Paddle boarding is something for young and old. Even kids can do paddle boarding. With the right paddle board, it’s no problem at all. Paddle boarding is literally child’s play.
Already in a few minutes the basics of paddle boarding can be learned. The smaller boards are well suited for children, as very large paddle boards are difficult for children to control.
In the following, we will go into what is important with kids paddle boards and present our favorites among the kids stand up paddles.
Table of Contents
Best Paddle Boards for Kids
- ★ KIDS PADDLE BOARD - Perfect for learning. The...
- ★ SUPER STRONG MATERIAL - Higher quality than the...
- ★ MADE FOR KIDS - Super stylish, ultra safe & extra...
- ★ COMPLETE PACKAGE INCLUDES - Stingray kids paddle...
- Board dimensions are 10 Feet long by 33 inches wide and...
- Leading industry weight limit of 350Lb
- Our extra wide design creates an incredible all-around...
- All boards come complete with premium accessories that...
- The Breeze Aero 11'6" with MAGNEPod is fun to paddle...
- Now With MAGNEPod! The MAGNEPod magnetic base is a...
- Dimensions: 11'6" L x 33" W x 6" D
- Capacity: 315 LBS
- DESIGNED FOR KIDS: The NAUTICAL Kids inflatable paddle...
- PERFORMANCE: This board excels at getting kids to love...
- ADVENTURE WITH A FRIEND: This smaller board is still...
- 4 BRIGHT COLORS: This board for kids comes in four...
- EPS Foam Core with 3 Stringers with WBS (Water Barrier...
- Textured deck traction on top deck
- Storage accessory straps
- Collapsing and removable foot rests and adjustable seat
- 【Military Grade Materials】The TIGERXBANG inflatable...
- 【Paddle Support System】Tigerxbang Paddleboards Come...
- 【Quick-Release Fin System】Inflatble Paddleboards...
- 【Upgraded Kayak Seat and Backpack】SUP kayak seat...
- Supreme Versatility: The HD was crafted to be the "do...
- Dimensions: 11′6″ L × 34″ W × 6″ D
- Capacity: 315 LBS
- Construction: Inflatable AeroBOTE Technology
- The Breeze Aero 10'8" with MAGNEPod is fun to paddle...
- Now With MAGNEPod! The MAGNEPod magnetic base is a...
- Dimensions: 10'8" L x 33" W x 6" D
- Capacity: 250 LBS
- PROFESSIONAL SUP DESIGN: UPWELL inflatable paddle board...
- PREEMINM MATERIAL: Inflatable paddle boards is made of...
- MANEUVERABILITY: Outfitted with triple bottom panel...
- FULL SET OF ACCESSORIES: Dual hand pumps which can...
- LOOKING FOR A PRECISION BOARD PACKED WITH HIGH...
- WE PLANT A TREE FOR EVERY PURCHASE - The environment is...
- FRS: FLEX REDUCTION SYSTEM: Robust Carbon fibre rovings...
- AIR DUO INFLATION: Independent Inflation Loop Air Duo...
- 【Extra Wide Design & Olive Wood Grain】GLOPLE olive...
- 【Military Grade Material with KAYAK Seat...
- 【Portable for Multiple Use & Rapid...
- 【Full Premium Accessories Plus Dry Bag】GLOPLE...
- SUP Configuration: Remove the included paddle seat and...
- Pedal Configuration: The revolutionary design of the...
- Paddle Configuration: The collapsible design of the...
- Spring-Loaded Kick-Up Rudder System: Located at the...
- Lightweight & Portable: AeroULTRA Construction allows...
- Superior Stability: The two-chamber design provides a...
- Supreme Versatility: Whether its an epic journey, a...
- Made with AeroULTRA: Constructed with our Aero...
- 【PROFESSIONAL SUP DESIGN】UPWELL inflatable stand up...
- 【PREMIUM MATERIALS】Our boards are made of the...
- 【FULL SET OF ACCESSORIES】Purchase one you will get...
- 【ULTRA PORTABLE 】Our paddle board is designed wider...
- Stable & Maneuverable: It's easy to stand up and...
