Best Paddle Boards For Kids & Tips for Choosing a Youth SUP in 2024

6 Tips on Choosing the Best SUP for Your Child In 2022

We don’t need to tell you that your kid is going to pick up stand up paddle boarding incredibly fast. Just one day out on the water and they’ll be sold for life. The best thing is, stand up paddle boarding is an enjoyable pastime, family activity, and sport for users of all ages..

But, when it comes to picking a youth stand up paddle board or a sup board for the younger kids, various factors come into play. Let’s go over them here.

Tip #1: SUP Board Sizing

Kids are smaller, lighter, and lower to the ground than us adults. This absolutely comes into play when picking a SUP board for your junior. First, take into consideration their height and weight.

You want to look for a board that’s 28-30 inches wide. Their little, short arms have to be able to reach around the rails to paddle without hitting the board a lot.

A 7 to 9 foot board is ideal for younger riders aged between 5-10 (30-100 lbs). A 10 to 12 foot board will be great for older children, teens, and adults.

Tip #2: Durability

Children love to play hard and this usually means that they’re often much more aggressive with their “toys”, including a SUP board. You’ll want to look for a kids paddle board with reinforced bottoms and rails to protect the board from scratches, dings, and dents.

The best paddle board for kids are types of durable boards and would be inflatables, soft tops, and plastic SUPs. Solid epoxy boards are traditional SUPs, but they’re often prone to damage.

Tip #3: Avoid Surf-Style SUPs

Epoxy surf paddle boards don’t have the dimensions nor the stability for young and inexperienced stand up paddle boarders to start with. It’s best to look for an all-purpose board such as an all-round SUP or to stick with a flat-water SUP.

Kids are notorious for exploring and games, and you don’t want to encourage paddling in rough, unpredictable surf anyway.

Tip #4: SUP Features

You might want to consider quality SUP accessories to make paddling enjoyable and safe for your kids. A floating paddle can do wonders. Consider materials such as carbon fiber, wood, or fiberglass paddles.

D-rings on board allow for on-deck storage. This can allow them to take snacks, loads of water, and even pack some SUP games on board.

A kayak seat can make all the difference to a kid who wants to relax and paddle sitting down.

An over-sized traction board can also allow for maximum comfort if the child wants to lay down.

For the teens, a Go-Pro or RAM mount might add some filming or snap shot fun to the mix.

Tip #5: Train on an Adult SUP

You might be questioning having to invest in a kid specific paddle board if you really want to make only one purchase that’s suitable for the entire family. You may be asking if it’s okay for your child to paddle on your board? The answer is an absolute yes.

There are many youngsters who can paddle an 11 foot board without issue. The key is to be there with them helping them to attain the skills necessary for safe paddling. The longer, wider, and thicker dimensions might actually make them feel more stable. However, it might prove a little difficult for your child to maneuver when turning or coming into choppy water and wind.

In the long run, cheap paddle boards for children actually turn out to be an asset and an advantage that contributes to peace of mind as a parent rather than a financial sacrifice.

Tip #6: Know Your PFD Stuff!

Most types of water sports always require the use of a Personal Flotation Device (PFD). For a child, it is required by law for them to wear it while stand up paddle boarding. When looking for a PFD size for your kid, you want to measure by weight, not by chest size like an adult.

• Infant PFD – 8-30 lbs
• Child PFD – 30-50 lbs
• Youth PFD – 50-90 lbs

It will come as no surprise to find that your infant or child will hate their PFD come time to hit the water.

It is best to have your children practice wearing it at home in preparation for the big day and reward them. Turn it into a game – kids love games!

Paddle with the Kids!

Take it from us, children are fearless and brimming to the top with excitement as soon as they see water. But, the best thing about children paddle boarding is it’s an activity that you can enjoy with the kids, and they with you. We hope you find the best kids paddle board for your needs.

Get your skivvies on and climb on board. Explore, fish, meditate, and paddle with the kids. As a parent, you’re in the business of making happy memories. Here’s to a childhood well-lived!