Hit the Water for Adventure with This Inflatable Paddleboard Set

Summer is a great time to get out on the lake, and in a realm previously dominated by kayaks and canoes, paddleboards are gaining in popularity as a safe and affordable way to hit the waves.

Recommended for kids ages 7 and up, the Hydro-Force Wavecrest Youth Stand-Up Paddleboard Set from Bestway is a great “all-around board” shaped for riding on still (flat) water and small waves.

It’s inflatable and comes with a pump so that tweens, teens, and adults up to 176 pounds can be up and running in about five minutes! (Our oldest daughter is 14 and *loves* this!) It’s constructed with drop stitch material — thousands of small fibers connecting the top and bottom of the board — for a sturdy ride that has strength and rigidity similar to hard-sided boards. Because it’s inflatable, it’s lightweight and easy to carry with the included handles, and it stores easily in the included sack when deflated. 

During her first outing, she was cruising the lake while seated on the board and using the included, adjustable paddle to power the adventure. Standing up takes some practice as it’s a great exercise in both balance and strength. The built-in, non-slip traction pad helps the rider’s feet stay put.

The Hydro-Force Wavecrest has an elastic cord to secure a water bottle or other personal items, and an adjustable safety strap uses velcro-style hook-and-loop fasteners to attach to the rider’s ankle.

Since this paddleboard is suitable for use on lakes, rivers, and even the ocean, a life vest (sold separately) is recommended for the safety of riders.

Now, for parents that might think of getting a head start on the fun by inflating this thing at home before heading out to the water, the Wavecrest is 8 feet long and 30 inches wide when inflated. That’s pretty sizable, so be sure that it fits in your vehicle before going that route. (Trust me when I say that I speak from experience on this one.)

Overall, the Hydro-Force Wavecrest has opened up a new way for our kids to enjoy the water, and I’m confident that they’ll be into it for many years to come!