When your kids want a kayak, you shouldn’t buy one without reading a review or two first.
Sending your young ones out on the water can be an anxiety-inducing experience. And not knowing if you can trust the vessel will only make it worse.
To ease your worries, we’ve sorted through one review after another for these kayaks designed for kids. Which ones can you trust?
Let’s look and see!
How to Choose the Right Kids Kayak
If you want your little one to love kayaking, get them the right equipment. However, knowing what to buy can be extremely challenging. When shopping, you must consider a few things.
Safety will always be a priority, and it’s vital when they’re first getting started. Sit-on-top versions provide the most stability and make it easy to get in and out. They’re best for calm waters, but this usually isn’t a problem at the start. The nerves of most kids won’t have them rushing to rapids and rougher conditions.
Additionally, you’ll need to make sure you choose the correct size. Shorter models are typically the easiest to maneuver and control. If you select a vessel that’s too large, it may be difficult for them. They might want to throw in the towel before getting started.
Most of these watercraft come with weight and age recommendations. Since children come in all different sizes, you must consider their unique needs. A good fit can help them develop a sense of independence and confidence.
If they’re just getting started, it may not be best to break the bank at first. Remember, you can always buy them a better quality model once they develop skills and a passion for the sport.
Check Out These Top 5 Kids Kayak Reviews
No matter how much paddling experience children have, having the right gear is critical. Luckily, we’ve found some excellent kayaks for kids with great reviews.
#1 Lifetime Dash 66 Youth Kayak
The Lifetime Dash 66 Youth Kayak is great for kids and measures 6’ 6”. It’s an excellent plastic option for beginners. At only 20 pounds, it’s easy to carry and get in or out of the water. Its unique design maximizes balance to help your youngster gain confidence.
While the front features tons of leg space, the rear has a swim-up deck. This access point makes it easy to grab a hold and return to the boat. They’ll tip over a time or two when they’re first getting started.
It has a 150-pound weight limit and is best for those over five years old. Made from rigid plastic, it can withstand impacts on rocks. It’s important to know that it doesn’t come with a paddle, and you’ll need to purchase it separately.
Since its release in 2023, this kids’ kayak has just over 50 reviews and maintains a 4.4 rating. Consumers love that it’s durable, easy to get used to, and affordable. Some complain that the seating is uncomfortable and requires additional padding.
Price Check: Lifetime Dash 66 Youth Kayak
#2 Old Town Heron Junior Kayak
With more than a decade of experience in the industry, Old Town has developed a reputation for quality craftsmanship. The Old Town Heron Junior Kayak uses a polyethylene construction, measuring 7’5” long, 25” wide, and weighing 26 pounds. It has a 115-pound maximum load capacity and a limited lifetime warranty.
Some of the convenient features include handles on the bow and stern to make carrying as easy as possible. These double as spots to connect to other boats when little arms are too tired to paddle. You’ll be able to haul them back to shore without any troubles.
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With a 4.6 rating, it’s clear that most customers love it. It’s an especially great option for kids under five feet to spend time on the water. While there aren’t many complaints, it’s far from perfect.
One of the few issues with the Old Town Heron Junior Kayak is that it needs a footrest. Most have one that maximizes comfort. Also, some feel getting back into the boat after a tip-over is challenging.
Price Check: Old Town Heron Junior Kayak
#3 Intex Challenger K1 Inflatable Kayak
The INTEX Challenger K1 Inflatable Kayak has an oar, a high-output pump for setup, an adjustable backrest, and a cargo net. If you want, you can even upgrade to a two-person, which provides twice the fun at half the paddling.
It measures 11’ 6” long and 2’6” wide and has a weight capacity of 400 pounds. The thick PVC material is solid, durable, and simple to store. It’s an excellent option, especially if you’re worried about stowing or hauling. With over 32,000 reviews and a 4.3 rating, customers have a lot of great things to say about this kids’ kayak.
While it has a lot of pros, you also should consider the cons. Because of the material, it tends to be difficult to maneuver. It often requires more effort to get going and maintain cruising speed. If you choose the double option, it can be even more difficult to steer.
Some of the biggest complaints are that you must inflate and deflate it. While it only takes a couple of minutes, it adds time before you can hit the water. Since you’ll need to fold it up for transport, you’ll also need to give it time to dry.
Price Check: Intex Challenger K1 Inflatable Kayak
#4 Perception Hi Five Kids Kayak
The Perception Hi Five is 6’6″ long, weighs 21 pounds, and has a maximum capacity of 120 pounds. Its broad base decreases the chances of your child tipping over and falling into the water. It also has a rear platform, which makes it easy to grab hold and get back in should someone take a dip.
Hi Life designed this kayak with an elevated seat, molded footrests, and paddle rests. They’ve even included two accessory mount locations. Whether you purchase a cup holder, fishing attachments, or a camera, these extra attachment points can enhance your time on board.
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With over 150 reviews, the Perception Hi Five has a 4.5 rating. Customers love that it comes in a few color options and allows young adventurers to grow into it. It does the job, and the thick polyethylene material resists impact damage.
Unfortunately, while it comes with a paddle, the plastic blade appears weak and breaks easily. If you purchase this kayak, buy one separately.
Price Check: Perception Hi Five Kids Kayak
#5 Pelican Solo Kids Kayak
The Pelican Solo measures 6’ long, 2’ wide, and is only 20 pounds. It’s great for lakes, slow-moving rivers, and other calm bodies of water. With a 100-pound weight capacity, your kiddos will have years of fun.
One thing we love about the Pelican Solo is that they prioritize safety. You can tell by the fact that they include a red visibility flag.
The RAM-X materials used during construction reduce the chances of damage from rocks and other hard surfaces.
With nearly 50 reviews, the Pelican Solo maintains a 4.4 rating. Customers love that they can get their kids out on the water. Many claim that their children love it and can easily paddle around. Most complaints revolve around missing pieces from shipments, which isn’t always the manufacturer’s fault.
Price Check: Pelican Solo Kids Kayak
Kids Love Kayaks, But Read the Reviews Before You Buy!
If you’ll be purchasing kayaks for your kids soon, take your time to review every detail before taking the plunge. It can save you a tremendous amount of time and frustration. Additionally, shipping them back when ordering online may not be cheap or easy because of their size. However, if you choose wisely, you and your little ones can have a ton of fun.
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