Santa Cruz, California, is known for its legendary surf breaks—and these days, for a four-legged social media sensation in the lineup. Rosie Drottar, or @RippinRosieDog to her 284,000 Instagram followers, is a two-year-old Labrador retriever. Her dad, Steve Drottar, a prosecuting attorney and a surfer for over 40 years, couldn’t be prouder: “I always wanted one of my kids or dogs to surf with me. Rosie is a dream come true.”
Meet viral SUP surf star Rippin’ Rosie
Rosie’s journey to stardom began when she wanted to join Drottar’s four (non-fur) kids paddling on a lake. She stepped onto his board and knocked him in a couple of times. But by her third attempt, she stood up and walked on the board. After a few weeks of paddling on the lake, Rosie took to the small waves easily.
It wasn’t long before Rosie’s surfing skills became undeniable.
“She hangs 10 more than anyone else in the county,” Drottar jokes. But he says she’s a true surfing partner, mimicking his body position, looking down the line like he does, shifting her weight and instinctively adjusting her position. “She’ll move back on the board to stop it from pearling,” he adds.
Obedience training, combined with obstacle courses, built a foundation of trust and communication—something that transfers to the board, says Drottar. In the beginning, he also rewarded Rosie for sits and down-stays on the board on land. The real training, however, came from four days a week out in the waves together.
“As soon as I start to get ready, she’s right there by the door…asking if it’s her turn to go,” he says. While Drottar admits he gets tired before Rosie, since he’s the one paddling the board out, he wouldn’t trade his time with her for anything. “It breaks my heart when I see her sad face in the window when I can’t take her out with me when the waves are too high or if I have to go straight to work after.”
Rosie’s surfing prowess has earned her first-place finishes in the human-dog tandem and multiple dog divisions at the World Dog Surfing Championship, the Purina Incredible Dog Challenge in Huntington Beach, and the Helen Woodward Center Surf-Dog-a-thon. The duo’s adventures have also captured global media attention, from People magazine to The Dodo to an Australian morning show. But for Drottar, the real reward is the bond they share.
Sur-fur girl. | Feature photo: Richard Brady
While Rosie excels at SUP surfing with Drottar, she also competes solo, with Drottar giving her a push into waves. She even dabbles in waterskiing behind a boat.
Drottar’s advice for other dog owners interested in getting their pups on a board is simple: “Don’t ever push or force it and acclimatize them to the ocean at a young age.” He emphasizes the importance of building trust and making it a fun experience for both dog and owner.
For Drottar and Rosie, surfing is more than just a sport; it’s a shared passion that strengthens their bond. It also brings joy to countless others. “Rosie makes people smile all over the world,” says Drottar. “And I hope we continue surfing together daily as long as we can. Surfing is one of the greatest things ever—add your dog to it, and it doesn’t get any better than that.”
This article was first published in Issue 73 of Paddling Magazine. Subscribe to Paddling Magazine’s print and digital editions, or browse the archives.
John Chase from Paddling the Blue Podcast near Power Island on Lake Michigan. Feature Image courtesy John Chase.
When it comes to epic paddling stories, who doesn’t love to gather around the campfire and trade tales of swashbuckling adventures by kayak? No one knows what makes a paddling story sure to enrapture and impress your friends quite like John Chase, host of Paddling the Blue podcast.
With episode titles like “Best Friends Go Midlife Kayak Adventuring” and guests ranging from paddling legends like Dale Sanders to first-time adventurers, Paddling the Blue manages to be both aspirational and relatable, highlighting sea kayakers and stories from all walks of life.
Paddling Mag sat down with podcast host and ACA Instructor John Chase to get to the heart of what exactly makes a great kayaking story:
Behind one of kayaking’s most popular podcasts
John Chase got his start in paddling from adventure racing, nonstop multi-discipline multi-day races in which participants are handed a set of topographic maps and coordinates and told to figure out how to get from one point to another. Paddling was one of the disciplines Chase felt most incompetent in and decided to dedicate time to improving. In 2011 while taking a paddling class, the instructor asked if Chase had ever considered being an instructor himself.
John Chase from Paddling the Blue Podcast near Power Island on Lake Michigan. Feature Image courtesy John Chase.
“When I really started paddling and getting serious about the instructor track I sought out different ways to learn and I came across a podcast called the Sea Kayak Podcast. Simon stopped doing that podcast and moved on to other things,” explained Chase on the origins of Paddling the Blue. “For several years afterwards I kept thinking, boy, I wish that podcast would come back. Somebody should bring that back some day.”
It wasn’t long after that Chase realized maybe somebody should be himself. In 2019, Chase put the wheels in motion, learning the equipment and the craft, recording practice interviews.
What makes a good paddling story anyways?
“What makes a good paddling story in terms of the podcast is [the speaker] being descriptive. I tell guests that we’re an audio media and people can’t see what’s going on,” Chase explained, adding that if it’s something a speaker is passionate about, that passion comes through in their voice.
On the technical side of storytelling, Chase shared that one of the most challenging parts of the podcast is sourcing the guests.
“Recording a podcast is pretty simple. It is overcoming, in some cases, a personal fear of having their voice out there in perpetuity,” shared Chase.
Chase spends time before any interview helping guests understand that part of his process is to make them sound amazing and help them to tell their story.
“I enjoy that part of the challenge because I know that everybody’s got a story inside of them. Being able to bring that to life is a lot of fun for me,” said Chase.
Finding the heart of paddling stories
So what lies at the heart of a good paddling story? According to Chase, a captivating adventure story might have less to do with stunning scenery or gnarly conditions than one might assume.
“It’s almost always about the people. The trips people are taking, the landscape is great, the paddling is fantastic, but it comes down to the people you meet along the way,” shared Chase. “Almost always people are saying ‘I wish I slowed down. I might’ve been going for a speed record, but I wish I would’ve stopped and experienced the place I was going through and the people.’”
In addition to people being at the heart of paddling stories, Chase also shared that many expedition paddlers would do it smaller and slow down, getting to know an area more.
Chase shared that in 140+ episodes, the story that’s stuck with him most is that of Jake Stachovak in episode two, revisited again in episode 79 as an in memoriam.
“Unfortunately Jake passed from cancer a few years ago and he was an amazing guy. He did what we called the Portage to Portage paddle,” shared Chase.
Stachovak paddled from his hometown in Portage, Wisconsin down the Wisconsin River out to the Mississippi to the Gulf, around Florida, up the east coast from the Hudson River and Erie Canal to the Great Lakes and eventually back to Portage, Wisconsin, in his own take on The Great Loop circumnavigating the eastern United States.
