What Age Can Kids Start Paddleboarding?
What LA Parents Actually Need to Know About Kids & Stand-Up Paddleboarding (From an Actual Parent)
Let’s get this out of the way up top:
Yes, kids can paddleboard.
No, not all of them are ready the same day they outgrow swim diapers.
And yes, if you do it right, paddleboarding can be one of the best things you introduce your child to—physically, mentally, and socially.
Here’s everything you actually need to know before putting your kiddo on a board.
It Starts with One Question: Is Your Child Comfortable in the Water?
Forget the age charts for a second. The real foundation for safe paddleboarding with kids isn’t a number—it’s water confidence.
If your little guy is still terrified of bath time splashes, it’s not time yet.
If they’re happily floating in a life vest or diving for pool rings, they may be closer than you think.
At Pro SUP Shop Mother’s Beach in Marina del Rey, we’ve seen everything from toddlers riding up front on their parent’s board to confident tweens paddling solo alongside sea lions. And when the water’s flat, calm, and clear—it all feels easier.
Age-by-Age Breakdown (from Real-World Experience)
Pro SUP Shop has been providing youths with on the water experiences since 2008, so we’ve seen a thing or two through the years. Here’s the real skinny.
Ages 3–5: Ride-Along Only
Youngsters this age are great passengers on wider, stable paddleboards.
Stick to short outings—20 to 30 minutes max.
Life vests are a must. So are snacks.
Ages 6–8: Start Paddling, Slowly
Let them kneel and experiment on a smaller board in shallow areas.
Don’t over-coach—make it playful, like exploring seaweed or racing a duck.
Ages 9–12: Independent (ish)
Most kids this age can paddle alone in flat water with minimal supervision.
It’s a great window for lessons, confidence-building, and fun family paddles.
Ages 13+: Solo Time
Teenagers often rent with friends, join one of our youth paddling events, or start paddleboard racing.
At this age, it becomes a lifestyle.
Quick Note on Kids & Safety Rules
At Pro SUP Shop, we want families to feel informed and empowered. So here’s what you need to know before you head out:
All children under 16 must be accompanied on the water by a parent or guardian unless they’re enrolled in one of our classes.
Kids 10 & under may feel more comfortable riding along on a parent’s board rather than paddling solo—especially for their first time. (We’re always happy to talk it through with you based on your child’s comfort level.)
By law, children 12 & under must wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jacket at all times.
We also encourage parents to wear one alongside their kids—lead by example, right?
What You Need (and What You Definitely Don’t)
USCG Certified youth life vests – included with every kid’s rental at Pro SUP Shop
Youth-sized paddles – designed specifically for their size and strength
Flat, calm water – no waves, no undertow, no rogue surfboards flying by
No hauling gear – our boards are already waiting on the sand
Why Paddleboarding Is Actually a Great Idea for Kids
When kids paddle, their whole system starts working together without them needing to think about it. Balance, coordination, core strength—it’s all happening, but to them it just feels like moving forward on the water.
They’re not being told to focus, but they do. They’re not asked to unplug, but they stop checking the time. There’s space for quiet, and room to explore.
Some kids stay low to the board, scanning for seaweed and pelicans. Others stand tall right away, testing what they can do. Either way, they’re building confidence in real-time—with their feet, their breath, their attention.
For parents, it might look like play. For them, it’s practice for everything else.
Spring Break Pro Tips for Paddleboarding with Kids
Mornings are magic. Marina winds pick up later, and so do the crowds.
Don’t overpack. Sunscreen, towel, hat, refillable water bottle—we’ve got the gear.
Snacks are non-negotiable. But you already knew that.
Keep it short. 45–60 minutes is the golden window. You want them to want more.
Not quite ready to go solo? Book a private or small group paddleboarding lesson instead.
It’s a calm, confidence-building way to introduce your child to the water—with expert guidance that meets them where they are.
It’s an amazing experience for them that can be an empowering & life reforming experience. It’s truly one of the few places where they can be fully present in the moment.
Bottom Line: There’s No Magic Number—Just the Right Conditions
You know your little one. You’ve seen them tackle swimming lessons, monkey bars, maybe even boogie boarding at Venice Beach.
When they’re ready to paddle, you’ll see it.
And when they are, we’ll be here—boards on the sand, vests buckled, sun glinting off the flat water.
Have more questions? We love a good parent Q&A. Feel free to email, call, text or stop by the shop for a chat. We’re located in the Southwest end of the Jamaica Bay Inn parking lot at 4175 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey, CA, entry on Palawan.
Curious about general marina safety rules? Check out our Marina Safety 101 or check out our general FAQ here.
