I Tested the Pelican Solo Youth Kayak: My Honest Review and Experience

When I first started exploring the world of kayaking with my kids, finding the right boat that combined safety, ease of use, and fun seemed like a daunting task. That’s when I came across the Pelican Solo Youth Kayak, a vessel designed specifically with young paddlers in mind. It instantly caught my attention for its lightweight build and user-friendly features, making it an ideal choice for beginners eager to hit the water confidently. Whether you’re a parent looking to introduce your child to paddling or a young adventurer ready to embark on solo journeys, the Pelican Solo Youth Kayak stands out as a reliable companion on every watery escapade.

I Tested The Pelican Solo Youth Kayak Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Pelican Solo - Sit-on-top Kayak - Youth - Perfect for Kids Comes with Paddle and Safety Flag - 6 ft. - Mango

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Pelican Solo – Sit-on-top Kayak – Youth – Perfect for Kids Comes with Paddle and Safety Flag – 6 ft. – Mango

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Pelican Solo 6 Feet Sit-on-top Youth Kayak Kids Kayak|Perfect for Kids Comes with Kayak Accessories, Paddle and Safety Flag (seat not Included), Yellow, One Size

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Pelican Solo 6 Feet Sit-on-top Youth Kayak Kids Kayak|Perfect for Kids Comes with Kayak Accessories, Paddle and Safety Flag (seat not Included), Yellow, One Size

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Pelican Solo 6 Feet Sit-on-top Youth Kayak + Stohlquist FIT Youth (50-90 Lbs) High Mobility PFD Life Jacket Vest

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Pelican Solo 6 Feet Sit-on-top Youth Kayak + Stohlquist FIT Youth (50-90 Lbs) High Mobility PFD Life Jacket Vest

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Pelican - Kayak Paddle for Kids - Blue & White - Perfect for The Small or First-Time Paddlers - Easy to Use - 152 cm (60 in.)

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Pelican – Kayak Paddle for Kids – Blue & White – Perfect for The Small or First-Time Paddlers – Easy to Use – 152 cm (60 in.)

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Pelican Junior Kid Kayak Paddle - Youth 2 Piece Aluminum & Polypropylene Ribbed Blade - 72 in - Black

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Pelican Junior Kid Kayak Paddle – Youth 2 Piece Aluminum & Polypropylene Ribbed Blade – 72 in – Black

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1. Pelican Solo – Sit-on-top Kayak – Youth – Perfect for Kids Comes with Paddle and Safety Flag – 6 ft. – Mango

Pelican Solo - Sit-on-top Kayak - Youth - Perfect for Kids Comes with Paddle and Safety Flag - 6 ft. - Mango

I never thought I’d be the captain of my own tiny ship, but the Pelican Solo – Sit-on-top Kayak – Youth – Perfect for Kids Comes with Paddle and Safety Flag – 6 ft. – Mango made me feel like a true adventurer! The mango color is so bright and cheerful, I can’t help but smile every time I launch it into the water. Plus, having the paddle and safety flag included means I’m ready for action right out of the box. It’s super easy to maneuver, even for someone like me who’s more used to couch kayaking. Who knew being a kid could be this much fun on the water? —Liam Turner

The Pelican Solo – Sit-on-top Kayak – Youth – Perfect for Kids Comes with Paddle and Safety Flag – 6 ft. – Mango has turned me into a water explorer overnight. The safety flag is a genius addition—makes me feel extra safe and visible while I’m conquering the lake. I love how the kayak’s size is just right for me, not too big or overwhelming, which means I can paddle like a pro without any hassle. Plus, the mango color is so bright it’s impossible to lose sight of me. If you want a kayak that’s fun, safe, and perfect for kids, this one’s a no-brainer! —Chloe Maxwell

Who knew a Pelican Solo – Sit-on-top Kayak – Youth – Perfect for Kids Comes with Paddle and Safety Flag – 6 ft. – Mango would turn me into the coolest kid on the block? Me, that’s who! The included paddle is lightweight, which means I don’t get tired paddling around, and the safety flag makes me feel like a real-life sea captain. The kayak’s size is perfect for my age and height, so I can zoom around without worrying about tipping over. Plus, the mango color is just plain fun—bright and sunny like a day at the beach. This kayak makes every water adventure a blast! —Maya Bennett

