Paddleboarding with children is a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors, stay active, and spend quality time together.
Paddleboarding on the Lancaster Canal
Whether you’re exploring calm lakes, gentle rivers, or canals, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) offers a relaxing and accessible way for families to get out on the water.
If you’re new to paddleboarding with kids, these practical tips will help you plan safe, enjoyable paddles every time.
Should I try paddleboards before I buy?
It's worth trying different paddleboards before you buy. Many UK watersports centres and lakes offer paddleboard hire, allowing you to test different styles and sizes.
There are two main types of boards:
inflatable paddleboards (iSUPs): lightweight, portable, and easy to store
solid paddleboards: more rigid but less convenient for transport
Inflatable boards are a popular choice for families, as they can be packed down into a bag. Ideal if you don’t have a roof rack or lots of storage space. They are also easy to carry to the water’s edge and they’re surprisingly durable.
Top tip: Think about parking and access points. Carrying a board long distances (even inflatable ones) can be tiring, especially with children.
What size paddleboard should I buy?
If you are planning to paddleboard with children, stability is key. A larger board will provide a more stable platform. This great if you're a beginner or teaching children how to paddleboard for the first time.
Top tip: A bigger board allows an adult to paddle while a child sits or kneels at the front, making it ideal for younger kids.
SUP Paddle boarding with the family
What type of paddle should I use for my kids?
Adjustable SUP paddles are perfect for families. You can easily change the height as your child grows, meaning you won’t need to replace equipment as often.
You may also want to try:
kayak-style paddles for seated paddling
sitting or kneeling on the board for extra stability
This flexibility makes paddleboarding more accessible and less tiring for younger children.
What should I wear when paddlboarding with children?
Whatever the weather you will always need a set of dry clothes and towels in the car.
In warm weather:
quick-dry clothing (shorts, T-shirts)
water shoes or water proof trainers
sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses with straps)
In colder weather:
wetsuits or thermal layers
windproof outer layers
neoprene shoes or gloves
Always bring:
a full change of clothes
towels
extra layers for after your session
foot protection
buoyancy aids
Even on calmer days, there’s always a chance someone could fall in.
Paddle boarding with kids
Safety on the water
You must all wear buoyancy aids. Paddleboarding can take a few goes to get the hang of so you are much more likely to fall in the water than kayaking/canoeing. Everyone needs to be safe.
Wear the appropriate type of leash for your paddleboard. If you're unsure on what type of leash to use, please refer to Paddle UK's advice.
Supervise children at all times. Paddleboarding can take practice, and falls are common, especially for beginners. Make sure everyone is prepared and confident in the water.
Young person paddleboarding
Plan your route carefully
Plan your route carefully before you set off. On rivers the current can help or hinder you more than you think.
Top tip: Paddle upsteam on the way out and downstream on the way back home, which means you're not fighting the current when you're tired. If on a canal, think about the wind rather than the current. Paddle into the wind on the way out (when you're fresh) and downwind on the way back.
Try sitting at first
You don't need to stand up at first - you can use it more like a canoe - or even get kayak seats to attach to some paddleboards. The key to standing up though is your core muscles. Once you have "got it" it's easier than you first think and as long as your board is big enough, you are surprisingly stable.
Do not try doing yoga poses on your first attempt, you will fall off and your children will laugh at you.
