When it comes to kayaking, many parents worry about the safety of youth fishing kayaks. The safety of kids is paramount when it comes to kayaking.
We have made it easier for you to pick the most suitable kayaks for your kids. We answered some questions you may want answers to.
Table of Contents
The Youth Fishing Kayaks
Sun Dolphin Journey Fishing Kayak
Weight: 44 lbs| Length: 10 | Width: 30 | Max Capacity: 250 lbs
Features: Open Cockpit | Self-bailing | Adjustable foot braces | Portable Accessory Carrier | Fishing gear compatible
The most suitable kayaks for kids provide the perfect match when it comes to easy maneuverability and comfort, and that is the situation for the Sun Dolphin Journey.
A child seeking to learn the rudiments of kayaking would really enjoy the exercise a lot.
The reason why it is so easy to recommend the Sun Dolphin for kids is that it offers an outstanding tracking.
This gives room for a long time of paddling session that does not endanger the safety of your child.
It has included in it everything ranging from a comfortable chair, spacious cockpit and footrests, and if a two-for-one special catches your fancy.
This is also the best kayak your child can use to practice fishing because of the rod holders and storage compartment.
Having said that, when a parent thinks about kayaking with their kids, what comes to their mind is safety.
You can be confident that the polyethylene construction will in no way damage to water that is relatively stable.
Lifetime Loutus Sit-On-Top Kayak with paddle
Weight: 36.5 lbs| Length: 8’| Width: 29”| Max Capacity: 250 lbs
Features: UV-protected polyethylene | Molded paddle cradle | Ultra Stable hull | Multiple footrest postions and adjustable seat | Self-bailing scrupper holes | Tankwell storage w/ bungee cords
When teaching your child how to operate a kayak, the last thing you would do is to leave them in a position where they will feel uncomfortable due to lack of space.
This is where this junior kayak comes in.
Just like the former entry, the longevity of this boat is guaranteed by the sturdy polyethylene construction.
We also need to state that the weight of the kayak is around 40 pounds, in other words, you may need to help with taking it into the water.
The center handle makes it easier so that you would need not to drag the kayak by the bow in order to move it on dry land.
Lastly, the legroom, which is in abundance, cannot be left out here. The storage area is at the back of the boat and has a well-adjustable seat.
It makes your child to be free to concentrate on paddling whilst his foot has a number of possible positions to rest on.
Sevylor Quikpak K1
Weight: 18 lbs | Length: 8′ 7″ | Width: 36″ | Max capacity: 400 lbs
Features: 5-minutes set up | Backpack system that turns into seat | 21-guage PVC w/ tarpaulin bottom | Multiple air chambers | Double lock valves | Multi-position footrests
Setting up a Sevylor Quickpak is very easy, that makes it by default one of the best kayaks a kid should use to learn kayaking as a beginner.
It is almost impossible to make this thing to leak even if you try to do so.
The tarpaulin bottom is one of the best structure that provides protection from rocks and other disturbances.
There is no slouch on the body of the kayak because the PVC coating makes it suitable for rivers and lakes.
In order to calm the minds of parents who are skeptical, the boat has multiple air chambers, it will surely float always even if you experience a puncture for any reason.
When it comes to portability, the kayak is lighter than you may imagine. The boat in itself can fold into an 18-pound backpack (nearly as heavy as the normal school bag).
This means your child would have no stress of carrying it to wherever he or she would be paddling.
Perfection Hi Five
Weight: 21 lbs |Length: 6′ | Width: 24″ | Max Capacity: 120 lbs
Features: Paddle standing or sitting | 2 Piece paddle included | Elevated seat | Large front deck & rear swim-up deck | Kid hitch & tether system
The best way you can make your child interested in boating is by buying one that looks amazing. Hi Five is among the best kayak you can ever get today.
In addition to functioning as a kayak, the beauty can work like a stand-up paddleboard so your kids can evolve from sitting to standing on it when they become more relaxed.
Another wonderful selling point is the size, which comes in at slightly above 6.5 feet, maneuvering the rivers without instability in the slightest, is very easy.
If keeping extremely close tabs on your children as they paddle is important to you, you can maximize the tether system and attach your own boat to the kayak.
The large front deck will always give your kid a space that is large enough to move around if they want to take a break.
The rear deck is very suitable for a small animal like a dog.
Lifetime Hydros Angler 85 Fishing Kayak
Weight: 38 lbs | Length 8′ 5″ | Width: 29.5″ Max Capacity: 225 lbs
Features: Combination tunnel hull design | Multiple footrest positions | Molded-in swim-up deck w/ bungee lacing | Adjustable seat back | T- handles for transport
If your child has already learnt the rudiments of kayaking, you may desire to opt for a more conventional, “Adult” boat.
The Lifetime Hydros Angler can also work as a junior kayak and therefore make your little one’s experience what it is like to paddle in the big leagues.
In as much as it somewhat looks plain at first site, this boat has everything you can ever desire in an intermediate-level kayak.
The bungee lacing storage and swim-up deck are always a big advantage also considering a length of just above 8.5 feet.
This ensures that your kid can experience what paddling a proper kayak looks like and still be able to make use of it in a water body that is narrow.