“It took him, I think 16 or 17 months to do that. He had such a zest for life and such an enthusiasm for the trip that everything was fun and exciting and that really spoke to his personality,” said Chase. “He was one of those people that — I didn’t see him very often — but every time I would go to a symposium or event and knew Jake was there, I knew he was going to be one of the highlights of the event.”
Of all of the episodes he’s recorded, Jake’s episode is the one Chase recommends a listener begin with.
Paddling the Blue has listeners in over 100 different countries, and well over 100,000 listeners. Find Paddling the Blue on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or at find more ways to listen at paddlingtheblue.com.
“But we’ll get together then, dad, We’re gonna have a good time then.” | Feature photo: Scott MacGregor
When my son Dougwas four years old, we paddled the Petawawa River with outdoor adventure filmmaker, Justine Curgenven. From our trip, Curgenven created her award-winning film, Dougie Down the Pet.
Doug had already been down the Petawawa twice before, as well as another half-dozen whitewater rivers close to our home. We’d been playing in whitewater together since he was in diapers. We’d been on enough canoe trips to develop a packing routine. He was involved in the process. He had a list of required camping gear to go inside his blue barrel. After that, he could take whatever else he wanted. If we could close the lid, it could come down the river.
I always made a point of including Doug in camp chores. Cooking. Dishes. Setting up the tent. I’d ask him to hold the canoe for me until I was seated. As ridiculous, or cute, as it must have looked, I wanted Doug to be part of the experience, not just along for the ride.
We scouted rapids together. We’d discuss which lines to take and why. In the canoe I’d ask him for the strokes we needed, whether his spindly arms and tiny paddle would help move the canoe or not.
“But we’ll get together then, dad, We’re gonna have a good time then.” | Feature photo: Scott MacGregor
Follow the leader
Two years after Dougie Down the Pet was released, we ran Rollaway Rapids, an 800-meter section of the Petawawa that he walked around in the film on account of near freezing temperatures and ice along the shoreline.
The entrance to Rollaway is a series of canoe-swamping waves that can be avoided with a backferry or shift to the right of center. In my excitement, I was shouting for Doug to give me some draws to pull us to the right. Except, dear reader, I’m a righty. Doug paddles on the left.
Grrr, he never listens to me, I thought. But wait. Six-year-old Doug read the river and knew where we were and what was needed. He knew to cross-draw and was ignoring my direction from the stern. I watched his little arms hang on a textbook cross-draw, sliding us between the standing waves on our left and the eddyline to our right. Exactly as we’d scouted.
In addition to all the research suggesting how outdoor adventure improves a child’s physical and mental development, I also—selfishly, perhaps—saw it as an investment in my future. Maybe someday, when I’m an old man, he’ll take me down rivers.
I took this picture at what Black Feather guides call Oxbow Lake. It’s an out-of-the-way banger of a campsite on a forgotten channel the Nahanni River left behind. The man doing the dishes is our lead guide, Doug.
When Doug was 13, we paddled the Broken Skull with Black Feather. He fell in love with northern rivers. At 15, he was offered a spot in Black Feather’s apprentice guide program. Five years later, learning and working from some of the best guides in the wilderness canoeing business, he’s baking us a Dutch oven chocolate cake for dessert.
In my 20s, when I was teaching paddling and guiding, I’d call my dad from airport terminals as I was getting off red-eye flights, and he was drinking coffee and getting ready to go to work. We’d make half-ass plans to spend time together. Go fishing. Maybe take him rafting. But we never did. My dad died having never seen me paddle.
For years, Doug had been bugging me to jump on one of his northern canoe trips. There were always reasons to postpone, bullshit reasons. This was his last of seven wilderness trips that summer, and his third back-to-back on the Nahanni. After this, he would go back to university in a software engineering program with mandatory summer work terms.
It was now or never.
Jumping in as a guest on a commercial trip, I wasn’t involved in the trip planning, of course. Doug did send me a packing list of essentials. He told me I could bring anything else I wanted, so long as I could close the lid on my blue barrel. I smiled, unsure if he was being funny or helpful.
For 14 days, he ensured I did my share of dishes, cooking, portaging and camp chores. He held the canoe for me until I was seated.
Not once did I tell him which strokes to make.
Scott MacGregor is the founder of Paddling Magazine.
This article was first published in Issue 73 of Paddling Magazine. Subscribe to Paddling Magazine’s print and digital editions, or browse the archives.
“But we’ll get together then, dad, We’re gonna have a good time then.” | Feature photo: Scott MacGregor
When late-spring days with clear skies and rising temps start to take over the weekly weather forecast, I peer out my office window, and the thought creeps in: I’d rather be paddleboarding. Just a few blocks from home I can drift miles on the Willamette River, and within a 60-mile drive, there are half a dozen lakes backdropped with forest climbing up mountainsides. All perfect places to spend an afternoon floating or cruising around.
Over the past few years, my preference for paddling has been shifting. I’ve spent decades in the seat of a kayak, then caught the bug to jump on fiberglass standup paddleboards, and now, what I find myself reaching for most for days of paddling lakes and rivers are inflatable paddleboards. Recently, I had the opportunity to test out Niphean’s Clovis Point 10’6” inflatable paddleboard, taking it for after-work town floats, meet-ups with friends beneath city skylines, and lounge sessions on sunny lake days at the foothills of the Cascades.
The Niphean Clovis Point paddleboard. | Image: Owen Roth
Review of the budget-friendly Niphean Clovis Point 10’6” inflatable paddleboard
It’s well established inflatable SUPs are easy to throw in the back of the car, and take up little space to store, but what I love most about inflatable paddleboards is that, unless you plan to crank out miles or run rapids, you don’t have to spend much money on one to be able to enjoy it. Thumb in a few keywords and there are endless inflatable boards to choose from, and, fortunately, if a board follows certain fundamentals in shape design and material construction—reinforced seams, drop-stitched interior and capable of being inflated beyond 10 PSI—then it is likely all someone will need to check out of work and spend the rest of the day on the water.
Let’s cut to the major detail that makes the Niphean SUP stand out. This board costs just $299 with the most comprehensive package, and at this low cost, I have enjoyed paddling it, and it has already held up to diverse days of leisure. Over the past year, I’ve tested a dozen inflatable paddleboards, and what I will reiterate is this: unless you are seeking a high-performance aspect for touring, surfing or running rapids, an all-around inflatable board only needs to follow a few rules to be a fun, stable and capable shape.
