[amazon bestseller=”Kids Watercraft” items=3 grid=3 button=none]
Our Choice Recommendation
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Do your kids love kayaking?
Are you concerned about whether or not it’s really safe for your child to join you on your boating adventures?
Would you like to find a youth boat that’s safer for your children to use?
In this article, we’ll show you some kids paddlecraft options your child might enjoy. While it’s safe for children to learn how to watercraft from a young age, it’s important to put them on watercraft that’s designed for their height, weight, and abilities too, rather than boats designed for adults.
It can take a little time and consideration to find a boat that will work well for your child. Keep in mind the weight limit of the watercrafts you’re considering, especially, so your child won’t outgrow them immediately as soon as they hit a growth spurt.
Read up on kid paddlecraft choices below, and compare two of the top models of children’s boats currently available on the market. These are both great options, so between the two, you should have no trouble finding the perfect new boat for your little one to learn with, grow with, and enjoy!
Option #1. Intex Challenger K-1 Watercraft
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The [amazon link=”B00177J4JS” title=”Intex Challenger K-1 Boat” /] is a bright green paddlecraft with blue and black accents that looks cool and handles well in the water, too. This is an inflatable watercraft, and it come sin a set with a paddle as well as its own pump for convenience. Despite being inflatable, the boat is secure, sturdy, and easy for kids to get in and out of with a little practice as well. This paddlecraft is designed for children, teens, and petite adults to use, so the whole family can get in on the fun with this choice.
Features
- The watercraft comes with a built-in inflatable seat to keep the paddler comfortable and secure while seated inside the seatwell.
- The boat includes bungee cord cargo storage on the front top of the boat, so your child can bring along a few essentials on the go.
- The paddlecraft is designed for safe use on very calm waters, so it’s perfect for kids who want to learn how to paddle without getting out on rough water anytime soon.
- This choice can support up to 220 pounds of weight, including one passenger and any gear or other items that are stored in the bungee area.
What We Liked
- This is a very sturdy watercraft that doesn’t get damaged easily. Many customers report using this boat with dogs on board, yet never having to worry about their dogs puncturing or otherwise damaging the paddlecraft while it’s in use. This makes it safe enough for kids, who may be a little rough and rugged with their boats, too.
What Could Be Improved
- Although the watercraft comes with a paddle, the included paddle is not very sturdy and may break sooner than anything else that comes with this boat. For this reason, we feel this option would be greatly improved by a paddle upgrade.
Pros
- The boat weighs only about 20 pounds and is easy for older kids and teens to carry on their own—or for Mom or Dad to carry for the younger ones.
- It’s easy to repair this paddlecraft, and it comes with a patch kit for quick repairs on the go.
- The watercraft doesn’t take long to pump.
Cons
- The inflatable seatback may not be sturdy enough for older or bigger paddlers.
- The included instructions may be confusing and difficult to follow, especially for beginners who have never assembled an inflatable boat before.
- The paddlecraft is small enough for kids, but is not designed specifically with kids in mind.
Option #2. Lifetime Youth Wave Watercraft
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The [amazon link=”B003Y79N1S” title=”Lifetime Youth Wave Boat” /] is a sturdy little hard shell paddlecraft designed specifically for children. This watercraft comes in a bright blue color that’s sure to appeal to most kids, and it includes a kid-sized paddle to make using it even easier and more convenient than ever before. The boat is meant for use by kids as young as five years of age, as long as there is an adult close by to supervise, so you can get your children out and enjoying the water as soon as possible when you bring home this quality watercraft.
Features
- The paddlecraft weighs only 18 pounds, so as your kids get older, they can easily help carry it from place to place on their own.
- The watercraft can support up to 130 pounds of weight, so it can easily grow with your kids.
- There is a small platform on the back of the boat that’s intended for children to use as a step they can swim onto, to improve mounting and dismounting.
- The paddlecraft includes scupper holes for easy drainage as well as finger holes on the sides to make it easier to hold onto when traveling and transporting.
What We Liked
- We love how stable this watercraft is. Many parents report their kids being able to stand up on the deck of the boat thanks to its very stable design. And of course, this makes it easier for kids to learn how to paddle without worrying about the paddlecraft, flipping over, too—which is one less worry for parents as well.
What Could Be Improved
- This watercraft is not very comfortable for long stretches of time, and we feel it could be improved by making the seat more comfortable. The seatback is very low and may cause backaches in children who use it. Kids will not be inclined to paddle for very long in this uncomfortable seat.
Pros
- The boat is small enough to fit in the back of a truck or even in some SUV hatchbacks for quick and easy transportation.
- Kids should be able to use the paddlecraft as they grow regardless of their height.
- The boat is light enough for kids to move forward on their own from a very early age.
Cons
- The boat may be prone to cracking, especially if stored outside in the sunlight regularly.
- This watercraft cannot hold up to any but the calmest of waters and is unsafe for choppy water conditions.
- The included paddle may need to be upgraded as your child grows.
Conclusion
So which one of these two paddlecrafts is better for children to use? Are they more or less the same in terms of quality, or should you choose one over the other?
