If you’re someone who is into stand up paddle boarding and you have a child, chances are they want to join you in that activity. Like everything else, though, the gear they need will differ slightly from what you’re looking for.
So how do you choose the right Kids Stand Up Paddle Board?
You may look at the same qualities, but you will have to look at them differently, so we have crafted this kid’s stand-up paddle board buyer’s guide including a special kid’s SUP Size Chart to help you!
Along with that guide, we also chose some of the best kid’s stand-up paddle boards on the market to give you an idea of what to look for.
Types Of SUP Designs
Just like when you get ready to choose your paddle board, you will want to consider what type of paddle boarding you and your kid will be doing. The type of activity you will be doing will determine what board is the best Kid’s Stand Up Paddle Board suiting you and your child. As for adults, paddle boarding is one of the most fun and healthy forms of fitness training.
Here are some of the SUP types you will have to choose from:
All-around
Since it is probably the case that your kid is new to paddle boarding, choosing an all-around design might work best. It gives good stability and manoeuvrability while still being comfortable and versatile. So, in most cases, an all-around Kids Stand Up Paddle Board is a really good choice.
Downwind
A downwind board is better suited for someone who has experience because it is harder to manoeuvre. This may make it a wrong choice for any kid.
SUP Surf
This model is another option that is really only suitable for those who have a little bit of experience or are really experienced. This is because it takes a lot of knowledge to manoeuvre this board. If your kid has a little bit of experience and is looking to elevate their abilities, this option might be a fun one because these tend to be convertible from a surf SUP to a windsurfing board.
Touring
This type of board would be best suited for an older child looking to be more challenged than they have been when paddle boarding on calm waters. These boards tend to be longer and narrower, so it takes more knowledge to handle them.
Whitewater
Whitewater SUP boards are similar when it comes to needed experience as touring and downwind boards. This option would be suitable for older kids who are looking to have a little more adventure on the water.
Yoga / Fitness
Getting your kids into yoga at a young age is a brilliant idea, as it will help them deal with stress throughout their life. So, if you’re into doing yoga boarding, then maybe choosing this option for them would be an excellent way to get them involved. These boards are easier to handle and are designed to float on flat water, which might be suitable for a beginner. However, as these types of boards are typically much longer and wider, they are less manoeuvrable and need more technique and strength.
Tandem SUP
Spending a little time with your kid is always a great idea, or allowing them time to spend with their four-legged friends could be an excellent option. If this is the case and they have a little bit of experience, then choosing a tandem SUP could be an excellent option.
Important Remark: SUP Technique
Stand Up Paddling is easy to learn. Nevertheless, there are some basic techniques that one should know in order to make the learning process even faster and simpler. We think that this is especially important for kids, as they will have more fun and positive experiences during their first adventures on the water. If you would like to learn more about SUP techniques, check out our Stand Up Paddling Technique Guide!
A Quick SUP Buyers Guide (Or How To Choose The Right SUP For Your Child)
After you have decided what type of paddle boarding you are going to get into with your child, the next thing is to understand the features that make up a great option for them. Just like with an adult (Buying Guide), four main things should be looked at.
Here are those four features:
Hull Type
There are two types of hulls of Stand Up Paddle Boards that you will be able to choose from. The first is a planing hull, which tends to be flatter and wider. Because of this design, this is the type of hull that is ideal for beginners. There is also a displacement hull that tends to give the board more speed and is great for long-distance. This type of hull should be chosen when the child has more experience.
Length
When it comes to length, boards come in three different options- small, medium, and long. For kids, it’s best to choose the smaller or medium option, depending on their age. Ideally, most kids’ boards ranged between 7’ and 9’. Once again, this depends on the age and experience of the child, but this is a good place to start. To determine the ideal size of your child’s SUP Board, have a look at our Kids Stand Up Paddle Board Size Chart below!
Width
The wider the board, the better the stability, which, when dealing with a young child or someone just starting out, is key. The wider board also allows for doing a little stand-up paddle boarding with your dog, which may be something a lot of kids would be into. Typically, when you’re dealing with the width of a board, you want to look at something that is roughly about 30” (depending, of course, on the age and size of the child).
Inflatable Vs. Hardboard
There are two different types of boards that you may see available to you. But for kids, the most reliable option is the inflatable. These are solid, stable, and easy to manoeuvre, which are all things that are important when dealing with kids. On top of that, because they are inflated, they often have a cushioned surface, which helps with potential injuries.
What Is The Right Size For A Kid?
The most important thing to understand is how to properly size the board when it comes to the final decision. Choosing the wrong size could end up leading to potential injuries as well as frustrations.
