Schools Out, SUPs Out: Fun and Safe Paddleboarding Activities for Kids

As the school year comes to an end and summer begins, it’s the perfect time to get kids outdoors and active. Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) offers a fantastic way to combine fun, exercise, and adventure on the water. This summer, let’s explore how to make the most of your Wave SUPs and kayaks with your kids. Here are some exciting and safe activities, featuring beach days, explorations, and more.

1. Beach Day Adventures

A day at the beach with your SUPs and kayaks can be a wonderful family outing. Here’s how to make the most of it:

Activity Ideas:

• Paddleboard Picnics: Pack a picnic and paddle to a secluded spot on the beach. Enjoy your meal on your boards or set up a picnic area on the shore.
• Shoreline Exploration: Paddle along the shoreline to explore coves, rocks, and tidal pools. Teach kids about marine life and coastal ecosystems.
• Relaxation Zones: Anchor your boards and kayaks in shallow waters and let the kids enjoy some downtime. Bring along floats or water toys for added fun.

2. SUPer Games

With fun activities like obstacle courses, treasure hunts, and balancing challenges, kids can enjoy hours of adventure on the water.

Activity Ideas:

• SUP Obstacle Course: Create a fun and challenging obstacle course on the water using buoys, floating rings, and other markers. Kids can paddle through the course, testing their balance and coordination. You can set up different levels of difficulty to keep things interesting.
• Paddleboard Treasure Hunt: While floating or anchored, share stories or play simple games like I Spy. It’s a great way to keep kids entertained and engaged.
• Balancing Challenges: Challenge kids to test their balance with fun activities on their paddleboards. This can include simple yoga poses, standing on one leg, or even a SUP dance-off.

3. Kayak Excursions

Kayaks offer a different perspective and a great way to explore deeper waters. Plan a family kayak excursion to make the most of your summer days.

Activity Ideas:

• Nature Tours: Paddle through calm rivers, lakes, or coastal areas to observe wildlife. Look for birds, fish, and other animals in their natural habitats.
• Island Hopping: If you're near an area with small islands or sandbars, plan a route that allows you to hop from one to another. Pack snacks and take breaks to explore.
• Fishing Adventures: Introduce kids to fishing from a kayak. It’s a peaceful and rewarding way to spend time on the water.

4. Exploring Local Waterways

Local lakes and rivers provide excellent opportunities for exploration and adventure close to home.

Activity Ideas:

• Scenic Paddles: Choose a local lake or river with scenic views. Paddle along and take in the beauty of nature. Stop for snacks or a swim along the way.
• Historical Tours: Paddle to historical landmarks or points of interest along waterways. Learn about the history and significance of these sites.
• Evening Paddles: Plan a sunset or moonlight paddle for a magical experience. Ensure you have proper lighting and reflective gear for safety.

5. Educational Paddleboarding

Combine learning and fun by incorporating educational elements into your paddleboarding adventures.

Activity Ideas:

• Marine Biology Lessons: Use your paddleboarding time to teach kids about marine life, ecosystems, and environmental conservation. Bring along a guidebook or use a smartphone app to identify species.
• Environmental Clean-Up: Turn your paddleboarding session into a clean-up mission. Bring along bags and gloves to collect trash from the water and shorelines. Teach kids about the importance of keeping our waterways clean.
• Geography Lessons: Discuss the geography of the area you’re paddling in. Talk about how the landscape was formed, local wildlife, and any unique features.

Safety Tips for Kids on SUPs

Safety is paramount when it comes to kids and water activities. Here are some essential safety tips to ensure a fun and secure experience:

• Life Jackets: Ensure that all children wear properly fitted life jackets at all times.
• Supervision: Always have an adult supervising kids while they are on the water.
• Paddleboard Leashes: Use paddleboard leashes to prevent boards from drifting away if a child falls off.
• Sun Protection: Apply sunscreen, and provide hats and sunglasses to protect against sunburn and glare.
• Hydration: Keep water bottles handy to ensure kids stay hydrated during their activities.
• Swimming Skills: Ensure that kids are comfortable swimmers before venturing far from shore.
• Weather Awareness: Check weather conditions before heading out and avoid paddling in rough or stormy weather.