Kayak Paddle Reviews for kids and Youth
But first, here's what you should know about kayak paddles:
(skip to bottom of page for specific paddle reviews)
(skip to bottom of page for specific paddle reviews)
Important Features of a Kid Kayak Paddle
Children need a light-weight paddle in the right length with a smaller shaft for little hands and sized-down blades for easy paddling. Kayak paddles are usually listed in centimeters, and the size you will need depends on how tall the paddler is and how wide the kayak is.
Kid Kayak Paddle Size Chart for Kayak Width:
Children need a light-weight paddle in the right length with a smaller shaft for little hands and sized-down blades for easy paddling. Kayak paddles are usually listed in centimeters, and the size you will need depends on how tall the paddler is and how wide the kayak is.
Kid Kayak Paddle Size Chart for Kayak Width:
Child’s HEIGHT |
Kayak Width Under 25” |
Kayak Width Over 25” |
Kayak Width Over 28” |
Under 4 ft |
152-182 |
- |
- |
4 to 4 ½ ft |
182-190 |
190-200 |
- |
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 |
General Age Guidelines for Kid Kayak Paddles used with Child-Sized Kayaks
Child's Age |
Paddle in Centimeters |
Age 4 and younger |
152-182 cm |
Age 4 to 10 |
182 -190 cm |
Age 8 to 13 |
190 cm |
Most kayak paddles are listed in centimeters but some are listed in inches.
Here is a guide for kid paddles listed in inches for common kid paddle lengths:
60 inches = 152 cm
72 inches = 182 cm
75 inches = 190
84 inches = 213 cm
Kid Kayak Paddle Guidelines
Shape of Paddle
For kayaking with children, and especially for beginners, you want a paddle that has a long narrow blade instead of a short wide blade.
You want the blade to be smaller than the one on an adult paddle, which will make it easier to use. Otherwise, the child is being asked to work harder than most adults! A sized-down paddle blade lightens the load by reducing the amount of water being moved by the paddler. If paddling is too hard, it won't be fun.
Shaft (or handle) needs to be smaller in diameter than an adult paddle so little hands can hold it easily. Many women with small hands also like child-sized paddles for this reason.
Kayak Paddle Materials
Paddle Price
High-quality paddles are expensive ($200 and up), but to get started in kayaking, and especially with kids, you don't need a luxury paddle, you need an affordable paddle and to get started.
For $25 to $50 you can get a paddle that will work just fine for a child starting out and probably have a couple of year warranty.
When your kid hits a height and kayak size they are going to be in for some time you may consider a paddle in the $50 to $100 range, and if they become a serious paddler in the future they can buy their own $200+ paddle (at least mine can) or maybe a luxury paddle would be a great Christmas or graduation gift for the teen who becomes an avid paddler.
Don't over-think it too much. Purchase a paddle you can afford and get them started. Like I have said before about kayaks, young kids don't care how much their paddle costs or if it is made of plastic and aluminum or if it's a $319 carbon fiber paddle, especially if they are under the age of 10 and are not kayaking further than a mile.
They want to have fun with you and their friends, so keep it simple in the beginning and get going. The worst mistake we can make is waiting too long or not beginning at all because we are so caught up in the details.
After you own your first paddle and see them use it for a while in the width of the kayak you choose, you will have a better idea of what size of a paddle you will want in the future as they grow.
Once your child can paddle a few miles you may then want to consider buying a higher-quality lighter paddle to enrich the experience. Once they are paddling long distances a lighter high quality paddle is then worth it's price tag for the comfort and efficiency it brings to your outing (see high-end paddles for kids listed at the bottom of this page).
Here is a guide for kid paddles listed in inches for common kid paddle lengths:
60 inches = 152 cm
72 inches = 182 cm
75 inches = 190
84 inches = 213 cm
Kid Kayak Paddle Guidelines
- Tiny kids age 3 to 4 can start with a 152 cm paddle which is like a toy/practice paddle
- Children age 4 and up can use a 182 cm paddle on a child-sized kayak
- Children who are under 5 feet will need a paddle that is approximately 190 to 210 cm
- A child who is 5 feet tall should start with 210/220 cm paddle for a small narrow kayak (max 28" wide)
- Youth between 5.5 and 6 feet tall will want to look in the 220/230 cm range, depending on the width of their kayak (28" or less/greater than 28" wide)
- Paddlers 6 feet tall and over will want a paddle that is 240 cm or longer
Shape of Paddle
For kayaking with children, and especially for beginners, you want a paddle that has a long narrow blade instead of a short wide blade.
You want the blade to be smaller than the one on an adult paddle, which will make it easier to use. Otherwise, the child is being asked to work harder than most adults! A sized-down paddle blade lightens the load by reducing the amount of water being moved by the paddler. If paddling is too hard, it won't be fun.
