Stand up paddleboarding equipment and advice for kids
Taking your kids for a ride on your paddleboard is always fun, but getting them out there on their own kit own kit is even better. Paddleboarding is great for kids. It's a perfect platform (in every sense) for them to learn about being on the water, while - most importantly - having fun. From our experience, it's perfectly feasible for youngsters to be paddling their own board from age 5-6 (albeit obviously under close supervision at this age!). They also make great platforms for schools and youth groups, or just as a fun toy to have on the beach.
To make it work for youngsters, the paddle needs to be short enough, and the board mustn't be too wide. Anything over 30" wide is getting uncomfortable for youngsters, as they won't be able to stand in the centre to paddle. Smaller boards (in length) will be easier for them to turn, but unlike sports such as windsurfing or surfing, it's not vital to have a shorter board. This is also influenced by the fact that most shorter boards have greater rocker (i.e. more nose and tail lift), so they require a bit more power to paddle anyway, negating the advantage of smaller bulk.
The Red Air 9'4 is an absolutely ideal board for youngsters to use as a proper paddleboard, as can be seen here (the rider in the pic is 6, and absolutely loves his board!). It's a great size, and is also extremely user-friendly, having that softness of construction. Kids can sit on it, kneel on it or stand up and paddle it properly. Parents can relax because junior simply isn't going to be able to damage the board even if they run it up the beach at full speed, it won't matter if they bounce it off the neighbour's expensive yacht, and - most importantly of all - the board won't hurt them if they get the wrong side of it in the shorebreak, or if they wipe out spectacularly (which they will!) and it lands on their head.
For paddles, we'd recommend our shortest-length (152-172cm) fiberglass adjustable paddles. With their soft nylon blades these won't hurt anybody, and are indestructible enough to be used for digging holes in the sand too! Being adjustable they will also suit a wide range of friends and siblings, and allow plenty of room for growth.
Check out our special complete package for youngsters wanting their own board: 9'4 board, paddle & leash for just $1345 - saving over $150 off RRP!!
For General Beach Fun
All the boards in the Red Air stand up paddleboard range offer a fantastic platform for general beach fun. Parents can rest easy that a) the kids will not damage the board, no matter how rough they treat it, and b) the board will not damage the kids! The boards make a brilliant beach toy (as you can see, you don't even need it to be in the water) - you'll be amazed at how much fun a gang of kids can have with one, and just how long it will keep them occupied, too!
Check out our special complete package for family beach fun: 10' board, 2 paddles & leash for $1495, saving nearly $200 off RRP!!