The Niphean follows this mold. It has a rounded nose which has a slight lift (rocker) to keep it above the water. At the back is a rounded tail which is meant to provide the board a nice arcing feel turning over distances of flatwater, yet it can still be loaded up to swing the nose around. And the board has enough width and depth at 33 inches and six inches, respectively, to provide stability for new paddleboarders. The board reaches 15 PSI, providing a solid high-pressure platform, cruises around with ease, has a comfortable carrying handle, and is well-constructed at its price range to withstand years of use.
Standout Niphean board accessories
The bonus of the Clovis Point board is for the price it includes everything someone needs for recreational paddleboarding except a life jacket. I tested the 10’6” version which came with a seat to transform it into a sit-on-top kayak. Beyond the board and seat, the box also included a breakdown paddle that can be setup for SUP or kayaking, a high-pressure manual pump to reach the proper PSI, a backpack, three fins for the tail of the board, a centerboard fin, a coiled leashed for use on flatwater or a surf break, a repair kit, and a waterproof phone case—a fantastic little bonus to keep your phone dry and floating should you drop it.
On the bottom of the Niphean paddleboard you can use the common 2+1 fin setup on the tail as well as their unique StabilTrac fin. | Image: Owen Roth
StabilTrac centerboard fin
An interesting component of the Niphean SUP and its performance is the inclusion of a centerboard fin in addition to the commonplace center fin and side bites at the tail of the board. This centerboard fin, which Niphean calls the StabilTrac fin, is unique, and I don’t recall seeing this extra fin box and fin on a board that wasn’t intended for other uses, like windsports. A centerboard or keel on a sailing craft provides hold to keep it from sideslipping in the wind so the energy can instead be transferred into propulsion in the direction of travel. In concept, Niphean has included the fin on the board to improve the board’s tracking beyond the usual 2+1 in the back, helping to avoid spinning out and providing better glide and travel in a straight path.
In practice, the StabilTrac works a little too well for the application of paddleboarding. Notably, as I went to step back on the board and swing the nose around with sweeping strokes, the central keel kept the board locked in, making the process slower going. Also, because it extends deeper than the tail fins, the StabilTrac makes it much more likely you’ll tag bottom when SUPing along the edges of lakes or down slow-moving rivers. Perhaps it takes time to adjust to using a board with the StabilTrac; but personally I find the traditional fin setup takes care of the stability, tracking and turning you need for recreational standup paddleboarding. Fortunately, all of these fins are easily removable, so you can experiment with different setups, and spend time seeing if the StabilTrac is beneficial to you.
The board has a comfortable carry handle, and bungees up front to store your drybag with extra layers, snacks and your phone. | Image: Owen Roth
Storage and transport board backpack
Just about any inflatable paddleboard comes with a storage bag, many of which are oversized and ruggedly built; these are admirable attributes, but with the Niphean I love how compact the backpack is, and how easily the board and accessories roll up to fit inside it. With a smaller bag, I often worry about whether there is enough room to fit all the gear inside. When you’re tired at the end of a trip, the last thing you want to have to do is re-roll a wet board five times to make it fit in the bag. But the Niphean backpack reminded me how wonderful and well-sized a bag can be. Measuring around 34 by 16 inches and 10 inches deep, it stores the board compactly with less space for items to swing around inside. I could see myself jumping on a bus with the Niphean SUP without whacking unsuspecting riders with a giant unwieldy bag.
The Niphean board also has the option to come with a kayak seat and a multi-piece paddle, the ladder which can be set up as either a single-bladed SUP paddle or a double-bladed kayak paddle. Paddleboard setups with inflatable seats are becoming more popular, and I’m here for it. You’ve essentially bought both an inflatable standup paddleboard and an inflatable sit-on-top kayak in one click. The seat for the Clovis Point reaches up to 10 PSI in air pressure for a supportive feel, and clips onto the board’s D-rings. The option means on windy or long days, you can choose to skip standing and take the seat to go for a kayak excursion.
Where to buy the Niphean Clovis Point standup paddleboard
There are plenty of hurdles to navigate in order to spend your days paddleboarding. Fortunately, with the Niphean inflatable SUP, the cost of a board you can enjoy isn’t one of them.
The Niphean Clovis Point 10’6” is available at online retailers including Amazon. The board is also available in 10-foot and 11-foot models. Find more information at niphean.com.
Aluminum canoes were once ubiquitous in campgrounds and parks across the continent. Thanks to their durability, many of those canoes may still be on lakeside racks today. The age of aluminum canoes dawned after World War II, when aircraft maker Grumman took the techniques used for bending and riveting aluminum for aircrafts and applied them to making canoes. This created the first recreational canoe: stable, durable, light and requiring little to no maintenance.
For a generation of paddlers, one’s first canoeing experience often included the numbing cold of aluminum on bare legs, and the groaning of the metal hull as it plowed through the water.
The subsequent rise of synthetic materials like fiberglass and advances in plastic manufacturing created more options for canoeists. Ultralight materials like aramid composites mean canoes can now be portaged with amazing ease, and ABS laminates like T-Formex provide durability for running burly rivers. Aluminum canoes have felt the crunch. Flipping through any current paddling magazine, or walking a shop floor today, you’ll be hard-pressed to find an aluminum canoe.
But they are still out there. Aluminum canoes are dependable boats requiring virtually no maintenance. What they lack in grace, they make up for in grit. An aluminum canoe is for you if you want something you don’t have to worry about.
If this sounds like you, read on: we’ve put this guide together to help you find the best aluminum canoe. Continue reading for more information about aluminum canoes and follow the links below to learn about specific models.
Wear A Life Jacket
Everyone, even strong swimmers, needs to wear a life jacket at all times when on the water. It is extremely difficult to put a life jacket on once you fall into the water. Even a light wind can blow any paddlecraft away from you, faster than you can swim.
Always wear a USCG-approved Level 70 or Type III life jacket designed for paddling.
Best aluminum canoes: Our top picks
Grumman 15′ Double-Ender
Grumman 15′ Double-Ender Specs
Length: 15′
Width: 35.1”
Weight: 69 lbs
Capacity: 650 lbs
MSRP: $2,249 USD
Buy from:
MARATHON BOAT
One of the most familiar names in the aluminum canoe market, Grumman has been making canoes since 1945. In particular, the double-ender models are some of the most familiar to paddlers; shaped like a traditional canoe and the lightest of Grumman’s models, these canoes were a favorite of canoe trippers and summer camps. The canoes are handcrafted from a special age-hardened, stretch-formed aluminum alloy with added ribs, thwarts and gunwales for extra rigidity and stiffness. The arched hull and keel also provide a blend of stability, tracking and performance that’s suited to beginners and experienced wilderness and river trippers alike. The 15-foot model is the perfect size for two folks to embark on day paddles up to weeklong trips.
