Many parents spark the enthusiasm of their children to become junior stand up paddle boarders by introducing them to the activity while they are still young.
At times, it can be straightforward – just let your kid rest on the mat situated at the front of your paddle board as you transport them across the water.
Taking them out on to the liquid instills peace in their heart and helps them to fully appreciate the breathtaking wonders surrounding them. After taking them for a spin a few times, they’re probably going to be eager to paddle a stand-up paddleboard by themselves.
What age can kids start SUP?
This one is really up to the parents. A lot of parents have been observed taking their toddlers out on their stand up paddle boards even when they are only 2 years old. Ensure the minor is wearing an official US Coast Guard accepted personal flotation device (PFD).
When a kid is approximately 5-6 years old, they ought to have the dexterity to maneuver their own paddle board.
Once your child reaches the preteen age, they will be able to become very good at canoeing. It’s important to ensure that your children have social circles that have an interest in paddle boarding at that age.
What type of SUP board should you purchase?
Although a few producers of children’s paddle boards exist, such as the Bluefin Cruise Jr, investing in a child stand-up paddle board may not be the ideal option. The Bluefin Cruise Jr., one of the top-rated children’s paddle boards, is only slightly smaller than adult models, but the cost is approximately the same.
When all types of boards were rigid paddle boards, it made more sense to get a child’s standup paddleboard because they were usually much lighter than those designed for adults.
Inflatable paddle boards have revolutionized the landscape of paddling, due to their significantly lower weight compared to traditional hard paddle boards.
It is more difficult to keep and move hard boards than iSUPs. A blow-up boat can be stored in a convenient location for the winter season.
Outgrowing their board
An issue that parents swiftly become aware of when their junior paddlers get older is that the kids paddle boards can no longer keep up with their growth. Kids cannot share the same paddle board, which significantly reduces the enjoyment of the experience for young people.
Older kids like to paddle younger kids around.
Rather than getting a paddle board particularly for teens, you could go for a smaller inflatable option that is suitable for both young people and adults. An inflatable stand up paddle board, unlike boards made specifically for children, can provide your family with years of enjoyment as it can hold more weight.
Inflatable paddle board options
When selecting inflatable paddle boards for children, be sure to check that the SUP brand uses numerous layers of heavy-duty PVC since active kids will really test the limits of a paddle board. Most paddle boards designed for children usually have just one layer of PVC.
It has been determined that a high-quality all-purpose paddleboard is an excellent choice for children, due to its design allowing them to easily engage in the various SUP activities.
One issue with a paddle board made with one layer of PVC is that it has a tendency to “taco”, making it difficult to keep upright and difficult to control. Children, though they are generally smaller in size than adults, still experience the tacoing effect.
Other construction considerations
If you decide to buy an inflatable SUP, make sure it is composed of multiple layers of military-grade PVC, with a core made of woven drop stitch technology, not the spongier knitted drop stitch used in less expensive boards.
These durables that resist abuse will not only protect the inflatable SUP from quick deterioration, but they will also enhance the maximum weight capacity of the paddleboard.
Don’t skip on the accessories
Kids will require some accessories if they are to get the most out of their paddle board, such as an adjustable paddle, repair kit, detachable fins, kayak conversion kit, double-acting hand pump, shoulder strap, bungee cord storage space, and a travel backpack that can be utilized as a storage bag.
Ensure that the fix kit has a patch and instruments for valve repair.
It is important to verify that the paddle board is equipped with an easily removable fin, since a lot of the first boards for children had fins that were designed to stay firmly fixed in the board.
The most important factor to consider is that many of the highest quality stand-up paddleboards for kids are simply scaled-down versions of boards suitable for adults.
Main board considerations
Kids boards should be light for obvious reasons, however the most suitable stand-up paddle boards for children should be ones they feel relaxed on. Children are able to stand relatively easily on Stand Up Paddle boards due to their low center of balance;
However, since they are smaller in stature, it is important to avoid boards that are too wide, as this will interfere with their ability to paddle efficiently.
A children’s stand-up paddleboard is usually narrower, but this can stop them from developing their skills as they get older. Find a stand-up paddleboard that is lightweight and not any wider than 33 inches that is suitable for everyone.
Touring boards often make good options for children since they have a slim silhouette. Have your youngster test various stand up paddle boards to make sure they select the appropriate board.
Getting the paddle right
If the SUP board you purchased does not include a paddle, it would be beneficial to buy one that is adjustable for your child’s varying size. When selecting a SUP paddle, families typically opt for fibreglass as it has a reputation for being able to withstand wear and tear. However, there are several other options available.
If you want a paddle that isn’t too heavy, you should consider a carbon shaft paddle, often referred to as a carbon hybrid paddle. It is not recommended to buy a full carbon paddle for your child as the carbon blade will end up with a lot of scratches and damage.
Best Overall Stand Up Paddle Board for kids 2023
Atoll 11′ Inflatable SUP
- Larger weight limit
- Good for beginners
- Stylish
The Atoll iSUP is a long-lasting paddleboard that has a buffalo emblem on it and is impressively strong and durable. Bigger individuals who go canoeing can find it hard to use boards that have shallower shapes and are rated to carry less weight.
