Is the Lifetime Recruit 6.5 good for a beginner child?

Yes. The wide, stable hull and easy re-entry suit first-time paddlers around age 5 and up. It is best on calm lakes and slow water.

What weight can it carry?

Lifetime rates it for paddlers up to 150 lb. Older or heavier kids will need a larger kayak.

Does it come with a paddle?

Yes, a paddle is included, so the kayak is ready to use out of the box.

Will water inside the cockpit drain out?

Yes. Self-bailing scupper holes let water drain from the cockpit while you paddle.

Only if the adult is under the 150 lb limit. The 6.5 ft hull is small and slow for most adults.

Is it good for the ocean or fast rivers?

No. It is designed for calm, sheltered water. The short hull and youth sizing do not suit surf, open water or fast current.

Lifetime Recruit 6.5 ft Youth Sit-On-Top Kayak with Paddle

Best price now

$219.99at WalmartChecked Nov 9

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

Lifetime Recruit 6.5 ft Youth Sit-On-Top Kayak with Paddle

Best price now

$219.99at WalmartChecked Nov 9

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

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Price facts

Last seen at $219.99 at Walmart on Nov 9.

Our take on the Lifetime Recruit 6.5 ft Youth Sit-On-Top Kayak with Paddle

The Lifetime Recruit 6.5 is a 6.5-foot sit-on-top kayak built for kids from about age 5 up to 150 lb. Its wide, stable hull is meant to help young paddlers build balance and motor skills, and the swim-up deck and molded hand grips make climbing back on easier after a spill. Self-bailing scupper holes drain water from the cockpit, and a center carry handle lets a parent haul it to the water. It comes with a paddle, so it is ready to launch, and it competes with other small youth sit-on-tops on stability and ease of re-entry rather than speed or touring range.

Best forKids age 5 and up learning to paddleFamilies paddling calm lakes and slow riversParents who want a kayak that drains and is easy to carryBeginners who will tip and climb back on

Pros

Stable, wide hull that suits first-time paddlers
Swim-up deck and molded hand grips ease re-entry
Self-bailing scupper holes drain the cockpit
Center carry handle makes it easier to move
Comes with a paddle

Cons

Short 6.5 ft hull tracks poorly and is slow
150 lb weight limit outgrown quickly by older kids
Not built for open water, surf or fast current
Little storage or deck rigging

Lifetime Recruit 6.5 ft Youth Sit-On-Top Kayak with Paddle prices at every store

WalmartNew
In stockSold by LIFETIME PRODUCTSReturns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.
$219.99Free shippingChecked Nov 9
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What reviewers say

4.3 / 583 ratings

Owners rate it well as a first kayak for children, praising its stability and the included paddle. The main complaints are that it is slow and wanders off course, and that kids outgrow it fast.

What people mention

StabilityPraisedOwners say the wide hull keeps young beginners steady and confident.
Re-entryPraisedThe swim-up deck and hand grips make it easy for kids to climb back on.
TrackingCriticisedReviewers say the short hull wanders and needs constant steering correction.
SpeedCriticisedPaddlers note it is slow and best kept to small calm waters.
GrowthMixedSome owners say children outgrow the 150 lb limit within a few seasons.

About the Lifetime Recruit 6.5 ft Youth Sit-On-Top Kayak with Paddle

The Lifetime Recruit 6.5 is a 6.5 ft sit-on-top kayak for young beginner paddlers. It is made for youth ages 5 and up, or up to 150 lb, and comes with a paddle.

The hull is stable and durably built, which helps improve balance and motor skills. A swim-up deck and molded hand grips make re-entry easier. Self-bailing scupper holes drain water from the cockpit.

A center carry handle makes the kayak simple to carry.

Type: Youth sit-on-top kayak
Length: 6.5 ft
Recommended age: 5 and up
Weight limit: Up to 150 lb
Color: Lime green
Drainage: Self-bailing scupper holes
Handles: Center carry handle, molded hand grips
In the box: Kayak, paddle

Specifications

actual_color: Lime GreenSource
color: GreenSource
size: 66Source

Questions and answers

Is the Lifetime Recruit 6.5 good for a beginner child?: Yes. The wide, stable hull and easy re-entry suit first-time paddlers around age 5 and up. It is best on calm lakes and slow water.
What weight can it carry?: Lifetime rates it for paddlers up to 150 lb. Older or heavier kids will need a larger kayak.
Does it come with a paddle?: Yes, a paddle is included, so the kayak is ready to use out of the box.
Will water inside the cockpit drain out?: Yes. Self-bailing scupper holes let water drain from the cockpit while you paddle.
Can an adult use it?: Only if the adult is under the 150 lb limit. The 6.5 ft hull is small and slow for most adults.
Is it good for the ocean or fast rivers?: No. It is designed for calm, sheltered water. The short hull and youth sizing do not suit surf, open water or fast current.
Where is the Lifetime Recruit 6.5 ft Youth Sit-On-Top Kayak with Paddle cheapest?: At Walmart, for $219.99, as of our latest check.
What do buyers say about the Lifetime Recruit 6.5 ft Youth Sit-On-Top Kayak with Paddle?: Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 83 ratings.