Below is an easy-to-follow list of our top tips for teaching your child how to paddle board

Take things slow when they are young and never push them beyond their comfort limits

Make sure you provide them with a high quality kids paddle board

Make sure the weather & conditions are favorable for kids

And above all...just get out there and have a great time with the people you care about most!

Check out our line of kids paddle boards here

• Tip #1 - 

Build Experience In The Water & Learn How To Be A Good Swimmer

Before taking your child paddle boarding, we strongly advise they have prior experience with water and feel comfortable in it. Additionally, they should be strong swimmers. 

Take things slow. If you skip this step, you may scare the kids or have a bad experience. We all want our kids to have a good time and enjoy the activity so they want to do it again. 

Don't just throw them into paddle boarding. Get them comfortable with the water first. Canoeing or kayaking is a great way to get them used to being out on the water. This will help prevent a sensory overload the first time they go paddle boarding.

Provide them with safety gear, like a life jacket and a soft top paddle board or inflatable paddle board. This will ensure they stay safe while they are out on the water. Give them basic instructions on safety, how to paddle, and returning to the boat or shore.

If they are nervous, don’t force them to do something they don’t feel comfortable doing. Allow them to take breaks and go at their own pace. Make it fun and enjoyable for them and they will be more likely to want to do it again.

Go to the pool and spend time swimming. If possible, encourage them to practice their skills in the pool first.

Have them practice getting on the board and balancing, paddling, and steering. This will help them become familiar with the board and give them a better understanding of how it works. This will help them build confidence in their skills.

• Tip #2 -

Tandem Paddling On The Font Of An Adult Paddle Board

Take your kids paddle boarding. Have them sit on the front of your paddle board. You provide the paddle power. 

It is possible to start this activity at almost any age, even 4 years old. However, it is important to be responsible.

Ensure that the person is wearing a life jacket. Do not push them beyond their comfort level. Above all, you are responsible for their safety.

Always ask them how they are feeling. Let them know everything you are doing. Communicate with them in a calm, reassuring tone of voice. This will help them feel safe with you. 

When your child is 4-7 years old, you can stand on the board together. Have them stand with no paddle, pressed against your body. You can do the balancing while they stand.

Your child can stand on their own in front of the moving board. Give them a paddle and you can both paddle together. It will be an exciting experience for both of you!

•  Tip #3 -  

    Take A Family Paddle Board Lesson From A  Professional SUP Instructor

If you are proficient at paddle boarding and water sports, you may not need to teach your child yourself. 

If you lack experience in water or paddle boarding, it is wise to book a lesson. Doing so will help ensure your safety. 

A professional paddle board instructor will provide the necessary safety information. They will also teach you the techniques needed to rapidly improve your skills. 

The instructor can help you with your child's life jacket. They can show you how to fit it properly.

They can also show you how to hold the paddle board safely. They can give advice on the best places to paddleboard. They can also provide information on the types of boards that would be suitable for your family.

A professional paddle board instructor can offer a great learning experience. You and your child can explore the water together. This can be an enjoyable experience for both of you.

Additionally, the instructor can help you choose the right type of paddle board for your family. They can give advice on how to stay safe while boating. This includes steering clear of currents and learning how to navigate the waterways.

An experienced instructor can make paddleboarding more enjoyable. They can teach you important safety information and techniques to help you gain confidence. So make sure to have a professional instructor with you when you hit the water with your family.

Taking a paddle board lesson is a great idea. It is suitable for anyone who is interested in learning how to SUP or any new action sport. 

Remember that wider boards are more stable and sometimes easier to learn on. Boards with higher weight capacity are more balanced for kids to paddle a board solo. This makes them ideal for solo board rides.

Soft top paddle boards or inflatable boards are ideal to learn on.

Ensure that children-sized equipment is available. Also, have an adjustable paddle for determining the ideal paddle length. With the right board and paddle they will have a great first time paddle boarding. Stand up paddleboards that are made for kids are best.

• Tip #4 -

  Stand In The Lake & Help Your Kids Balance & Keep The Board Stable

The first few times they try to stand up on a paddle board, walk alongside them. Keep a hand on the board and help them balance. This way, they won't fall into the water when they try to stand up by themselves for the first time. 

Once they start to balance, let go of the board and encourage them to try and stand up without your help. Give them words of encouragement and be sure to tell them how great they are doing. As they become more confident, you can move away from the board and paddle along side them.

Once they are comfortable with paddle boarding, you can provide them with tips. This can include how to move with the paddle and how to turn the board. With a little practice, your kids will be paddle boarding like pros in no time.

You can also remind them to stay alert and aware of their surroundings. Always check for other watercraft in the vicinity.  When they are ready they can step up to a hardtop paddle board.

Stay close to the shore. Avoid areas with strong currents. You should also remind them to stay hydrated and take regular breaks as they paddle board.

Lastly, you should discuss the importance of wearing a life jacket, even if they are experienced paddle boarders. With these safety tips, your kids will be able to enjoy paddle boarding to the fullest!

This is beneficial for helping them find their balance. They feel comfortable and confident because you are there next to them. Eventually, they will tell you to let go of their board and let them do it on their own.

Run back and grab your own board. Catch up to them. You can go on your first paddle together. See you out on the water!

Always keep these safety tips in mind when your kids learn how to paddle board

Always wear a coast guard approved life jacket pfd personal flotation devices

Always go paddle boarding with your kids and never let them go alone on a board

Always go in calm water weather conditions with younger children

You should also ensure that your kids wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses when they go paddle boarding. Additionally, it is important to remind them to avoid going out alone and to always paddle with an adult.

Make sure that you and your kids review the safety rules before heading out on the water. Talk about how to spot potential hazards like rocks, logs, or other boats. Make sure they know how to properly turn the board and how to stay in control.

We make boys & girls paddle boards so get what option works best for you.

There are now several easy ways to help your child take up paddle boarding. Get out there and make it happen. We look forward to seeing you out on the water!

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