Best Kids Paddle boards (Fun for youth and junior)

A lot of families love to go outing or to go to trips to the beach, to the lakes and to water resorts. There are sports minded parents who always bring their kids along. There are stand up paddling available for everyone in almost every water recreational places. Most of the time, fathers or mothers who are into SUP will greatly be influential to their kids to also be inclined to SUP. There are cases though that it’s the kids’ initiative to go stand up paddling even if their parents are not into it.

In some instances, instead of just watching and waiting for family members to stand up paddle, kids were encouraged to try it too! 

The decision to buy your kid his/ her SUP is very crucial. Kids need a paddle board that is appropriate, safe and suited for their skill levels.

When can kids start SUP paddle boarding?

Kids can start to stand up paddling at a very young age. As long as they can already stand on their, balance by themselves and capable enough to paddle. Children that are smaller and still don’t have the capacity to control the board and to paddle can begin riding first as a passenger on someone else’s board. There are many multi person boards available in the market. They are bigger, wider and more stable.

Another important preparation for the kid is being able to swim. It’s also a must to wear safety gears like a life jacket and a leash.

Remember each child is different and they can have different phasing in life. Some kids can start SUP at five years old. But for some kids it could be a later. Before buying your children their boards, be sure they can follow directions, a fast learner and a confident swimmer.

Must do things for paddle boarding with kids

There are specific preparations in every activity or sports that people get drawn or hooked into to. If you would like your kid to take up SUP due to your influence or to their own liking, it’s better be prepared and ready for it. Here are some steps to go about it.

1. It’s better to start your kid young. At a younger age, your kid might not be ready yet but let them tag along anyway. They will appreciate it and the sport will surely grow into them. They will have a steady progress until they are ready and strong enough to paddle on their own.

2. Kids tend to get tired easier; they can get hungry, thirsty, might complain or whine a lot. They might even get cold in the water. Let’s face it, kids can be demanding or erratic at times. They also have their moods. Start them slow and don’t set your expectations too high. Set a realistic goal and timeline for your kid’s progress. Instead try to motivate, encourage and praise them for their efforts. If your kid really likes to SUP, he or she will eventually get the hang out of it.

3. Stand up paddling with your kids needs to be extra safe. Find a suitable place to go paddle boarding. A calm and flat water is the best bet for paddle boarding with your kid in tow. Imagine bringing your kid to a rough, wavy and windy place, they might end up being reluctant and scared. Make sure your child has sunscreen protection, a leash and a PFD. And of course, your supervision and guidance.

4. Equipped your kids with the right SUP. If you’re starting to paddle board with your kid on one board, get the board that can accommodate you both and is stable. If your kid is will paddle board on his board, get a board appropriate for his/ her height and weight. The right size of board is essential to your kid’s SUP.

5. Get the right paddle along with the right paddle board for your kid. The best would be an adjustable paddle that could be adjusted to their height.  The perfect length is wherein the blade  begins at the eye level of your kid when standing up on the board.

6. Make it a point to encourage but not to be pushy and demanding. Make sure your kid feels good about himself or herself. And that there is enough confidence level to learn and enjoy stand up paddle boarding. There should be no pressure at all!

7. One important tip is to make SUP just fun and enjoyable. Your kid will definitely have a grand time paddle boarding with you! Ultimately you’ll just see how great and adept he or she is on the board.

How to begin teaching your child to stand up paddle

• Start by having your child kneel on the center of the board.

• Have your kid try to stand up as soon as little by little that they gain their balance.

• Teach your child how to paddle first. Familiarize your kid how to paddle slow and fast.

• The next thing to teach your kid is the right technique to SUP. You can now teach how to turn the board and how to navigate to the left, right and back.

• Next comes how your kid can get back to the board after falling. This is inevitable that your kid will experience falling off from the board. Practice a falling off scenario with your kid and teach the right way to get back on the board.

• Last but not the least, familiarize your kid with all kinds of water surfaces and conditions.

What are the advantages of SUP for Kids

Here are some of the awesome advantages of kids that are into SUP:

• SUP teaches the kids the value of determination, patience and perseverance.
• It trains the kids to balance, be physical fit and to have better muscle coordination.
• It also enhances the kid’s endurance.
• SUP can greatly improve your kid’s built, posture and builds the core strength.
• It can contribute to the increase of energy level of your kid.
• It helps can help your kid build his focus and concentration.
• SUP makes you kid learn about goal setting and reaching it.

