Paddling With Claudia, Sag Harbor, NY (The Hamptons NY)

Paddle boarding is an all around fun sport that is great for the whole family. We have found that it is a perfect sport for little kids if the conditions are right and if the adults practice a few safety pointers to make this activity fun and safe from the get go for them.

<strong>Paddle Boarding or Stand up paddling (SUP)</strong>
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	<li>It is easy to learn</li>
	<li>Kids as young as three and four can learn as long as they know how to swim and the conditions are correct for them to be able to enjoy this great sport in the water</li>
	<li>Kids have greater balance than adults and are lower to the board to begin with</li>
	<li>SUP is a great way to use up little ones energy in a positive and creative form</li>
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<strong>Safety Tips</strong>

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	<li>We found that purchasing a bunch of smaller paddles for kids was instrumental in making a paddle board excursion for kids more fun but also a better and safer learning experience for children.</li>
	<li>We have also invested in softer paddle boards that are designed for kids that are also lighter so the kids can actually pick them up and feel like they are in control of the whole experience. Kids want to know how to handle the whole lesson, from how to put the paddle board leash on their ankle to how to properly place the paddle board in the water.</li>
	<li>The U.S. Coast Guard Now requires all recreational boarders to either be wearing a life preserver or to have one attached to the SUP Board. We recommend that kids wear them throughout their time on the water for practical reasons. You never know when a zealous boater might cast a big wake their way along the East End waters of the Hamtons.</li>
	<li>Another important item that we find is water shoes with non-slip soles. We take a lot of children out on a daily basis and do more than just paddle. At Paddling with Claudia, we like to show them more than just how to Paddle, we like to show them what is in the water underneath them and how to respect the natural environment. So we tend to go in shallow waterways. They might be getting on and off their boards. So besides safety reasons (rocks, shells, slippery areas, etc.) they will be seeing crabs, fish, horse crabs and booties keep their feet safer and out of harms way plus add a sense of security.</li>
	<li>A few more important items to consider are Sunscreen, a rash guard, hat and plenty of water to stay hydrated.</li>
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