A standing up paddle board (SUP) is a great way to experience the outdoors, and get your children and/or teenagers acclimated to the water. SUPs are typically 8 to 9 ft in length, and yet they are light and easy to use.
Standing up paddle boarding is fun for the entire family, but rather than pay a crazy $2,000 for a regular adult paddle board, here are some suggestions for the absolute best SUPs for kids and teenagers.
This type of surfing is entertaining and a great physical activity that you get to enjoy with your children during your bonding moments. All you have to be keen on in the buying process so you can be able to buy the best paddle boards for your kids.
Best Stand Up Paddle Boards For Kids and Teenagers
We have rounded up the the best inflatable stand up boards that are great for children to take to the water.
1. Lifetime Hooligan stands up paddle board
This is a great paddle board for kids as they are designed with a retractable fin that easily folds into the bottom part of the board hence making it easy to work with.
The paddle board is also made in light weight which makes it easy for the kid to carry around. Its weight measures 28 pounds which are around 12 kilograms. The item can withstand a child that weighs up to 59 kilograms which make it suitable for all kids. Durability is guaranteed as the paddle board is manufactured using the best and durable high-density polyethylene hence does not crack or fade from the exposure of sunlight. It has a sup paddle that is adjustable from 64 to 72 inches.
- Perfect for kids 5 and up. Retractable fin easily folds into bottom of board
- Paddleboard leash attachment loop. Lightweight 28 lb. (12,7 kg) design. Compact design for easy transport and storage
2. Liquid Shredder paddle board
The paddle board measure around 8 ft x 2 inches x 29.5 inches x 4 inches. The board also has a novice rider weight of 180 pounds for the people who are more experienced in riding the board.
It is packed with three removable fin thrusters hence making it quite efficient. It is manufactured with a dual aluminum stringer which increases its strength and durability.The paddle boards have a patented soft vinyl outer cover which is laminated and not easy to delaminate. Is has a comfortable rider footing area which has comfortable EVA deck pad and easy to fasted to the foot.
- SUP Made in Peru for medium surf and flatwater. Dimensions 7ft 5in x 29.5in x 4in and a suggested novice rider weight of 140lbs more for experienced riders. Ergonomic carry handle. Bare board gross weight 17.5lbs. Vol. 130lts.
- Patented Soft vinyl outer skin is not laminated so it cannot delaminate. Gore-tex air expansion venting. One Year non-Commercial use Warranty through Liquid Shredder.
3. Lucky bums blue inflatable stand up paddle boards
This is another great board that is suitable for kids as it has less weight making it easy to use and move around with. The paddle board is easy to assemble as it comes with all necessary tools required including a pump and a storage bag for carrying around with as well.
You will not need a big space to store this board as ones the kid is done riding they just deflate it and carry it with the bag. The paddle board is also set with d-rings which are located ahead of the foot pad hence making it suitable to use with iSUP kayak seat.
- EXTREMELY DURABLE - Our 7' Paddle board is made with 500-denier 3-ply PVC reinforced fabric and can be inflated up to 15 PSI, it has a weight limit of 120lbs. The 9' option is made of heavy duty 500-denier 3-ply PVC reinforced fabric, can be inflated up to 15 PSI, and has a weight limit of 180lbs. Our 11' Board is made out of military-grade 1000-denier 3-ply PVC reinforced fabric with a 660-denier inner shell which can be inflated up to 15 PSI, and has a weight limit of 320lbs.
- CONVENIENCE: Our Stand Up Paddle Board Kit allows you to easily store, pack, inflate, and deflate your Paddle Board in no time. No hassle to tie down on a roof rack, it can fit inside the trunk of a car and can be stored using minimal space.
4. Bimini H2O inflatable kids stand up paddle board
The paddle board is designed in 9 ft and 4 inches thick which are suitable for keeping your child floating on the water. The board is quite durable and rigid as it is made using the best and first grade 1100 PVC tarpaulin material making it strong such that it does not fold when you fully inflate it.
