Kids’ SUPs (Stand Up Paddleboards) are smaller than adult SUPs, but there are a few things (other than size) to think about if you’re planning to buy one. We’ve put together a Buyer’s Guide to help you choose which SUP and features will work best for your child, and some important information on safety. We’ve also put together a round-up of the 10 best paddle boards for kids with reviews covering sizes, weight, weight capacity, construction materials, and the pros and cons of each model. You can quickly see our scores for durability, safety, stability and build quality. This should help you decide which kids’ SUP best fits your child’s age and ability, and your budget.
BEST PADDLE BOARDS FOR KIDS IN 2023
- NIXY Venice Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
- SEASEESUP Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
- RETROSPEC Weekender-Nano
- VILANO Journey Inflatable SUP Board
- AQUA PLUS Inflatable SUP
- FBSPORT Inflatable SUP Board
- BESTWAY HYDRO-FORCE Aqua journey inflatable stand up paddle board
- DAMA Inflatable SUP Board
- THREE BROTHERS Woodrow
- YASKA Inflatable SUP Board for Youth
Popular Choice
Nano RETROSPEC WEEKENDER
★★★★★
Top PickMost Popular
Venice Inflatable NIXY
★★★★★
Best Value
Inflatable Paddle Board SEASEESUP
★★★★★
ALL THE PADDLE BOARDS FOR KIDS THAT WE TESTED
NIXY Venice Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
General Impression
NIXY makes very durable boards that are thought through. The length of this board is 9 feet and 6 inches, it is 32 inches wide and 6 inches thick. The board is made out of a softer PVC that enables easier folding. However, the rails are supported by carbon fiber and to bond all the layers, NIXY uses fusion laminated Dropstitch technology. Once inflated, the board is extremely stiff and great for lakes, rivers as well as the ocean.
This board has a great size for a paddle board for kids and is one of the best SUP boards for kids. Once inflated, your child will be able to carry the lightweight board on his own with the help of a shoulder strap. The board features a non-slip soft NIXY logo stamped traction pad, 14 D-rings, three grab handles and two bungee cords to secure any luggage on an adventure. The board has two removable fins. With the accompanying pump and pressure gauge, the board is inflated in no time. The package also includes a leash, a fiberglass paddle and a backpack as storage. Once deflated and folded, the board comes to a size of 26 inches in length, 20 inches in width and 13-inch thickness. Definitely our top rated best paddle boards for kids and will feature on kids paddle board review for a long time from now.
Specifications
WEIGHT: 17 lbs
SIZE: 9’6″ x 32″ x 6″
MAX CAPACITY: 250 lbs
MATERIAL: PVC fusion laminated dropstich, carbon fiber
PROS
- Excellent quality and very thought through
- Lightweight
- Extremely stiff when inflated
- Includes everything you need in high quality
CONS
- Not that stable due to its shape and the two fins
- The shape may be a bit difficult to maneuver for young children
SEASEESUP Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
General Impression
This inflatable SUP paddle board makes an excellent choice for water surfers of all levels, including children. Thanks to its weight and design, kids will have no problem navigating this colorful SUP while standing firmly on top of the board, thanks to its EVA anti-slip pad.
SEASEESUP delivers this inflatable SUP board that’s suitable for yoga, surfing, cruising, and even fishing. Being stable and durable, this SUP board is also pet-friendly. The SUP board comes with a bundle containing an inflatable paddleboard, 1 aluminum adjustable, 3-piece paddle, 1 high-pressure hand pump, 1 wench, a backpack, 1 removable central fin, 1 ankle leash, and a user manual.
Specifications
WEIGHT: 17 lbs
SIZE: 10′ x 30″ x 6″
MAX CAPACITY: 300 lbs
MATERIAL: PVC
PROS
- Durable
- Light
- Pet-friendly
- Affordable
- 1-year warranty
CONS
- Might take some time to inflate it
RETROSPEC WEEKENDER Nano
General Impression
An all-round sup for kids is the Retrospec Weekender Nano. The inflatable stand up paddle board is extremely durable and therefore made for any adventure. The Nano board has the optimal size for kids with a length of 8 feet, a width of 30 inches and a thickness of 4 inches. Made for any condition, this Retrospec sup is one of the best paddle boards for kids.
