Paddleboarding has become one of my favorite ways to enjoy the lakes of Tennessee. It’s peaceful, a great workout, and offers the kind of up-close experience with nature that’s hard to beat. When I introduced paddleboarding to my kids, though, everything changed—in the best way possible. Exploring the water together opened up a whole new world of adventure, laughter, and bonding.
Still, paddleboarding with kids isn’t something I jumped into without a plan. There are a few things I learned quickly that made all the difference. Tennessee’s lakes provide the perfect backdrop for paddling fun, but preparation is key to making the experience smooth and safe. In this post, I’ll share practical tips for paddleboarding with kids on the lake that have worked wonders for me and may help other families create memorable moments on the water.
Choosing the Right Lake
Not every lake is ideal for paddleboarding with young passengers. I look for calm, quiet lakes that have minimal boat traffic and wide open areas. Center Hill Lake and Watauga Lake are two of my top picks for family paddleboarding in Tennessee. Both offer tranquil coves and areas where the water stays still enough for beginners to feel confident.
Depth matters too. I try to start near shallow sections where the kids can see the bottom—it adds a layer of comfort and safety. Parks with designated paddling zones are another bonus, like those around Percy Priest Lake or Fort Loudoun Lake.
Picking a Family-Friendly Board
Not all paddleboards are created equal, especially when kids are involved. I found that a wider, more stable board works best when I’m paddling with a child sitting up front. Inflatable paddleboards with traction pads and a weight capacity of at least 300 pounds are usually my go-to.
I also make sure my paddle is adjustable. Kids like to take a turn now and then, and adjusting the paddle to fit their height makes it easier for them to join in without struggle.
Getting the Right Safety Gear
Life jackets are non-negotiable. Every time we head to the lake, each of us wears a properly-fitted life vest—no exceptions. For kids, I double-check the fit and make sure the vest doesn’t ride up when they sit or lie down.
Beyond life jackets, I bring a whistle, a phone in a waterproof pouch, and a lightweight dry bag for essentials like snacks, sunscreen, and a small first-aid kit. Safety may not be glamorous, but it lets me relax knowing we’re ready for the unexpected.
Starting from the Shore
Launching from a beach or gently sloped shoreline makes a huge difference when you’re paddleboarding with little ones. It allows them to climb aboard slowly and feel the board beneath them before we even leave the shallows.
I usually start by kneeling on the board while the kids sit cross-legged in front of me. It adds extra balance and lets them get used to the sensation of floating before I ever stand up. Once they’re comfortable, I’ll gradually transition to a standing position.
Keeping the First Sessions Short
My first paddleboarding outings with my kids were short on purpose. I didn’t want them to get tired, cold, or overwhelmed. Starting with a 15–20 minute session gave them just enough time to enjoy the ride, splash around a bit, and feel proud of themselves for being on the water.
We worked our way up from there. Now, we can paddle for over an hour if the weather’s right, but I still keep an eye out for signs of fatigue or boredom. Paddleboarding should be fun, not a chore.
Packing Snacks and Hydration
Bringing snacks and water might seem like an afterthought, but it’s made a big difference in our adventures. I pack high-energy snacks like trail mix, granola bars, or fruit pouches, and I always bring a couple of water bottles.
We take floating breaks to hydrate and eat, sometimes letting our feet dangle in the water while we drift. These little moments are often the most memorable part of the trip.
Turning It into a Game
Kids love to play, and paddleboarding gives plenty of room for imagination. We make up games like “pirate patrol,” where they search the water for ‘treasures’ like sticks, leaves, or rocks. Sometimes we paddle to a hidden cove and pretend it’s our secret base.
Other times, we race (safely) against each other or time how fast we can paddle to a certain rock. Turning the outing into an adventure always keeps them engaged and excited for the next trip.
Watching the Weather
One of the best tips for paddleboarding with kids on the lake is paying close attention to the weather. I check the forecast on two different sources before we go, watching for wind speed, storms, or temperature drops. Even a little wind can make a paddle challenging when there are kids onboard.
