

For this reason, the Old Town Heron Junior is a better choice for cold-water environments. Some parents prefer this to the sit-on-top style since it offers more protection from the water. Unlike the top pick model, our runner up features a sit-in cockpit design. On top of being exceptionally maneuverable, it is also extremely stable. The ultra-lightweight design makes this boat easy to maneuver, even for beginner-level kayakers. This kayak is designed for kids weighing no more than 115 pounds, and it is perfectly shaped to fit a child’s body.

The runner up best kayak for kids is the Old Town Heron Junior. More of our favorite kayaks by the Lifetime brand are reviewed here. All in all, this is the perfect kids kayak for young children and beginners.

If water enters the kayak, the cockpit scupper holes will help to drain the water quickly. The unique shape of the hull makes this boat ultra stable, but that doesn't mean it lacks in maneuverability or tracking performance. This kayak comes with a paddle included, so you won’t have to purchase one separately.Īll Lifetime kayaks are designed to be impact resistant. Even in light waves, a young kayaker will remain safe with the handgrips that are molded into the durable polyethylene material.Īt the back of the kayak, there is a swim-up step that makes entering the boat more natural than ever, even from the water. No matter your child’s height, this kayak offers optimal comfort with its multiple footrest positions. Reviewers have a lot of positive feedback about this kids kayak, especially when it comes to the kid-friendly design.

As long as your child is over 5 and under the 130-pound weight limit, the Wave kayak is a great choice. The Wave kids kayak is the perfect choice for beginning kayakers it is specifically designed for children five years and older. It’s our top pick for a few reasons, and not just because it comes in a vibrant lime green color. The Lifetime Youth Wave Kayak consistently ranks as the best kayak for kids. However, kayaks meant for children are much smaller in size and weight (typically about 20 lbs), so there is no need for inflation/deflation for easy storage and transport. Many avid adult kayakers are opting for inflatable watercrafts these days because kayak storage and transport are much more convenient. Many sit-inside kayaks are perfectly safe and stable, so it's up to you as a parent to decide which type is best.Īside from deciding between sit-in or sit-on, you’ll need to choose between an inflatable or hardshell kayak. Sit-ins are more suited for older children (between the ages of 8 - 12+), and sit-on-tops are a better choice for any young kayakers below the age of 8. However, sit-in kayaks do not offer the same stability as sit-on-tops. A sit-in kayak allows the child to sit inside the cockpit, which some kayakers consider to be the safest choice. The main consideration for a parent when choosing a type of kid kayak is whether to invest in a sit-in or sit-on-top design. There are a few different kayak types on the market right now that are specifically meant for young kayakers. We’re here to help by providing you with the best kid kayak reviews as well as the primary considerations of choosing a top-rated kayak for kids. As long as they are the proper age to understand the importance of water safety, a child should have no trouble kayaking on their own kid-friendly watercraft.īecause safety, stability, and durability are just a few concerns, choosing the right kid-friendly kayak can feel like a daunting task, especially if you’re looking for something specific. The best way to do it, though, is to invest in a separate kayak altogether for your little ones. Some family kayakers choose to invest in full-size tandem kayaks so that the kiddos can ride along in the same boat. And let’s not forget that kayaking is a fun activity for the whole family. Not only is it a great way to explore the great outdoors together, but teaching your kids to kayak from a young age teaches vital water safety skills. Spending time out on the water as a family has its perks, especially if kayaking is your family activity of choice.
