Paddle Boarding with Kids

Get your kids SUPing out on the water with you. While it is easy for them to start by riding around on your paddle board while you do all the work, you can get them out and on their own boards with some easy steps.

Head First

Wherever kids are in their standup paddle boarding process, the two most important things you can do for them are to set a good example and let them play. 

Teaching techniques and emphasizing safety precautions are essential, too. But being overbearing is a quick way to lose their patience and interest. Ultimately, they will do what they see you doing. And you may be impressed by how naturally they do it.

That said, control and model what you can to make kids’ early paddle boarding experiences as pleasant as possible. Basic safety measures, comfortable conditions, clothes, company, and the right gear will make a big impact on their relationship with the sport.

Safety When Paddle Boarding with Kids

Leashes and PFDs are a must for young kids with little to no experience on the board. As their swimming skills and confidence build, however, it’s okay (and important) to let them get comfortable without wearing a PFD, which instead can be tucked under their board’s bungees, etc. Like most things, that comes with time, but is another step to making them a mature paddler.

Falling Practice

Losing balance, falling off the board, and getting wet are inevitable. No need to panic. The sooner kids normalize falling in, the sooner they become comfortable trying new things or reacting in challenging water. Help them recognize that taking a dip is part of the fun. Or, in my kids’ case – all of the fun! Pirate takeovers of boards are quite common on our family paddling outings.

It also gives them plenty of practice learning how to keep track of their paddle during falls and building skills and strength to pull themselves back onto their boards. That comfort and practice recovering is one of the best ways to ensure their safety.

Conditions

Start kids out in ideal conditions. Glassy, warm water with little to know current is key for helping them establish coordination, balance, and technique. It also gives them safe opportunities to practice paddling, maneuvers, falling, recovery, etc.

Mild weather with low wind is ideal, too. It makes for fond memories, and fond memories make them want to get back out there!

Clothes for Paddle Boarding

The best types of clothes for paddle boarding apply, more or less, across all ages. Comfort, weather protection, and quick-drying materials are the three things to shoot for. 

Of course, many high quality wetsuits are available for kids, which is essential if you want to try spending a long day with them in colder water. Some may also come with built-in flotation or other features for safety and ease of use.

But, as many kids will start in warmer spots, bathing suits and good sunscreen (30+ SPF) are the simplest start. Rash guards, UPF clothing, and water shoes (especially) are also great wardrobe additions depending on how consistently kids want to paddle. Avoiding any sunburns or unneeded scrapes/skin irritation will keep a young paddler coming back. 

Let them pick out the styles and colors they like. They should feel good and feel like they look good!

Teamwork While Paddle Boarding

Paddling with your kids or sending them out with a group of friends is another special way to build their confidence and sense of support as a water person. It also maximizes help and safety in an emergency. Having loved ones to share the beauty, challenges, and silliness with as they explore and make mistakes will encourage them to make positive associations with their growth as a paddler.  

By paddling alongside them, you can affect their ability to paddle straight without saying a word. And with friends, they can practice falling off the board and seeing who can climb back on the fastest. These little games and tactics tend to happen naturally, so ride the wave!

Aside from that, the last step to ensure kids enjoy their paddle boards is finding gear that fits them best.

How to Pick a Paddle Board for Kids

The right gear for kids will always be based on three things: size, style, and function. All three are interconnected, but each can play a slightly different role in determining what will ultimately be the board, paddle, and accessory package that’s right for you.

Size of Kids’ Paddle Boards

Numero Uno. As you’ll see in our guide to the Best Kids’ Paddle Boards, kids’ SUPs come in varying dimensions and volumes. All of which affect function, price, and ease of use.

The right paddle board size usually corresponds with the size of the paddler. Consider their height, weight, and arm length. Paddler weight is a major factor, as most kids’ paddle boards can only accommodate kids weighing up to a certain amount. The max weight should always be explicitly stated by the manufacturer, and we note them in our reviews.

Also, keep each kid’s strength in mind. You want them to be as comfortable as possible managing their board both on and off the water. When it comes to carrying on shore, the lightest board you can get away with, the better. Board dimensions affect this, and each brand will specify the board weight, too. Thicknesses generally range from 4-6 inches, lengths for kids will usually range from 7-10 feet, and widths will be around 27-30 inches.

Each kid is unique, but generally–lighter, shorter kids will like slimmer, shorter boards, and so on. Different widths can be chosen based on the desired function, but wider boards tend to improve stability. A good sweet spot is between 28-30 inches wide, a stable width for kids while keeping the board lighter for portability and easier maneuvering practice.

Style of Kid’s Paddle Boards

Once you’ve decided on a ballpark for sizing, the style or shape of the paddle board–as well as its construction–is the next factor. Board styles range from shorter, wide surfboards to all-around, touring, racing, and hybrid. These all meet different needs, starting with stability and maneuvering, to speed and distance.

Your plans and circumstances will impact which works best, and some kids’ boards may perform well in a range of circumstances. In general–because of their versatility–all-around boards are likely the most cost effective way to maximize a young paddler’s freedom and growth potential.

Construction will also impact their experience. Inflatables and hardboards each have pros and cons for portability, weight, and durability. Inflatables are easier to handle and transport, giving kids more freedom, but hardboards may be more sensible for longevity, especially if multiple siblings or friends hope to use the board over several years. See our buyer’s guide for more details on durability and construction.

Finally, every board has its own look–in part for function and in part to please the eye. Kids often have good eyes for art (if not vanity) and often want to stand out (or fit in) to look cool in front of their friends. So, whenever possible, give them a chance to choose the brand, colors, or artwork of their board.

Function of Kids’ Paddle Boards

When shopping for kids, the most cost-effective paddle board is something manageable in the present that still affords some growing room.

Kid’s boards are constructed the same as or close to their adult counterparts, so it is safe to expect equal quality based on each brand’s standards. This means that, if you do well choosing the size, a good board should last until it’s outgrown.

Depending on their age, there are also adult hybrid and shorter all-around boards that could follow a teen into adulthood. Athleticism can also factor into this decision, some teens and pre-teens may feel comfortable riding a smaller adult board.

However, children under a certain age need a SUP to accommodate their size and strength. Forcing a child to use an adult board risks putting them past their comfort zone to the point of developing improper form or turning them off from the sport completely. Think two to three years into the future, at most. Most companies realize that kids grow out of certain models within this time, so kid’s boards tend to be priced accordingly.

Paddle for Kids Paddle Boarding

A manageable paddle is the last essential piece of the puzzle. You can use our paddle buyer’s guide to explore options for the best paddles in general. For kids, however, pay attention to the weight and blade size. 

Kids need to feel comfortable carrying the paddle for a long period, so the lighter, the better. It may seem logical to repurpose a wooden canoe paddle because they’re short and cheap, but the weight could exhaust them quickly. Also, a paddle with too big of a blade may create more resistance than they can handle, so starting kids off with smaller blades is a smart move.

Most kid’s boards should include a paddle that meets these criteria. They also should be adjustable to match a child’s height. The paddle length should be 8-10 inches taller than the child standing up. You can also have them reach an arm up and adjust to that level.

Talk to them about what feels comfortable, just as you would while shopping for a board overall. As you search for the best kid’s paddle board, you’ll eventually find what’s right for them. And to help get you started, here’s our list of some of the best kids SUPs on the market today:

Best Overall – Honu Airlie 8’ 6”

Best for Little Ones – Thurso Surf Prodigy 

Best Versatility – Gili Sports Cuda iSUP

Best for Teens – iRocker Nautical Kids iSUP

Best Availability – Bote Flow Aero 8’ Native Stripes iSUP