Stand up paddleboarding is one of the most fun watersports to take on together with your kids. It’s a relatively safe sport, a perfect gateway to more challenging water activities, and very exciting for kids. Like with any other adventure, proper equipment is essential. For a fun and safe experience, it’s crucial to get the best paddle board for your child.
To help you make the best choice for your kid(s), we’ve reviewed the best paddle boards for kids and compiled a buying guide so you can understand better the features and specs you should be looking for when evaluating the top youth SUP boards. FAQs about kids SUP boards are also addressed further down this page.
OUR TOP PICK
True Wave 8’0 Youth Junior
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- One of the most popular kids SUP boards
- Easy and safe to use for beginners and skilled users alike
- Holds kids and adults who weigh up to 100 lbs.
- Soft top deck with textured grip for a safe ride
- Lightweight with a molded grip handle, easy to carry
- Durable construction with a strong EPS core and 3 stringer system
- Comes with a kids-sized adjustable SUP paddle
Best For: Beginner and Skilled Paddlers
Type: Soft Top
Weight Capacity: Up to 100lbs.
Length: 8 feet
Weight: Less than 12lbs.
Material: EPS Core
EDITORS CHOICE
Bestway Hydro-Force
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Incredibly lightweight and portable inflatable SUP
- A thick and wide base provides stability and balance
- Holds up to 220 lbs. (great for older kids, youth and adults)
- Doubles as a sit-on-top kayak complete with a seat
- Complete youth stand-up paddle board starter kit
- Bungee cord tie-downs for securing essential gear
- Non-slip traction pad for a secure grip
Best For: All Skill Levels, Flat Water, and Small Waves
Type: Inflatable
Pressure: 15 PSI
Weight Capacity: Up to 220lbs.
Dimensions: 9 x 30 x 6 inches
Materials: TriTech and Drop Stitch
BEST VALUE
AIRHEAD POPSICLE 730
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- The best kids paddleboard for value for money
- Four fixed fins for straight tracking and precise maneuvering
- Lightweight and easy for kids to carry to and from the water
- EVA traction pad comes equipped with a tail kicker
- Nice SUP package with great accessories included
- Stainless D-ring and stretch tie-down for gear or towing
- Pretty colors are appealing to kids and highly visible
Best For: Young Kids, Value for Money
Type: Inflatable
Weight Capacity: 30- 120 lbs.
Board size: 7ft x 30 x 6 inches
Weight: 19 Pounds
Aqua Marina Perspective Beginner Inflatable Kids Paddle Board
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Extra side chambers provide outstanding stability
- Very fun and safe for first-time paddlers
- Nimble and user-friend unique rail design
- Sturdy enough to support up to 176 lbs.
- The brushed EVA deck is comfortable to stand up on
- D-rings for fitting a kayak seat on it
- Splash guards around the bow improve the experience
Best Use: First Time Paddle Boarders
Type: Inflatable
Pressure: 15 PSI
Weight Capacity: up to 176 lbs.
Dimensions: 9’9 x 4 x 38 inches
Weight: 22 Pounds
Aqua Marina Vibrant
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Easily portable and storable inflatable SUP
- Very rigid when inflated, feels like a regular hardboard
- Stainless-steel tail ring for a safety leash
- Bungee tie-down system for securing belongings
- Cool design and vibrant color for visibility
- Comes with a starter pump, fin, and carry bag
Best For: Kids, Teenagers, Beginners
Type: Inflatable
Pressure: 15 PSI
Weight Capacity: 154lbs.
Dimensions: 8’7″ x 26 x 4 inches
Materials: PVC, EVA Deck
How To Choose A Paddle Board For Kids – Buying Guide
Child’s Age, Weight, and Ability Level
If your kids are absolute beginners, then make sure you choose a board that’s easy to use for first time paddle boarders. The best kids’ paddle board should be easy and comfortable to stand on, rigid, and well-balanced.
Related Review:
Thurso Surf 10’6 Waterwalker Inflatable SUP
As for age and weight, the child’s weight is the more important consideration when shopping for a paddle board for kids. Some kids are bigger or smaller than average for their age, so it’s the supported weight that you should base your decision on.
Still, age is an important consideration when deciding whether to take your kid paddle boarding in the first place. If your child is younger than 5, perhaps it’s best to wait another year or two.
Accessory Package
When making your final decision on what children’s paddle board to get, consider whether the essential paddle boarding accessories are included in the package or not. You’ll notice that most kids SUP boards are inflatable, for convenience when traveling and storing. If you opt for an inflatable paddle board for kids, you’ll also be needing a pump to inflate it with.