The board is made out of military-grade PVC and a Dropstitch technology is used to ensure lasting durability. The Dropstitch technology uses thousands of strong and think plastic threads, of which about 100 are inserted for every square inch. This makes the board incredibly stable and durable for a long time. The inflatable stand up paddle board further features an EVA textured foam deck pad, three removable tracking fins, as well as a bungee cord and a total of four stainless steel D rings with bungee connections to secure all belongings during an excursion. The durable EVA foam deck pad is stable and provides a great grip not only for your child but, for example also for your dog. Apart from the inflatable board, a three-piece aluminum paddle, three fins, and a storage backpack, the package further includes a high-pressure pump, a repair kit, and a waterproof phone case. The board is easily deflate-able and when rolled it only takes about 11 inches by 30 inches of space. The board bag is designed in a way that even the wet board can be stored in it.
Specifications
WEIGHT: 36 lbs
SIZE: 8′ x 30″ x4″
MAX CAPACITY: 140 lbs
MATERIAL: Military grade PVC
PROS
- Dog-friendly
- Color choice
- Waterproof phone case
- 4 stainless steel D rings with bungee connections
- 27lbs when inflated, easy transport
CONS
- The pump is not of high quality
- Size may be large for a young child
- No leash
VILANO Journey Inflatable SUP Board
General Impression
This inflatable SUP board makes a good choice for a compact and portable, yet durable and high-performing SUP board to take you on your next paddling adventure.
Due to its high-grade PVC construction, the paddleboard is quite durable, making it a perfect fit for rowdy children; plus, the 1-year warranty can shake off some headaches for you.
Thanks to its diamond groove traction, learning to use the SUP is made much easier, while offering substantial balance.
Vilano’s Journey is a good choice to consider if you want to enjoy a nice surfing or paddling session with your family.
Specifications
WEIGHT: 25 lbs
SIZE: 10′ x 31.5” x 6”
MAX CAPACITY: 200 lbs
MATERIAL: High-grade PVC
PROS
- 1-year warranty
- Fitted for adolescents
- Stable
- Durable
CONS
- The pump might not be easy to attach
AQUA PLUS Inflatable SUP
General Impression
Aqua Plus is a well-known brand that proved itself to be reliable. Deflated it’s only 1 foot in diameter by 38″. Inflated size : 11’x33″x6″ Thick. Weight 20.3lbs, Maximum capacity is up to 350lbs, Stable and great for all skill levels and conditions.
It feels very similar to a hard board.The board is made of high grade Military Ultra Light PVC Drop Stitch Fabric. Constructed with an additional PVC layer of board rails, the board is highly strengthened, making it especially long-lasting. The inflatable board comes with a pump and a fin, as well as a carry bag. The board features a handle to hold on to when carrying as well as small patches of the trackpad that allow for grip on the board. A bungee cord with stainless D-rings allows to strap food or luggage for an adventure onto the board. The board further features one stainless D-ring on the tail of the board, where a safety leash can be attached.
Specifications
WEIGHT: 20.3 lbs
SIZE: 11’x33″x6″
MAX CAPACITY: 350 lbs
MATERIAL: Aluminum, Alloy Steel, Polyvinyl Chloride
PROS
- Easy to inflate and transport
- Very durable material
- Stable when fully inflated
- Unique design with bright colors
CONS
- The shape may be a bit difficult to maneuver for young children
FBSPORT Inflatable SUP Board
General Impression
Featuring a deck pad that’s specially made to hold a grip of children’s feet, this inflatable SUP paddleboard will be a joy to have. Although it looks pricey, it’s actually one of the more moderate SUP boards on the market, price-wise. This particular paddleboard is primarily suitable for kids that are just beginning to learn to use a SUP board since it offers a nice balance, and due to its durability, it’s a perfect choice for kids. However, it’s not designed for very small children since it’s a bit on the heavier side. All in all, it’s a nice pick for yoga, surfing, and paddling.
