Best Kids SUP Board To Buy In 2023

Paddleboarding is a complete thrill and a perfect water activity to perform with your entire family. Your children will love to get involved in such a sport! Trust me.

Although multi-person stand-up paddleboards are perfect for the entire family, they will be fantastic and thrilling if you get your children their paddleboard to try paddleboarding.

Grab your children their private paddleboard to make their experience more exciting and memorable.

That is why, today, we are going to discuss the facts that make a paddleboard the best one for kids, at what point you must consider buying a SUP for your kids, and what are the key features that you need to remember when picking an inflatable stand-up paddleboard for your kids.

And we will end our discussion with the top 5 best kids’ stand-up paddleboards. Let’s have a look now…

Size Guide For kids’ Paddle Boards?

A child or youth-size stand-up paddleboard typically ranges between 6 and 10 feet long and 30″ wide. It is easy to maneuver at this length and width since kids’ limbs are shorter than adults.

Please pay attention to the displacement/weight ratio and what stage your kid is in, which means physically how developed they are. Try to get a board with a percentage of around 1:1 or not over 1:1.5 if your kid is growing soon.

Match the paddleboard’s design to meet your kid’s goals as well as you’ll have to choose a board that your kid can use happily for several years.

We have picked out a few of the best kids’ paddleboards to help you get the best one. Let’s know other detail of the best kid’s paddleboards below!

NOTE:

Always put a life jacket of PFD on your kids when they are participating in any water activity like this.

When Is The Perfect Time To Buy A Separate SUP for The Kid?

Deciding when you must purchase a stand-up paddleboard for your child can be tricky. Maximum youth paddleboards offer an age guide beginning from 5 years old, but that doesn’t mean that age 5 is the perfect age for all kids.

There are a few key things to consider that will assist you in pointing out the time your child is ready to have their stand-up paddleboard.

Are you taking your child out for paddling already on your paddleboard, and they love the journey out on the water? If yes, chances are, your kids want to do what you are doing and when they openly express that they want a different paddleboard for themselves.

Your child should be relaxed and capable of swimming if they fall in a while paddling. If they’re comfortable, skilled, and competent enough in the water, this’s a good sign that they might be ready to have a stand-up paddleboard.

They must be big enough to hold a paddle and know how to use it. One can use the d-rings and bungee cords on their board to the kids’ board to pull them from time to time. However, that will defeat the idea of giving them their paddleboard.

NOTE:

You must still use a paddleboarding PFD or life jacket that fits properly for full water safety.

Things To Consider While Buying an Inflatable Stand-Up Paddle Board for Children

These key features will help you narrow down the list and get the best one from the wide range of paddleboards for kids.

Read Next – DAMA Inflatable Stand-up Paddle SUP Board

Kid’s Age

Your kid’s age can assist you in determining what SUP is suitable for them. Whether your kid needs a child’s board specially made for kids or can use an adult paddleboard.

If you buy a board for younger kids, go for dedicated kids’ boards only, as they are more suitable. However, older children can use a smaller adult board.

Stability Of The Board

Stability is among the most critical factors, particularly regarding children. A stable paddleboard makes your kid comfortable and boosts their self-confidence, making their learning procedure more accessible.

A broad board is more stable than a narrow board. Anything from 28″ is perfect for a younger toddler. If your kid is on the bigger side and older, get a stand-up paddleboard at least 31″ wide.

You must likewise check the board’s deck pad. If the surface is grippy, it will promote balance by stopping the paddleboarder from slipping.

Read Next – Top 3 Best Toddlers Life Jackets

Affordability Of The Board

Your budget will seriously impact your decision when purchasing a children’s paddleboard. The maximum of the paddleboards mentioned below is reasonable yet of decent quality.

Purchasing an exclusive stand-up paddleboard for a child does not make much sense as they will get too large for it.

Fin Setup Of The Board

For a kid’s stand-up paddleboard, the less intricate the setup is, the better it is for them. It would help if you found a permanently attached fin setup because they won’t get lost.

If they are detachable fins, you must ensure they’re snap-in fins that do not need gears to attach or those with small parts that may get lost.

Read Next – Best Life Belts Buying Guide

Weight Of The Board

A heavy paddleboard will be difficult for a kid to carry around. Heavy paddleboards do not easily get turned around in bumpy water conditions.

However, since it’s doubtful that a kid will be paddleboarding in rough water conditions, go for a lighter board for them.

Read Next – Bluefin Stand-Up Paddle Board Review

Durability Of The Board

Your kids are still learning, and thus, you can guess their board to get a pounding often. Experts recommend inflatable stand-up paddleboards since they can handle them with ease.