The 17′ is the longest of Grumman’s three double-ended canoes, enabling you to bring an extra paddler—or two pipsqueak-sized paddlers, or a furry pal—along, as well as extra gear for an extended adventure. The extra length allows the canoe to glide farther and track straighter. With the same manufacturing process, material and design as all Grumman’s other models, the 17′ Double-Ender is a virtually indestructible and maintenance-free boat that’ll keep offering adventure for generations to come.
One of two square stern models from Grumman, the Sportboat is as stable as they come thanks to its 43-inch width and Bulb T keel and hull design—a design that’s commonly used on sailboats to aid in stability and efficiency at moving through the water. The exceptional stability of the Sportboat combined with the fact that it’s made of aircraft-grade aluminum and has added ribs means it can handle bigger lakes and mild saltwater, too. Grumman refers to this canoe as a three-in-one because it can be paddled, rowed or motorized—simply add a seven-horsepower motor to the stern and get to your fishing hole that much faster.
The EXP.3 is Osagian Canoes’ longest boat and nearly its widest, a mere one-inch shorter than their 17′ Fisherman.3 Canoe. Its extra length and ample width make it exceptionally stable and spacious—you can spare no luxury on your next camping trip. This model has three seats, but look to the EXP.4 model—with otherwise identical specs and a barely noticeable price difference—if you need a fourth. Osagian Canoes’ boats are handmade in Denmark and the United States.
Manufactured in North Bay, Ontario, Canada, the Radisson canoe hearkens back to the time of the fur trade, named after the 17th-century coureur-des-bois and explorer Pierre-Esprit Radisson. BW Marine Products began making aluminum canoes in 1947; today, they manufacture Radisson canoes for the U.S. market and Sportspal for the Canadian. As Paddling Magazine reviewer, Jesse McEntee, puts it, the Radisson is “a durable and family-friendly recreational canoe popular among anglers and hunters … [it] is often recognizable thanks to its distinctive black foam sponsons.” McEntee purchased his Radisson because it was much lighter than other aluminum canoes of a similar length.
The T series of Michicraft canoes by Meyers are most often used by rental outfitters, camps and lodges, but also make great personal canoes thanks to their simplicity and durability. These models also have stretch-formed sponsons on the sides above the waterline, which act as ‘safety foils’ that give the canoe a wider profile for extra stability while keeping a streamlined profile during normal paddling. The 16-foot canoe is a great size for weekend to weeklong trips.
Not to be confused with the Sportspal aluminum canoes manufactured by Canadian company, BW Marine Products, these Sportspal boats belong to Meyers Boat Company, out of Michigan. Meyers’ Sportspal canoes are made of aircraft-grade aluminum, which is thicker and more durable than the marine-grade aluminum used by BW Marine Products. The sponsons and liner on Meyers’ Sportspals are also larger and thicker than the Canadian models.
Carry A Whistle (And A Light For Night Use)
Every paddler should have a whistle attached to his/her life jacket.
Carry a light at night. Consider carrying a distress signal device.
Shopping for a used aluminum canoe?
Buying a used canoe is a great way to save money. With aluminum canoes in particular, it’s a reasonably safe assumption that the canoe will still be in good shape. They are amazingly resilient, so a 20-year old “tin” canoe should still paddle as well as a brand new one.
Here are three key things to consider when shopping for a used aluminum canoe:
1 Look everywhere
If you are looking for aluminum canoes for sale, Craigslist, Kijiji, or other online classifieds are great resources. Ask around as well. There may be an aluminum canoe that’s been sitting in a neighbor’s backyard for years that they’ll be willing to sell.
2 Know what it’s worth
The tricky part is going to be gauging the value of a used canoe, especially older ones. How much is a used aluminum canoe worth? Even if the canoe is in near-perfect condition, if it is decades old, don’t pay more than $1,000. For that price, you can nearly buy a new plastic canoe.
3 Try it before you buy it
Like any canoe, test the aluminum canoe before you buy it if you can. Ensure you are comfortable paddling it and it doesn’t have any leaks (a potential problem area is a cracked stem plate).
For more general tips on what to look for when selecting a used canoe, read our article How To Buy A Used Canoe.
Aluminum canoe buying guide
Before you buy an aluminum canoe, read the answers to these questions. Although the canoes were extremely popular in the past, they are a bit of a niche item now. Canoes made from modern materials like plastic or composite are much more common, but that doesn’t mean there’s no value in an aluminum canoe.
Why should you buy an aluminum canoe?
The best feature of these canoes is their durability. They can be banged, bashed and dragged with little caution. Aluminum does not degrade from UV exposure like other canoe materials, so aluminum canoes can be stored outdoors as well. Many are tailored toward recreational paddling and will have wide, flat bottoms or square sterns for motors to be attached.
What shape aluminum canoe should you buy?
Aluminum canoes come in two main styles: square-sterned and pointed-end, sometimes called double-ended. Square-sterned canoes can have small outboard motors attached to the back. Consider these boats if you are planning to attach a motor. Go for a pointed-end canoe if you won’t use a motor, as the tapered stern helps the canoe travel through the water more efficiently, making it easier to paddle.
In terms of length, standard canoe sizing rules apply. Sixteen feet or less is good for one or two paddlers, and trips on rivers and smaller lakes. Seventeen-foot canoes are good tandem canoes for both river and lake travel, and hulls 18-feet and longer are fast on open water and have much more cargo space. As the length of a canoe increases, the maneuverability generally decreases.
Where can you buy an aluminum canoe?
Buying an aluminum canoe is a little different than buying other, more common canoes. You will not find them in most paddling-specific shops. The companies making them often make other aluminum products as their primary product—typically motorboats and pontoons. Look to them for high-quality riveting and construction. Because they’re made by marine manufacturers, you may be able to order them directly.
Otherwise, search for aluminum canoes at hunting and fishing outlets. These canoes are preferred by sportsmen because they are so durable and can withstand being left outside when they aren’t being used.
Want to know more? Find our answers to common questions about aluminum canoes below.
Education: Get Some!
Take a paddling safety course from the American Canoe Association (ACA), your local paddling shop or outfitter, or other reputable source.