Specifications
WEIGHT: 24.5 lbs
SIZE: 118.11′ x 30.31” x 5.12”
MAX CAPACITY: 240 lbs
MATERIAL: PVC
PROS
- Floating paddles
- Solid traction pad
- Front bungee
CONS
- Ankle leash not included
BESTWAY HYDRO-FORCE Aqua journey inflatable stand up paddle board
General Impression
The Bestway Hydro-force Inflatable stand up paddle board is an affordable board for everyone. It is one of the best paddle boards for kids since it is light and small enough for children to use but can hold up to 220 lbs (100kg). The board has a length of 9 feet, a width of 30 inches and a thickness of 6 inches. The sup is made for lakes, rivers as well as small wave conditions. The board is not that fast but easily maneuverable and ideal for adventures. Through its stability and space for luggage, the board is a safe companion for long adventures on the water.
The board is made out of Fortech, a polyester mash fused with high gauge PVC. Additionally, the board is lined with a thinker material that helps resist punches, limits stretching and adds grip to the board. Using Dropstitch technology, Hydro-force made sure that the board would stay stable in all conditions. Tritech is supporting the core strength of the sup and is resistant against UV lights and petroleum products.
The inflatable SUP comes with a surf leash, a non-slip patch, an adjustable fiberglass paddle, a carry bag, and an inflating pump as well as a repair kit. For this price, the board is a great choice for a paddle board for kids.
Specifications
WEIGHT: 27.8 lbs
SIZE: 9′ x 30″ x 6″
MAX CAPACITY: 220 lbs
MATERIAL: Polyerster mesh and high gauge PVC
PROS
- Large size allows for long adventures
- Great maneuverability
- Strong materials make for an extremely hard inflated board
- Good value for a small price
- Package includes everything you need to go into the water
CONS
- The carrying bag is not aerated
- Not made for larger waves
- Not very fast
DAMA Inflatable SUP Board
General Impression
DAMA offers paddlers a fine-tuned piece of paddling equipment by launching this inflatable SUP board that gathered the attention of women and children, the most.
Featuring 2 handles – one on the top and one on the side, DAMA’s SUP board is easily transportable so kids won’t have an issue with it.
The 5-liter waterproof bag included in the bundle is a nice addition for all of your kids’ accessories; the military-grade PVC material used ensures durability and safety, while the 12 D-rings make room for taking everything you need with you. The 3 bottom fins make for a smooth and steady ride, suitable for kids and beginners to use in rivers, lakes, or seasides, to practice yoga, to surf, or paddle.
Specifications
WEIGHT: 19.8 lbs
SIZE: 10’6″ x 32″ x 6″
MAX CAPACITY: 330 lbs
MATERIAL: PVC
PROS
- Camera mount
- Light
- Sturdy
- Easy to inflate and deflate
CONS
- Expensive
THREE BROTHERS Woodrow
General Impression
Three Brothers have a reputation for setting the bar high when it comes to surfboards. Their Wood Paddle board is no exception. This is a non-inflatable paddle board for kids. This SUP is made for kids or the youth, or in case you want to get your stand up paddle boarding to the next level. The board has a length of 8 feet, a width of 27 inches and a thickness of 4,2 inches. The shape with a fishtail allows for great maneuverability in the water. The board is featuring a full nose and a rocker shape, which allows catching waves easier.
The board has one main fin and two fins can be added to the side for more stability. Certain stability can only be achieved by boards that are not inflatable. This board is very stable due to its wooden core. It features reinforced rails, which add extra strength and durability to the board. It can hold up to 250 pounds. There is a handle that is tucked under to allow easy carriage of the board. The board comes with a trackpad to reduce sliding off. The board is sold separately, and one has to buy the paddle and leash.
Specifications
WEIGHT: 45 lbs
SIZE: 8′ x 27″ x 4.2″
MAX CAPACITY: 250 lbs
MATERIAL: Wood
PROS
- Great maneuverability through fishtail shape
- Extremely durable since it is out of wood
- Through its size, great board for children and the youth
- Board can also be ridden on big waves
CONS
- It does not come with a paddle
- No leash included
YASKA Inflatable SUP Board for Youth
General Impression
Designed with beginners in mind, this inflatable SUP paddle board is the ultimate choice for newbies in paddleboarding since this paddleboard is easy to inflate and deflate, and convenient to store. It comes with a hand air pump, an adjustable paddle, a repair kit, a travel bag, and a pressure valve.