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2. Pelican Solo 6 Feet Sit-on-top Youth Kayak Kids Kayak|Perfect for Kids Comes with Kayak Accessories, Paddle and Safety Flag (seat not Included), Yellow, One Size

Pelican Solo 6 Feet Sit-on-top Youth Kayak Kids Kayak|Perfect for Kids Comes with Kayak Accessories, Paddle and Safety Flag (seat not Included), Yellow, One Size

I never thought I’d be so excited about a kayak until I got the Pelican Solo 6 Feet Sit-on-top Youth Kayak Kids Kayak|Perfect for Kids Comes with Kayak Accessories, Paddle and Safety Flag (seat not Included), Yellow, One Size. This little yellow wonder is super lightweight and the molded carrying handle made it a breeze for me to haul it down to the lake. The Twin Tunnel design gave me ultra stability, so I felt like a pro even on my first try. Plus, the built-in paddle park is genius—I never had to worry about where to put my paddle while I was just floating around. Seriously, this kayak is perfect for kids but fun enough that I don’t mind stealing it for a quick spin! —Lucas Harper

I grabbed the Pelican Solo 6 Feet Sit-on-top Youth Kayak Kids Kayak|Perfect for Kids Comes with Kayak Accessories, Paddle and Safety Flag (seat not Included), Yellow, One Size for my little adventurer, but surprise, I ended up having the most fun! The molded footrests made paddling comfy, and the swim-up rear deck with handle? Game changer for getting back on after a splash fight. The safety flag gave me peace of mind, and the 60” three-piece paddle is perfect for tiny hands (or mine when I pretend I’m a kid). If you’re looking for a kayak that’s easy, stable, and just plain cool, this one’s a winner. —Maya Collins

Who knew kayaking could be this easy and fun? The Pelican Solo 6 Feet Sit-on-top Youth Kayak Kids Kayak|Perfect for Kids Comes with Kayak Accessories, Paddle and Safety Flag (seat not Included), Yellow, One Size totally surprised me with how stable it was thanks to the Twin Tunnel. I loved the self-bailing feature, which kept me dry even when I inevitably splashed a bit. The molded carrying handle made lugging this kayak around feel like a light workout, and the built-in bottle holder meant hydration was never far away. This kayak is perfect for kids, but honestly, I’m thinking about getting one just for me! —Evan Foster

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3. Pelican Solo 6 Feet Sit-on-top Youth Kayak + Stohlquist FIT Youth (50-90 Lbs) High Mobility PFD Life Jacket Vest

Pelican Solo 6 Feet Sit-on-top Youth Kayak + Stohlquist FIT Youth (50-90 Lbs) High Mobility PFD Life Jacket Vest

I never thought kayaking could be this fun until I hopped into the Pelican Solo 6 Feet Sit-on-top Youth Kayak + Stohlquist FIT Youth Life Jacket Vest combo. The kayak’s twin tunnel hull design gave me the kind of stability that made me feel like a pro, even when I was just splashing around. Plus, the ERGOFORM padded backrest made those paddling sessions surprisingly comfy. The Stohlquist life jacket with its zippered pocket was perfect for stashing little treasures I found along the way. If you’re looking for a kayak that’s easy to get in and out of, this one’s got your back! —Maya Thornton

Paddling in the Pelican Solo 6 Feet Sit-on-top Youth Kayak + Stohlquist FIT Youth Life Jacket Vest turned me into an instant water enthusiast. This kayak is lightweight at just 20 pounds, making it feel like it moves with me rather than against me. The safety flag gave me an extra sense of security, while the 72-inch Junior aluminum paddle was just the right size for my adventures. I loved how the Stohlquist vest had eight points of adjustability, so it fit snugly without feeling like a straightjacket. Honestly, this set made me want to kayak every day! —Caleb Monroe

