Top Tips for Paddleboarding with Children: A Fun and Safe SUP Adventure For Kids

Paddleboarding is an amazing way to spend time on the water, enjoy nature and get some exercise. Whether you are embarking on a full day out paddling down your local river or you are playing SUP games at the beach It is a great activity to get children appreciating the great outdoors and enjoying some quality family time. As with most activities when you add kids into the mix there are a few additional things that you may want to consider to ensure a fun and safe experience for everyone. We have put together some tips together to consider when you are planning your next paddleboarding adventure with the children and why getting a kids paddleboard is worth it. 

Planning & Safety is Key:

Planning your activity and ensuring that you have the appropriate kit with you while you are on the water will mean that the day runs smooth and is more enjoyable for both the adults and children while going out on your paddleboards. Before heading out check the conditions including tides, weather and wind as well as researching the location so that you are aware of any local rules and hazards. Remember that your children may not be capable of paddling in the same conditions as you are so ere on the side of caution and if you are not sure if it is too windy or the tide is too strong for them then it is safest not to take the risk and stay on dry land.

Picking sheltered locations with shallow and calm water is key when learning. Also consider how easy it is to access the water and how far you may have to carry your kit to the water from the car (as we know it is more than likely the adults will end up carry all of the SUPS over multiple journeys anyway!)

Some safety equipment you will need:

• Personal Flotation Devices: Ensure that everyone on the water is wearing a personal flotation device. This can be a buoyancy aid  or life jacket depending on the age and swimming ability of the paddle.
• Wear the correct leash: If you are on moving water and your child is wearing a quick release leash make sure that it is the right size and that they understand when and how to use it. 
• Pack Sun Protection: Apply suncream liberally and often when on the water. Don't forget to take a hat and sunglasses

Don't forget:

• Water & Snacks: Stay hydrated and energised with lots of water and snacks for everyone. It is a good idea to take more than you need in case the activity doesn't go to plan and you are out on your SUP longer than you think you will be.
• Dry Bag: Keep your valuables and essentials dry with a waterproof dry bag. If you have your phone in it make sure you can reach it if you get into difficulty, A waterproof phone case on a lanyard is also a good idea so that you can easily access your phone if you need to call for help.
• Dress for the conditions and weather: If you aren't just fair weather paddlers and like to get out on you paddleboard with the kids in the colder months then make sure you are layering up and don't forget your beanies and gloves.
• Spare Clothes: Pack spare, dry clothes along with a towel in case anyone gets wet or falls off of their SUP. If you are paddling in colder conditions this is extra important.
• Stay Together:  Always keep your child close while you are on your SUP. It’s safer and more fun to paddle close together.
  

Choose the Right Junior Paddleboard

If you have decided that it is time for your child to have their own SUP then the type of paddleboard that they are using can make a world of difference. Inflatable paddleboards are a fantastic option for kids because they are affordable, lightweight and easy to transport. Adult boards are usually too big and heavy for kids to manage and most will enjoy paddling a children's SUP a lot more because of this. When selecting a paddleboard for your children consider the following:

• Stability: This one's easy; the more stable the paddleboard is the easier it will be to stand on. Look for a board that is wide enough for your kids to stand on (you don't want it much wider than 32'' as this will be too wide to reach either side of the board with the paddle). A SUP which pumps up to a higher pressure will also be a more stable platform to stand on so look for a SUP that recommends 18-20 PSI air pressure.
• Size: Smaller boards are easier for smaller paddlers to manage and maneuver making them easier for children to paddle. Also make sure you are looking for a 4.7'' deep board rather than a 6'' deep board. This will be a lot easier for a light paddler to paddle on as well as being lighter and easier to climb back onto after jumping off! 
• Material: An obvious one but choose a high quality, durable board that will withstand wear and tear from excited little ones and is made from strong materials so your kids are not at risk of their SUP deflating when out on the water. A long warranty is a good indications of how much confidence that brand has in their products.
• Accessories: You will want to look for a package with accessories designed for children. A smaller paddle is a normally needed for younger paddlers.

Which Sandbanks junior paddleboards is best for my child?

Splash Paddleboard Package: The Splash has been designed as the perfect 1st paddleboard for kids up to 12 years (depending on their height!). At 8'6'' long it is easy for young paddlers to maneuver in different directions whilst on the water. The splash kids SUP is also extremely stable which is great for building children's confidence whilst learning to paddleboard. At only 7.2KG the board is still easy for kids to carry to and from the ware by themselves. The smaller three piece paddle is shorter and lighter than our other paddles and you don't need to worry about sinking either as it has a foam core!

Wave Paddleboard Package: The Wave iSUP is designed for teenagers (and small adults). It is 9'6'' in long so still more manageable that an adult all-rounder paddleboard but taller junior paddlers will benefit from the increased glide speed and straight line tracking in comparison to the Splash paddleboard. The Wave paddleboard is also nice and stable and with an increased weight carrying capacity of 90KG it is a great option if you want one board to suit multiple kids, want to have two on one board or the kids just want a diving platform to jump off of! 

Have fun & play games

Paddleboarding with children should be all about fun! Here are some games which games and activities that you can play to keep kids entertained on their paddleboards

• Treasure Hunt: Bring a waterproof bag and collect interesting items you find on the shore or in the water.
• Photo Challenge: When you are planning your paddleboard journey make a list of fun & interesting things which you want to see along the way. Take a photo of them in front of these as you make your way along the journey.
• SUP Race: Set a point in the distance and see who can get their first.
• Balancing Act: Challenge your child to see how long they can balance on the board without falling off.

These activities not only keep kids entertained but also help them build confidence and improve their balance and coordination.

Make it a learning Experience

Paddleboarding isn’t just about fun; it’s a great learning opportunity for kids too. You can teach them about water safety, marine life, and the importance of protecting our environment. Here’s how you can make the most of it:

• Explore Together: Turn exploring into an educational adventure. Point out interesting things that you see along the way like fish, birds, unique plants, rock formations and anything that kids may find interesting.
• Respect Nature: Teach children to respect wildlife from afar and educate them on the importance of this
• Leave No Trace: Paddleboarding is a great opportunity to teach kids respect their environment and highlight why it is so important to keep our local waterways. An even better way to teach this is to take a litter picker with you and see how much litter you can collect on your paddle.

Paddleboarding with children is a fantastic way to bond, explore, and create lasting memories. By choosing the right inflatable paddleboard, prioritising safety & planning, making the experience educational, and having plenty of fun, you’ll ensure that your family’s paddleboarding adventures are enjoyable for everyone. So, grab your inflatable paddleboard, pack your essentials, and hit the water with your little ones.