SUP Kids - Stand Up Paddling for children

Stand-up paddling (SUP) with children can be great fun. There are a few things you should bear in mind to ensure that your first attempts in the water remain a positive memory.

Smaller children should preferably wear a well-fitting, certified life jacket that is appropriate for their weight and size. Even if they can already swim. After all, falling into the water and swimming back to the board and climbing back up is quite strenuous at first.

Take a stable and wide SUP board that is suitable for beginners and children. The extra stability makes it easier for children to feel comfortable on the board and learn how to manoeuvre on it.

Make sure the paddle is an appropriate length for the child, an adult paddle is much heavier even if it can be pushed together in length. A paddle that is too long can be difficult for a child to handle. There are special SUP paddles for children that are lighter and shorter.

Look for calm waters with shallow water, ideally without strong currents or waves and with a sandy beach or a similarly pleasant entry point into the water. Shallow lakes or bays are good options.

Paddle together. Make stand-up paddling a shared activity. Children can stand on the board or sit on their knees while an adult paddles. This not only promotes safety, but is also more fun. Practise a few fall exercises in the water together and also how to get back on the board. Because at some point the day will come when the child goes out alone.

Explain the basic safety rules to your child and also how to recognise bad weather fronts. Never go out on the water during possible thunderstorms or severe weather warnings, even if everything looks calm at the moment.

A storm front or a roaring wind that creates waves can develop in a matter of minutes. If you are then too far away from the beach and also have to keep an eye on your child, this can turn into quite a stressful situation. Remember that paddling in wind forces of 3 Beaufort or more is extremely strenuous.

If the wind is also offshore, it becomes even more difficult. Strong onshore winds can very quickly create waves that you hadn't expected. Even a calm lake can quickly turn into a hurricane.

Also consider your child's attention span and plan regular breaks so as not to overtax them. For longer tours in summer, take water, a few energy bars or fruit, sunscreen lotion and a T-shirt with you.

If you want to paddle in the sea with your child for the first time, ask the locals or other experienced paddlers about currents, underwater rocks and other peculiarities that almost every bay has to offer.