Paddleboarding
with kids

Introducing your child to paddleboarding is a lovely way to share the thing you love, as long as you follow a few simple safety rules and pick the right kit. Here's how to turn that first outing into a happy memory.

When can you start paddleboarding with a child?

There's no official minimum age, but as soon as a child is comfortable in the water and can wear a buoyancy aid without fuss, often around 4 to 5 years old, they can ride as a passenger on an adult's board. Below that age it's better to wait a little longer before getting started.

Which board to choose for a parent-and-child outing

Stability

A wide board, at least 32 inches, gives the balance you need to absorb the child's movements without unbalancing the whole thing.

Payload

The combined weight of adult and child should stay well below the board's maximum load. Our inflatable SUP gear guide explains how to work out that margin.

Space on the deck

A clear deck and enough room at the front let the child sit or stand comfortably without getting in the way of the adult's paddle strokes.

The safety rules you don't negotiate

Buoyancy aid

A buoyancy aid sized for the child is non-negotiable, even if they can already swim. It's the one guarantee if there's an unexpected fall. The RNLI recommends a correctly fitted buoyancy aid for everyone on the water.

Suitable water

Always favour a lake or a sheltered cove, in shallow water with no current, over a trip out to sea for this first taste of the sport.

Length of the outing

A first outing of 20 to 30 minutes is plenty. It's better to stop on a good note than to push on until the child gets bored or cold.

How to make the outing fun for the child

Let them explore the board on land before it goes in the water, get them involved in the prep (pumping it up, choosing the buoyancy aid) and keep an eye on their reactions once you're afloat. A relaxed attitude from the adult passes straight to the child. Always check the Met Office forecast before you head out, and read our paddleboard safety guide for the basics.

The most common mistakes

The most frequent is dragging the outing on too long to make the launch feel worthwhile, at the risk of tiring or frightening the child. Next comes choosing a board that's too small or too unstable, which makes balance hard for both of you. Finally, going out in wind or chop for a first go is a mistake to avoid at all costs.