However, not all inflatable stand-up paddleboards are made to last longer. Ensure you get a board built with multiple layers of PVC construction.

NOTE:

It’s similarly advisable that you should buy trustworthy brands and also check the terms for warranty.

Safety Tips for Kid Paddle Boarders

Safety comes first, always.

Safety should always be your first and foremost priority for kids’ paddleboarding. Teach the kids while they are still young and ensure they follow these safety precautions. Teach your kids when they’re still young, and make sure they follow the following safety tips.

Read Next – DAMA Inflatable Stand-up Paddle SUP Board

Always Wear a Life Jacket Or PFD

A life jacket or PFD is made to keep the user afloat. So, buy the best PFD to ensure your kid’s safety.

Purchase a suitable PFD for your kid–not the one designed for adults. Ensure they put the PFD on appropriately the minute they go paddleboarding.

Read Next – Peak Titan Multi Person Inflatable Stand Up Paddle

Bring Sufficient Snacks and Drinking Water

It’s next to impossible to enjoy when you are thirsty and hungry. Bring snacks and clean drinking water for your paddleboarding trip with children.

Purchase a stand-up paddleboard cooler, if possible, to keep the drinks cool.

Read Next – XPLOR – Boards kid/child iSUP

Make Sure Your Kid Wears a Leash

If your kid falls into the water, the leash will help them keep attached to the paddleboard. They will not have an issue getting back on the stand-up paddleboard.

Make sure everyone, including you in the family, wears a leash before getting started on the water.

Do Not Forget To Apply Sunscreen!

Never forget to apply sunscreen as soon as you go paddleboarding you’re your kids. Remember to keep reapplying every time your kid jumps in for a swim.

Read Next – Best Blackfin SUP Paddle Board

Top 5 Best Kids SUP Boards of 2023

Paddleboards for children have to be stable, safe, and durable. The best and safest paddleboards for kids are the inflatable ones because they’re soft as soon as you land on them – the hazard of injury is knowingly reduced.

Inflatable stand-up paddleboards are durable and will help boost your kids’ adventurous thirst. Maximum inflatable stand-up paddleboards come with a repair kit so that you can fix slight dings at home.

So, let’s look at the best paddleboards for kids below…

Bluefin SUP Cruise Junior 8′ Paddle Boards For Kids

This Bluefin Junior 8 feet stand-up paddleboard is an excellent junior choice that will be appropriate for kid paddleboarders progressing. Junior inflatable SUP from Bluefin delivers outstanding rigidity and performs like an adult stand-up paddleboard for kids.

With D-rings abundant, you can adapt the paddleboard with a kayak seat and accessories that will allow you to keep the children diverted.

Unluckily, this’s a heavyweight kid paddleboard choice, so perhaps it is not appropriate for younger kids. The 29 inches deck is slimmer than other paddleboards, which may make learning the paddleboard process harder for your children.

Nevertheless, despite these minor disadvantages, the Bluefin Cruise Junior SUP is an outstanding option for skill development and is worth your consideration!

SPECS & FEATURES:

Length 8 feet

Width 29 inches

Depth 5 inches

Weight 22 lbs

Maximum Weight Capacity 265 lbs (better not to exceed 143-154 kg)

Material 1000 Denier Exo Laminate PVC Surface

PROS:

• 265 lbs of maximum weight capacity
• The bundle kit features a kayak conversion kit
• For extra traction, a Diamond grooved pad on the deck
• 11 D-rings as attachment points

CONS:

• Comparatively heavier paddleboard weighing 22 lbs which is quite difficult for younger kids

Read Next – Bluefin SUP Fibreglass Paddle Review

Thurso SURF Prodigy Kids Paddle Boards

These kids’ paddle boards have a gorgeous design and come in 2 colors that attract kids.

Even though the Prodigy isn’t expensive, this board’s quality is striking. Thurso is a trustworthy brand name in the stand-up paddleboard world, and paddlers worldwide love their paddleboards.

They have designed and made this kid’s paddleboard using the same material and technology they used for their adult paddleboards.

The producer of this board offers a 2-year warranty on the board. This Prodigy paddleboard package for kids comes with every necessary accessory and a lightweight carbon paddle.

