Few watersports lend themselves to family days out as well as paddleboarding: easy from a young age, cheap to hire and doable on plenty of calm stretches of water right across the UK.
Why paddleboarding is a genuine family activity
Unlike more technical watersports, paddleboarding is done at your own pace, with no particular fitness needed to start. A child can join in as a passenger from about 4 to 5 years old, and the whole family can enjoy the same stretch of water, each at their own level.
Which kit to choose for family paddling
A stable board
A wide, high-volume board, ideally something in the 13-foot family or touring class, lets you share the outing between several family members without losing stability.
The Coasto Cruiser 13'1" sits right in this family/touring size class, with the extra deck space that's handy with kids aboard — see it at OutletSUP →.
Useful accessories
Correctly sized buoyancy aids for everyone, a leash and a water-resistant sun cream round out the basic kit for a relaxed outing.
Kit for children
For older children already going solo, a dedicated kids' board and an adjustable paddle make getting to grips with it far easier.
The best stretches of water to start as a family
A lake
A lake gives you flat water and a bank that's always close by, the most reassuring setting for a first outing with children.
A very sheltered coast
Some protected bays and estuaries, such as the calm, shallow water of Windermere or a harbour on a still day, also allow family paddling in gentle conditions.
A watersports centre
Watersports centres, often equipped with lifeguarded swimming zones and kit hire, make organising a family outing much simpler.
How to plan a simple, safe outing
Favour shallow water near the bank, keep it to 30-45 minutes for the youngest, and always keep an eye on the weather with the Met Office forecast. A short, successful outing will have them wanting to come back, unlike a session that's too long or poorly planned. Our paddleboard safety guide covers the leash and buoyancy-aid basics.
Mistakes to avoid with children
Underestimating the volume the board needs, skipping the buoyancy aids because the water looks calm, or picking a stretch of water too exposed to the wind are the most common slip-ups. It's always better to err on the side of caution on those first outings.
FAQ
Which paddleboard should a family choose?
A wide, stable board with generous volume, ideally something in the 13-foot family or touring class, lets you share the outing between several family members without giving up stability.
Can you go out with two children?
Yes, provided the board has enough volume to carry the combined weight and the children stay calm and well spread out across the deck.
Where can families paddleboard easily?
A lake or a supervised watersports centre with shallow, sheltered water is the safest and simplest place to start as a family.
What accessories should you pack?
Buoyancy aids sized for each person, a leash, sun cream and an adjustable paddle for the younger ones are all you need for a well-prepared family outing.
Is paddleboarding a good holiday activity?
Yes. It's simple to organise, cheap to hire and enjoyed by all ages, which makes it a classic of lakeside and sheltered-coast holidays.
