We’ll be the first to admit that safety didn’t used to be our top priority. We used to joke it went: first fun, looking cool… and then safety. But becoming parents changes everything. Once we welcomed our son Ocean into our world, the game shifted. Now, it’s all about creating joyful, safe adventures - and sharing the water we love with the ones we love most.
Family paddleboarding is a natural extension of that. It’s a way to introduce your little one to the outdoors in a calm, connected, and playful way. Here’s how to start.
Start Them Young, Start Them Right
1. Choose the Right Board (Hint: Stability Is Key)
When it comes to paddleboarding with a baby, stability trumps everything. You want a board that feels like home underfoot - predictable, sturdy, and easy to manage even if things get a little wiggly.
The Oahu Nui is our go-to for paddling with little ones. It’s a giant inflatable paddleboard with a high weight capacity, loads of deck space, and the stability to keep things steady. The Big EZ Stowaway is another great option - wide body, and confidence-inspiring stability.
Quick Tip: If you wouldn’t trust yourself to stand and paddle solo in light chop, hold off on adding a passenger until you feel completely confident.
2. Start in Calm, Shallow Water
Your first few sessions aren’t about logging kilometres. They’re about building comfort - for both of you. Stick to waist-deep water or a sheltered bay and keep the distance short. Just floating, sitting, and gently paddling around is a win. It’s all about helping your baby feel secure on the board and happy in this new environment.
3. Dress for Comfort and Safety
Yes, we’re talking gear, but not the flashy kind.
- Your baby should wear a proper infant PFD (personal flotation device). Not negotiable.
- If the water or air is cool, add a soft wetsuit or thermal layers.
- For you? A changing robe or quick-dry poncho makes life easier pre- and post-paddle.
We’ve had great luck with infant wetsuits from Knee High Surf Co, and there are plenty of infant PFDs on the market that are coastguard-approved and purpose-built for little bodies.
4. Watch the Conditions
Wind, chop, strong currents—anything that makes paddling harder for you is going to make it harder with a baby. Choose mellow weather, go early in the day, and know your area well.
Bonus: Less wind means better nap conditions. Just saying.
5. Let Go of Expectations
We get it. You were imagining a long, dreamy glide across the bay with your baby giggling in the sunshine. But maybe they last five minutes and want a bottle. Or maybe they get fussy halfway out and you head straight back in.
That’s OK. The point of family paddleboarding isn’t the distance - it’s the shared experience. You’re building comfort, connection, and confidence one paddle at a time.
6. Keep It Fun
Bring snacks. Bring a thermos. Bring your sense of humour. Let your little one play in the shallows. Let them explore the paddle. Let them push the board into the water and pull it back to shore, even if that’s all you do.
These early moments lay the foundation for years of outdoor adventure together.
The Pau Hana Picks: Our Favourite Family Boards
Here’s what we recommend if you’re starting out with your baby onboard:
- Big EZ Stowaway – Incredibly stable, funky artwork, and perfect for tandem paddling.
- Endurance Air – Tracks like a touring board, with plenty of room for gear and a growing crew.
- Solo SUP™ Backcountry – Great for travel or small storage spaces, without sacrificing performance.
Final Thoughts
Introducing your baby to paddleboarding isn’t about rushing milestones - it’s about welcoming them into your world in a calm, safe, and joyful way. It’s about connection. Curiosity. Stoke.
We believe that paddleboarding isn’t just a sport - it’s a way of life. A way of sharing golden hour and still mornings and silly little adventures with the people who matter most.
So take your time. Keep it simple. And remember, whether your baby loves it right away or takes a few tries to warm up, you’re building something meaningful - one splash at a time.
Article By Christian Edie
