How old does a child need to be to paddle solo?

There may be no feeling more fulfilling for a paddler than the opportunity to share the water with the next generation of young paddlers. Tandem kayaks are a great solution for getting young children on the water, but once they’re old enough, most kids will want to pilot their own kayak.

Ensuring kids have a positive experience means getting them a kayak (and paddle) that fits their smaller bodies and is lighter and easier to maneuver. Even small adult kayaks are too wide and deep for most kids to easily reach the water with their paddle. If you want children to have a safe and enjoyable paddling experience, youth kayaks and paddles offer dimensions and designs suitable for kids.

The first question parents often ask is, how old does a child need to be to paddle solo?

The answer depends on what you hope to accomplish on the water. If you’re out for a fun float with the family and don’t have to make miles, younger children (ages 5 and up) will have a blast piloting their own kids kayak. From ages 5 to 12, kids can easily paddle short distances on calm waters in their own child-sized kayak. If you’re on a family kayak tour that will cover more distance, little ones won’t be able to keep up. For ambitious trips, small children are best paired with adults in tandem kayaks.