Take a boating safety course from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadrons® or your own state’s boating agency.
Take on-the-water skills training.
Aluminum canoe manufacturers
Does anyone still make aluminum canoes? They aren’t front and center at paddle shops, but aluminum canoes are still around. Many of the original aluminum canoe manufacturers like Grumman, Michicraft, Meyers and Sportspal are still making canoes.
Does Grumman still make canoes?
The Grumman canoe is still made, under the parent company Marathon Boats.
Aluminum canoe brands
Many used aluminum canoes were made by brands that no longer exist, or do not focus specifically on canoe-building—the market is too niche. You will find that companies like Meyers make aluminum boats of all sorts. This harkens back to the roots of metal canoes, with Grumman originally being a company that built aircraft.
Aluminum canoe weight
How heavy is an aluminum canoe? Aluminum canoe weights vary based on their construction and length. In the continuum of canoe materials, they are on the lighter side, but heavier than ultra-light Kevlar or Aramid composites. A 16-foot aluminum Sportspal canoe with two pointed ends will weigh around 58 pounds, but the transom version weighs 78 pounds.
Are aluminum canoes lighter than plastic?
Aluminum canoes are lighter than their plastic counterparts. A 17-foot Grumman canoe weighs 75 pounds compared to the Nova Craft SP3 which tips the scales at 99 pounds.
How much does a 15-foot aluminum canoe weigh?
A 15-foot aluminum canoe weighs anywhere from 69 to 85 pounds. The model, width of the canoe and thickness of the aluminum sheets will change the weight.
How much does a 16-foot aluminum canoe weigh?
A 16-foot aluminum canoe’s weight can be between 73 to 90 pounds. The model, width of the canoe and thickness of the aluminum sheets will change the weight.
How much does a 17-foot aluminum canoe weigh?
A 17-foot aluminum canoe weighs between 75 and 99 pounds. The model, width of the canoe and thickness of the aluminum sheets will affect the weight.
Aluminum canoe weight limit
Aluminum canoes will have a high weight limit. Individual canoe capacities depend on the model, but even a 15-foot aluminum canoe’s capacity is well over 500 pounds. It’s nice to know many are built with sealed bulkheads to prevent the canoe from sinking, if that limit is breached.
Aluminum canoe dimensions
Check the manufacturer’s specifications for exact dimensions of aluminum canoes. Note that canoes often incorporate the length (in feet) in the model names.
Aluminum vs fiberglass canoe
Are aluminum canoes lighter than fiberglass canoes? In exceptional cases, aluminum canoes may be lighter, but generally fiberglass canoes are lighter than aluminum canoes of equal size.
Kevlar vs aluminum canoe
The reduction in weight and increased performance of a Kevlar canoe compared to an aluminum canoe is incredible. It’s sort of like comparing a sportscar to a minivan.
Kevlar canoes cost significantly more than aluminum canoes, but the price comes with a reduction in weight. They also paddle smoothly and silently on the water, without the noise and cold feeling that accompany an aluminum canoe.
If you want a canoe you can crash around with, or leave at your camp without needing to worry about it, aluminum is the better option. They require virtually no maintenance either, and will probably still be in good condition for your grandkids’ kids to paddle.
Aluminum vs plastic canoe
Plastic canoes emerged to oust aluminum canoes in the “affordable and durable” corner of the canoe world. They are more susceptible to UV damage than aluminum canoes, but can withstand many of the same physical impacts as aluminum canoes. New plastic canoes are easier to find than aluminum canoes.
There are more options for square-stern aluminum canoes that are closer to “freighter canoes” than the canoe type you would expect to see when paddling in Quetico. These are workhorses for hauling goods, and can be transported more easily than a full-size motorboat.
Aluminum canoe prices
It’s possible to find used aluminum canoes for less than $500. New aluminum canoes cost anywhere from $1,200 to $3,000 depending on the manufacturer, model and length.
How much does a 17-foot aluminum canoe cost?
You might find a brand new 17-foot aluminum canoe will cost as little as $1,200, but used ones may be much less than that. Patience can lead to getting a cheap aluminum canoe for less than $500.
Aluminum canoe modifications
Many aluminum canoes can have motors added to them. Another popular modification is adding foam knee pads for extra comfort and warmth. Padding on the yokes can also be added for more comfortable portaging.
Are aluminum canoes slow?
Aluminum canoes are slow on the water compared to modern canoes. The riveted sheets do not make for the smooth entry lines, and they are heavier than more modern canoe materials. When they were first made, they outperformed many wooden canoes but modern materials like composites now dominate racing circuits.
For most of us who aren’t canoe racers, this technology still floats its way over to recreational paddling. There’s a reason most canoe shops carry plastic and composite canoes now.
Are aluminum canoes durable?
Aluminum canoes are extremely durable. They last decades and can handle being stored outdoors much better than canoes made with other materials. In contrast to wood, the other traditional canoe material, aluminum canoes will not rot either.
Do aluminum canoes sink?
Aluminum canoes with sealed bulkheads or “flotation compartments” will not sink. These are placed at the bow and stern of the boat and are essentially bubbles of air. In the event the canoe fills with water, these compartments will keep it afloat.
Do aluminum canoes leak?
A properly built aluminum canoe will not leak. The sheets are riveted or sealed with an adhesive. Over time, the canoe may lose its structural integrity and leak small amounts, but this is not common. The most common place for a leak to occur is through smashed and cracked stem plates under the bow or stern, if the canoe has been mistreated repeatedly.
Aluminum canoe pros and cons
Pros of aluminum canoes:
Used aluminum canoes are cheap
They last practically forever
They require no maintenance
Cons:
Aluminum canoes are noisy
They get very cold on cool days and roast in the heat
They are slower than composite canoes
They are not particularly easy on the eyes
How are aluminum canoes made?
Aluminum canoes are made by bending sheets of marine-grade aluminum into shape and riveting them together. The shape is held by the gunwales running end to end along the top of the hull and the thwarts spanning the space in between.
Where to buy aluminum canoes
Many paddling shops have ceased to carry aluminum canoes, but some may still carry them, particularly shops catering towards anglers and hunters. Use the dealer locator tools from Grumman or order direct from the manufacturer.
Types of aluminum canoes
The main types of aluminum canoes you will find are pointed-end, square-sterned, and wide-hulled. Pointed-end canoes look like traditional canoes, with both ends narrowing to points. These canoes are used for general paddling. Square-sterned canoes resemble skinny boats and can have a small motor mounted on them. Wide-hulled canoes can have either a pointed or square end. These boats are extra wide, for even more stability.