The paddle board has a large EVA non-skid top that is made in a way that it increases the kid’s stability and ensure safety as well.The board is easy to carry around too. Other accessories that are packed with the board include an ankle leash to support the feet on the foot pad, a pump, and a backpack for carrying it. The board is easy to inflate as it takes only five minutes or less to do so. The board does not necessarily require a lot of storage area as it measures 9 ft x 30 inches x 4 inches.
5. Airhead popsicle 730 ISUP paddle board
The board measures around 7 ft x 6 inches x 75 x 75 and is suitable for kids with weight of up to 120 pounds which are around 14 to 55 kgs.
The board’s paddle comes with four fins which are fixed on the boards and weighs 2 ft x 3 inches and 2 ft ¾ inches. The other accessories packed with the board include an EVA transaction pad that has a tail kicker, a stainless steel tow ring a pressure pump for inflating and a repair lit as well.
- Board size: 7' x 30" x 6"/213 x 76 x 15 cm
- For Paddlers 30 to 120 lbs. (14 - 55 kg)
6. Ibigbean inflatable SUP board
The board measures 7.7 ft x 28 inches and 6 inches in depth and comes in a range of different colour choices. The board is made with SUP inflatable material.
It is quite durable as it is manufactured with double wall drop stitch material hence does not peel or get dent when fully inflated. It is easy to carry around as it only weighs 22 pounds and can withstand a person who weighs around 176 pounds.
7. Lifetime Youth Hooligan Stand Up Paddle Board
The Lifetime Youth Hooligan standing up paddle board is perfect for children over the age of five years old, and works best in surf or on flat surfaces. The board includes a paddle that adjusts from 64 to 72 inches, making it accessible for children of all ages.
The Lifetime Youth Hooligan is compact, lightweight, and designed to provide optimal stability for its operator.
The fin on the bottom of the board (used on SUPs to help navigate), easily folds to the bottom of the board for simple storage. The Lifetime Youth Hooligan SUP Board is UV protected, so it won’t fade or crack from the sun’s rays.
There is a maximum 130 lbs limit for the board, so it might not be the best choice for older teens. The Lifetime Youth Hooligan board comes with a five-year warranty. There’s no risk in checking this one out. You can find this on the Internet for as low as $300, and like its namesake, this board is good for a lifetime.
- Retractable Fin Easily Folds into Bottom of Board
- Recommended for Ages 5 and Up with Adult Supervision
8. BIC Dura-Tec Sup – Kid’s Version
The BIC Dura-Tec SUP for kids is a compact 8’4—small for paddle boards, which means it is a great choice for kids! The BIC Dura-Tec is one of the most popular SUP boards on the market.
Chances are if you’ve ever taken paddle board lessons, this is the one you’ve used. It is considered an entry-level board. The BIC Dura-Tec is known for rugged performance and durability. Though, only take this one out on calm waters and small waves.
The crocodile skin pad makes for a comfortable traction support, and the ergo-grip handle is good for lugging the BIC Dura-Tec SUP to and from the car. This board works best for kids up to 80 lbs.
- Stable, user-friendly shapes, based on BIC's ACE-TEC range
- Rugged polyethylene shell and polyurethane foam core for true boardsport feel and performance
9. Chill Nalu 8’ Stand Up Paddle Board
The Chill Nalu runs cheap for paddle boards, and it shows. You can find this one on Walmart.com for around $200. It comes with three fins, a traction pad, aluminum paddle, and a camera mount for taking selfies! It runs a total length of about eight inches.
The Chill Nalu is easy to carry, and it is almost certainly for kids under 5’4. Because of this SUP board’s overall lack of durability for lighter weights, it is best for very small children.
10. Aquaglide Impulse 9’6 SUP
The Aquaglide Impulse is quite long for a children’s standing up paddle board, but it is still a very good length for younger people just starting out. The clear benefit of this board is that kids and teens will be able to use this well into adulthood.
