What features do you need to look for when choosing a junior kayak?
Are your kids growing up but not quite grown-up?
Children might not leave home until they are 30 these days, but there is no reason they can’t leave the family kayak and learn how to paddle a junior kayak on their own.
So what kind of kayak is suitable for an independent young paddler?
Not all kids are the same, so there is not a one-size-fits-all junior kayak, but there are definitely some key features that you don’t want to miss out on.
Here are the most important features to look for when choosing a junior kayak:
Adult-Sized
This might seen counter-intuitive … but you don’t want your adolescent to grow out of their kayak in one growth spurt! It’s best to invest in an adult kayak with a large weight capacity, just in case your little angel turns into a 7-footer over the summer.
Stable
Having an easy-to-paddle kayak as a child’s first kayak is a safe way to start and will give you some peace of mind, letting them go solo.
Lightweight
If you are teaching your child some independence, it is important for them to be able to do it all themselves, including carrying it to and from the water.
Nimble
High energy kids like to explore, so they need a kayak that is easy to turn and small enough to get out of crevices.
