Surfboards For Kids
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Welcome to our list of the best surfboards for kids!
After running a summer surf camp for a decade, I know which boards are the winners and which ones are the duds.
With so many options readily available, it can be hard to know which one will be the best to support and encourage your kid with their surf progression.
To avoid doing countless hours of browsing and research on your own, select a board below that will be a sure thing.
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Quick Glance:
#1 Best for Tall Kids and Teens - SBBC Guppy 8' →
#2 Best Budget Board - Wavestorm 8' →
#3 Best for Intermediated-Advanced Kids - Wavestorm Swallowtail 5’6 →
#4 Best Small Kid and Trickster Speed Board - Rock-It CHUB 4'11" →
#5 Best All-Rounder or Kid Share Board - Giantex 6' →
The 5 Best Surfboards For Kids
#1 SBBC Guppy 8' - Best for Tall Kids and Teens (Bonus: Adults can use it too!)
This quality 8-foot Guppy is a fantastic option for taller, bigger kids - and even adults too!
Yup, mom and dad could also have an enjoyable play around on this one in small waves... or surf alongside each other if you purchase two boards.
With kids growth and development being completely different we were reluctant to put an age to this board, 12+ would be what we loosely recommend, however if you have a stronger or taller 9 - 10 year old then this will be a fantastic stable board for them to progress with also!
Pro's
Con's
The all-around bargain board will be fun for any big kid (including adult big kids) who wants to ride 'n' slide along small green waves or bump 'n' blat in the whitewater.
It's hard to look past the Wavestorm 8-foot if your child is tall and strong enough to lug it around.
It's about as buoyant as they come, making it super easy to paddle and catch waves, plus stable to stand up and balance on. It's affordable and will be the perfect stepping stone for learners from about the ages of 10-12 upwards right through to adulthood.
Pro's
Con's
This sleek little board is packing all the right curves and features for your kid to rip up the waves in style! It's shape mimic's a more fishy performance board with the semi-pointed nose and swallow tail but it has all the benefits of a soft-top surfboard, such as more volume/float for easier paddling and soft/padded construction for safety.
This is a great board to move your child onto after they have shown signs of solid surfing and progressed past the capabilities of a larger soft-top board.
Pro's
Con's
An ideal board for small kids, again we are reluctant to put an age down due to the vast difference of growth/development in children but 5-9 years old would be our rough estimate.
This board is also the perfect option for kids that are showing early signs of epic surf skills! Its shape and size makes it easy to handle (but still has plenty of float), easy to paddle and catch waves and it will fly through the water with smooth speed and be easy to turn due to the twin fin set up.
It's compact size makes it easy to throw in the back of the car and it can also be a board for intermediate - advanced adult surfers to have a fun play in small waves!
Pro's
Con's
Sitting nicely in-between the compact stumpy boards and the larger 8 foot boards, this 6 foot soft-top is the ideal size for kids who are growing fast.
It might be a bit large for small or young kids but if they are on the tall side or above the age of 6 and wanting to get into surfing, then this board could suit perfectly! It's got plenty of float making it easy to paddle and catch waves, the tri-fin set up and rounded nose give it enough hold and stability but still allow for turns when the kid is ready to start making them.
This board would be a great one for siblings of similar age/size to share too!
Pro's
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Boogie Board Alternative
Wavestorm 40" Bodyboard 2-Pack - Best for Building Confidence
For those kids who aren't ready to stand up or still building confidence in the waves, then we recommend getting a couple of bodyboards and joining them out there! The best way to teach kids about the waves and get them more comfortable, is to encourage them to play in amongst them, so a quality bodyboard where they can enjoy all the benefits of the ocean/waves without the pressure of having to stand up is a great option.
Many kids and adults prefer bodyboarding as a sport and it can also be a suitable option for adults who have an injury that prevents them from surfing.
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FAQ
What size surfboard should I get for my child?
This depends on a lot of factors - your child's age, size and previous surf experience/skill level all play a part in determining which size board will be best for them. Small children (approximately ages 5-10 years old) will do best with a soft board that is 4-6 foot in size. For taller/larger kids (also kids 10+ years old) who are just starting out in surfing, a 7-8 foot board will be the most suitable option.
Which surfboard is best for beginners?
A general rule is "the bigger the better" but when it comes to kids this is not necessarily true. For a rough guide, small children (approximately ages 5-10 years old) will do best with a soft board that is 4-6 foot in size. For taller/larger kids (also kids 10+ years old) who are just starting out in surfing, a 7-8 foot board will be the most suitable option, it's easy to paddle and stable, which will help them get to their feet easier and faster.
What is the best age to start surfing?
Some might think or say "the younger the better!" However we offer a word of caution with this mentality. Consider the child's fear and note that if you start them too young they may have a bad experience and get spooked, turning them off the sport and potentially the ocean altogether! Experts recommend the age of 5+ for starting to introduce your child to surfing and no younger. From this age you will be able to support and guide them and watch as they develop a great surf ability and skills all while having a huge amount of fun.
