Paddling with Kids: 10 Real-Life Tips from a Water-Loving Mum
Hi, I’m a total paddle geek. I’ll paddle just about anything that’s open: a stand-up paddleboard (SUP), canoe, surfski, ocean outrigger—you name it. If I’m not stuck inside it, I’m happy. But I’m also a mum of twochildren, and I wont let children stop my time on water!
So if I want to keep paddling during those months, I have to bring the kids with me. Luckily, we live just 20 meters from the beach on the wild Atlantic coast of France. Honestly, it would be crazy *not* to get them on the water.
It’s actually more complicated (and traumatic) to get them into a car and drive an hour to the nearest soft play. So here’s how I make it work.
Whether you’re a fellow paddle addict or a parent looking to introduce your children to the sea, here are my 10 essential tips for paddling with kids.
1. Be Selective About Conditions and Equipment
Living on the Atlantic coast means I have to be *very* careful with tides, wind, and waves. I choose calm days, close-to-shore paddling, and stable gear. I also take a break from November to March—no one enjoys a cold, soaked, screaming toddler.
Rule of thumb: one traumatic trip in freezing water can turn your child off the ocean forever. Choose wisely.
2. Keep Expectations Low
If you get 20 minutes on the water, that’s a win. If you only get 5 minutes? Still better than staying indoors. Kids have short attention spans and changing moods—**don’t expect a full training session**.
Instead, focus on making it enjoyable, even if it’s brief.
3. Safety First: Use Buoyancy Aids
No exceptions: kids wear PFDs (personal flotation devices). Always.
I wear one too when it makes sense—if I’m on deep or moving water. But when I’m ankle-deep and close to shore, I sometimes skip it. Use your judgement.
4. Bring a Paddle for Everyone
If you don’t bring a paddle for your child, they’ll take yours. Trust me.
Bring a spare paddle blade or a child-sized paddle. I use a 3-part travel paddle and just bring the blade for SUP days. For the surfski, my oldest uses a junior-size paddle. This makes them feel involved—and avoids drama.
5. Don’t Punch Above Your Weight
If you’re unsure, don’t go. If you’re tired, skip it. If the sea looks rough, stay home.
You’re setting the tone for your kids. If you’re not confident or relaxed, **they’ll pick up on it fast**.
6. Make It Fun
Kids won’t care about technique—but they *will* love playing pirates, mermaids, or pretending to escape sharks. Sometimes all they want is speed!
So I go all-in with role play or paddle fast in short bursts. If you want them to fall in love with paddling, make it feel like a game—not a lesson.
7. If They Fall In, Stay Cool
They *will* fall in. The trick is not to panic.
Just scoop them up, plop them back on the board or boat, and keep going. Laugh it off. **They feed off your energy**, so keep calm and carry on.
8. Get Them Involved from the Start
Even little kids love having a job. Mine carry their paddles down to the water. My eldest helps me carry one end of the SUP or surfski.
It’s about ownership. If they feel like it’s “our session,” not “mum’s session,” they’re way more enthusiastic.
9. Dress for the Water (Not the Weather)
Even when it’s sunny, the Atlantic isn’t exactly tropical. In spring and autumn, I wear a wetsuit—even if the sea is calm. In summer, a long john works fine for me.
The kids have their own wetsuits. It makes a huge difference when they fall in—less drama, less cold, and more fun.
10. Don’t Give Up
The first time might be chaotic. There may be tears. But don’t give up.
They’ll say they want to stay on the sofa. They’ll moan. But keep trying. Keep making it fun. Eventually, they’ll surprise you.
Persistence builds confidence—and memories.
Want to Paddle with Other Women or Mums?
Come join us at the Wild Women SUP Symposium this September!
It’s a fantastic chance to meet other water-loving women, share tips, laugh at our parenting fails, and get out on the water together.
Final Thought
Paddling with children isn’t always smooth—but it’s almost always worth it. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to keep showing up, getting on the water, and making it part of their lives.
Start small, laugh lots, and don’t forget the snacks!