Kayaking with Kids: A Guide for Family Fun on the Water

Kayaking is one of those activities that brings families together in a fun, active way—whether you’re paddling side by side in a tandem kayak or letting the kids paddle and steer their own boats. I’ve brought my son kayaking with me a number of times here in San Diego, and hope to bring him put to the Kern River to teach him how to paddle whitewater.

But kayaking with kids comes with unique challenges, from safety concerns to keeping little paddlers entertained. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. This guide will walk you through the essentials for kayaking with kids, whether they’re your co-pilot in a tandem kayak or striking out on their own.

Choosing the Right Kayak: Gear Up for a Smooth Ride

Tandem Kayaks

If you’re paddling with younger kids or those who aren’t quite ready to handle their own kayak, a tandem setup is the way to go. Tandem kayaks provide stability, easy communication, and, of course, shared fun. The key here is getting a kayak that fits both the adult and the child. Some models allow you to adjust the seating for comfort, and some even come with built-in child seats.

Here is a video of my son, Kai, and I kayaking together in La Jolla California.

Solo Kayaks for Kids

For older kids who are eager to try paddling solo, look for kayaks that are lightweight and easy to maneuver. Stability is key—look for wider kayaks or models specifically designed for young paddlers. A stable kayak helps reduce the chances of tipping, which is comforting for you and your child.

Safety and Comfort

Regarding kayaks for kids, comfort and safety are a top priority. Look for kayaks with seats that provide good back support. For those in tandem kayaks, ensure the child has their comfortable seat with proper back support, and be sure their feet can easily reach the footrests to help them paddle effectively.

Gear Up: The Right Equipment for a Safe, Comfortable Ride

Life Jackets

A properly fitted life jacket is the most important gear for any child on the water. For younger kids, make sure you choose one that has the correct size and buoyancy. A snug fit is essential; it should be snug enough to stay on in the water, but not so tight that it restricts movement or breathing. Some life jackets even have built-in head support for extra safety. Don’t forget: kids love comfort, so make sure it’s something they won’t mind wearing for hours.

Helmets

If you’re paddling in more challenging waters or plan on doing some adventurous kayaking (think whitewater or rough river conditions), helmets are a good idea for your kids. Even in calm waters, it’s wise to check if the activity requires or recommends helmets.

Sun Protection

Let’s face it, kids aren’t always great about reapplying sunscreen or keeping their hats on. My son is openly hostile to sunscreen. So you’ll need to do some prep before hitting the water, and build in some time to take care of business. Pack up waterproof sunscreen, UV-protective clothing, and hats to keep their faces and arms safe from the sun’s rays.

A rash guard or lightweight long-sleeve shirt can keep your little one protected while they paddle away. Since my son doesn’t like sunblock, it’s easier for us just to cover him up with a long sleeve rashguard and a hat.

Prepping for Your Kayaking Adventure

Choose the Right Location

Not all waters are created equal when it comes to kids. Stick to calm lakes, gentle rivers, or easygoing bays where the water is relatively still. Avoid areas with strong currents or waves, especially if your kids are new to kayaking. Look for designated “family-friendly” paddling spots that are well-suited for beginners.

Packing Essentials

A little preparation goes a long way, especially with kids in tow. Pack the essentials: snacks, extra water, a first-aid kit, and extra clothes. Wet clothes can make for unhappy kids, so having a dry set of clothes ready for when you’re done will keep the fun going well after you hit the shore.

Set Realistic Expectations

Don’t plan for an all-day expedition with little ones in tow. Keep your kayaking trip short and sweet, especially for younger kids. Aim for a couple of hours of paddling at most – maybe a lot less if you know they won’t have the stamina. I can’t over emphasize this, based on my personal experience: tou want them to have a good time, not be exhausted halfway through the trip.

Teaching Kids to Paddle: Start Them Off Right

Basic Skills for Beginners

Take it slow when it’s time to teach kids how to kayak. Start with basic paddling techniques like how to hold the paddle, how to paddle forward, and how to steer. If your child is in a tandem kayak, you’ll do most of the paddling at first, but give them a chance to try the strokes as you go. It’s all about building their confidence.

For solo kayakers, ensure they understand the basic strokes (forward, backward, turning) before setting off independently. Remember, it’s okay if they’re a little wobbly at first—that’s part of the fun.

Tandem vs. Solo

The beauty of tandem kayaking is that you and your child can share the experience, and you’ll be right there if they need help. This also allows you to work on some team paddling skills, like syncing your strokes. On the other hand, solo paddling can give older kids a sense of independence and achievement. It’s the perfect way to let them feel like they’re in control of their own adventure.

Keep it Fun

Kids need to stay engaged, or they’ll quickly lose interest. Keep things light and fun with games like races, treasure hunts, or counting the different kinds of birds you spot along the water. You’ll keep their attention and have a blast doing it.

Handling Challenges

Dealing with Fear

If your child is nervous or unsure about kayaking, it’s totally normal. Ease their concerns by explaining what’s going to happen, showing them how safe and stable the kayak is, and getting them used to the water gradually. A little reassurance goes a long way.

Water Conditions and Weather

Before heading out, make sure to check the weather forecast and water conditions. Even on calm waters, weather can change quickly, so be prepared to head back to shore if conditions get rough. And remember: kids get cold and tired faster than adults, so monitor their energy levels.

Capsizing: What to Do

While it’s unlikely you’ll tip over, it’s good to have a plan just in case. Teach your child what to do in the event of a capsize, and how to stay calm. This is especially important for solo paddlers. Let them know they can always rely on you to help if anything goes wrong.

Different kayaks require different techniques for reentry or rolling. If you are paddling whitewater or a sea kayak with a skirt, rolling the boat is a specialized skill that requires lots of practice. Check out your local whitewater club if you and/or your child needs to learn.

This video explains how to get back into a sit-on-top kayak:

Making It Memorable: The Fun Part

Building Confidence

Kayaking is a great confidence booster for kids. Let them paddle when they feel ready, even if it’s just for a few strokes. They’ll feel proud of their accomplishment and eager to paddle again.

After the Paddle

Wrap up the day with a reward—a picnic, a trip to the beach, or a swim in the lake. A stop for ice cream is always a winner in my house. It’ll make the whole experience feel like an exciting adventure, not just a paddling trip.