Shaft (or handle) needs to be smaller in diameter than an adult paddle so little hands can hold it easily. Many women with small hands also like child-sized paddles for this reason.
Kayak Paddle Materials
- Plastic or plastic blends with an aluminum shaft are the most affordable entry-level paddle materials.
- Fiberglass blades with a fiberglass shafts are middle grade material. Lighter and more rigid than plastic gives more power to your stroke.
- Nylon/Carbon Fiber Blades with a carbon shaft are premium paddles built for comfort, power and efficiency.
- Wood is another material you may see, which makes a durable rigid paddle, but is much heavier than the other materials.
Paddle Price
High-quality paddles are expensive ($200 and up), but to get started in kayaking, and especially with kids, you don't need a luxury paddle, you need an affordable paddle and to get started.
For $25 to $50 you can get a paddle that will work just fine for a child starting out and probably have a couple of year warranty.
When your kid hits a height and kayak size they are going to be in for some time you may consider a paddle in the $50 to $100 range, and if they become a serious paddler in the future they can buy their own $200+ paddle (at least mine can) or maybe a luxury paddle would be a great Christmas or graduation gift for the teen who becomes an avid paddler.
Don't over-think it too much. Purchase a paddle you can afford and get them started. Like I have said before about kayaks, young kids don't care how much their paddle costs or if it is made of plastic and aluminum or if it's a $319 carbon fiber paddle, especially if they are under the age of 10 and are not kayaking further than a mile.
They want to have fun with you and their friends, so keep it simple in the beginning and get going. The worst mistake we can make is waiting too long or not beginning at all because we are so caught up in the details.
After you own your first paddle and see them use it for a while in the width of the kayak you choose, you will have a better idea of what size of a paddle you will want in the future as they grow.
Once your child can paddle a few miles you may then want to consider buying a higher-quality lighter paddle to enrich the experience. Once they are paddling long distances a lighter high quality paddle is then worth it's price tag for the comfort and efficiency it brings to your outing (see high-end paddles for kids listed at the bottom of this page).
Kid Kayak Paddles for Entry-Level Paddling
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Carlisle Kids Saber Touring Kayak Paddle
Affordable and specifically designed for kids This paddle is specifically made for children, which is strangely hard to find in a paddle! Notice how the blades are narrow and long, which makes paddling easy. It is 190 cm which is also a length hard to find. Most paddles start at 210 cm in length. This paddle is an excellent length for kids 5 to 12 years old and also for very short adults (under 5 ft). Many smaller women like it because it is shorter, has smaller blades (easier paddling) and has a smaller diameter shaft (more comfortable for small hands). It also comes in great colors. I highly recommend this paddle for kids. Check here for the current price and colors. |
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Werner Sprite Kid's Kayak Paddle
Quality material upgrades and child-specific design The Sprite is impressive with it's quality upgrades in materials and specific design for kids with a sized-down carbon-reinforced shaft and nylon-reinforced low-angle (long and narrow) blades for easy paddling. Truly a great kid paddle. The Sprite is a 2-piece paddle, which makes it easy to transport and store. Also, not easy to find in kid paddles, it has a 3 position spring-loaded push button ferrule (the ability to offset the paddle blade angle if desired) and the paddle is designed with a smiley face to help kids know which way to hold the paddle (the correct position is when the smily face is right-side-up!). The Sprite is available in 180 and 190 cm and has a 1-year warranty. Here are the current prices. |
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Carlisle Magic Plus Paddle
Quality paddle for teens This paddle has a polypro blade with a fiberglass handle. It is light and durable and comes in 210, 220, or 230 cm. This paddle is better quality than most of the paddles listed above but costs more because of the better materials. It is built for a powerful stroke when touring. Though a little more expensive, this is a very good paddle. If adults and children will be sharing paddles, or if you have an older teen ready for a quality paddle, I recommend Carlisle's Magic Plus. This paddle is awesome! Check here for the current price. |
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Perception Hi Five Kid Paddle
Economy kid-specific paddle, great replacement for paddle that comes with kid-sized kayaks This paddle is a well-loved economy kid paddle. Though it's plastic and entry-level, it's very inexpensive and has kid-sized and kid-specific build. At 190 cm it is the right size for most entry-level kid-sized kayaks (see charts above for more information about sizing). |
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Curved Kayak Paddle
Best budget paddle If you are on a budget, this is about the cheapest paddle you can order that still has good reviews. Order this paddle in the 7 ft option, which is about 213 cm for most kids/young teens. For those over 6 ft tall or with a wider kayak, it also comes in 8 ft which is about 243 cm. This paddle has a two-year warranty, which is excellent for an economy priced paddle. Click here for current price. |
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Attwood 7 ft Paddle
Best budget paddle for tweens/young teens The Attwood is another good option if you are on a tight budget. This aluminum/plastic paddle gets good reviews on Amazon for both older kids and young teens. 7 feet is about 213 cm. It has the right blade shape for making paddling as easy as possible for beginners on flat-water. This paddle exceeded expectations for the price. |
High End Paddles
When your child can paddle a few miles, you may want to think about investing in a lighter, higher-end paddle so that they have a more efficient stroke and don't get tired on long kayak trips.