Some stand up paddle boards for kids comes with a hand pump included in the list of extra accessories, but some don’t. Other extras you can expect to come with one of the most efficient paddle boards for kids include a bag or a backpack for easy transportation, fins for tracking, a paddle, a safety leash, and a repair patch.
Size
The length, weight, and thickness are important considerations when choosing to stand up paddle boards for kids. This is because the size determines the ease of handling and performance on the water. The thicker and wider a child paddle board is, the more buoyant and stable on the water it will be. However, a children’s stand up paddle board shouldn’t be too wide or kids won’t be able to paddle it on their own.
Weight
To ensure the child you’re shopping for will be able to carry the board on their own, it’s important to find out how heavy the stand up paddle board kids model you’re getting is. The weight is pretty much negligible when it comes to inflatable stand up paddle boards but hard boards can carry significant weight. The weight of the youth paddle boards will be indicated in the description or list of specifications.
Use
Before opting for one paddle board junior model or another, consider where you intend to take the kid paddle boarding. Is it at the beach or on a calm lake? With the intended use in mind, you will be able to choose a youth SUP board that will perform well in the intended environment. Also, consider how easy the board will be easy to use for a child. A paddleboard for a child should be lightweight and perfectly sized for kids.
Durability
Since most kids’ stand-up paddleboards are inflatable, they can last about 3 years with peak performance. For non-inflatable kids SUP boards (hardboards), this optimum functioning period is longer at 5-6 years. Of course, how often the board is used and how well you care for it can also prolong the lifespan or shorten it.
Features
Some of the best kids paddleboard options come with extra features, such as a handle for carrying the SUP to and from the water, a ring for attaching a leash to it, a bungee cord system for securing gear, and so on. Some youth stand up paddle boards feature rings for attaching a kayak seat to them and transforming the SUP board into a children’s kayak.
Avoid Surf-Style SUPs
If you see a children’s stand up paddle board advertised as a surf-style SUP, we recommend avoiding it. While paddling on a surf-style board can have its merits, this should only be attempted by more experienced adult users. It’s too risky for children, even if they’re not beginners at paddling.
Safety
Safety matters for all users, but it matters, even more, when the intended users are children. Therefore, the best kids’ paddle board is one with safety precautions built-into the design of the board. A non-slip deck surface and a molded ring for a safety leash are great examples of features to look for on kids’ paddle boards. Beyond that, it’s up to you to ensure compliance with paddle boarding for kids’ safety guidelines, such as the need to outfit your child in a life jacket or PFD (personal flotation device).
FAQs
Q: What Is The Main Difference Between An Adult And Kids Paddleboard?
The main difference between a kids paddleboard and an adult version is the size of the board and the weight the board can support. Most kids SUP boards can support up to 120 lbs., with a 155 lbs. upper weight limit. Still, a smaller adult can use a kids paddleboard. A youth SUP board will be smaller in size, which means a petite person will find it easier to operate than a full size SUP.
There are also some other minor differences, like the fact that kids SUP boards tend to be more colorful. Also, you’ll find that a top kids paddle board places a stronger focus on safety and user-friendliness.
Q: What Are The Common Features Of A Kids Paddleboard?
Most kids SUP boards are inflatable or soft tops. The common features you should expect to find on kids paddle boards include molded rings for attaching safety leashes, molded handles for ease of carrying, and non-slip top decks. Most junior paddle boards also come with an adjustable SUP paddle.
Q: Are Kids Paddleboards Safe?
Yes, as long as you choose quality stand up paddle board for kids. An approved for market top kids paddle board is tested and calibrated for safety, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be vigilant. Make sure you follow all principles of paddle board safety and you’ll all be fine.
Globo Surf Overview
It’s great to enjoy watersports with children at your side, preparing them to be adventurous and outgoing from a young age. Once you choose a paddle board for kids that suits their skill level and weight, you’re all set to go. We hope our kids SUPs guide helped you make up your mind on the best option for your kid, and that you’re now one step closer to the family getaway of a lifetime. Enjoy your paddling trips!
More All Round Paddle Board Reviews:
- Cheap Paddle Boards
- Jimmy Styks Paddle Boards
- Soft Top Paddle Boards
- All Around Paddle Boards
- Isle SUP Boards
Single Products paddle Board Reviews:
- Bay Sports 2019 10’8 Seek Paddleboard Review
- Peak All Around Inflatable Paddle Board Review
- Vilano Navigator 10′ Paddleboard Review
- Pathfinder Inflatable Paddleboard Review
- Aqua Marina Vapor Paddleboard Review
- IRocker All-Around 11′ Paddleboard Review
How were your watersports trips with kids so far? Is this the first time you’re shopping for a paddle board for kids? What brands do you prefer for this kind of equipment and why? Let us know all about it in the comments field below! We’re always excited to hear from the other Globo Surf community members.