Selecting the best kayak for your child’s kayaking passion can be difficult and challenging for most parents.
That’s why we are here! After combing through the top-ranked websites in the google search list, and buyers’ reviews, we’ve come up with a list of the Top 9 best kids kayaks to buy in 2023.
| SiteStripe Image | Title | Buy |
|---|---|---|
  | Sevylor Quikpak K1 | Click Here |
  | Intex Challenger K1 | Click Here |
  | Sevylor Quickpak K 5 | Click Here |
  | Intex Explorer K 2 Kayak | Click Here |
  | Advanced Element Lagoon 1 | Click Here |
  | Intex Explorer 100 | Click Here |
  | Aquaglide Deschutes Inflatable Kayak | Click Here |
  | Sevylor Big Basin 3 | Click Here |
  | Intex Excursion Pro | Click Here |
All these kayaks may vary in their features, but they all have one thing in common; safety. To ensure the safety of your kids, we have assured you that all the kayaks on our list have the safety standards required for your enthusiastic little one.
Be sure to stay with us till the very end, and you’ll definitely find the best kayak that suits your kids.
Table of Contents
1. Sevylor Quikpak K1
Length 8’7’’
Width 3’
Maximum capacity 400 lbs
First on our list for the top 10 best kayaks for your kids is the Sevylor Quikpak K1. So easy to set up, the Sevylor Quikpak K1 assure the safety of your child in all ways.
The five-minute easy setup of this kayak lets you spend some extra time on the water. Easy to carry, this innovative kayak comes in blue color. You can’t get this thing to leak, even if you try! It’s because the tarpaulin bottom provides safety if your kayak gets through some rocks on obstacles on the way.
The 21-gauge PVC construction makes it best for lakes and rivers. Due to the multiple air chambers, one puncture isn’t competent enough to make this think sin. Even if one chamber gets punctured, the other ones are there to prevent you from drowning.
The backseat of the kayak lets you enjoy to lean back and enjoy while riding the kayak. In addition, this kayak has multiple feet rest positions so that you can set yourself at a comfortable position. Lastly, it has a secure storage place for your gear and drinks!
However, this kayak isn’t best for professional kayakers. You can’t catch much speed in the kayak. Since you’re looking for a kayak for your child, we’d rate it as the number 1 kayak on our list in terms of safety.
2. Intex Challenger K1
Weight 25 pounds
Length 9’
Width 2’6’’
Maximum capacity 220 lbs
Next on the list comes the Intex Challenger Kl. Even though the kayak is for grown-ups, we’d still recommend it because of its amazing mix-up of unique features.
Though it has a wide variety of sister models, we’d recommend the Intex Challenger K1 because it is the lightest among its other models. This kayak, among all others on our list, comes with some appealing and eye-catching graphics.
The nimble and durable kayak is made up of durable welding material. Making this thing rollover is really hard. In addition, it comes with an 84 inc aluminum oar and a high output manual hand pump to inflate the kayak instantly.
As far as comfort comes, the kayak is specially designed for comfortable riding. It has a cargo net to store extra gears and grab lines on both sides for safety precautions. Like the previous one, this kayak as is inflatable has heavy-duty puncture-resistant vinyl and comes with two separate air chambers.
Like the previous kayak, you don’t want to partake in a race with this kayak. However, this kayak is durable and safe for your kids and ensures all safety precautions.
3. Sevylor Quickpak K 5
Weight 25.5 pounds
Length 10’
Width 2’88’
Maximum capacity 250 lbs
Sevylor has put some of the best kayaks out there in the market for kids of the past few years, so we couldn’t help ourselves adding one more of its kind.
You can think of this kayak as one of the siblings of Sevylor Quickpak K 1, as most of their features resemble one another, but still, the K 5 version is a little advanced. For instance, the K 5 is a little longer than the K 1, making it more durable in water with a little advanced space for extra gears and drinks.
In case you go kayaking in the winter season with K 5, it’ll help you in all certain ways. The kayak is covered with a spray cover that helps you keep dry from water splashes.
Most of the other specifications of K 5 closely resemble K 1. The K 5 also has a 5 minutes easy setup, multiple air chambers, a Tarpaulin bottom for extra protection. Etc
Since the K 5 is a little larger than K 1, handling it on the water can be challenging for some beginners. Due to this reason, we’d recommend this kayak for kids with a little more than no experience in kayaking.
