Paddleboarding is a great way to get the whole family on the water. For smaller children, having a properly sized paddleboard that they can control helps build confidence, independence and technical paddling skills at a very early age. As paddleboarding’s popularity continues to grow, brands are making boards specially tailored for youth.
Expect to see more of these emerge in the coming years. For now, we’ve compiled some of this year’s best paddleboards for kids, along with some buying advice for new and used boards.
Best kids paddleboards for 2025
Sea Gods Elemental Wave CX
Sea Gods Elemental Wave CX Specs
Length: 10’6″
Width: 32″
Weight: 18 lbs
Capacity: 350 lbs
MSRP: $1,050 USD
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About the Elemental Wave CX
The Elemental Wave Ten6 inflatable paddle board made with new cross weave technology is the perfect Supremely Light Weight All Around Adventure Board. Inspired by the natural flow and pull of the energy from the spirits in the water, creating a desire to be one with the waves. Feel the longing to play in “Please Don’t Go” by Folk Surrealism artist Heather Renaux.
GoPlus Inflatable SUP 11′
GoPlus Inflatable SUP 11′ Specs
Length: 11’0″
Width: 30″
Weight: 18.5 lbs
Capacity: 300 lbs
MSRP: $145 USD
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About the GoPlus Inflatable 11′
Do you want to try a different sport with your friends? This inflatable paddle board can give you a cool and wonderful water experience on a hot summer day. You can use it to surf, paddle, fish, do yoga and rest at sea, river or lake. Made of high-quality PVC material, it has strong load-bearing capacity, making it ideal for teens and adults. There is a fin at the bottom to help control direction and improve speed. With an adjustable paddle, you can choose the right length for easy paddles. Equipped with a backpack and a comfortable grip handle for easy movement, carrying and storage. A manual air pump helps you quickly inflate and use it.
Retrospec Weekender Nano Kids’ Inflatable SUP
Retrospec Weekender Nano Specs
Length: 8’0″
Width: 29″
Weight: 12.2 lbs
Capacity: 140 lbs
MSRP: $229.99 USD
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This all-around paddle board’s wider body and rounded hull provide better stability and control in a variety of conditions, and its surfboard-like shape helps small seafarers glide through the water with accuracy.At only 12.2 lbs, this paddle board is light enough to bring just about anywhere, but thanks to durable, puncture-resistant PVC made with AerGlide-Lite technology, it’s so sturdy, they might even forget it’s filled with air.Includes a dual-action pump, kid-sized backpack, 3-piece adjustable paddle, removable fins, leash, repair kit, and waterproof phone case.
Solstice Maui
Solstice Maui Specs
Length: 7’11”
Width: 29″
Weight: 13 lbs
MSRP: $349 USD
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About the Solstice Maui
The Maui is an all-around recreation iSUP intended for kids and smaller paddlers. Measuring 8’ x 29” x 5”, the Maui iSUP is a very manageable board to handle for smaller paddlers. It is a super lightweight board, easy to carry, roll up, store away and bring on every adventure.
Onata Rider 9
Onata Rider 9 Specs
Length: 8’11”
Width: 30”
Weight: 16 lbs
Capacity: 209 lbs
MSRP: $699 CAD
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About the Onata Rider 9
Pump up and get ready to go with the Onata Rider 9 inflatable paddleboard (SUP). It is ideal for inland lakes and mellow flat water. It’s easy to transport and when deflated, it can easily be stowed in small spaces thanks to its compact carry bag. Plus, it comes with everything you need to get started: a paddle, a pump and a repair kit. And to ensure safe navigation, it is recommended to have access to a functional boat security kit and to wear a PFD on board. For further information, visit Transport Canada’s website.
FlowRider Aero 8′ Native Rips Hybrid
FlowRider Aero 8′ Specs
Length: 8’0″
Width: 32″
Weight: 15 lbs
Capacity: 150 lbs
MSRP: $559 USD
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About the BOTE FlowRider Aero 8′
Let the kids dive into the world of water sports with our FlowRider, a tailor-made children’s hybrid paddle board. Expertly designed with a detachable seat and a custom Kids SUP+Kayak hybrid Paddle, the FlowRider offers the ultimate “on-the-water training wheels.” Your little one isn’t just learning; they’re conquering both kayaking and paddle boarding. Their future in watersports starts here.
Snapper Inflatable Red Paddle Co.
Red Paddle Co Snapper Inflatable Specs
Length: 9’4″
Width: 27″
Weight: 16.95 lbs
Capacity: 130 lbs
MSRP: $1,049 USD
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About the Red Paddle Co Snapper Inflatable
When our little shredder outgrows the bow of our board, we get them their own. The Snapper Inflatable SUP gives them the performance they need to stay with the pack. The drawn-out, rounded nose reduces drag for gaining quick speed, while the twin fin setup keeps them tracking straight.
Shopping for a used kids paddleboard?
Kids are constantly outgrowing things. This high turnover ensures a steady supply stream of used junior paddleboards.
Most traditional buying advice applies when looking for a junior paddleboard, but a unique aspect to consider is how long this board will fit your children. You do not want to buy a board in the fall that your youngest child has outgrown by springtime.
Look for boards that come with adjustable paddles to meet different heights, especially if more than one child will be using the paddleboard. This will also ensure that a growth spurt doesn’t have you shopping for a new paddle right away.
Wear The Appropriate Leash When Stand Up Paddleboarding
- Always wear a leash on open bodies of water like lakes, bays, and oceans. Due to the risk of snags and entrapment, leashes should only be worn on rivers if they include a quick release attached to your life jacket.
This is where chatting with the seller, or other parents with kid-sized paddleboards can give some insight. When you go to see the board, make sure your kids get a chance to try the board, and establish it is something they are interested in continuing to do. It’s a fantastic opportunity to get the kids active and develop a lifelong passion for being on the water.
For more tips, check out our article How To Buy A Used Paddleboard.
Kids paddleboard buying guide
Inflatables are the best paddleboards for kids because of their durability and forgiveness. If rigid paddleboards hit a rock, they dent or scrape—whereas an inflatable SUP bounces off them. This forgiveness not only helps avoid damage to the board but also to the paddler. Falls on an inflatable are much softer than a rigid board. Foam boards also provide this bit of softness.
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What is the best-sized paddleboard for kids?
The best kids paddleboard needs to be the best all-arounder. It should offer some room to grow, and there should be sufficient volume so that the largest child can stand on it comfortably. A wide paddleboard, at least 30 inches, offers lots of stability.
Kid-sized standup paddleboards are shorter than standard boards—eight feet or shorter. But kids don’t necessarily need a board specifically sized for them. Depending on their size, they can likely also use a paddleboard designed for smaller adults. This gives them room to grow into the board.
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What size is a kid paddleboard?
Look for boards less than eight feet long. Junior paddleboards shorter than six feet are made for the really young ones. A specific youth paddleboard is best for kids committed to paddleboarding and looking for better performance. If paddleboarding is a family outing, younger paddlers will appreciate the additional control that comes with a child-size paddleboard.
Check The Weather
- Plan for changing weather conditions. Prepare for the worst case.
- Don’t forget to check tide, currents, or river levels.
