When you add a tiny human to your board, everything shifts. Go with a slightly wider stance, soften your knees, and keep your hips loose. Think “athletic squat, but friendly.” The kid moves, you absorb it. It keeps you balanced and keeps them safe without making the whole thing a circus act. Kneeling behind them on the board may feel more comfortable, and that is okay as well.

Just getting them out on the water is a win.

No oversized hand me downs. No “they’ll grow into it.” You want a snug fit, a grab handle on the back, a crotch strap (for kids under 50lbs), and bright colors so you can spot them easily. Kid PFDs are not an option, they’re the non-negotiable item on your packing list.

• Budget options work fine as long as they’re approved by the USGC - Standard PFD (kids 30-50 lbs)
• Premium ones usually give better comfort and mobility (45-90 lbs)- Astral Otter or NRS Vista

Trust me. Let the kid pick the ingredients before you leave, and you set the choices. They mix the final combo. Toss everything in a zip bag and boom, you have a snack they’ll actually eat on the water.
Good combos:

• Cheerios, chocolate chips, dried fruit
• Pretzels, mini marshmallows, sunflower seeds
• Goldfish, raisins, peanut butter chips

It’s fun, cheap, and keeps morale high when attention spans tank.

If you’ve ever paddled with a little kid on the nose of your board, you know the soundtrack: questions, giggles, random commentary, occasional splashes, and deep life observations that hit way harder than they should. My favorite was a kid who looked at a heron and said, “He’s thinking about stuff.” Honestly, same. Paddling with kids makes you slow down and pay attention in a way you forget to do as an adult. It’s chaos, but it’s the good kind.

🔗 Paddling safely with kids

🔗 Best Paddling Buys for your REI Dividends

🔗 10 Essentials for SUP

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