Stand-up Paddleboarding with Kids

With summer starting to wind down and the back-to-school season in full swing, it’s easy to start slacking off on outdoor activities with the kids. But don’t let these last few weeks of warm weather and no homework go to waste! If you’re looking for a new activity to get the kids as excited about being outdoors as they were at the beginning of the summer, one great option is stand-up paddleboarding. There are many health benefits to stand-up paddleboarding that your children can benefit from, such as getting some fresh air, staying active, and even improving mental health. It’s a great way to get them away from screens and into nature. It also lets them explore new places and get excited about their surroundings.

So what’s the best way to go on a catastrophe-free stand-up paddleboarding excursion with your kids? Here are a few suggestions of how you can get your young ones excited about this hobby while also making sure they stay safe and have fun.

• Find a board their size. This will make a world of difference in your child’s experience. Paddling something too large and heavy will be frustrating and won’t get them anywhere. Invest in something easy for them to get going and maneuver, such as this Radar Lil Buddy SUP that is designed specifically for smaller paddlers. Inflatable boards also tend to be lighter, making them easier for children to use. Typically, boards under 9 feet long are a good size for children and smaller paddlers. This Sapient Grom kids’ inflatable SUP is another good option and easy to store when it’s not in use.

• Choose the perfect paddle. Just like how having an appropriate-sized board is important, having a SUP paddle that fits your child is also helpful. A good rule of thumb is that your SUP paddle should measure around 8 to 10 inches above your head when standing up. A paddle that’s longer than this will be difficult to use. Most SUP paddles are adjustable, so some of them can be changed to fit your child’s height. This Starboard Enduro 2.0 kids’ paddle is made for smaller paddlers and adjustable to fit kids of all sizes.

• Review water safety. Paddleboarding is a great opportunity to teach your children about how to stay safe on the water. Knowing some swimming basics is important, so be sure they are comfortable with being in or on the water before you both venture out. Also make sure they are wearing a lifejacket and a leash in case they fall off their board. A whistle is also good to have in case of emergency. And don’t forget the sunglasses and sunscreen!

• Be sure water conditions are appropriate. Find somewhere calm and smooth so that your child can feel comfortable standing up on his or her board for the first time. Try to pick a place with little traffic so that you don’t have to deal with boats or jet skis cruising by. If you do come across any rough patches, switch to paddling on your knees for better stability.

• Go out with them. Always be sure that your child is supervised while they’re out exploring the waters. This is a great way to spend some quality time with each other as you discover new places together.

Paddleboarding is a great activity to get your kids outside and comfortable with being on the water. It is versatile, easy to learn and something that they can enjoy for years to come. Whether they want a board of their own or want to ride along as you paddle, it is the perfect way to top off summer vacation.