4. Intex Explorer K 2 Kayak
Length 10’3’’
Width 3’
Maximum capacity 400 lb
If your kid is passionate and devoted to kayaking, but as a parent, you’re a little worried, then consider this 2-seat inflatable kayak set.
The Intex Explorer K 2 is a fun and sporty kayak. Paddling with this kayak is as comfortable as you’re wearing your old shoe. The bright yellow graphics of the kayak makes it appealing and highly visible in the water.
The explorer K2 comes with heavy-duty puncture vinyl, multiple air chambers, and an inflatable 1-beam floor for rigidity, durability, and sturdy.
Like the Intex Challenger K 1, the Intex Explorer K 2 is also specially designed for food comfort. The kayak has grab lines, grab handles on both ends, and two adjustable and removable seats for your comfortable riding.
Unlikely Intex challenger K 1, the Intex Explorer K 2 isn’t designed for enormous water reservoirs and rivers. Though, hitting the water on a lake or a mild river isn’t gonna cause any trouble!
5. Advanced Element Lagoon 1
Weight 23 pounds
Length 8’4’’
Width 2’8’’
Maximum capacity 250 lbs
Next on our countdown for the top 9 best kayaks for kids comes the Advanced Element Lagoon 1. This sporty kayak has such appealing graphics and other specifications that you’ll have strangers asking about it!
The entire Lagoon 1 kayak is made up of PVC material, which makes it sturdy and durable on the water. Its Innertube adds more durability and more stiffness to the build. In addition, its unique outer cover provides resistance to punctures in a lightweight design.
Likewise the previous kayak, this one too is comfortable when it comes to long riding journeys. It has a comfortable integrated built-in seat for maximum performance and comfort.
Though the kayak is quite light in weight, it is durable and sturdy on the water. In addition, it has grab lines, grab handles, and zippered storage to store your smartphone, keys, sunscreen, or any other accessories.
As we have pointed out, the Lagoon 1 kayak, unlike other kayaks performs equally well in various circumstances. Furthermore, it has a tracking fin to help your child keep the kayak in a straight line while paddling.
6. Intex Explorer 100
Weight 0. 1 kg
Length 4’10’’
Width 2’9’’
Maximum capacity 120 lbs
If you’re looking for a quite cheap kayak for your child to practice in lakes and calm waters, then consider the Intex Explorer series. With $14, your child can taste what the world of kayaking has stored for it.
With just $14, this kayak comes with rows, and also a hand pump. The best part is that it is durable and sturdy too, and has two air chambers packed up in it. Moreover, it also comes with a grab rope on the bow.
With just $20, your kids can enjoy kayaking, and also become an influencer and enthusiastic when he grows up. With that said, we’d recommend this thing for those of you who have a hard time managing daily life dues and also an enthusiastic little kid crying for a kayak!
7. Aquaglide Deschutes Inflatable Kayak
Weight 19 pounds
Length 14’7’’
Width 3’
Maximum capacity 300 lbs
If you have quite a good budget for buying a kayak for your little one, then there can’t be a second match to the Aquaglide Deschutes. Though it is best recommended for adults, we’d still recommend this kayak for those of you who want to give their children a taste of fine rides!
With some amazing mix-ups of unique features, this kayak in our list offers the most effortless paddling. Since this kayak is very lightweight, your kids can easily handle it with no difficulty or pain.
As far as comfort demands, this thing fulfills all those demands; it’s super light, super easy to handle, quick release seat, adjustable footrests. Etc. The molded plastic on the bow and stern allows for comfortable crying or lifting.
Though it’s inflatable, the kayak feels pretty much solid when inflated completely. It takes only minutes to set up and also dries quickly. With this kayak, you’ll never face any kind of fear of sinking. In addition, there is plenty of space to store your gears and other accessories.
8. Sevylor Big Basin 3
Weight 35 pounds
Length 12’3’’
Width 3’1’’
Maximum capacity 490 lbs
In case you don’t want to leave your spouse behind and are looking for a triple-seater kayak, the Sevylor Big Basin 3 is exactly what you’re looking for. With the Big Basin 3, you can have fun with your three persons onboard.
Sevylor makes all of ts kayak durable and safe on the water. The Big Basin 3 like the other Sevylor kayaks mentioned in our list above also has a Trapulin bottom to provide protection from punctures, multiple air chambers, heavy-duty PVC construction, and adjustable seats for your comfort.
The kayak also has a spray cover to keep you dry, no matter how far you go.
9. Intex Excursion Pro
Weight 39 pounds
Length 12’6’’
Width 2’8’’
Maximum capacity 400 lbs
The last kayak on our list is the Intex Excursion Pro. With this inflatable kayak, you can have a fantastic time on the water.