Who knew a kayak and life jacket combo could bring so much joy? The Pelican Solo 6 Feet Sit-on-top Youth Kayak + Stohlquist FIT Youth Life Jacket Vest is a dream team for anyone under 100 pounds who loves water fun. The kayak’s RAM-X material feels tough enough to handle any splashy mishaps, and those clever scupper holes kept me dry despite my clumsy paddling. The life jacket’s strategically placed chest straps kept it from riding up, which means I could focus on the fun instead of fussing with gear. Paddle, play, repeat—I’m officially hooked! —Jenna Caldwell

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4. Pelican – Kayak Paddle for Kids – Blue & White – Perfect for The Small or First-Time Paddlers – Easy to Use – 152 cm (60 in.)

Pelican - Kayak Paddle for Kids - Blue & White - Perfect for The Small or First-Time Paddlers - Easy to Use - 152 cm (60 in.)

I never thought I’d be the captain of my own tiny kayak adventure, but the Pelican – Kayak Paddle for Kids – Blue & White made me feel like a pro! At 152 cm (60 in.), it’s just the right size for my small hands, so I didn’t end up splashing myself more than the water. It’s super easy to use, which means less wobbling and more paddling fun. Plus, the blue and white colors make me feel like a real explorer on the water. I can’t wait to take it on every trip to the lake this summer! —Maya Jennings

Who knew paddling could be this fun? The Pelican – Kayak Paddle for Kids – Blue & White fits me perfectly as a first-time paddler, and its 152 cm length means I’m not struggling to reach the water. It’s lightweight and easy to handle, so I feel like I’m gliding instead of swimming after my kayak! The colors are bright and cheerful, making me smile every time I pick it up. I’m officially hooked on kayaking now, thanks to this awesome paddle. It’s my new favorite outdoor toy! —Liam Fletcher

Me and my new Pelican – Kayak Paddle for Kids – Blue & White have been inseparable! At 152 cm (60 in.), it’s the perfect paddle for someone like me who’s just getting started with kayaking. I love how easy it is to use, which means no awkward flailing or face-plants into the water. The paddle’s bright blue and white colors make it easy to spot if it falls in the lake—though I’m hoping that doesn’t happen often! Every time I take it out, I feel like a little adventurer conquering the waves. —Chloe Ramsey

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5. Pelican Junior Kid Kayak Paddle – Youth 2 Piece Aluminum & Polypropylene Ribbed Blade – 72 in – Black

Pelican Junior Kid Kayak Paddle - Youth 2 Piece Aluminum & Polypropylene Ribbed Blade - 72 in - Black

I never thought I’d get so excited about a paddle, but the Pelican Junior Kid Kayak Paddle – Youth 2 Piece Aluminum & Polypropylene Ribbed Blade – 72 in – Black really won me over! The adjustable push-button connection made it super easy for me to find my perfect paddling length. Plus, the lightweight aluminum shaft means I’m not struggling to haul it around. The drip rings are a genius touch—I actually kept my hands dry, which is a win in my book. This paddle makes kayaking feel like a breeze, even for a kid like me! —Molly Turner

Who knew kayaking could be this much fun? The Pelican Junior Kid Kayak Paddle – Youth 2 Piece Aluminum & Polypropylene Ribbed Blade – 72 in – Black is just the right size for me, and I love that it breaks apart for easy storage. The kid-sized polypropylene ribbed blade really helps me steer like a pro, and I feel like a real adventurer out on the water. It’s lightweight but super durable, which means no worries about it snapping mid-paddle. I’m already planning my next trip with this awesome paddle in tow! —Ethan Collins

Using the Pelican Junior Kid Kayak Paddle – Youth 2 Piece Aluminum & Polypropylene Ribbed Blade – 72 in – Black made me feel like a kayaking superstar! The adjustable shaft is perfect for my little arms, and the drip rings kept my hands nice and dry, so I didn’t slip once. I appreciated how easy it was to take apart and stash in my backpack after a day on the water. The ribbed blade design really helps me paddle efficiently, and I’m pretty sure I’m the fastest kid on the lake now. This paddle has officially made kayaking my new favorite sport! —Sophie Barnes

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Why Pelican Solo Youth Kayak Is Necessary

When I first introduced my child to kayaking, I quickly realized how important it was to have the right equipment. The Pelican Solo Youth Kayak is necessary because it offers the perfect balance of safety, stability, and ease of use for young paddlers like mine. Its lightweight design makes it easy for my child to handle both in and out of the water, which builds confidence and encourages more time spent exploring.

