Water Paddle Sports with Children: A Fun, Safe and Informative Activity
At Sandbanks Style we are firm believers that watersports are a great way to get children outside, exercising, and to teach them so many valuable skills. Whether you’re paddleboarding, or kayaking, here are our tips, recommendations, and reasons for bringing children out on the water.
🧭Planning & Safety🧭
Whether you’re heading out for a day of paddleboarding or kayaking, a bit of preparation makes all the difference. Planning ahead keeps everyone safe, comfortable, and smiling — especially when you’ve got kids along for the ride.
Before you launch, check the conditions: tides, weather, wind direction, and strength. Spend a few minutes researching your chosen location so you’re aware of any local rules, hazards, or restricted areas.
💡Remember: Children often can’t handle the same conditions as adults… if it looks too windy, choppy, or the tide’s running strong, it’s always safest to wait for a calmer day.💡
When learning, pick sheltered spots with calm, shallow water and easy access points. It’s worth thinking about how far you’ll need to carry your gear from the car to the water (since, let’s be honest, it’s usually the grown-ups doing the heavy lifting!).
🦺Safety Essentials🦺
Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs):
Everyone on the water, whether in a kayak or on a paddleboard, they should wear a buoyancy aid or life jacket that suits their size and swimming ability.
Leashes & Quick Release Systems:
For paddleboarders, a leash is a must. On moving water, use a quick-release waist leash that fits properly and ensure everyone knows how and when to use it.
What3Words:
A good navigation/GPS tracking app is always super helpful, especially if you find yourself in trouble.
Sun Protection:
The reflection from the water can catch you out. Apply sunscreen generously, wear a hat and sunglasses, and top up regularly throughout the day.
🎒Packing Essentials🎒
Water & Snacks:
Paddling is thirsty work! Bring plenty of water and snacks… more than you think you’ll need, in case your trip lasts longer than planned.
Dry Bag:
Keep your essentials safe and dry. If you’re taking your phone, store it in a waterproof case on a lanyard so it’s easy to reach if you need to call for help.
Dress for the Conditions:
Layer up if it’s cool or windy, and don’t forget beanies and gloves in colder months. Quick-drying clothing or wetsuits are great options if there’s a chance of getting wet.
Spare Clothes & Towels:
Always pack a dry change of clothes, just in case someone takes an unexpected dip.
Stay Together:
Whether paddling solo or in a group, keep close to your family or friends. It’s safer, easier to communicate, and a lot more fun to share the adventure side by side.
✨Have Fun✨
Of course, at the end of the day… it is all about fun. Whether you’re a surfer riding big waves, a wing foiler jumping with the wind, or a paddleboarder exploring narrow riverways, watersports is all about having FUN and that is a message we want to make sure we pass on to children!!
Here are some fun games you can pay:
Balancing Act - Challenge your child to see how long they can stay balanced for!
Photo Challenge - We all love taking photos, so why not get competitive with it?!
Paddle Race - This one is fairly self-explanatory… but make sure, NO cheating!
These activities not only keep kids entertained but also help them build confidence and improve their balance and coordination.
✨Lessons On The Water✨
Yessss, we know, school is boring… so why not learn out on the water!!
Explore Together: Turn exploring into an educational adventure. Can you keep an eye out for different fish, birds, unique plants, rock formations and anything else in nature.
Respect Nature: Teach children to respect wildlife from afar and educate them on the importance of this!!
Leave No Trace: Paddling is a great opportunity to teach kids respect for their environment and highlight why it is so important to keep our local waterways and beaches clean.
Written by John McCaig