SPECS & FEATURES:

Length 7 feet 6 inches

Width 30 inches

Depth 4 inches

Weight Of The Board 19 lbs

Max Weight Capacity 165 lbs

Recommended Inflation Pressure 12 to 15 PSI

Paddle  Carbon Fiber Shaft and Nylon Blade

Fin Setup 3 removable fins with a quick-lock system

Material 3 Layer Coating of PVC with Drop stitch core

Pros

• It is super stable, strong, and durable
• This board comes with an excellent floatable paddle as well as a safety leash included in the box
• 2-years warranty
• It is lightweight, so a kid can easily handle it

Cons

• It does not come with a pump or repair kit in the package

Read Next – Bluefin vs. Irocker SUP Comparison Guide

GILI AIR 10’6 Inflatable Stand-Up Paddle Board

The GILI Air 10 feet 6 inches Inflatable stand-up paddleboard is a perfect option for the kid’s paddleboard. Its expansive deck and rounded nose make the board easy to handle and provide excellent stability while paddling in the water.

This isn’t strictly a kid-only stand-up paddleboard. Know and-up paddleboard; you will have the peace of mind that your children are safe and will not hurt themselves if they slip and fall on the paddleboard’s deck. The military-grade PVC material is sturdy enough to stay in touch with all their explorations. It is also an adult paddleboard, so your children will be able to use this board throughout the year or even more.

If you want to purchase a kid’s paddleboard that will last them a few years as they grow up rapidly, this’s the best stand-up paddleboard for kids.

FEATURES & SPECS:

Length 10 feet 6 inches

Width 31 inches

Depth 6 inches

Weight 19 lbs

Maximum Weight Capacity 280 lbs

Volume 225 L

Recommended Inflation Pressure: 15 PSI

Material Military-grade PVC

Paddle: 3-piece adjustable aluminum & plastic paddle

Fin Setup: Three fins (2 side fins and one center fin)

Warranty: 2-year of manufacturers warranty and 60-days of refund policy minus 20% for the restocking fee

WHAT WE LOVE:

• Very Lightweight, so your kid can easily carry the board
• Feels good on the water
• Excellent package – everything is included that you need to get started on the water
• Stable paddleboard with an entry-level price range
• It comes with plenty of great advanced features (bungees, handles, diamond groove deck pad, action mounts, and so many more) for such a budget-friendly inflatable youth paddleboard
• Your kids will surely love the turtle graphics on the board

WHAT WE DON’T LOVE:

• Little bit big size for a smaller kids’ paddleboard

Kids paddle board comparison table

Nautical Kids Beautiful and Maneuverable SUP with complete iSUP Package. This vehicle is very stable for children of any age and easily maneuverable for them. Nautical Kid’s boards have fun colors and are perfect for young adults.

Atoll Kids 9′ Well-made Kids SUP with high speeds. The Atoll 11 glides effortlessly and can accommodate a variety from beginners to advanced paddlers. It is a sturdy and durable product—the essential feature of the Gili Cuda.

A feature-packed SUP in 2 sizes, the Gili Cuda offers all the functions for which their adult SUPs are known.

Are kids better off on inflatable SUPs or rigid boards?

Inflatables are more appropriate for children than hardboards. You want a durable board that will keep your kid safe while you play or play with them.

Inflatables may also be less hurting if they hit a child in the neck, or they can potentially miss a missile at you from 9 to 10 feet away.

Inflatable SUPs with rigid liners also pose fewer risks than wooden boards that can rip off like a razor. I think that is a bad thing.

What makes a great kids’ paddleboard?

The children’s paddleboard is generally smaller than the adult paddleboard. This smaller volume also makes paddleboarding easy to maneuver into and off the water if they want to carry it and then go when they paddle.

Kid’s paddleboards have been designed to be safer and usually come with smaller attachments and accessories to prevent injury, while they’re made of steel that’s tough for the rigid housing.

Read Next – All-Around SUP Boards To Invest In 2023

The Bottom Line On Buying A SUP For Your Kids

Your child will be much faster on a smaller board if it is given. Since you don’t think about what use your children will get from a board you buy, it’s best to buy a board that they use, but it will also serve as a good resource for your family.

Use your kid’s passion for SUPs and get a board for your kids to use for surfing. Buy a compact board to travel with.

Read Next – Bluefin Cruise Carbon Stand Up Inflatable Paddle Board Review

BOTTOM LINE

You now have all the necessary information to purchAsds’ paddleboard for your beloved kid.

As mentioned above, the Bluefin Cruise Junior kids paddleboard is undoubtedly the winner for the 2022 purchase. You will certainly appreciate the outstanding construction of the board, which is supported by a 5-year manufacturer warranty.

The inflatable stand-up board package comes with every possible thing your little paddler will need to start paddleboarding. Similarly accompanies a kayak conversion kit so your kid can sit when they feel tired after paddling.

Happy paddling!