“I love backlit photos. The trick I’ve found is to go into manual focus. If you shoot autofocus in backlight, the camera doesn’t know what it’s doing.” | Feature photo: John Webster
This sunrise session very nearly didn’t happen.
Boise, Idaho-based photographer John Webster had been invited before. His friend and former freestyle world champion, Nick Troutman, told him for years to make the early morning pilgrimage to Kelly’s Whitewater Park in Cascade, Idaho. “He was like, dude, you need to come up here. There’s all-time light at the beginning of the day,” Webster recalls. But it was just far enough to worry about striking out.
Last summer, on the Fourth of July, he listened.
Sunrise sessions: The story behind the iconic shot
He woke around 5 a.m., a five-minute drive and 500 feet above the wave. “I turned on my car and saw the temp—it was 60°F. I was like, ‘It’s not going to happen.’ Nick had said if it hits 40°F, the fog is really good. We were 20 degrees off. But I was like, screw it, I’m up, let’s go for it.”
“I love backlit photos. The trick I’ve found is to go into manual focus. If you shoot autofocus in backlight, the camera doesn’t know what it’s doing.” | Feature photo: John Webster
Driving downhill, the temperature dropped: 60… 55… 53… 52. Hope rekindled.
“Sunrise was 6:15 a.m., so we agreed he needed to start surfing at 6:10 a.m. Nick looked at me and said, ‘You just tell me when to stop.’ I was like, that’s a horrible thing to say to me—I’ll run you into the ground,” laughs Webster.
The two had agreed a silhouette of a loop would be best. Wave tricks weren’t going to do much with the lighting. But a big loop? That would work. Troutman threw loop after loop—just the two of them, the roar of the wave, and the sun peeking over the hills.
“It was harmonious. We were both exactly where we wanted to be,” said Webster. “No clients, no obligation. Just ambition.”
For an hour, Webster shot. “I don’t think I’ve seen a shot quite like this before,” he says. “Fog, backlight, whitewater—it’s pretty rare.”
This article was first published in Issue 73 of Paddling Magazine. Subscribe to Paddling Magazine’s print and digital editions, or browse the archives.
“I love backlit photos. The trick I’ve found is to go into manual focus. If you shoot autofocus in backlight, the camera doesn’t know what it’s doing.” | Feature photo: John Webster
Done poorly, campfire pizza will have uncooked toppings and half-melted cheese on a burnt bottom and black crust. Instead, follow these simple steps and bite into a takeout-quality slice of backcountry heaven.
Build a hot fire first for this recipe—you’ll need it to get started with a warm cup of water for making dough, and a hot bed of coals will be ready by the time the pizza is ready to bake.
Stir the yeast, sugar and salt into warm water until dissolved. Dunk your hands in the flour and pour it into the water mixture. Blend the mixture with your powdered fingers until a firm lump of dough forms.
Pour a generous dollop of oil into your Dutch oven or fry-bake and spread it using a finger, coating the bottom of the pan and an inch up the sides. Once baking begins, the pizza’s success depends on a well-oiled pan—better to overdo it here than to risk not having enough.
Toppings
1/2 cup pizza sauce
500g block mozzarella cheese, grated.
Pre-shredded cheese has more surface area and will melt much faster than a block of cheese. If you don’t want to pack a grater, thinly slice the cheese to layer over the sauce.
Peppers, mushrooms, olives, onions, garlic, summer sausage (or other cured meat not requiring refrigeration).
Flatten the dough into a small circle and plop it in the oiled oven, stretching to fill the entire bottom and half an inch up the pan’s wall to help hold the toppings in place.
Spread sauce, then cheese over the dough, and add desired toppings.
Put the lid on the pan and place it directly on the fire, scooping coals alongside to create a nest for your oven. Bake the pizza for 20 minutes, periodically checking the coals for consistent heat and rotating the pan to ensure an evenly crisp crust.
Keep the lid on while baking to melt the cheese and cook the toppings. Once the time is up, slide a fork down the inside of your oven to lift the pizza and check the bottom—if the crust isn’t golden brown, take an additional five and try again.
Remove the lid from the pan and let the pizza sit for five minutes before bringing it out to slice and enjoy. This recipe feeds three hungry campers.
This article was first published in Issue 73 of Paddling Magazine. Subscribe to Paddling Magazine’s print and digital editions, or browse the archives.
Coming to you from the Sea Suite. | Feature photo: Andrew Strain
There’s a highly successful and well-paid management consultant who, whenever he gets in a stressful pickle at work, solves his problems by sitting down to do needlepoint.
This is according to a book I am reading to better myself. It’s called The Breakout Principle: How to Activate the Natural Trigger That Maximizes Creativity, Athletic Performance, Productivity and Personal Well-Being. Wouldn’t you like to know the secret to all that?
A kayaker’s guide to solving life’s problems
According to the authors, Herbert Benson and William Proctor, when you get stuck with a problem at work or in life and grapple with it for a while until you aren’t getting anywhere, you can break out of that rut by doing something physically or mentally repetitive. They suggest meditation, walking, scrubbing the toilet—it can be just about anything.
Coming to you from the Sea Suite. | Feature photo: Andrew Strain
The needle pointing business guru supposedly solved a big problem by engrossing himself in a particularly intricate form of embroidery called petit point. Focusing on a repetitive activity pushes the brain’s reset button, allowing you to find new thought patterns for old problems. Your mind evolves and you get smarter through successive cycles of struggle and breakout. The harder the struggle, the greater the enlightenment is likely to be. It’s a “work hard, play hard” philosophy coming to you from a pair of authors that includes a professor of medicine at Harvard—so it must be true.
Before you rush out to the craft store for needlepoint supplies, take it from me that kayaking has all the same breakout benefits while being a lot more fun. I find there’s no better way to get over writer’s block than to go out for a long paddle. The best escape comes in a following sea that’s big enough to make me pay attention, but not so big it really scares me—the golden mean between too easy and too hard that produces the mental state psychologists call flow.
After a few good hours paddling downwind in a moderate swell, the first two things I need to do when I get to shore are 1) pee, and 2) pull out my notebook to write down all the brilliant ideas I just had on the water. Often the two are emergencies of equal urgency. If I start carrying a pee bottle in my cockpit, I will also have to bring my phone to make voice notes. Sitting at a computer, though our careers often demand it, is not a great way to be inspired.
I have come to think of my kayak cockpit as the Sea Suite because it’s where I do my best work. Indoor work can nourish the mind, but it takes water to digest.