Below, we have laid out a Kid’s Stand-up Paddle Board Size Chart that should help you with this.
| Rider Weight (lbs) | SUP Width (inches) | SUP Length (ft & inches) |
|---|---|---|
| < 90 | 20” – 30” | 7′ – 9′ |
| 90 – 125 | 30” – 32” | 9′ – 10’9” |
| 125 – 150 | 31” – 32” | 9’6” – 10’9” |
| 150 – 175 | 31” – 33′ | 10’0” – 12’6” |
| Rider Weight (kg) | SUP Width (cm) | SUP Length (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| < 40 | 51 – 76 | 213 – 274 |
| 40 – 57 | 76 – 81 | 274 – 328 |
| 57 – 68 | 78 – 81 | 289 – 328 |
| 68 – 80 | 78 – 84 | 305 – 381 |
The volume of the SUP board is often tied solely to the paddle boarder’s weight, but you also have to consider, especially when dealing with kids, the age and experience level as well.
Since most kids will be beginners, that means that you’re going to want to look for a wider board which typically will mean you will choose an all-around option. Something like the SereneLife Inflatable SUP, for instance.
Kids Stand Up Paddle Board Reviews
SereneLife Inflatable SUP – Top Pick
For the top pick when it comes to stand-up paddle boards for kids, this option is definitely the one to go with. This inflatable SUP comes with an accessory and carry bag and is crafted with a thin bottom for paddling and better control. It’s simply a Kids Stand Up Paddle Board how it should be.
Review
Designed with a 32” width, this deck is wider than many other options, allowing for improved stability and balance.
The top of the deck is crafted with a non-slip soft padded layer for improved comfort, and triple bottom panel fins are used to improve speed and handling. The comfortable padding makes it easy to use for long rides, but for most, the feature that stands out is that it is easy to deflate and inflate.
The unit is lightweight and built with high-quality materials that not only make it durable but fast. The overall design allows for easy steering, and it can even take tight turns.
Though there is a lot to really love about this board, there is one major issue. What’s great about this issue is that it doesn’t actually have to do with the board itself but rather one of the accessories, as the paddles that come with it are very unbalanced and a little heavy. Consequently, the issue can quickly be resolved by purchasing a lightweight paddle if necessary.
Pros
- The board is designed with comfortable padding that makes long excursions more fun.
- Unit is easy to inflate as well as deflate
- Crafted with a quality build that is lightweight and fast
- The overall design gives users tight turns and easy manoeuvrability
Cons
- Some find that the paddle is unbalanced and on the heavy side.
Final Verdict about the Serenelife iSUP
Due to its lightweight design, its high-quality materials, good manoeuvrability and stability, the Serenlife Thunder Wave iSUP is a great Stand Up Paddle Board with a very good price-performance ratio. The soft, non-slip deck make it a deserved top pick in the Kids Stand Up Paddle Board category.
Bestway Hydro-Force Aqua Journey – Most Stable
The next option on the list is here because it is crafted with a wider base, which gives this SUP a heightened level of stability. Of course, this is important, especially when dealing with new borders.
Review
This SUP is an inflatable option that is crafted with TriTech-resistant and drop-stitch materials. The thicker material gives the board better stability and durability. This board itself is finished with a non-slip traction pad that is cushioned and allows the rider to have a better grip and balance.
One of the best things about this board is the fact that it comes with a ton of great accessories, including an adjustable paddle. This will allow the board to grow a little with your child as they begin to become more experienced.
On top of this, the unit is designed with a handle in the middle of the board, making it easier to transport.
Even with all that, there is one issue that needs to be addressed. Though the material itself is thick, it is not very thick in the centre of the board, and this could allow for a bit of sinkage, which might be annoying to some users.
Pros
- It comes with a ton of great paddle accessories, including an adjustable paddle
- The unit is crafted with a built-in middle carry handle for easier portability
- Price versus value makes this a competitive option for any child paddle boarder
- It is designed with a wide base that helps improve balance as well as stability.
Cons
- Some find the fact it is not very thick in the middle to be a bit annoying
Final Verdict about the Bestway Hydroforce
Surely a smart choice if you want to have an affordable SUP board for your kid. Combined with the comparably cheap prize, the high stability makes it one of the best Kids Stand Up Paddle boards for Beginners.
FunWater Inflatable SUP – Ultra-Light
If you’re looking for something lightweight and easy to transport, then this inflatable SUP from FunWater is a solid choice. It is crafted to be 35% lighter than its competition and yet is still able to hold up to 330 pounds.
Review
The board is designed with an extra PVC layer of rails, which helps strengthen the board and gives it a heightened level of durability. When it comes to stability, this board is designed with a 33” width as well as three removable fins. This all is designed to help with the overall balance of the ultralight board.
Of course, one of the best things about this board is that it is super easy to use, but above all else, the fact that it is so ultralight gives it a heads up above many of its competitors.
This not only allows for easier portability but also may give you a little more speed. The unit inflates quickly with its electric pump and, when deflated, stows away compactly for improved storage.
