)
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Legal Information: This site is meant as a log of our family's opinions and experiences, but is in no way a comprehensive safety guide for kayaking. Kayak at your own risk and research well anything pertaining to your family's safety. This site shares our experiences and products we have tried and researched. There are affiliate links used to reference the products being reviewed.