The hull of the Aquaglide Impulse is very wide a sturdy (about 30 inches across), and the single dorsal fin makes navigation a breeze in both choppy waters and on calm wake. The deck pad of the Aquaglide Impulse is durable and great for traction, so you won’t be slipping off of this board. It’s high quality and comfortable. The board finishes strong in categories ranging both kids to adults, and is definitely worth a try.
- All-around use excels on day trips over flatwater or on playful outings in small surf and light chop
- Fiberglass composite over a foam core offers high stiffness and side-to-side response
11. Lakeshore Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride Inflatable SUP
Lakeshore Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride Inflatable SUP board—other than being quite a mouthful—is most definitely a SUP board for kids. With a maximum weight limit of 125 lbs, it’s great for younger paddle boarders.
The Lakeshore Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride is inflatable too, a rarity for SUP boards, so it can be easily folded up and stored in a backpack. The Lakeshore has a soft deck pad, ties to keep everything in place, and a pressure capacity to make the board itself stiff and durable enough for choppy waters. Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride is typically priced around $550—a decent price tag for a kid’s paddle board.
12. Sun Dolphin Seaquest 10’ SUP Board
The Sun Dolphin Seaquest paddle board is a very easy and stable ride. The nonslip foot pads make navigation a breeze for the Sun Dolphin Seaquest SUP board. The Sun Dolphin Seaquest is also easy to carry and great for storage as well.
There is a recessed cooler area in the back so you can keep drinks cool and fresh on board this thing. It is perfect for a chill and smooth ride on calmer tides.
- Lightweight, easy to carry with five carrying handle locations
- Tracks and paddles with ease while offering maximum stability
13. Epic International Crush Youth SUP Board
The Epic International Crush Youth SUP is perfect for kids five years and older, with a weight limit up to about 130 lbs. The width of this SUP allows for stable navigation on both calm waters and choppy surf.
The dorsal fin can be easy folded onto the board for safe storage. The decals on the board are UV protected for fade resistance. And the compact make of the board makes the Epic International 90524 Crush Youth SUP excellent for transportation.
Those are a couple standing up paddle boards that are worth checking out for your kids and/or teens. For more on the best SUPs for kids and teenagers, check out more of our resources online.
There are plenty of guides out there to ensure you will find the paddle board that is best for you and your child. Paddle boarding can be fun and exciting for the whole family. The experience is definitely one that you will cherish for your lifetime—and it’s easy and enjoyable for all ages!
Buying a Kids SUP
Tips to follow when buying paddle boards for your kids, make sure you read our Guide to Stand Up Paddle Boarding with 10 top tips.
The size
Kids are smaller and have less weight as compared to adults. Therefore it is important that you buy a device they will be easy to use without straining all their energy. It is easy to select the best paddle board for your child as they are sold in sizes, and you can also ask for help from the dealer to help you choose the suitable board.
Durability
Unlike adults, kids tend to play a little bit more. Therefore if you buy a board that is not of high quality, you would keep on going back to the shop to purchase new ones. Therefore invest in a durable device that will last for long. Some of the best paddle boards for your kid are inflatable, soft tops and plastics as they are not prone to scratches and dent.
Buy all-purpose paddle board
Kids don’t have much experience with riding a board, and therefore some boards such as exposy surf are not suitable for them. To be on a safe side buy your children all purposed boards that are easy to use even for the people who are less experienced.
Conclusion
The above-discussed paddle boards are the best boards suitable for kids especially those who are learning how to use a paddle board for the first time. They are easy to use and easy to carry around as they are inflatable and you can always deflate them for ease storage and carry too. For beginners, it is important that you hire someone who is experienced to teach your kids how to use the boards or you can as well show them at home before they start to use them in the oceans or seas.
About the author: Chris loves the outdoors and has developed a love of gadgets and inflatable toys, from kayaking and paddle boarding to relaxing in his hot tub at home. The founder of WhichInflatable and has been the editor for 7 years.
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