Family Kayaking Policy

Paddling with Children

Sydney Harbour Kayaks welcomes families paddling together on Sydney Harbour and Middle Harbour.

For more than 30 years, we have helped families safely introduce children to the enjoyment of kayaking. These guidelines have been developed to ensure young paddlers have a safe, positive and enjoyable experience on the water while maintaining appropriate safety standards for all participants.

Our goal is simple: to help families create great memories on the water while building confidence, skills and a lifelong appreciation of Sydney's waterways.

Make a rental booking and pay online:
>> Single Deluxe
>> Double Deluxe
>> Family Package
2 Adults + 2 Children 2 Hours

Children Aged 3 to 4 Years

Children aged 3 and 4 years may participate only as passengers in a Mirage 600 Deluxe Double Kayak fitted with a child seat.

For safety reasons:

The child must be accompanied by two adults (18 years or older).
The child must remain seated in the designated child seat at all times.
The child must wear a correctly fitted Level 100 (Type 1) Lifejacket at all times.
This arrangement is subject to suitable weather and water conditions.

Children Aged 5 to 12 Years

Children aged 5 to 12 years may paddle in the front cockpit of a double kayak when accompanied by an adult aged 18 years or older.

For safety reasons:

The child and adult must paddle together in the same kayak.
The accompanying adult is responsible for the child's supervision throughout the rental period.
A correctly fitted lifejacket must be worn at all times.
Sydney Harbour Kayaks may impose additional restrictions based on weather, wind and water conditions.

Children Aged 10 to 13 Years – Supervised Solo Paddling Area.

Sydney Harbour Kayaks may permit children aged between 10 and 13 years to paddle one of our stable sit-on-top kayaks independently, provided they are under the direct supervision of a responsible adult.

This option is available only within the designated marina paddling area identified by Sydney Harbour Kayaks staff prior to departure.

Conditions of participation include:

The child must be supervised by an adult aged 18 years or older at all times.
The supervising adult must remain on the water and within close proximity to the child.
The child may paddle only within the designated marina area identified by Sydney Harbour Kayaks staff.
Under no circumstances may the child leave the designated marina area and enter the Middle Harbour navigation channel.
Children participating under this category must wear a correctly fitted lifejacket at all times.
Sydney Harbour Kayaks reserves the right to restrict or withdraw this option based on weather conditions, vessel traffic, water conditions or the child's paddling ability.

This supervised paddling area provides young paddlers with an opportunity to develop confidence and independence in a controlled environment while remaining within a safe and easily supervised location.

Young Paddlers Aged 13 to 17 Years

Young paddlers aged 13 to 17 years may paddle a single kayak or surfski provided they are accompanied by a responsible adult paddler.

For safety reasons:

The accompanying adult must remain within approximately 10 metres of the young paddler at all times.
The adult is responsible for supervising the young paddler throughout the rental period.
Equipment selection may be restricted depending on weather conditions, water conditions and paddling experience.
Sydney Harbour Kayaks reserves the right to determine whether conditions are suitable for young paddlers using single kayaks or surfskis.
Children aged 13 to 17 years wishing to use a surfski must have previous paddling experience and receive approval from Sydney Harbour Kayaks staff prior to departure.

General Requirements

There must be at least one adult (18 years or older) for every three children paddling in single kayaks.
Children aged 3 to 12 years must wear an approved Level 100 (Type 1) Lifejacket.
Customers supplying their own lifejacket must ensure it is an approved Australian Standard lifejacket, is in good condition and is correctly fitted for the child's height and weight.
A parent or legal guardian aged 18 years or older must complete all required waivers and acknowledgements prior to departure.
All participants must read and comply with the Sydney Harbour Kayaks Paddle Safe / Paddle Smart Guidelines.
Additional weather, wind and water condition restrictions apply to all rentals involving children.
Sydney Harbour Kayaks reserves the right to refuse, modify or cancel any rental if conditions are considered unsuitable for young paddlers.
Sydney Harbour Kayaks offers regular Learn to Kayak lessons and strongly encourages children, teenagers and parents who are new to paddling to participate. These lessons provide valuable instruction in paddling skills, water safety, boat control and confidence-building, helping families enjoy Sydney Harbour safely while developing skills for future paddling adventures.

A Note for Parents

One of the most common mistakes we see is adults focusing on distance, while children are focused on the experience.

In our experience, children are far more interested in spending quality time with family, exploring the shoreline, spotting fish and wildlife, and simply enjoying being on the water together than they are in paddling long distances.

A one-hour paddle in a calm, sheltered location will often create a far more positive and memorable experience than a longer trip in a less protected environment.

Taking children beyond their comfort level too early can create anxiety and fatigue, which may reduce their enjoyment of kayaking and make them less likely to participate again in the future.

As a general guide, most children are very comfortable on the water for up to two hours. If you are planning a longer outing, we strongly recommend incorporating a stop at one of the harbour's many beaches. A swim, a chance to explore the shoreline, search for shells and marine life, or simply stretch their legs can transform a good day into a great adventure.

Better still, pack a family picnic. Some of our favourite family kayaking memories involve landing on a quiet beach, enjoying lunch together and allowing the children to explore before heading back out onto the water.

Our recommendation is simple: start small, keep it fun and focus on the experience rather than the distance.

Confidence develops naturally over time. By building skills gradually and ensuring every paddling experience is enjoyable, children are far more likely to develop a lifelong love of kayaking, outdoor adventure and spending time on our waterways.

Remember: adults often focus on distance. Children focus on the experience.