It’s definitely proven that paddle boarding is a great way for kids to have fun in sports and it has a lot of beneficial advantages to it. This can be a beginning for your kid to have a disciplined athletic endeavor that could last a lifetime!

Best Paddle Boards for Kids

1. THURSO SURF Prodigy Junior Kids Inflatable SUP Stand Up Paddle Board

This junior kid’s paddle board might be small, but it can hold up to 165 lbs. A great choice for young children and teenagers as well. It’s compactly designed but it’s very stable. There is a wood design on top of the board. Truly, it’s a durable inflatable SUP that’s made from a two-layer construction. There is a drop-stitched fabric that weaves threads together inside of the board. The material used is a military grade PVC provides an outer surface that is resistant to damage. It comes with the following: three removable fins, a ridged traction pad offers a soft, but steady surface, a carbon shaft paddle that is durable and a lightweight, a pump, a coiled leash, and a book bag, and a grab handle on the nose of the board.

Specifications:

• Length: 7’6” long
• Width: 30”wide 
• Thickness: 4” thick
• Maximum weight capacity: 165 lbs.

Pros

• Comes with a ridged pad for traction
• Has a grab handle on nose area
• Includes a coiled leash for security measures
• High quality
• Well-designed entire package 
• Affordable
• Includes an adjustable carbon paddle

Cons

• It’s not too fast

2. Ten Toes Nano 8’ Kids Paddle Board

Another inflatable SUP for kids that is affordable and comes with a great package. There are colors that you can choose from plus it’s vibrant and highly visible ones! A strong inflatable made from highly durable military grade PVC material to withstand minor scrapes and punctures.

The Nano paddle board has a gray built-in diamond cut deck grip. Also, the center handle provides an easy carry for this lightweight board.  There is a cross-section bungee that is included for strapping down a life jacket, lunch box, or small cooler. A D-ring is installed on the square tail area of the board so you can attach an ankle leash for a quick board recovery and assistance. The package includes: adjustable 3-piece paddle, front bungee strap, 3 removable nylon fins, manual pump, and repair kit.

Specifications:

• Length: 8’ long
• Width: 30”wide 
• Thickness: 4” thick
• Maximum weight capacity: 120 lbs.

Pros:

• It’s durable and indestructible
• Very rigid and stable
• Very easy to maneuver
• There’s a specific area for holding your things to the board
• A great package deal
• Has 3 removable fins for tracking
• It’s easy to store and transport
• It is very fast
• It can stand varied conditions

Cons:

• The quality of the paddle is not too good
• It does not include a backpack

3. True Wave 8’0 Youth Junior Stand Up Paddle Board

This a solid board in the list. If you would highly favour a non-inflatable paddle board for your kid then this is it. This is the best stand up hard paddle board for your kid.

The True Wave is built for children under 100 lbs. This is great for smaller children. Very lightweight and only weighs 12 lbs.! Comes with has an EPS core that uses a sturdy, three-stringer system to increase durability. This board is kind of narrower which makes it easier to maneuver but will suffer in its stability. A good feature though is a pattern with a textured grip. On the top of the board to help your child be on board and have a good grip on the board.

It comes with an adjustable paddle for kids, a leash plug that works with an ankle leash, a removable fin. The board also comes with a single bungee strap to make sure that the items stay on the board, as well as a molded handle in the middle of the board and an accessory strap, to make it easier to carry and transport the board.

Specifications:

• Length: 8’ long
• Width: Not stated
• Thickness: Not stated
• Maximum weight capacity: 100 lbs.

Pros:

• It’s easy to carry because of accessory strap and grip handle
• Has a textured grip on top of the board so child does not fall off
• It will not burst or tear like an inflatable
• Easier to maneuver
• It’s light weight and perfect for kids
• Has the right size and volume
• It’s attractive looking.
• Its paddle is easy to adjust
• There is no inflating required to use the board

Cons:

• Each powerful strokes can make it turn
• Being a traditional board, it’s easy to scratch and ding

4. Airhead Popsicle 730 ISUP Paddle board

This inflatable Kids SUP is a perfect for children between 30 and 120 pounds. There is a front and rear rocker design under the board that makes the ride smoother. It helps your child handle the small waves as well. It also has four thruster fins and helps your kid control the waves. The board’s stability and maneuverability also improves because of these fins. They are also made from soft material that can be bent. This board in not very fast despite having quad fins. It’s a good board for a beginner because of its qualities. It doesn’t track like an adult paddle board too because of its fin setup. It’s lightweight and weighing only 19 lbs.