This article was first published in Issue 73 of Paddling Magazine. Subscribe to Paddling Magazine’s print and digital editions, or browse the archives.
Coming to you from the Sea Suite. | Feature photo: Andrew Strain
Meet the all-female team of sea kayak guides paddling the Inside Passage in 2025. Feature Image courtesy Whitney Frame.
Big paddling expeditions have a reputation of being for the rich or retired, for the career adventurers and legacy paddlers, but a handful of young paddlers are charting their own course. In a world long past the paddling heyday of the nineties, where Gen Z has a reputation for being glued to an iPhone, meet the Gen Z adventurers who have bucked the stereotype to live out their own dream paddling trips.
They’re broke and they’re crowd-funded; they’re setting records and making history, paddling ambling paths and following historic routes, but they all have one thing in common – these young adventurers are out proving the soul of expedition paddling is alive and well.
The Hudson Bay Girls are paddling from Lake Superior to the Hudson Bay
The all-female Girl Scout team that makes up the Hudson Bay Girls aims to paddle from Lake Superior to the Hudson Bay, in summer 2025 a route that will take the paddlers 1,200 miles through the Canadian Wilderness. Abby Cichocki, Emma Brackett, Helena Karlstrom and Olivia Bledsoe connected through their various roles in Girl Scouts and Scouting America. The team then spent the school year prepping for their expedition between college classes.
The expedition was inspired by Natalie Warren and Ann Raiho’s first documented female journey of the same route, and the now historic route was first popularized in Eric Sevareid’s 1935 Canoeing With The Cree.
From left to right Emma Brackett, Abby Cichocki, Helena Karlstrom, and Olivia Bledsoe at Canoecopia 2025. Image courtesy Hudson Bay Girls.
One of the goals of the Hudson Bay Girls expedition is to inspire young women in paddlesports. After years of guiding in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and hearing the phrase “is that a girl under there” on the portage trail, the Hudson Bay Girls are committed to being the next role models for a new generation of young paddlers.
“If we can change one person’s life and have one young girl look up at us and think maybe I can do that too, I think that would be a success for us,” said expedition member Helena Karlstrom.
30+ Indigenous youth paddlers are paddling a “first descent” on the undammed Klamath River
Beginning June 12, 2025 a group of over 30 teenagers from multiple tribes throughout the Klamath Basin will paddle the Klamath River, now free-flowing for the first time in over a hundred years. These teens will paddle over 300 miles in celebration of the largest dam removal project in history, a project supported by nonprofit Rios to Rivers.
“We’ve really grappled with this [the term first descent] a lot, recognizing that our river’s been a highway for water transit since time immemorial, canoes have existed from the top of the headwaters down to the mouth at Requa,” Danielle Frank, Director of Development and Community Engagement for Rios to Rivers and member of the Hoopa and Yurok tribes shared. “We may not be the first people to run these places and we recognize that, but we will be the first ultimate source to sea whitewater kayaking descent.”
The team will reach the mouth of Klamath River at the Pacific Ocean in mid-July.
Kyle Parker is paddling from the Pacific Ocean to Miami
When Kyle Parker secured the fastest known time for solo canoeing the Wisconsin River in September 2024, the need for speed was motivated by a need to work within the constraints of a full-time job.
Angling for a long canoe trip for summer 2025, Parker doubled up on work over the winter before quitting his jobs in the spring to head up to Cape Flattery, Washington and begin his paddle from the northwesternmost point in the contiguous United States to the southeasternmost point in Miami, Florida. Parker’s latest route is in stark contrast to his speedy Wisconsin River trip. Parker is tackling this new challenge with the express goal of slowing down, experiencing the paddling route and catching a few fish along the way.
Kyle Parker spent the winter working two jobs and training to paddle across the United States. Image Courtesy Kyle Parker and @_thenorthernnerd_
“I’m going to be traveling at three miles an hour, but at the end of the day after doing the whole thing it might feel like the United States is actually kind of small,” shared Parker.
While a big paddle trip like Parker’s might seem unattainable for the average twentysomething, Parker maintains it might be more in reach than most realize.
“I want to show people that it takes a little bit of planning and a little bit training and some hard work, but if you want something you can get it,” Parker said. “You just have to start planning. That’s it. Figure out a route, figure out what you want to do and then just start, because I’ll put it this way, how do you eat an elephant? You eat it one bite at a time.”
This all-female team is paddling the Inside Passage
Sea kayak guides Alex Corboy, Whitney Frame, Ella Pratt, Heather McLoughlin and Michelle Martin make up the all-female team headed from Telegraph Cove, British Columbia up to Skagway, Alaska along the classing sea kayaking route the Inside Passage. Most of the team works as seasonal guides in New Zealand, making June-September their off season. They expect the route to take around 80 days and to travel approximately 1000 miles.
According to expedition member Whitney Frame, the expedition is just as much about living simply as it is reaching a destination.
“Just because we have a start goal and an end goal doesn’t mean we have to stick to that or complete it,” shared Frame. “It’s about pushing our bodies to see what we can do and just exploring and having fun.”
Beyond the simple heart of the expedition, part of the goal of the team is to create and share stories about young women in paddlesports and inspire more women to tackle all-female trips.
Meet the all-female team of sea kayak guides paddling the Inside Passage in 2025. Feature Image courtesy Whitney Frame.
“I’ve worked for some companies where I’ve been the only female guide or instructor there,” explained Frame. “What an interesting experience that was – adapting to a strong male crew, coming in as a female…you really have to prove yourself.”
Frame explained that while most of the barriers she and other female guides encountered in the field were initially small, these small barriers often compounded over time and started with assumptions.
“I can drive a car with manual or stick shift and I can back a trailer down a ramp,” explained Frame. “Just because I’m a girl doesn’t mean I can’t do it.”
Peter Frank is canoeing the 6,000-mile Great Loop dressed like a pirate
In a canoe trip of odyssey-like proportions, Peter Frank is paddling from Michigan to Michigan, circumnavigating the eastern United States. Frank’s route has taken him from the Great Lakes to the Erie Canal, down the Atlantic and Gulf Intracoastal Waterways, and will take him up the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway and Mississippi River eventually back to the Great Lakes, a classic route known as the Great Loop.
Frank is paddling the loop clockwise, against the prevailing winds and currents, and has faced hurricanes, freezing temperatures, brutal headwinds and alligators. Tackling the route in clothes he made himself, Frank’s pirate-like costume has proved more functional than meets the eye, with every detail aimed for practicality.
