DAY-TRIP AIR BY HOBIE
One of the most stable inflatable paddleboards on the market, Hobie’s Day-Trip Air is perfect for kids who want to paddle out to fish, dive, chill or run down the river. This recreational board is eight feet long, 38 inches wide and 23 pounds. We love that it’s large enough that anyone under 180 pounds can paddle it, yet small and light so kids can easily maneuver it. Hobie’s super durable inflatable construction means youngsters can drag the board to and from the water without worry.
$1,299 | hobie.com
BUFF JUNIOR BY BUFF
Just like the original Buff, but made to fit kids between the ages of four and 12. The incredibly versatile Buff Junior can be used as sun, rain, wind or bug protection while paddleboarding and at camp. It’ll also double as a handy hanky, mask, hair scrunchie and bandana.
$18.75 | buffwear.com
KEIKI PADDLE BY NAISH
Just 540 grams, the lightweight and adjustable Keiki from Naish is a high- performance paddle designed specifically for kids. Its anti-twist Vario system makes lengthening and shortening the shaft easy, so it can adapt to kids of all sizes. The glass construction offers a flexible and durable blade that boarders of any age will appreciate. Plus, the blade boasts a scratchproof finish, so the slick design will continue to look top-notch for years to come.
$259 | naishsurfing.com
SUNNIES BY KIDSOLAIR
Kids’ developing eyes let in 70 percent more UV rays than adult eyes. That’s why it’s so important to cover young peepers with solid protection like these glasses from Kidsolair, which block all UVA and UVB rays. This grown-up style is a perfect fit for smaller faces, and offered in colors everyone will love. Paired with a reliable neck strap, kids are sure to keep these sunnies around.
$15 | suntechoptics.com
DRIFTER BY STOHLQUIST
This low-profile youth design offers the same features we love on our Stohlquist PFDs. The Drifter’s cross-chest cinch prevents ride-up so that mobility isn’t compromised—kids will forget they’re wearing it. The full draining front pocket is large enough to hold snacks and easily accessible to small hands. The Drifter is super adjustable and fits paddlers from 50 to 90 pounds.
$94.95 | stohlquist.com
AMPED SURF SHORTS BY LEVEL SIX
Looking for board shorts that offer easy movement and dry quickly? The Amped Surf Short from Level Six delivers on this promise, while embracing surf culture heritage with a traditional design in funky new colors. We love that kids look as at home on their boards as they do racing around the backyard in the Amped.
$44.99 | levelsix.com
RIO BY KEEN
Inspired by Keen’s adult technical sandals, the Rio features lightweight EVA injection molded construction and a comfortable, flexible fit for little feet. Parents will love the built-in arch support—perfect for underfoot stability for paddleboarders—and the secure fit lace system, which ensures shoes stay on during a swim. Kids will love the speed at which the Rio dries, and its fun style.
$50 | keenfootwear.com
This article originally appeared in Canoeroots Spring 2016 issue.
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