There’s a unique feature in this board and that is the stainless steel tow ring on the front of it. It is where you can easily put a tow cable and you can pull your child with it. It also has a D-ring in the rear for a leash to be attached to. You will secure for your child’s safety. This SUP also comes with a traction pad made of EVA foam to keep your child’s feet comfortable and at ease.

The package comes with a high-pressure hand pump and pressure gauge, a mesh and very nice carrying backpack for carrying, a valve wrench for quick and easy deflation, a board strap, and a repair kit. The accessories are of high quality. The mesh of the bag means is a good add-on wherein you do not have to worry about drying your board absolutely before packing or transporting it.

The downside is it doesn’t come with a paddle, a leash and there is no on-board storage.

Specifications:

• Length: 7’ long
• Width: 30” wide
• Thickness: 6” thick
• Maximum weight capacity: 120 lbs.

Pros:

• It comes with a stainless steel tow ring so board can be pulled
• Has a lot of useful accessories
• It can handle small waves well
• Has EVA foam traction pad for comfort
• This model only weighs 19 pounds.
• Just needs to roll it up and off you go
• The surface is extremely stable
• The pump works good, but my compressor works better

Cons:

• There is no paddle included
• It does not always track straight
• There are no bungee cords or an ankle leash on this board

5. Wavestorm Taquito 7’ Junior Stand Up Paddle board Bundle

This board is another SUP board perfect for small children. It’s a lightweight and only weighs 12 pounds. It’s so easy to paddle through the water. Made from two marine-ply stringers and an expanded polystyrene core come together to protect and makes the board durable. It also has a water barrier skin that protects graphics. It also features a flat water fin that is detachable but it increases the maneuverability of the board.

This board is stable, as long as your kid weighs lesser than the weight limit. It has the ability to move through the water smoothly and efficiently. Comes with an adjustable youth paddle, a leash plug and an ankle leash.

Specifications:

• Length: 7’ long
• Width: 25.375" wide
• Thickness: 3.9” thick
• Maximum weight capacity: 120 lbs.

Pros:

• Great for smaller kids
• It comes with a leash plug and ankle leash
• It’s stable 
• It’s  great for learners
• It can easily glide and maneuver through the water

Cons:

• Its stability suffers if your kid is 100 lbs and almost 120 lbs.
• It could be a little wider
• Just good as a beginners board for kids

6. Xterra Milkshake Inflatable 8’ Youth iSUP

This paddleboard is made specifically for kids. They feel motivated and inspired to stand up paddle board. They are beautiful uniquely designed that’s very attractive to kids. absolutely They can be easily ridden by beginners. It has a stable base and grip deck ensure stability and your kid will have an easy and grand time staying on the paddle board.

There is a center handle on this board to make carrying it across the beach less tiring. There is a detailed bungee system for making sure the essentials are intact. It also comes with a paddle that is suited for a kid.

This board has a great feature which is an integrated special air-intake system. Together with the pump, it will help the kids to inflate their own boards with so much ease. Made of high quality military grade PVC and safe from dents and dings.

The package includes an adjustable paddle, a backpack, removable fin, repair kit and a leash.

Specifications:

• Length: 8’ long
• Width: 30" wide
• Thickness: 4” thick
• Maximum weight capacity: 150 lbs.

Pros:

• It’s a tough board made of strong PVC
• Inflates quickly
• Has fun designs that will attract the kids
• It includes center handle and mount for a gopro
• Has bungee system for luggage
• Premium and awesome SUP paddle
• Very sturdy and stable
• Has a grip deck to avoid slippage
• Easy to use and maneuver

Cons:

• Paddle is not the best quality

7. NRS Youth Amp Inflatable SUP

An ultimate kids’ inflatable SUP board for intermediate and experienced paddlers. It has a stylish and sleek design that has an oversized scale skin and diamond cut grip deck. There’s also a center handle for easy carrying and two upper center rail handles that are included for easy handling and mobility in and out of the water. This board has great stability and can cut through the water graciously. It comes with a D-ring for leash attachment, a single fin, pump, awesome backpack and convenient bungee system. A very versatile board with that sporty look into it!