When asked what advice he had for aspiring young long-trip paddlers, Frank said “it’s going to be the hardest thing you’ve ever done in your life, but it’ll definitely be the most rewarding.”
John Coyne kayaked from Dublin to Istanbul
Facing freezing temperatures, multiple arrests and even a night spent camping beneath the Cliffs of Dover, John Coyne, Liam Cotter and Ryan Fallow tackled a route of epic proportions sea kayaking from Dublin, Ireland, to Istanbul, Turkey. It was the first recorded sea kayak journey of this route.
While Coyne was the only paddler to tackle the entirety of the journey, both Cotter and Fallow paddled large sections of the route alongside Coyne.
The team arrives in Istanbul. Feature Image courtesy Johnny Coyne.
Coyne recommends that paddlers looking to have an adventure of their own start by putting some money aside.
“If you’re a paddler that’s the first step, isn’t it?” said Coyne. “It’s all about just going for it, I think, and just not being afraid. Even if you do run out of money and you do have to come home, at least you tried it. You are still going to have a story and you’re still going to have an experience for life.”
Paddleboarding is a great way to get the whole family on the water. For smaller children, having a properly sized paddleboard that they can control helps build confidence, independence and technical paddling skills at a very early age. As paddleboarding’s popularity continues to grow, brands are making boards specially tailored for youth.
Expect to see more of these emerge in the coming years. For now, we’ve compiled some of this year’s best paddleboards for kids, along with some buying advice for new and used boards.
The Elemental Wave Ten6 inflatable paddle board made with new cross weave technology is the perfect Supremely Light Weight All Around Adventure Board. Inspired by the natural flow and pull of the energy from the spirits in the water, creating a desire to be one with the waves. Feel the longing to play in “Please Don’t Go” by Folk Surrealism artist Heather Renaux.
Do you want to try a different sport with your friends? This inflatable paddle board can give you a cool and wonderful water experience on a hot summer day. You can use it to surf, paddle, fish, do yoga and rest at sea, river or lake. Made of high-quality PVC material, it has strong load-bearing capacity, making it ideal for teens and adults. There is a fin at the bottom to help control direction and improve speed. With an adjustable paddle, you can choose the right length for easy paddles. Equipped with a backpack and a comfortable grip handle for easy movement, carrying and storage. A manual air pump helps you quickly inflate and use it.
This all-around paddle board’s wider body and rounded hull provide better stability and control in a variety of conditions, and its surfboard-like shape helps small seafarers glide through the water with accuracy.At only 12.2 lbs, this paddle board is light enough to bring just about anywhere, but thanks to durable, puncture-resistant PVC made with AerGlide-Lite technology, it’s so sturdy, they might even forget it’s filled with air.Includes a dual-action pump, kid-sized backpack, 3-piece adjustable paddle, removable fins, leash, repair kit, and waterproof phone case.
The Maui is an all-around recreation iSUP intended for kids and smaller paddlers. Measuring 8’ x 29” x 5”, the Maui iSUP is a very manageable board to handle for smaller paddlers. It is a super lightweight board, easy to carry, roll up, store away and bring on every adventure.
Pump up and get ready to go with the Onata Rider 9 inflatable paddleboard (SUP). It is ideal for inland lakes and mellow flat water. It’s easy to transport and when deflated, it can easily be stowed in small spaces thanks to its compact carry bag. Plus, it comes with everything you need to get started: a paddle, a pump and a repair kit. And to ensure safe navigation, it is recommended to have access to a functional boat security kit and to wear a PFD on board. For further information, visit Transport Canada’s website.
Let the kids dive into the world of water sports with our FlowRider, a tailor-made children’s hybrid paddle board. Expertly designed with a detachable seat and a custom Kids SUP+Kayak hybrid Paddle, the FlowRider offers the ultimate “on-the-water training wheels.” Your little one isn’t just learning; they’re conquering both kayaking and paddle boarding. Their future in watersports starts here.
When our little shredder outgrows the bow of our board, we get them their own. The Snapper Inflatable SUP gives them the performance they need to stay with the pack. The drawn-out, rounded nose reduces drag for gaining quick speed, while the twin fin setup keeps them tracking straight.
Shopping for a used kids paddleboard?
Kids are constantly outgrowing things. This high turnover ensures a steady supply stream of used junior paddleboards.
Most traditional buying advice applies when looking for a junior paddleboard, but a unique aspect to consider is how long this board will fit your children. You do not want to buy a board in the fall that your youngest child has outgrown by springtime.
Look for boards that come with adjustable paddles to meet different heights, especially if more than one child will be using the paddleboard. This will also ensure that a growth spurt doesn’t have you shopping for a new paddle right away.
Wear The Appropriate Leash When Stand Up Paddleboarding
Always wear a leash on open bodies of water like lakes, bays, and oceans. Due to the risk of snags and entrapment, leashes should only be worn on rivers if they include a quick release attached to your life jacket.
This is where chatting with the seller, or other parents with kid-sized paddleboards can give some insight. When you go to see the board, make sure your kids get a chance to try the board, and establish it is something they are interested in continuing to do. It’s a fantastic opportunity to get the kids active and develop a lifelong passion for being on the water.
Inflatables are the best paddleboards for kids because of their durability and forgiveness. If rigid paddleboards hit a rock, they dent or scrape—whereas an inflatable SUP bounces off them. This forgiveness not only helps avoid damage to the board but also to the paddler. Falls on an inflatable are much softer than a rigid board. Foam boards also provide this bit of softness.
What is the best-sized paddleboard for kids?
The best kids paddleboard needs to be the best all-arounder. It should offer some room to grow, and there should be sufficient volume so that the largest child can stand on it comfortably. A wide paddleboard, at least 30 inches, offers lots of stability.
Kid-sized standup paddleboards are shorter than standard boards—eight feet or shorter. But kids don’t necessarily need a board specifically sized for them. Depending on their size, they can likely also use a paddleboard designed for smaller adults. This gives them room to grow into the board.
What size is a kid paddleboard?
Look for boards less than eight feet long. Junior paddleboards shorter than six feet are made for the really young ones. A specific youth paddleboard is best for kids committed to paddleboarding and looking for better performance. If paddleboarding is a family outing, younger paddlers will appreciate the additional control that comes with a child-size paddleboard.
Check The Weather
Plan for changing weather conditions. Prepare for the worst case.
Don’t forget to check tide, currents, or river levels.
This article was first published in Issue 73 of Paddling Magazine. 