- Inflatable & Portable: Quickly inflates or deflates for...
- Highly Durable: We use a High Tech process to transform...
- Complete Paddleboard Kit: Comes with all essential...
Checklist: This Is Important for Paddle Boards for Kids
- Compact dimensions: Paddle boards for kids don’t need to be as big because of the lower user weight. In addition, shorter boards are much easier to control by small paddlers. The width in relation to the length, on the other hand, may be quite lush, so that the paddle board is as tilt-resistant as possible in the water.
- Light weight: The board should not be too heavy so that the little paddle heroes can handle it on their own.
- Suitable paddle: With the (sometimes supplied) paddle you should make sure that it fits the height of the child. It should be a maximum of 15 cm (6″) longer than the child’s height. Continuously adjustable paddles are optimal, as they can literally grow with the child.
- Features: Additional features such as D-rings for mounting a kayak seat are highly popular among the youngsters.
- Scope of delivery (accessories): In this point, the offers differ significantly from each other. One important point that is particularly important to us is the leash. A safety leash is an essential safety aspect, not only for children. If the set does not include a leash, you will find many recommendable leashes here.
- Price: Due to the lower material costs, paddle boards for children are often cheaper. However, it is also true here that a good to very good quality always has its price!
More About Paddle Boards for Kids
You want to share your paddle boarding hobby with your kids and are looking for the right board? Your kids want to try paddle boarding too, but you don’t want to ruin their fun with your board at the beginning? You don’t want to spend days searching through forums, watching YouTube videos, reading customer reviews and tests?
Then you are exactly right here. I know a lot about paddle boards, and I know what kids like and don’t like in a board.
The entry into paddle boarding is very important. A lot depends on the board. If it doesn’t work in the first lesson, kids will quickly lose interest. In my guide, you will learn fast and easy what to look for when buying a paddle board.
And even more practical: I give you direct recommendations for the best models above.
What Do You Mean by Kids?
In my opinion, you can buy a normal paddle board for your child from a height of about 1.55 m (5’1″) and a body weight of 60 kilograms (130 lbs). Check out the best paddle boards for adults.
Is a Kid Paddle Board Necessary? Why Adult Paddle Boards Are Not Good for Kids
The classic allround board measures 10’6″x31″x6″ (320 cm x 80 cm x 15 cm). This is simply too big for children. The board has so much buoyancy that it is impossible to speak of maneuverability.
Paddling itself is also difficult for children. The paddle boards are all quite wide. As an adult, you don’t even think about it because you are paddling from the top.
For children, however, it is very difficult to paddle next to the board. The result is that the little ones only reach the water at an angle with the paddle. This is not only inefficient, but the posture is also quite unnatural.
The Ideal Children’s Paddle Board
Mainstream manufacturers have recognized the problem and developed smaller, lightweight models for kids. Meanwhile Fanatic, JP-Australia, RRD, Aqua Marina, Starboard and co have their own kids paddle boards in their range.
The ideal paddle board for kids should meet some specific characteristics. First, it should be inexpensive. By that I don’t mean cheap but worth the price. For children’s paddle boards, prices range from several hundred to several thousand euros and pounds.
Your child certainly does not need a £2000, high-end carbon racing machine from a top brand. Much more important is the durability. A low weight is another plus, because it makes transport easier and the board more agile in the water.
Secondly, the length of the board is essential. A kid’s paddle board is 8 to 9 feet (258 cm to 290 cm) long. This is just long enough for your child to get the board to and from the water on their own.
The short boards are also much easier to maneuver, which is sure to be really fun for your child.
Third, the perfect paddle board needs to offer enough tipping stability. Learning how to paddle board on a lake is not difficult. Your kid will have a good feel for the board after 30 minutes at the latest.
However, if it doesn’t work out for too long in the beginning, it will be frustrating. Therefore, be sure to use boards that are stable against tipping. This way you and your child will keep the fun.
Equipment for Children on a Paddle Board
With the board alone, it is not quite done. In any case, you need a suitable children’s paddle board. How you find this and what accessories are still important, I explain now.
