Pelican Solo Evo DLX Kids Kayak (Mango, 6ft)

What age is this kayak suitable for?

Pelican designed this kayak for younger children who are being introduced to paddling. The 6ft (182.9cm) length and 62.2cm width are sized for smaller paddlers. The maximum weight capacity is 115 lbs (approximately 52kg) which gives a practical upper limit. Most parents report children from around 4 years old using it successfully with adult supervision nearby. The swim-up deck and stable double tunnel hull make it particularly well suited to children who are still building water confidence rather than experienced young paddlers.

Does it come with a paddle?

Yes. A paddle is included in the box along with a safety flag, EVA seat cushion, backrest and a set of graphic stickers. You do not need to purchase anything additional to get on the water. One review noted a kayak arriving without the paddle so it is worth checking the box contents on delivery and contacting the seller promptly if anything is missing.

How stable is it for a child who has never kayaked before?

The double tunnel hull is the key stability feature here. The twin "V"-shaped tunnels create a wide base similar in principle to a catamaran. This significantly reduces the chance of the kayak tipping sideways when a child shifts their weight or when small waves hit the hull. Multiple reviewers describe it as stable. One reviewer specifically titled their review "Stable but slow" which reflects the trade-off the wide stable hull is not fast but for a beginner child that is exactly the right priority.

What is the swim-up deck and why does it matter?

The swim-up deck is a flat open platform at the rear of the kayak. It has a built-in handle. When a child goes into the water whether by choice or by accident they can use the handle to pull themselves back onto the kayak without needing an adult to lift them. This is genuinely useful in practice. It also means the rear of the kayak can seat a second person if an adult wants to paddle alongside or assist a very young child.

What material is the hull made from and how durable is it?

The hull is made from Pelican's Ram-X™ material which is a high-density polyethylene (PE). It is specifically formulated to be impact resistant meaning it handles knocks against rocks, jetties and general rough treatment better than standard plastic. The material is also UV-stabilised which helps prevent the colour fading or the plastic becoming brittle over time with sun exposure. This is important for a product that will be used outdoors repeatedly across multiple seasons.

How heavy is it and can a child carry it?

The kayak weighs 9.44kg (20.8 lbs). This is light for a hard-shell kayak of this size. An adult can carry it easily using the moulded side handles. Older children may manage it with help. The moulded handles are injected directly into the hull rather than being bolt-on fittings so there are no weak points that might fail under load. For transport to the water's edge this weight is very manageable.

Can two children use it at the same time?

The kayak is rated for one paddler with a maximum weight capacity of approximately 52kg. However the swim-up deck at the rear is described by Pelican as being able to serve as an extra seat for an additional paddler. This would work for a very small second child sitting on the rear platform. The combined weight of both children must remain within the 52kg capacity. It is not designed as a tandem kayak but the rear platform does provide a practical secondary position.

What are the full dimensions of the kayak?

The kayak measures 182.9cm in length, 62.2cm in width and 21.6cm in height. These dimensions make it a compact and manageable craft that fits in most estate cars or on a roof rack without specialist equipment. The 62.2cm width is what contributes directly to its stability a wider hull sits lower in the water and resists tipping more effectively than a narrow performance hull. For storage at home it will fit in most sheds or garages without difficulty.