The Intex Excursion like other Intex kayaks also offers maximum stability and rigidity. The material comprises Laminate PVC with polyester core, making it lightweight and durable on the water. Because this kayak is super light, it’s also super fun, and super easy to handle.
This kayak unlike others comes with an adjustable go pro and phone mount. With an adjustable seat and a grab handle on the front, you can have a comfortable riding experience. In addition, it also has 2 removable skegs for deep and shallow water.
What to look into before buying a Kayak for your kids? (Buying Guide)
Whether you’re looking for a one-seat kayak for your kids, or two to three-seat kayak to take your whole family on the track, there are a couple of things that should be considered before buying.
For your complete satisfaction with your kayak, we’ve also added a buying guide that you should read thoroughly before buying a kayak.
The list is as follows,
Weight Capacity
First and foremost, you should see the weight capacity of the kayak. The capacity includes the paddlers’ body weight, (sum up if you’re looking to jump in the water with your family) as well as additional items to accompany yourself on the ride. These items may include a fishing rod, coolers, and other gears, etc.
Length and Width
Another crucial thing to consider before buying a kayak is the length and width of the kayak. Generally, the longer and narrower a kayak is, the faster and straighter it’ll go, but turning the kayak can be hard for beginners.
Contrary to this, the shorter and wider a kayak is, the more stable it goes. Though it can sacrifice the speed of the kayak. If you’re a professional kayaker and are looking for a kayak to partake in races, then go for a long and narrow kayak. But, if you want a kayak for a beginner like your little kid, then purchase a wide and short one.
Also, take into account the height of the kayaker before purchasing one. Tall people should buy a long kayak for comfortable rides. Short people on the other hand should buy a short kayak.
However, if a short kayak has adjustable footrests, then it can help a tall person accommodate his height comfortably in the kayak. The same goes for the other way around it.
Price
Although a parent must spare no money when it comes to the safety of their children, if you’re getting more charged for a youth kayak than an adult one, you’re likely getting ripped off your money.
Taking into account your total estimated budget and then finding the best kayak that suits the budget can be really hard and frustrating sometimes. Even if you don’t decide to pick any of the kayaks on our list, make sure that you get the maximum amount of output from your budget.
We would not want to specify the total amount, because it can be different in certain circumstances. Just ask your kid about what he wants and then find the best kayak that suits your child’s needs.
Spending money on something that’ll serve as accommodation for only months, or years is something you wouldn’t want to do!
Material
Most of the kayaks vary in their material. Some are inflatable, while others are solid polythene. Solid polythene kayaks are more often quite affordable, sturdy, and resistant to obstacles in the water.
Inflatable kayaks on the other hand maybe a little less sturdy than solid ones. Though good kayak companies like Intex, Sevylor, etc have come up with better inflatable kayaks, that offer more resistance and strength.
Having an inflatable kayak on long trips and camps is more convenient. Firstly, setting the kayak in the trunk can’t be a problem. Secondly, there will be no fear of losing your kayak when you’re busy with some other activities.
Towing
Though it isn’t mandatory, tying your child’s kayak with your own one can boost up the learning process. Having an option to tie the kayaks, controlling the kayak with your own one, and giving a chance for your children paddling can be a great way to get started!
What to consider before taking your kid into the kayaking world?
Now that you’ve seen what are the most crucial factors of a kayak, and which kayak suits your child the best, taking your child on kayaking can be stupid if you don’t consider factors such as your child’s experience level, safety, or accompany of other adults.
Is Your Child Ready?
Firstly, consider whether your child is actually ready or not. If there’s no person that has practiced kayaking before, throwing your child out there first can be fatal and dangerous.
Instruct your child on some specific instructions to keep safe in case of an emergency. Also, your child must also know how to swim before keeping a kayak afloat!
Accompany of adults.
No matter how assured you are of a certain body floating on water, there’s always room for mistakes when it comes to kayaking, especially for children. Make sure to have a sight on your kid whenever he’s kayaking, and only start toning it down when you’re absolutely assured that they are ready.
Safety
It’s pretty obvious, but you may don’t want to send your child in the water without a safety jacket on. Having other sports gear that helps to float can also be helpful in certain circumstances.
Don’t forget to apply sunscreen if you don’t want your child to get sunburned.
And that’s pretty much all of the things you want to know before entering the kayaking world. Comment down which kayak are you gonna buy for your child!