Packing List: Paddle boarding with kids
- Must-have: Kids paddle board
Must-have: Paddle for kids - Must-have: Life jacket for kids
- Must-have: Coiled Leash
- Must-have: Sunscreen
- Kids Cap
- Sunglasses with cord
The Right Paddle for Your Kid
Regular paddles are not a good choice for kids because they can’t grip them properly. Kids paddles need to be shorter. You can determine the optimal paddle length for kids with a simple test.
The height your child reaches with one arm extended upward (without toe tips) is ideal for the children's paddle.
If measuring is not possible, it is best to choose a paddle that is 15 to 20 cm (6-8″) taller than your child.
The ideal paddle should be light, small, sturdy and adjustable:
- Light, because it simply makes it easier for your child to paddle.
- Small means an area of the paddle blade of ideally about 450 to 550 cm². If the paddle blade is larger, paddling in the water becomes too strenuous.
- Adjustable paddles are great in that they can easily grow with your child’s size.
- When choosing, make sure that the paddle also floats. Otherwise, the trip will be over quickly.
Don’t Forget the Life Jacket
For inexperienced swimmers, I always advise life jackets. In my opinion, children should also always wear a life jacket. No matter if well trained and what swimming badge a child has, I would play it safe.
When it comes to life jackets, comfort is super important, otherwise there is always a drama when it has to be put on again.
When paddle boarding, you have to make sure you have enough freedom of movement around the shoulders and arms. If the paddling becomes more exhausting, the vest quickly ends up in the corner and is no longer worn.
The buoyancy of a life jacket is given in Newton. With my table you can get an idea for the buoyancy of the right vest for your child. The value does not have to be the same and can be (significantly) lower or higher.
A 100 Newton lifejacket, for example, would be completely oversized and absolutely unsuitable for paddle boarding.
Is a Leash Necessary?
Yes, a leash is necessary in any case!
If your child lands involuntarily in the water, you can be sure that he or she will be able to reach the board again.
Even if your kid is a real water rat, wind, waves and currents can really accelerate the board, making it hard to catch up even for experienced (adult) swimmers.
The dangers associated with old leashes (tethers) are no longer justified. In the past, leashes were simple lines that sometimes got tangled in underwater plants or rocks.
Today, there are almost only coiled models that expand to their full length only when dropped into the water. Therefore, when buying, look for the keyword “coiled” or check my packing list for the right model.
Adults wear their leash either at the ankle or below the knee. Most models are not tight enough for children’s legs. If the leash slips over the ankle, it may fit around the thigh or you can tie it to the life jacket.
Clothing and Sun Protection
Clothing for paddle boarding depends on the season and the water. In the summer, swimwear is certainly enough. Be sure to protect your child from the sun. The sun is really strong on the water. I recommend sunscreens with SPF 50+.
If the weather is colder or the weather is cooler, thicker sportswear is a good idea. With the life jacket around, a wetsuit is probably too warm in most cases.
If at all, wetsuits with a maximum of 3 mm come into question. When choosing the top you should pay attention to sufficient freedom of movement in the arm and shoulder area.
The feet are critical points for paddle boarding in cold water. Neoprene shoes, neoprene socks, paddle board socks or waterproof and absolutely non-slip trekking, sailing or sports shoes are suitable.
In winter, nothing should be spared. A cap, neoprene shoes and gloves are a must have. Then a (semi) dry suit or a neoprene suit (with about 7 mm thickness) is recommended.
The Best Boards for Sup With Children on Board
If you want to stand on a board with your child, you need a model with a lot of buoyancy. Below you will find my recommendations for this.
If you want to paddle with your kids on the same board, you need a really big board that has a high buoyancy.
We’ve featured the best boards for this purpose here in our guide to the best paddle boards for two. All of these boards can easily carry you and one to two kids.
Conclusion
Kids as well as paddle boarding as a hobby both eat up time. So why not combine the two?
You have more time for paddle boarding and more for the family. Many sports and hobbies only lend themselves to this on paper, but paddle boarding really does.
And with the right paddle board, you can surely inspire your daughter or son about it. After you have made a pre-selection of boards, you can also involve your kids in the decision regarding the design. In my experience, having a cool board is very important for kids.