Look at these paddles when you are ready to upgrade for your tween/teen:
Werner Skagit CF
The "value" paddle of the higher-end paddles. Mid-sized, low-angle blade is versatile for many paddlers and likely can be shared by your whole family.
Werner Little Dipper
Werner Little Dipper is a luxury paddle. Low angle, small-sized blade is built for amazing propulsion. Helps kids not tire out who tour great distances. Expensive, but terrific paddle.
Werner Athena
Athena is a luxury paddle designed for small paddlers (think TEENS and WOMEN) who are looking for a luxury performance touring paddle.
Werner Skagit FG
Advanced blade design, straight shaft, adjustable ferrule handle which allows paddler to adjust feather angle.
Werner Camano Premium Fibrglass Luxury Kayak Paddle
Luxury paddle. Mid-sized award-winning paddle blades. This paddle is for the paddle snobs out there looking for incredible all day comfort. This is what you would get for your kayak-obsessed teen for a high school graduation gift.
Werner Ovation Ultimate Performance Luxury 2-Piece Paddle
Low-angle blade, lightest and best touring paddle. Thinner edges, quieter catch. Buoyant full-carbon blade for exceedingly light effortless strokes.
Paddling Accessories
Here are a list of other paddle and kayak accessories we have found helpful or fun
Paddle Leash
Can be used for your paddle, your gear, a fishing pole, or even to tow a child-sized kayak carrying a tired kid.
Clip-on Kayak Paddle Holder
Removable clips attach to kayak to hold paddle while you enjoy a sandwich.
Paddle Grips
For use on take-apart kayak paddle shaft. Grips conform to the curves of your hands, reducing pressure on your palms and tendons, allowing you to get a better grip for more efficient paddling. Also reduces blisters and calluses.
Floating Waterproof Dry Bag
Highly rated dependable floating dry bag keeps your things dry. Bag available in many sizes.
Paddle Drip Rings keep you dry while paddling.
Waterproof Dry Bag BACKPACK
Teens love this because it has a Bluetooth speaker for music so they can listen while they paddle.
Crooked Creek Youth Paddle
Small practice paddle for 3-year-old or 4-year-old, 5 ft/152 cm
When your child can paddle a few miles, you may want to think about investing in a lighter, higher-end paddle so that they have a more efficient stroke and don't get tired on long kayak trips.
Look at these paddles when you are ready to upgrade for your tween/teen:
Werner Skagit CF
The "value" paddle of the higher-end paddles. Mid-sized, low-angle blade is versatile for many paddlers and likely can be shared by your whole family.
Werner Little Dipper
Werner Little Dipper is a luxury paddle. Low angle, small-sized blade is built for amazing propulsion. Helps kids not tire out who tour great distances. Expensive, but terrific paddle.
Werner Athena
Athena is a luxury paddle designed for small paddlers (think TEENS and WOMEN) who are looking for a luxury performance touring paddle.
Werner Skagit FG
Advanced blade design, straight shaft, adjustable ferrule handle which allows paddler to adjust feather angle.
Werner Camano Premium Fibrglass Luxury Kayak Paddle
Luxury paddle. Mid-sized award-winning paddle blades. This paddle is for the paddle snobs out there looking for incredible all day comfort. This is what you would get for your kayak-obsessed teen for a high school graduation gift.
Werner Ovation Ultimate Performance Luxury 2-Piece Paddle
Low-angle blade, lightest and best touring paddle. Thinner edges, quieter catch. Buoyant full-carbon blade for exceedingly light effortless strokes.
Paddling Accessories
Here are a list of other paddle and kayak accessories we have found helpful or fun
Paddle Leash
Can be used for your paddle, your gear, a fishing pole, or even to tow a child-sized kayak carrying a tired kid.
Clip-on Kayak Paddle Holder
Removable clips attach to kayak to hold paddle while you enjoy a sandwich.
Paddle Grips
For use on take-apart kayak paddle shaft. Grips conform to the curves of your hands, reducing pressure on your palms and tendons, allowing you to get a better grip for more efficient paddling. Also reduces blisters and calluses.
Floating Waterproof Dry Bag
Highly rated dependable floating dry bag keeps your things dry. Bag available in many sizes.
Paddle Drip Rings keep you dry while paddling.
Waterproof Dry Bag BACKPACK
Teens love this because it has a Bluetooth speaker for music so they can listen while they paddle.
Crooked Creek Youth Paddle
Small practice paddle for 3-year-old or 4-year-old, 5 ft/152 cm
Happy Paddling!