Paddle for 4 year old?

[SUPladomi]

Hey all,

My friends' daughter is turning into quite the little water girl. Her parents are avid windsurfers and they SUP (flatwater and surf) regularly in Cape Hatteras. I got her a wavestorm for her birthday and figure she will be able to start out doing flatwater with them. Wondering what I should do for a paddle? I think she is maybe around 3 and a half feet tall. I assume the diameter of the shaft is a concern. Hoping to not have to spend more than $50 as the board was so cheap.

[805StandUp]

Unfortunately, I think you need to spend more than $50 for kids otherwise you will end up with a heavy aluminum paddle.  I started my kids at 3 years old with SUP and the best paddle for them was actually an adjustable Naish paddle that I had because it was super light and the shaft was fully adjustable down to small sizes.  Long story but I think this was actually a design flaw that led to shaft failure and their new adjustable paddles don't adjust down as far. 

It has been a while since I bought kids paddles so there may be better options out there now but the two kids options that seem to be low cost that I have for my kids are the Kialoa Keiki II and the SUP ATX Carbon kids paddle (both in the $130 range).  The SUP Kialoa Keiki II is better built but heavier than the SUP ATX.  Whatever you buy I recommend you get a carbon fiber or carbon/fiberglass paddle and avoid the Aluminum paddles.  Hope this helps!

[exiled]

If you need to keep it cheap, scrounge for broken paddles. I have made and given away a couple from old paddles that I have broken. Heck, some one here could have one laying around. Try asking in the classifieds.

[SUPladomi]

Thanks for the advice! Checked on 805's suggestion and the SUP ATX Youth Pro Carbon Fiber Paddle was only $75. Total score! Thanks again.

[Skate]

go to.  https://waterkids.com/products/small-wave    my daughter has been using their paddles and boards for the last 2 years. great products for kids.

[seadart]

You can carve a kids paddle from cedar or pine in about an hour.