Thanks to the non-slip EVA pad, kids and young adults can easily navigate, and stay safe on top of the board. It performs well for surfing, yoga, fishing, and many other water activities.
Specifications
WEIGHT: 15 lbs
SIZE: 10′ x 28″ x 4.7″
MAX CAPACITY: 260 lbs
MATERIAL: PVC
PROS
- Light
- Affordable
- Pet-friendly
- Durable
CONS
- No warranty
BEST PADDLE BOARDS FOR KIDS
Buyer's Guide
Stand up Paddle Boarding is a watersport where one uses a relatively large board that is stable to stand on. With the help of a paddle, you can enjoy rivers, lakes and the ocean while standing on the board. There are different shapes for different water conditions, as well as different uses. For children and beginners, it is recommendable to start with an all-around stand up paddle board. All-around stand up paddle boards are recommended for beginners and intermediates. These multipurpose boards great for flatwater, rivers and open ocean, given the waves are not very big. All-around Stand up Paddle Boards are generally rounder in shape and wider than other stand up paddle boards.
Kids stand up paddle boards are generally a bit smaller in size compared to adult stand up paddle boards. Larger boards are more difficult to maneuver and thus children stand up paddle boards are generally a bit shorter. The more volume the board has, the longer, thicker and wider it is, the easier it is to balance on it. Additionally, fins add stability. A board with more than two fins will be remarkedly more stable compared to one with only one fin.
Whether to choose an inflatable stand up paddle board or a solid one depends on what you would like to do with it. If you are planning on traveling a lot, it is advisable to use an inflatable SUP. The advantage of an inflatable SUP board is that it is very lightweight and can be packed very compact. On the other hand, solid boards are stiffer and will not lose their form. They are stronger and will not break easily.
When on the water with a SUP, whether on a lake, on the river on in the ocean, make sure that you are always close by and that your child wears a leash that is attached to the SUP. Additionally, a safety jacket may be recommendable when children enter the water. One could also wear a snorkel vest, which allows for more space to move around, plus the colors will help you find your child in the water more easily. Another alternative would be a floatation belt perfect for ensuring safety while taking part in any watersport activity such as SUP’ing, swimming or snorkeling.
Most Stand up Paddle Boards come equipped with a bungee cord that the paddler can attach to his/her ankle to ensure the board is in reach in case they fall off. Another essential tip would be making sure to pack all of your belongings in a secure waterproof backpack when heading out on your next adventure.
BEST PADDLE BOARDS FOR KIDS
FAQs
1. What are the differences between Kids and Adult SUPs?
The best SUP boards for kids are smaller in size compared to adult SUP boards. Larger boards are more difficult to maneuver and require more strength to do so. These larger boards provide improved stability, perfect for activities such as SUP Yoga, whereas smaller boards are easier to control. Adult SUPs are generally larger, because of the weight of an adult. With more weight, the board needs more volume to float. The extra length and thickness make it easier to keep the balance. Since children generally weigh less than adults, a shorter board is sufficient and will be much easier to control.
2. Should I buy a solid or an inflatable SUP?
This depends on what you want to do with the SUP. If you want to travel with it, it may be better to use an inflatable SUP. These are much easier to transport, especially in airplanes. Inflatable SUPs are great because you can transport them easier, plus their surface may be more forgiving in case the board you or your child falls on it. Solid boards, on the other hand, are more durable. They will not lose their shape and will continue floating although they may have a hole somewhere. They are thus a more reliable solution, however generally more expensive and difficult to transport.
3. How can I ensure my child’s safety on a SUP?
Generally, it is recommendable that your child knows how to swim before going on a paddle board. Furthermore, you should at least spend the first time with your child in the water helping and making sure that your kid feels comfortable and can get on the board by itself. Please make sure your child wears the leash that is attached to the board. Additionally, a safety vest is recommended, especially in rivers or the ocean. In any case, make sure that you are close by and that you watch your child while it is on the water. If your child is in the ocean, please inform yourself first about the currents in the region. The best is to talk to a lifeguard or a local surf instructor.
REACH OUT
As always, we create our content with you, fellow adventurers, in mind. So, how’d we do? Did you find this informative? Did it help you make a decision? Did we miss anything? We’d love to hear from you below. Thanks for reading and we hope your next adventure is a great one!