A quick guide to picking a kids stand up paddleboard

A quick guide to picking a kids stand up paddleboard

Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is an exciting water sport that offers an opportunity to have fun, develop balance and coordination skills and explore nature. The fun is not only for adults however, it is a great activity to get your kids involved in! But, as any parent or guardian knows, if you want a child to stick with a new hobby, you have to provide them with the tools they need to be successful at it. So, if you’re considering introducing your child to the world of paddle boarding, selecting the right paddle board is crucial. This quick guide aims to provide you with valuable insights and considerations when picking the perfect kids stand up paddleboard: 

Determine their skill level

Kids often surprise us. Yes, this might be the first time they’ve taken to the water on a paddleboard, but that’s not to say they won’t be a natural and just glide through the water with ease. If you sense they have a natural ability for paddleboarding, you might want to go straight in for a board that is better suited to speed and agility. 

However, for most kids new to paddleboarding, the best bet is a board that offers stability, manoeuvrability and ease of use. 

Consider the type of paddle board

Just to make things awkward for parents and guardians, there are several types of paddle boards designed for different uses. From flat water touring to whitewater adrenaline filled adventure, each use needs different qualities from a board. Firstly there is the decision of inflatable or solid? Inflatable offers lots of flexibility with transportation and storing them, and often are cheaper. Whereas solid boards have superb rigidity, adding to the stability, but that comes at a higher cost. Here are the main options to consider:

  1. All-around SUPs – All-around paddle boards are versatile and suitable for various water conditions. They offer a good balance of stability, manoeuvrability and ease of use, making them ideal for anyone wanting to explore different paddleboarding styles.
  2. Surf SUPs – Surf paddleboards are specifically designed for riding waves. They are shorter, narrower and more manoeuvrable, allowing kids to catch waves and experience the thrill of surfing much easier than on a surfboard. However, they require more balance than other paddleboards so are better suited for intermediate or advanced paddlers.
  3. Touring SUPs – Touring paddle boards are designed for longer trips and excursions. They provide better forward speed and tracking, making them brilliant for kids interested in exploring lakes, rivers or coastlines. These boards are longer and narrower, offering increased speed and efficiency but less stability.
  4. Junior SUPs – Junior inflatable paddle boards come with a robust build quality that will help you get your children into paddleboarding and be able to withstand plenty of use as well as mishaps. Their smaller size is built to help optimise balance on the water and allow for easy turning.

Get one that’s built to last 

You don’t want to have to be forking out for a new board every year. Investing in a durable and well-constructed paddle board ensures its longevity and safety.  So, consider the board’s materials, such as epoxy, fibreglass or inflatable PVC. 

Epoxy and fibreglass boards are more rigid and provide better performance but may be less forgiving in case of falls or drops.

Inflatable SUPs are more resistant to impacts and are less likely to get damaged. Look for reinforced construction, durable fins and quality stitching in inflatable SUPs. Key terms such as “high density PVC” and “fused drop stitch construction” are always a good sign.

Quick tip – Look at a board’s reviews – they’re usually a good indicator of its durability! 

Keep them on the board 

We’ve touched on this a little bit already, but stability is crucial when selecting a paddle board for kids. 

Look for boards with a wide and stable platform that offers good balance. Rounded or square tails provide additional stability, while pointed tails offer better manoeuvrability but may be more challenging for beginners. 

A tapered nose line is often best, as it allows young paddlers to get more and more performance out of the board as their skills grow. Additionally, consider boards with soft, non-slip deck pads that provide traction and comfort, ensuring a secure footing for your child.

Don’t forget the safety element 

Paddleboarding is a fun and relatively safe activity. But when you’re doing anything involving open water, you need to think long and hard about safety. 

So, in addition to buying a board, you’ll also need to get some essential accessories: 

  1. Leash – A leash is an essential safety accessory that attaches the paddle board to the paddler’s ankle or calf. It ensures the board remains within reach, preventing it from drifting away in case of a fall. Wearing it correctly is a must too, so read up on how to wear your leash HERE.
  2. Buoyancy aid – For younger or less confident swimmers, consider using a buoyancy aid, such as a life jacket or personal floatation device (PFD), to provide an extra layer of safety and support. Check out our guide on buying your first PFD here.
  3. Paddle – You want an adjustable paddle that can be resized to your child’s height. Ensure the paddle is lightweight and durable, providing comfortable grip and easy manoeuvrability.
  4. Dry bag – To protect your child’s belongings from water damage, consider buying a dry bag or waterproof phone case. No parent or guardian wants to have to deal with a child whose smartphone has sunk! Your phone is also a vital piece of safety kit, so it is important to have it on you and safe.