How to introduce a child to paddleboarding and make them want to do it again?
The first time a child gets on a paddleboard, we often want to teach them how to stand up. But that's not the most important thing!
A successful introduction is first and foremost a child who enjoys being on the water and wants to do it again.
Whether you're a parent, summer camp instructor, or group leader, here are our tips for confidently guiding them through their first paddle strokes.
At what age can a child start paddleboarding?
It all depends on their comfort in the water, their coordination, and their ability to follow instructions.
For younger children, an initial ride as a passenger on a suitable family board, accompanied by an adult, can be an excellent introduction.
To learn more, check out our article which board to choose for taking your child out?
Choosing the right conditions to get started
Choose calm water, sheltered from wind and boats, with a pleasant water temperature. In Quebec, the water can remain cold even when the sun is out.
Stay close to the shore and avoid setting a distance to cover. For summer camps and school groups, a few buoys can help define an easy-to-monitor learning area.
The goal: to discover the sensations, not to reach a destination.
Reassuring a child who is afraid of falling
Before trying to stand up, show them how to get back on board with your help.
For children who are comfortable in the water, you can even practice a voluntary entry into the water in a safe area, under direct supervision, after checking the depth and ensuring there are no obstacles.
If they hesitate to get on, let them watch or simply sit on the board near the shore.
Learning to paddleboard in three steps
A demonstration is often better than a long speech!
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Sitting: discover the board's movements and try a few paddle strokes.
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Kneeling: position yourself on either side of the center handle to learn how to move forward and turn with stability.
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Standing: place your feet parallel on either side of the handle, knees slightly bent and eyes on the horizon, when the child feels ready.
To paddle alone, choose a suitable board and a lightweight, adjustable paddle. An oversized adult board can be difficult to maneuver. We recommend the Retrospec Nano or the Retrospec Weekender, depending on their weight and size.
Would you like to try before buying? SUP Montréal also offers paddleboard rentals, including models suitable for children.
Learning by playing
Games are perfect for developing balance and paddle control without turning the outing into a technical lesson.
A few easy-to-organize ideas:
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The stop game: the child paddles forward and must stop their board as quickly as possible when you shout "Stop!". Ideal for learning how to brake and control their board.
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The explorer course: go around a few buoys to learn how to change direction.
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The statue: keep your balance for a few seconds, kneeling or standing.
With a group of different skill levels, adapt the challenges: some stay kneeling while the more experienced ones try standing.
To learn more, discover our 7 ideas for games and water activities to do in a group with children.
How to make them want to do it again?
20 minutes of fun is better than an hour that ends in frustration. Adapt the duration to their age, energy level, and conditions.
Let the child choose some activities, encourage their small successes, and offer them a new challenge for the next outing.
Successfully turning or daring to kneel deserves as much encouragement as standing up.
If you are organizing an introduction with several participants, our tips for organizing a paddleboard outing with different skill levels can also help you.
Fun before performance!
A child who finishes their first outing kneeling, but with a smile, has already had a great introduction.
At SUP Montréal, we help families, schools, summer camps, and organizations choose suitable equipment, whether buying or renting, to introduce them to paddleboarding under the best conditions.