The polyethylene structure makes this thing so resistant to punctures and UV sunlight. What you would call the game of teaching your kid something like kayaking is safety.
The good thing is that you can be sure and confident that the Hydros Angler will provide plenty of that.
Pelican Solo
Weight: 19 lbs | Length: 6′ | Width: 24″ | Max Capacity: 100 lbs
Features: Open cockpit | Twin tunnel for stability | Self-bailing | Swim-up rear deck w/ handle | Molded foot rests | Paddle park | Bottle holder | Safety flag
From the time your eyes come in contact with this thing, you can say it is a youth kayak over and over.
The only thing that might not be clear at first look is that this is among the best kid kayaks you can ever get.
The kayak can only carry a weight of up to 100 pounds – it is a boat for kids if we have ever seen one.
Having that in mind, the cockpit is more suitable and gives better comfort than you can expect by merely looking at it.
The swim-up deck provides you with what you can grab onto peradventure you need to push the kayak by yourself.
The polyethylene also has a superb steering, and a weight of about 19 pounds, in other words, it would not cause you trouble when moving it around.
In addition to all of that, the Pelican Solo comes in a lot of eye-popping colors so that you can never lose track of your kid and interestingly, it has a “safety flag” used for good measure.
Intex Challenger K1
Weight: 27.2 lbs | Length: 9′ | Width: 30″ | Cargo net storage | Grab line | Removable skeg | Carry bag, pump & paddle
In as much as this is one of the more “grown-up” kayaks we have on our list, it has an amazing mix of features that makes it one of the best a kid should use.
It is difficult to say if this was with clear intentions, but coming from intex, we would not be surprised about it at all.
Even though it has so many sister models, we would always recommend K1 for kids since it is the lightest one.
The distinguishing feature of this thing when compared to others in our list is that it is inflatable, so it gives off some sturdiness in order to accommodate extra buoyancy.
No products found.
This is a nice tradeoff considering the so much benevolent price, however, in a way, it functions to the kayaks advantage as it provides it with some extra bounce in case of a collision.
In as much as comfort is needed, the inflatable footrest and seat belong to the most suitable and comfort-giving out of every of our picks.
What more? The I-beam floor was designed bearing learners in mind, since you would need to try hard to flip this thing over.
Sevylor Quickpak K5
Weight: 23 lbs | Length: 10’ | Width: 32” | Max Capacity: 250 lbs
Features: 5-minute setup | Backpack system that converts to seat | 24-guage PVC w/ tarpaulin bottom | Multiple air chambers | Double lock valves | Spray covers
Sevylor has put some of the best kayaks for kids out in the past few years, to this effect, we had no other choice than to add one of their boats to our list.
For all intentions and uses, you can take this kayak as the more improved sister of the Quickpak K1.
The K5 is a little longer by around 10 feet, this gives it a little extra stability when it’s on water and also a better space for storage to work with.
Whilst a grown up should be able to handle a kayak that has this length in any water body, we would recommend this model for kids who have gained a little experience.
Most other specs look so much like those of the K1. The PVC build gives this kayak enough sturdy (a little sturdier than its tinier counterpart).
It can be deflated making it look like a bag, consequently making it very easy to transport.
FAQs
What age is a youth kayak for?
From age, 5 to 11 kids can easily paddle a kayak short distances on their own with an appropriately sized kayak, paddle, and the right water conditions for their age.
However, you should not allow them to move on their own until they have mastered the act of kayaking.
What size kayak is good for a 10 year old?
Some kids who are 10 may be able to paddle 9.5 feet long with a 300 lb weight capacity kayak. With time, these kids can learn how to handle heavier kayaks.
How do I choose a kayak for my child?
You should consider at least 6-8 feet kayaks. This size will ensure easier handling and more balance when it comes to tracking and maneuvering.
Some kids may not have the strength to paddle this type of kayak. You should be patient with them until they are ready to kayak.
Can a 10 year old use a 10 foot kayak?
Most Kids who are 10 or 11 may not be able to paddle a 10 feet kayak. It is recommended that they use at least 9.5 feet long with a 300 lb weight capacity.
Can a 7 year old kayak?
Typically, children aged 7 will not provide much propulsion, so your distances are limited. While some seven years old may try to paddle, it might not be for long.
However, kids under 7 can use a canoe. Canoes are stable with lots of gear and space. You can introduce them to using canoes first before kayaks.
Can you fit a child in a single kayak?
You can use a single kayak with a child seat. This is a great way to introduce kids to kayaking.
Since kayaking doesn’t require a lot of strength it’s the perfect activity for family members of all ages. Children can start riding in your kayak as infants.
This would make them feel familiar with kayaking. Some kids may be scared of water. You must not pressure them to kayak when they are not ready.
Can a 3-year-old go kayaking?
No. You should never kayak with a 3 year old. The kayaks can flip over easily, especially when you are getting into them.
However, if the child is able to stay without difficulty, you can secure the child in a seat for a short kayaking.
Can a 1 year old go kayaking?
No. Infants are too fragile to go for kayaking. The danger associated with kayaking with a 1 year old is much.
