Is a paddle board good for kids?
It’s great exercise, gets them off their electronics, and brings the family together on the water. Maybe you’ve thought about buying a “kids’ board” for them. A board designed specifically for kids will be smaller than an adult board, less expensive, and may have bright colors or illustrations that appeal to children. If you’re a beginner in paddle boarding, you’ll want a longer and broader board, between 10 and 12 feet in length and 30 to 32 inches in width. This size will give you better stability, allowing you to balance and handle the board.While paddle boards do have a weight limit, it’s not an absolute number, and each one has its own weight capacity. However, typically, a standard paddle board can accommodate around 200 to 500 pounds. There are also larger ones with higher weight limits that are capable of holding more than 700 pounds.Kids can paddle on smaller boards than adults, just because they weigh less and need less buoyancy. But that doesn’t mean they can’t paddle on a board that’s also big enough to support an adult. Look for a board on the smaller end of the adult size range.A paddle board’s performance is highly influenced by the user’s physique. Smaller individuals, particularly those under 5’8 or lighter, find a 10′ paddle board more accommodating. In contrast, the 11′ paddle board, with its increased surface area and stability, is more suitable for taller or heavier paddlers.
What length paddle board for a beginner?
If you’re a beginner in paddle boarding, you’ll want a longer and broader board, between 10 and 12 feet in length and 30 to 32 inches in width. This size will give you better stability, allowing you to balance and handle the board. Only paddle in light winds. Strong wind can make paddleboarding much harder, especially on an inflatable SUP. Winds strength over 10knots/12mph/3Bf) are best avoided. DO NOT paddle if there is a risk of thunder/lightening.You can stand up paddle board even if you can’t swim but it is not advisable. Paddle boarding in shallow water is not recommended as it can damage your board and is not safe for falling in. Waist-deep water is much better.Paddle boarding is not hard and is considered relatively easy to learn because paddlers can learn enough to have fun in no time with just a little effort. Anyone can learn to handle a SUP board in a short amount of time. Even if you’re not very athletic, you can still figure it out without any trouble.Paddle boards aren’t cheap, but try not to go too small if you chose to buy one. It is better to be too big than too small because you’ll be more stable and you can double up with a small child on the front and an adult paddling at the back.There isn’t a strict paddle board age limit, but introducing children to the activity can be done progressively. Once a child reaches 5 years old and demonstrates confidence in the water, they can attempt to paddle independently on a child-sized board.
What age can kids paddleboard?
Young kids who don’t yet have the coordination to paddle themselves and control a SUP board, or those who aren’t confident swimmers, should start as a passenger on your board. Choose a larger, very stable board for this. Some children may be ready for their own board as young as 5 or 6. Ensure your child feels comfortable on dry and firm ground on the paddle board before taking them anywhere near the water. There is no minimum age for paddle boarding; however, when paddle boarding with toddlers and children less than 5 years old, we recommend having your child sit on your paddle board with you.Have them sit on the board while you stand next to them holding the board and give them a nice, slow, calm ride around a shallow spot. Once they’re comfortable with that, you can try kneeling on the SUP with them sitting in the front, and paddling from a kneeling position.Take it slow! At first just paddle around in shallow waters to get your baby comfortable and feeling safe just sitting on the paddle board with them. Don’t travel far from shore. Your baby may be over the paddle sooner that you wanted.Show them exactly where they’ll be sitting on your board and agree on when it’s time to sit still and when they can move around more freely. Jumping around the deck of your SUP while you’re trying to maneuver your board will not only make the board unstable, it could result in a child getting struck by the paddle.
Can I take my toddler on a paddle board?
When should you start your kids to get on the SUP? You can start Stand Up Paddle boarding with kids when they are very young — they can sit in front of you while you navigate the board. To be able to paddle their own SUP, kids should be 5 years and older — and at that age, you should not expect to get far. When choosing a stand-up paddleboard (SUP), it’s important to consider the size, shape, and weight capacity of the board to match your needs. For beginners, stability is key. Generally, a longer and wider board offers better balance: Length: A board between 10 to 12 feet is ideal for most adults.The best kids’ paddle boards are around eight feet long. This length offers the perfect blend of maneuverability, stability, and performance for most children.To find the right stand up paddle board for you, consider how you’re going to use it, how it will fit your body and how you want it to handle in the water. The key decision points will be the shape of the board, getting the correct volume and capacity, as well as the proper length, width and thickness.Show them how to get on and off the board, how to use the paddle, and how to maintain balance with both feet on each side of the central handle. Once on the water, start by paddling while sitting or kneeling until they feel comfortable, then encourage them to gradually stand up. Remember, this initiation should be fun!Kids can paddle on an adult size paddle board, but it might be a little bit uncomfortable or difficult for your child. Because kids weigh less, they require less buoyancy to keep them afloat. Full-size adult paddle boards can accommodate an average of 200 to 250 pounds.
When should you not paddle board?
Mid Tide. Due to the shifting nature of the water, mid tide is not the best time to paddle board. Due to the fact that the water is shifting between high and low tide, strong currents tend to form which makes balancing your board very difficult. Even for an experienced paddler, mid tide is definitely something to avoid . If you’re feeling wobbly on a paddle board, it might be because you’re using the wrong standing and paddling techniques, the water might be choppy, or you might have the wrong size of board.Put the paddle in the water as soon as you’re standing up on the board. The blade immersed in water increases your stability, think of it as a third point of balance.No matter how hard you try to stay balanced on your paddle board, you’re going to fall into the water at some point. Even the most experienced paddlers take the plunge from time to time. So, if you’re feeling wobbly, don’t worry about it and remember, SUP is a watersport, so it’s OK to get wet.The shaky leg sensation when paddleboarding mainly affects beginner riders and can put be down to several reasons; challenging conditions, under-inflated boards, inadequate equipment, nerves, incorrect stance, or incorrect technique.No matter how hard you try to stay balanced on your paddle board, you’re going to fall into the water at some point. Even the most experienced paddlers take the plunge from time to time. So, if you’re feeling wobbly, don’t worry about it and remember, SUP is a watersport, so it’s OK to get wet.
What type of paddle board is best for beginners?
The best paddle board for most beginners will be inflatable, will have a low profile, and will be sized and shaped for stability and glide. It should have an uncluttered deck without unnecessary attachments in the central area of the board that can get in the way of climbing back on from the water. A 2 person paddle board, as the name implies, is designed to accommodate two paddlers simultaneously. Larger than standard paddle boards, these boards prioritize stability and balance, ensuring that both riders have an enjoyable experience without constantly toppling into the water.So, if like many, you’re looking for a more relaxed approach to your paddling some days, you may be wondering “can you sit on a paddle board? The answer to this question is “yes, absolutely! Sitting on a paddle board really is a thing, and it’s a great way to make the most of your time on the water.Of course! Multi-person paddle boards, also known as “party boards,” are stand up paddle boards that are specifically designed to accommodate two or more paddlers.Paddle boarding is an effective and enjoyable way to lose weight and improve your overall fitness. By incorporating structured workouts, interval training, and SUP yoga into your routine, you can burn calories, build muscle, and enhance your cardiovascular health.While it’s possible to paddle board without taking lessons, there are undeniable benefits to seeking instruction from a certified instructor. From learning proper technique and building confidence to prioritising safety and choosing the right equipment, paddle boarding lessons can set you up for success on the water.