Though the pump is a high-performing accessory, the actual inflation process is a little challenging and will definitely take more than one person.
Pros
- The board is easy to use
- Ultra-light material used in construction for enhanced portability
- It comes with an electric pump that works very well
- The complete set even includes a repair kit, safety leash and a waterproof phone case
- When deflated, it packs down very compactly and fits easily into the carry backpack
Cons
- Though the pump works very well, the actual inflation of the board will take more than one person
- The floatable paddle which comes in the set is a little heavy compared to a more expensive carbon fibre paddle
Final Verdict about the Funwater iSUP
The Funwater iSUP is again a high-quality, easy-to-use Stand Up Paddle Board, which is an excellent choice for kids. Its ultralight design provides many advantages for the little ones. However, if your child is already an advanced rider, there are better alternatives that can track better in wind and waves. But its stability, rigidity and light design make it a great deal for beginner paddlers.
THURSO SURF Prodigy Junior – Strongest iSUP
When it came down to it, the strongest iSUP had to be this board from THURSO SURF. It is an inflatable stand-up paddle board designed in the all-around model. Crafted with a strong structure, this SUP is a great choice for almost any kid.
Review
Thanks to its robust structure and double-layer construction with triple quad military-grade PVC coatings, the board is not only durable but able to withstand up to 165 pounds. The deck is coated with a two-layer PVC tarp and bonded with a drop stitch. This gives the sides of the board even more strength, and yet the board is still reasonably lightweight.
The board’s design is crafted to grow with the rider so that they can learn how to do the basic handling manoeuvres and advance as they gain experience. Made from lightweight materials that give it only 19 pounds of weight, it means that most kids will be able to transport their board with ease. Along with this, the deck is finished with an extended pad that not only improves traction but gets rid of water quickly.
Of all the things that come with this board, the one thing that it lacks is a pump. The fact that it lacks a pump included with the purchase may be a problem for some and will definitely mean that extra money has to be spent.
Pros
- Designed to help young boarders handle and learn advanced techniques as they grow
- The lightweight design allows for kids to be able to lift the SUP with ease
- Crafted with an extended deck pad for improved drainage and better traction
- The paddle is crafted with a carbon shaft specifically designed for smaller hands
Cons
- The board does not come with a pump
Final Verdict about the Thurso Surf Prodigy
The Thurso Surf Prodigy is not only the strongest inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board for kids but is specially designed for them. Even though this board costs some more money than others in this list, it is a good investment as it is so well made and designed that it will be suited also when your kid improves their skills and becomes an advanced paddler. So, if you are looking for a long-term solution, the ThursoSurf Prodigy might be the right choice.
AIRHEAD POPSICLE 730 – Best Rated
If you’re looking for a short SUP, then our last option might work for you. This board is inflatable and comes with a ton of great accessories that will improve the value exponentially. Therefore, it is definitely our favourite choice for small kids!
Review
Crafted with reinforced drop stitch instruction and X-cross technology, this board offers a stable platform. On top of that, it is finished with an extra thick EVA traction pad that helps with a rider’s grip.
It is designed with an easy deflate air valve, making packing up easier.
With that, the board is crafted with a quad fin setup that helps with tracking and manoeuvring, which is essential when a rider is just starting out.
The rockered nose and tail kicker are something that not all kid’s boards have but will lend them extra speed and even more manoeuvrability. Crafted with high-quality materials, it is durable and lightweight, which is also key for kids.
Most kid’s boards come with a small accessory pack that has everything they’ll need. Unfortunately, while this accessory pack has a lot of good stuff in it, it does lack a paddle, which means you have to spend a little extra to get started.
Pros
- SUP is designed with a four-fin setup for improved manoeuvrability and balance
- Crafted with a rockered nose and tail, which will give the rider more speed and manoeuvrability
- Designed to be robust and easy to use, which is perfect for kids
- Even though compact, the board is still able to have a pretty decent weight capacity of up to 120 pounds
Cons
- The board does not come with a paddle
Final Verdict about the Airhead Popsicle iSUP
It’s definitely our favourite choice for small kids! Its design with the rockered nose and tail are made to give the board high manoeuvrability and, therefore, make it an excellent choice for kids starting out with Stand Up Paddling.
Final Verdict
Getting your kids out there on the water and active is a good thing. To make this happen, you want to have the right SUP equipment, and we certainly hope that this guide has helped you with that.
Besides the right equipment, it is important that kids learn the basic paddle technique correctly from the beginning. With the right tips and tricks, Stand Up Paddle Boarding is easy to understand. Remember that a steep learning curve in a sport can be essential, especially for young people, to stay motivated.
Have a look at our complete SUP Technique Guide. Therein, you’ll find everything you need to make learning Stand Up Paddle Boarding easy and fun.