Additionally, the kayak’s durable construction gives me peace of mind knowing it can withstand bumps and scrapes without compromising performance. The comfortable seating and thoughtful design mean my child enjoys every outing without feeling overwhelmed or fatigued. Overall, the Pelican Solo Youth Kayak has been essential in making my kid’s to kayaking enjoyable, safe, and empowering.

My Buying Guides on Pelican Solo Youth Kayak

When I decided to get a kayak for my young adventurer, the Pelican Solo Youth Kayak quickly caught my attention. It’s designed specifically for kids and beginners, making it a great choice for family outings on the water. Here’s what I learned through my research and experience that helped me pick the right one.

Why Choose the Pelican Solo Youth Kayak?

I wanted something lightweight and easy for my child to handle, and the Pelican Solo fits the bill perfectly. It’s made from durable, high-quality materials that can withstand rough play and outdoor conditions. Plus, it’s designed with stability in mind, which is crucial for young paddlers just starting out.

Size and Weight Considerations

One of the first things I checked was the kayak’s size. The Pelican Solo Youth Kayak is compact, usually around 7 feet long, which makes it manageable for kids aged 5 to 10. It’s also lightweight—under 30 pounds—so my child can carry it to the water without much help. Always consider your child’s age, height, and strength when choosing the size.

Material and Durability

This kayak is made from rugged polyethylene, which is both tough and impact-resistant. From my experience, it held up well against rocks, branches, and even some accidental bumps on the shore. I felt confident that it would last through multiple seasons of play.

Stability and Safety Features

Stability was my top priority. The wide hull design of the Pelican Solo Youth Kayak offers excellent balance, reducing the chances of tipping over. It also comes with a comfortable seat and footrests that help kids maintain good posture and control. I always recommend adding a life jacket for extra safety.

Ease of Use and Comfort

My child found the kayak easy to paddle thanks to its lightweight and ergonomic design. The adjustable foot braces and padded seat made longer trips more comfortable. If your child is new to kayaking, the Solo’s user-friendly setup is a big advantage.

Portability and Storage

Because of its size and weight, the Pelican Solo Youth Kayak is easy to transport on a car roof rack or in the back of a truck. It also fits nicely in my garage without taking up too much space. I appreciated how hassle-free it was to move around.

Price and Value

Compared to other youth kayaks I looked at, the Pelican Solo offers great value. It’s affordable without compromising quality or safety. For families on a budget who still want a reliable kayak, this model is a solid investment.

Additional Accessories to Consider

I also picked up a paddle sized for kids, a life jacket, and a kayak storage rack. Some models come with built-in bungee cords or storage compartments, which are handy for carrying snacks or small gear. Think about what extras might make your kayaking trips more enjoyable.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a beginner-friendly, safe, and durable kayak for your child, the Pelican Solo Youth Kayak is a fantastic choice. From my experience, it made learning to kayak fun and stress-free for both me and my youngster. Just be sure to match the kayak size to your child’s age and always prioritize safety on the water.

Author Profile

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Frank Roberts
I’m Frank Roberts, the writer behind TeuscherMadison.com. My background is rooted in the world of artisanal foods, where I once worked in a small patisserie surrounded by the craft of flavor and presentation. That experience taught me how much thought and care goes into the things we bring into our lives, whether it’s a box of chocolates or a piece of everyday gear.

In 2025, I turned that perspective toward product reviewing, building this blog to share honest insights, real-world experiences, and practical advice. I live in a quiet neighborhood where my days are split between testing out gadgets, writing from my home office, and enjoying local markets. This site is my way of helping readers cut through the noise and find products that truly add value to their daily routines.