• Choose a wide, stable board (32–34" wide); inflatables with full-length deck pads are kid-approved.

• Every rider wears a properly fitted USCG-approved PFD and uses a leash appropriate to conditions.

• Start on calm, shallow water with light wind; keep the first session short, playful, and snack-powered.

• Width & shape: 32–34" wide with a rounded nose keeps things steady for wiggly passengers (kids or pups).

• Deck pad: A soft, grippy, full-length pad protects little knees and gives traction.

• Inflatable advantage: Durable, softer underfoot, and easier to transport and store—great for families.

• Adjustable paddles let adults and kids share.

• Set paddle height to ~8–10" above the paddler’s head for comfort and efficiency.

• PFDs for everyone. Kids should wear them at all times on or near the water.

• Leash: Flatwater = ankle/calf leash; river/tidal flows = quick-release waist leash.

• Sun & skin: UPF shirt, hat, polarized sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen.

• Dry storage: A small waterproof bag for phone, keys, snacks, wipes, and a mini first-aid kit.

• Calm & shallow: Quiet lakes, sheltered coves, or no-wake zones.

• Gentle wind: Aim for <8 mph; launch into the wind so the return is easier.

• Simple shoreline: Easy entries, sandy or soft bottoms, and a short carry from the car.

• Low traffic: Fewer wakes, more confidence.

Bonus warm-up: A pool session or shoreline “dry run” helps kids learn balance without stress.

• Start with your knees on the board and your child seated between your legs.

• Keep trips 10–20 minutes with lots of breaks and snacks.

• Make it a nature safari: count ducks, spot fish, find “sparkles” on the water.

• Practice getting on/off in knee-deep water.

• Introduce a mini paddle and short “you steer for 5 strokes” turns.

• Play Red Light/Green Light (stop/go commands improve control).

• Give them their own adjustable paddle; let them try standing starts in shallow water.

• Teach simple strokes: forward, brake (reverse), and sweep to turn.

• Add distance in small steps and let them lead a short route.

• Land drill: On grass or sand, show foot stance, where to sit/stand, and how the leash clips on.

• Fall-and-remount practice: In waist-deep water, show how to fall away from the board and climb back on from the side using the handle.

• Stay close: Keep boards within easy talking distance; set clear hand or whistle signals.

• Fuel & fluids: Hydration packs and easy snacks keep energy (and moods) up.

• Board + adjustable paddles

• PFDs for everyone + whistle

• Appropriate leash (ankle/calf or quick-release waist)

• Waterproof phone case + small dry bag

• Water, snacks, towel, wipes, spare sun shirt

• Basic first-aid + blister tape

• Trash bag (leave no trace)

• Treasure Map: Paddle check-points marked by shoreline features—kids “navigate.”

• Balance Challenge: Toe-touches, tiny squats, “statue pose” for 5 seconds.

• Nature Bingo: Birds, reeds, bubbles, lily pads—spot and call them out.

• Captain for a Minute: The child calls strokes—“five forward, one brake.”

• “Wobbly legs” → wider stance, soften knees, slow the cadence.

• Board veers off course → shorter strokes near the rail; try a slightly larger center fin for tracking.

• Tired kiddo → switch to tandem: child sits up front, adult paddles from center.

• Rising wind → stay near shore, shorten the loop, make the return with the wind.

Paddle boarding with kids builds water confidence, balance, and family memories—fast. Keep sessions short, waters calm, and vibes playful. With the right board, safety basics, and a few games, you’ll spark a lifelong love for the water while keeping everyone safe and smiling.