There's something about handing a kid a paddle that makes them feel about ten feet tall. Calm water makes all the difference at the start. Lake Tahoe's Sand Harbor has shallow, glassy water that's forgiving for first-timers, while paddling the mangrove tunnels in the Florida Keys feels like a proper little expedition, sometimes with dolphins turning up alongside.
Our full guide to family water-activity spots: https://www.hobihop.com/blog/best-us-destinations-families-water-activities
Where did your crew give it a first go, and what age did they take to it? And any spots you'd steer beginners well clear of?