Our recommendation is to go with the Intex boat if at all possible. It’s more affordable, lighter and easier and maneuver, and it comes backed by solid customer service as well. Kids are safe and secure when using the paddlecraft, and it helps introduce them to the idea of paddling without having to move a big, heavy, hard-shell boat until they’re ready for it.
Of course, in the end, you can choose either one of these watercrafts and bring home something perfect for your child to paddle. They are both great quality boats that are sure to help your little one have fun on the water along with you and the rest of the family. Pick the watercraft that has the features you’re looking for as well as a capacity that suits your child’s weight, for best results.
5 Essential Tips for Choosing the Right Boat For Kids
- Choose a paddlecraft that is lightweight and easy to maneuver. This will make it easier for your child to paddle and control the watercraft.
- Make sure the boat has enough room for your child to sit comfortably. If they are too cramped, they won't be able to enjoy their time on the water.
- Look for a paddlecraft with adjustable footrests so that your child can adjust them as they grow.
- Check out the safety features of the watercraft, such as grab handles, flotation devices, and secure storage compartments.
- Consider getting a tandem boat if you plan on taking your child out with you. This way, you can both enjoy paddling together!
ALSO: Consider renting a boat before buying one so that you can get an idea of what size and type works best for your family!
More Beneficial Info For Readers
Boating is an excellent method for children to get outside and explore their surroundings. It's an activity that children of all ages may enjoy, from babies to teenagers. These boats are particularly intended for smaller bodies, making them easier to operate and more comfortable for younger paddlers. They also available in a number of sizes and styles, so you can select one that is just right for your youngster. Kayaking is an excellent approach to teach children about water safety while also increasing their confidence in the water. It's also a great type of exercise for improving coordination and balance. Boating can be a fun and rewarding activity for your child with the correct equipment and training!
Usage Ideas: How Should I Be Using Them?
There are three major ways to use these paddlecrafts. First, they are a great way to teach kids how to watercraft. Because they are smaller and lighter, they are easier to move and control, which is great for younger paddlers who may not have the strength or coordination to handle a full-sized boat. Second, they can be a fun way for your family to explore lakes and rivers. This is a great way to teach kids about nature and the environment while getting them outside and moving around. Lastly, these watercrafts can be used to teach basic water safety skills, like how to stay afloat if you fall out of the boat, how to paddle safely in different conditions, and how to read river currents. With all of these uses, it's easy to see why these boats are so popular among parents who want to take their kids outside to do something fun that they will enjoy.
The Disadvantages: What To Expect
These boats have a number of advantages, but there are also some disadvantages to take into consideration. They might be fairly pricey, to start. The cost of a boat may range from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on its size and features. Additionally, in order to be secure and functioning, these boats need constant maintenance and upkeep. This involves clearing out any material that has gathered within the paddlecraft and inspecting the watercraft for any fractures or damage that may have developed over time. Fortunately, these drawbacks have some workable remedies. For instance, if money is a concern, you can consider renting or buying a used boat rather than a brand-new one. In terms of maintenance, it's crucial to routinely check your vessel and take it out for cleanings to ensure that it stays in excellent shape over time. Additionally, purchasing safety equipment like helmets and life jackets will assist guarantee your child's safety while operating their paddlecraft.
What Considerations Should Be Used To Evaluate Them?
The stability, weight capacity, size, and convenience of use are the most crucial quantitative measurements when comparing these paddle paddlecrafts. How effectively the watercraft handles rough waters and strong currents without flipping over is how stability is determined. The greatest weight that a boat may safely carry serves as its weight capacity. Size is determined by how much room it requires for storage and transportation. The final criterion for determining ease of use is how fast and simply it can be assembled for use and disassembled afterward. The greatest kids' paddlecraft for your needs should take into account all of these variables.
Firsthand Experience: What to Expect
These watercraft boats are ideal for teaching children the joys of paddling. They are lightweight, portable, and available in a range of sizes and styles. Kids may have hours of fun on the lake with their own boat if they take the proper safety precautions. These dependable watercrafts are often shorter in length than adult ones, making them easier to operate for smaller paddlers. They also have broader beams to increase stability and buoyancy. Many versions include adjustable footrests, allowing them to grow with your child as they gain experience on the water. When buying for a kids' paddlecraft, look for one constructed of long-lasting materials like polyethylene or fiberglass-reinforced plastic. It's also crucial to make sure there's enough storage space for snacks and other stuff your child could require while out on the water. Finally, before taking it out on the lake or river, make sure it comes with all necessary safety equipment, like as life jackets and whistles!
The general procedures for using various types of boats are as follows: Make sure the watercraft is the appropriate size for your child first. The seat and footrests should then be adjusted to your child's height and weight. Third, fasten any extras you plan to use, like a paddle or life jacket. Fourth, make sure all buckles and straps are fastened before entering the boat. Fifth, follow fundamental safety precautions like always wearing a life jacket and avoiding deep water. Finally, have fun paddling with your child! You may use a kid's paddlecraft to explore lakes and rivers with your family securely by keeping in mind these easy procedures.