Truly durable too being made from a PVC drop-stitch material.

This fantastic board is great for cruising around, catching some waves and navigating the white water.

Specifications:

• Length: 9’2” long
• Width: 29" wide
• Thickness: 4” thick
• Maximum weight capacity: 120 lbs.

Pros:

• Has stylish sporty look
• Comes with a high-quality backpack
• Includes a convenient bungee system
• It’s well-made and durable
• Has a large diamond grip deck pad
• Comes in fantastic colors and sunset pattern
• Comes with an awesome backpack and manual pump
• Stable and solid
• Has one central fin
• Made of PVC material and Dropstitch construction

Cons:

• It does not include a paddle

8. Liquid Shredder Child Paddle Board Softboard 8’2

This is one top rated soft top stand up paddle board. It offers great stability and it’s suited for various skill levels. A stand-out with its vibrant color! A well-rounded board that has a white crisscrossed deck grip for that maximum hold in riding in those varied sized waves. An added touch is the black colored rails that are a nice touch that makes the board more beautiful. The soft vinyl finish gives that cushiony feel for paddlers. Add that thruster tri-fin system too for better handling and stability when riding the waves and navigating through the water.

There is also a dual aluminum stringer that’s used for the interior of the board. This makes the rigidity of this board perfect. It has an oversized EVA deck pad that offers a very good traction.

This board is highly visible because of its vibrant colors!

Specifications:

• Length: 8’2” long
• Width: 29.5" wide
• Thickness: 4” thick
• Maximum weight capacity: 180 lbs.

Pros:

• It has a vibrant color for high visibility
• Has a large soft EVA pad
• Comes with an ergonomic carry handle
• Includes a tri-fin system
• It’s a soft top board but soft and gentle
• Has a dual aluminum stringer system
• Has an ability to track well in the water

Cons:

• It does not come with a paddle

9. Stage Junior SUP

An inflatable board that kids will never have enough of. Made for that little SUP champions.

The shape of this board offers speed and easy maneuverability. It’s lightweight and very easy to handle. This ultimate inflatable kids paddle board comes with a  2-stage manual pump, a 3-piece adjustable aluminum paddle, a backpack, a leash, a removable fin and a patch kit. 

There is a bungee system near the nose and a tow ring at the nose and a leash D-ring at the tail to complete the features. The deck is covered with a diamond EVA traction mat that gives a good grip yet it’s soft and comfortable. The carry handle located at the center makes carrying this iSUP easier in and out of the water. The inflatable SUP also includes and features 3 fins, one toolless removable fin and two fixed smaller ones.

Pros:

• It comes complete with a  paddleboarding bundle
• Has a bungee system, tow ring, and leash ring
• Includes 3 fins, one removable and two fixed
• Equipped with a large diamond EVA anti-slip pad
• The center carry handle helps in easier mobility
• Very easy to inflate
• It’s sturdy and durable
• Includes a light aluminum paddle

Cons:

• The manual pump can be quite challenging to use

10. High Society Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board SUP

This inflatable is great for adults and kids that are beginners and advanced paddlers alike. It’s fast and stable. Made with drop stitch construction that provides layers of military grade protection against damage. Has a comfortable traction soft top for a great ride! Experience having a performer for a board. It includes dual action pump, triple bottom 2x1 fins, storage bag, leash, paddle and repair kit. Be a part of the growing believers of this board’s great durability and performance. 

Specifications:

• Length: 10’6” long
• Width: 32" wide
• Thickness: 6” thick
• Maximum weight capacity: 275 lbs.

Pros:

• It isn’t difficult to inflate
• Very stable and easy to use
• The board quality is really nice
• It is sturdy and stable, yet can move fast through the water.

Cons:

• No negative reviews so far

No kidding, kids can be an awesome and skilled SUP paddle boarders!

It would mean a great deal to your kid if you will let him paddle board because it’s truly his/her interest. Or maybe, they want to be like their parents and they look up to them! We’ve recommended safe and highly rated paddle boards for your kids to love, enjoy and get busy with!