There’s something magical about sharing your passions with your kids. For me, it’s the water. I’ve always loved the way it feels to glide across a calm lake, paddle in hand, with nothing but the sound of water lapping against the board or boat. When I became a dad, I knew I wanted to eventually share that experience with my kids. What I didn’t anticipate was just how much joy—and chaos—teaching them to paddleboard and kayak would bring into our lives.
Starting Small: Building Confidence on the Water
I’ll admit, I had big ambitions to get my kids out on the water as soon as they could walk. But I quickly realized that water sports like paddleboarding and kayaking can be intimidating for little ones. So, we started small. When my kids were toddlers, I’d bring them along as passengers. I’d sit them on the front of my paddleboard or snug them into the bow of my kayak. They’d giggle as I paddled gently, their hands occasionally dipping into the cool water.
These early experiences weren’t about teaching. They were about making them comfortable. I wanted them to see the water as a fun and safe place, not something to be afraid of. By the time they were old enough to paddle on their own, they already associated the water with laughter, exploration, and the occasional impromptu splash fight.
The First Paddleboard Lesson: Wobbly Beginnings
When my kids were around six and eight, I decided it was time to teach them how to paddleboard. I remember the day vividly. The sun was bright, the lake was still, and I was feeling confident—probably too confident.
I started by letting them practice balancing on the board while it was still on shore. After a few wobbles and a lot oflaughter, they were ready to try it on the water. I waded out with them, holding the board steady as they climbed on. My younger one was fearless, immediately trying to stand up—which resulted in an ungraceful splash into the water. My older one was more cautious, staying on their knees for the first several attempts.
It took a while, but by the end of that first day, they were both able to paddle a short distance while standing. Watching their faces light up with pride was worth every soaked T-shirt and every moment of frustration.
Kayaking: Independence on the Water
Kayaking was a different challenge entirely. Unlike paddleboarding, where balance is the main hurdle, kayaking requires coordination. You have to control the paddle, steer, and maintain momentum, all while staying aware of your surroundings. For kids, this can be a lot to take in.
To make it manageable, I started them off in a tandem kayak with me. I let them practice paddling while I handled most of the navigation. This gave them a chance to get a feel for the paddle and how it interacts with the water. Once they werecomfortable, I introduced them to child-sized kayaks designed for beginners. These smaller, lighter kayaks are easier for kids to control, which boosted their confidence right away.
One of my favorite moments was watching my daughter navigate her kayak around a bend in the lake all by herself. She looked back at me with a triumphant smile, and I knew she’d caught the same bug I had—the joy of exploring the water on your own terms.
Lessons Learned Along the Way
Teaching my kids to paddleboard and kayak wasn’t just a learning experience for them—it was a learning experience for me, too. Here are a few things I picked up along the way:
- Patience is key. Kids don’t learn water sports at the same pace as adults, and that’s okay. Celebrate the small victories, like staying balanced for five seconds or paddling in a straight line.
- Make it fun. Turn practice into a game. We made up challenges like “Who can paddle to that rock the fastest?” or “Let’s see who can balance on one leg while paddling!”
- Safety first. Life jackets were non-negotiable. I also made sure we stayed in shallow, calm waters while they were learning.
- Expect to get wet. A lot. Whether it’s intentional splashing or accidental falls, you’re going to end up drenched. Embrace it—it’s part of the adventure.
Building a Bond on the Water
What I didn’t expect when I started this journey was how it would deepen my bond with my kids. There’s something about being out on the water together, away from screens and distractions, that brings you closer. We’ve had some of our best conversations while paddling side by side, and the teamwork involved in kayaking has taught them valuable lessons about communication and collaboration.
And then there are the quiet moments. Drifting together on a glassy lake, surrounded by the sounds of nature, is a kind of peace you can’t find anywhere else. Those moments are a reminder of why I wanted to share this part of my life with them in the first place.
From Learners to Adventurers
As my kids have grown, so have their skills—and their confidence. What started as wobbly attempts at standing on a paddleboard has turned into full-fledged adventures. We’ve explored hidden coves, watched sunsets from our boards, and even tried a bit of kayak fishing. They’ve gone from being my students to being my adventure buddies, and I couldn’t be prouder.
Of course, there are still the occasional mishaps. Like the time my son decided to see how fast he could spin his kayak in circles and ended up tipping over. Or the time my daughter got so distracted by a family of ducks that she forgot to steer and ended up in a patch of reeds. But those moments are part of the fun, too. They’re the stories we’ll laugh about for years to come.
A New Family Tradition
Teaching my kids to paddleboard and kayak has become more than just a skill—it’s become a family tradition. Every summer, we pick a new lake or river to explore. We pack a picnic, load up the boards and kayaks, and spend the day on the water. It’s something we all look forward to, and I hope it’s something they’ll carry with them into adulthood.
Looking back, I’m so glad I decided to introduce my kids to the world of paddleboarding and kayaking. It’s given us countless memories, strengthened our bond, and taught them skills they’ll use for a lifetime. And who knows? Maybe one day, they’ll teach their own kids to paddle, continuing the tradition for another generation.
For now, I’m just happy to be their dad, their guide, and their biggest cheerleader on the water.