If the skies start to turn or the wind picks up while we’re out, I don’t hesitate to head back. It’s better to cut the day short than risk a tricky situation. Luckily, Tennessee’s lakes usually offer plenty of clear days perfect for paddleboarding.
Picking the Best Time of Day
I’ve found that early morning or late afternoon tends to be the best time for paddling with kids. The water is calmer, the sun is less intense, and the lakes are generally less crowded.
Mornings around Douglas Lake are especially peaceful, with mist rising from the surface and birds flying low. In the evenings, watching the sun dip behind the trees at Tims Ford makes for a relaxing end to a day.
Encouraging Kids to Paddle
Once kids are comfortable, I encourage them to try paddling on their own. At first, they just hold the paddle and help steer from the front. Later, I let them kneel or stand on the board solo near the shore.
This builds confidence and turns paddleboarding into a real skill they can grow with. I’ve seen how proud they feel when they realize they can paddle on their own—even just for a few feet.
Dressing for Comfort and Safety
Tennessee lakes can change temperatures quickly, especially in spring and fall. I dress the kids in lightweight, quick-drying clothes and water shoes with good grip. A hat and rash guard help protect from sunburn, and I always apply sunscreen before we leave the car.
I also keep towels and a change of clothes in the car so we can get dry and comfortable after we wrap up our paddle session.
Teaching Respect for Nature
While we paddle, I make a point of teaching the kids to respect the lake. We talk about not littering, watching for wildlife, and staying quiet in natural areas. They’ve learned to appreciate turtles sunning on logs, fish darting below the surface, and blue herons flying overhead.
Paddleboarding becomes more than recreation—it becomes a way to foster a deep connection with nature.
Practicing Balance and Falling In
It’s important that kids know how to handle falling into the water. I actually make it a point to practice falling in and getting back on the board in shallow water.
We laugh, we splash, and we get back up again. This makes them less afraid and more confident if a fall happens unexpectedly. The fear goes away when they know how to recover.
Joining Paddleboarding Meetups or Events
Tennessee has an amazing outdoor community, and I’ve found several family-friendly paddleboarding meetups near Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Nashville. Local outfitters sometimes host free paddle days where kids can try gear or participate in mini races.
Events like these offer a chance to connect with other families, share tips for paddleboarding with kids on the lake, and learn from more experienced paddlers.
Making Safety a Shared Priority
Before we head out, I always run through a mini safety chat. We talk about what to do if someone falls in, how to stay calm, and how to use hand signals. I make it fun but clear that safety is everyone’s job—not just mine.
My kids know they’re active participants in the adventure, and that sense of responsibility helps them take the experience more seriously while still having fun.
Celebrating Small Wins
Whether it’s staying balanced for the first time, paddling across a cove, or spotting a turtle, I always celebrate the little victories. Kids thrive on encouragement, and paddleboarding is full of moments worth recognizing.
I take photos, cheer them on, and talk about their accomplishments on the drive home. These positive memories build their confidence and keep them excited for the next lake day.
Exploring New Lakes Together
Every few weekends, we pick a new Tennessee lake to explore. It could be a small one like Laurel Hill Lake or a massive body like Kentucky Lake. The excitement of a new place adds energy to our outing.
We make a mini trip of it, packing lunch and stopping for ice cream on the way back. It’s a low-cost adventure that feels like a vacation, right in our own backyard.
Wrapping Up the Day
After we’ve packed up the board and changed into dry clothes, we usually sit for a few minutes and talk about our favorite part of the day. These conversations help us wind down and reflect on what we saw, did, and felt while we were out on the water.
These wrap-up moments often feel like the perfect ending to our paddleboarding trips and remind me why we started doing this in the first place.
Final Thoughts
Spending time on Tennessee’s lakes with my kids has become one of the best parts of our family life. The calm waters, the lush scenery, and the quiet thrill of paddling together have brought us closer in ways I didn’t expect.
With the right preparation, a flexible attitude, and a bit of creativity, paddleboarding becomes more than an outdoor activity—it becomes a shared adventure. These tips for paddleboarding with kids on the lake are based on experience, trial and error, and a deep love for the waters of Tennessee. If you’re thinking about trying it with your own family, I say go for it. The memories waiting on the water are more than worth the effort.