18 for paddle boarding?!?

[w.e.d 5571]

So when my cruise stopped at Castaway Cay, my little sister, who was 16, wanted to go paddle boarding. So our mom rented the paddle board, only to be told that you had to be 18 to go paddle boarding. You couldn't just hop on with someone who was older than 18 and just have them paddle. Can someone please explain to me why you can go paddle boarding at any age in Florida, where there are waves and you're in the ocean, but you can't paddle board at CC where the water is calm and it's in a contained area.

 

[C6PT7]

Because DCL say so.

It isn't Florida.

It IS the ocean.

There can be waves or under currents.

And because DCL say so.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

Can someone please explain to me why you can go paddle boarding at any age in Florida, where there are waves and you're in the ocean, but you can't paddle board at CC where the water is calm and it's in a contained area.

Disney's island, Disney's rules.

 

[Cruise-n-2015]

Or on a kinder softer response...

That's unfortunate, I was going to drag my 17 year old son to do this with me as well while the rest of the family parasailed. He is bigger and stronger than me he could handle the waves or current easier than me I'm sure.
I hope they were not to disappointed and found something equally wonderful to do.

 

[mmouse37]

Well, someone in the liability department must have deemed 18 the golden age to allow for paddle boarding. They must feel an "adult" would be better able to handle the paddle board.

I did a quick check online and there other places that only allow 18 year old and above to rent paddle boards so it is not just Disney.

Edited to add....maybe it is not even Disney but the vendors who supply the paddleboard service that sets the limit or maybe Disney advises them what the limit is.

MJ

 

[justafigment27]

I have no clue. We were at Aulani last summer and I don't recall any age restrictions on the paddle boards. DH & I each tried it separately in the lagoon and our kids went together (ages 10 & 12). We all had to wear life jackets. Maybe it's changed to 18 at Aulani as well? Or maybe it was different b/c the Ko Olina lagoons are public beaches? I was just thinking that they are both Disney operated paddle board rentals with very similar water conditions (quiet lagoons).