The Atoll is certainly a sturdy item, boasting a 6-inch width and able to endure up to 400 pounds of weight with a single user, and double that, at 750 pounds, if two people ride it.
The board is also tailored to provide top performance, with a back end that is squared and a pointed front end for improved navigation and control. The thruster fins help you to get going and maintain a straight line while travelling over great distances.
A large number of D-rings and pre-installed flexible bands can help secure your items. The fiberglass paddle we were given was of superior quality, and the leash seemed like the same one that is attached to a surfboard.
It only took us 10 minutes or so to fill up the Atoll 11-Footer and when we got in the water, we noticed how solid and dependable it was right away. We were unaware of the bending that is typically found in less expensive blow-up items. Its form, tough construction, and thickness of 6 inches made it simple to sail.
Although the level of thickness on this board was an advantage, it had one downside compared to surfing boards or fiberglass standup paddleboards usually between the range of two to four inches.
During a windy day of examination, we discovered that the winds would catch the board, causing our tester to have to paddle more strenuously to make it steady.
In comparison to solid models, blow-up Stand Up Paddleboards usually run somewhat more slowly, although the Atoll was strong and sturdy enough to make the gap minimal. Inflatable boards may not be effective for turning.
We did not anticipate the Atoll to be so easy to change direction, but were delighted by what we saw: Its snout which was sharp and tilted slightly upwards made it more flexible, even though it was intended for flat areas.
This board is better than the large inflatable versions, however it is not ideal for expert wave surfers. It takes a bit of effort as well as time to be transported to the proper location. The Atoll provides a full SUP package at a reasonable cost.
Isle Pioneer 2.0 – Best Overall, Runner-Up
- This product is excellent quality and reasonably priced, making it well-suited for paddlers of all skill levels.
- The large size of the bag made repacking at the end of the day effortless.
- The boat was extremely easy to control and dealt with a variety of water and changing conditions effortlessly.
Using Isle’s new version of the pioneer is a breeze. It was incredibly easy to utilize this board, from taking it out of the box and filling it with air, to transporting the board across the water, to releasing the air and return it to its initial packaging.
The bundle comprises a lead, a fin, an air pump, an oar, and a pouch. We appreciate the convenience of having both a front and back handle for two people to share the weight, as well as bungee straps on each end to store items like water bottles, life jackets, or additional clothing.
Also, two Velcro straps on the side make it easy to secure the paddle when carrying the board.
On the water, this board performed very well. The 6-inch height and 34-inch length of this board provides excellent stability, which is one of the most appreciated attributes of Isle boards.
Our tester successfully used a fly rod to fish for small Brook trout in a lake in Summit County, Colorado located at a high altitude. We experienced no trouble while sailing the ocean off the shores of Ventura County. Its control in the air was excellent and it appeared to be very efficient in slicing through the wind.
We are big fans of an inflatable board that can be condensed back into its container simply and the Pioneer 2.0 accomplishes this perfectly. In essence, Isle’s Pioneer is perfect for those of all skill levels, from beginner to advanced, who wish to have an inexpensive, dependable board to use for various activities on the water such as fishing or yoga.
ROC Inflatable Stand Up Paddleboard Pack – Best Budget
There are numerous reasons to appreciate the ROC board. Do not allow the “affordable” characteristic to overly describe this board. Our tester compared a ROC inflatable SUP with another board that cost twice as much, and the ROC board did very well.
The tester made positive remarks about a specific board they tried, showcasing its bungee tie-downs and QuickClip fin attachment feature as standouts. They especially enjoyed the dry bag that was included with the board and found it useful for keeping items like a phone and car keys safe during a paddle boarding trip.
This board comes with an included paddle that can be used for paddleboarding and kayaking.
The tester we used was capable of filling the board up to its required amount of air in no more than 10 minutes. “This board performed really well,” our tester said. This product was very secure and handled well, allowing for speedy movement if desired.
Plus, it was convenient to bring along due to the presence of front and back grips, making it easy for two people to transport. It was one of the lightest we checked, with an approximate weight of 17.5 pounds.
A few reviews centered around putting the board back in its container, which seemed to be too snug. The zipper on the carrying case only goes partway down one side, so you need to make sure everything fits inside precisely in order for it to close.
Aside from a couple of minor issues, our evaluator was very pleased with this board, especially given its cost.
SereneLife Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board – Best Value
SereneLife’s inflatable stand-up paddle board is ideal for those just getting started, as well as for more advanced paddlers. This set includes everything you need to get started, such as a board, paddle, pump, fix-it kit, tether, and extra fin. It was an easy task for our tester to get the PSI up to 12 within 10 minutes.
The paddle was simple to modify even when the person was upright on the board in the water. The board was found to be very stable when tested because it had no problems when our tester sailed it on a gusty river and lake with a fellow companion and pet that got off the board repeatedly.
We transported this board camping and on a four-day river voyage and, apart from some scuffs and scores it endured getting in and out of the stream, it performed excellently. Our tester reported that it was very resistant despite having some minor surface scratches.
