What is the best size paddle board for a 10 year old?
7’6″ in length and 30″ in width is a good size for an average 10 year old.
Kid’s paddle boards are typically 7-8′ long, 30″ wide and 4-5″ thick. This size paddle board has plenty of float and stability for a 10 year old. And yet is compact enough for better handling and paddling.
Paddle boarding can teach kids how to respect but not fear the water.
Kid’s love paddle boarding! SUP boarding is a good activity to get the kids outside and away from video games.
Paddle boarding can be a great confidence builder for a youngster. It’s challenging and fun for youth of all ages. And for kids falling in the water is just as much fun as paddling around.
It’s also a great activity the entire family can do together.
What are the best stand up paddle boards for kids?
Thurso Surf Prodigy Junior SUP
- Length: 7’6″
- Width: 30″
- Thickness: 4″
- Weight: 19lbs
- Max Weight Capacity: 165lbs
- Comes with paddle, storage bag and leash
- Pump NOT included
- Thurso Surf has a reputation for quality
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Why not an adult paddle board?
Why not just let your kid use your paddle board? Well, that’s an option. I have seen kids paddling their parents 10′ and 11′ paddle boards and they seem to do okay.
But the truth is an 11′ paddle board is hard for a kid with a small frame and short arms to paddle. Turning the board, in particular, becomes much harder.
This is especially true if there is a wind. It is very hard for a kid to turn an 11′ paddle board into the wind. This quickly becomes a safety issue. A child can’t paddle a big board against the wind back into shore.
A proper sized board will be agile and easy to maneuver. Plus a youngster will be able to paddle with natural form and cut through the water easier with more speed. A child will have more fun on a board that is the right size.
Another factor is an adult board is too heavy and bulky for some kids to transport to the water. Guess who will be moving that big board around.
Your Child’s Weight, Age and Athletic Ability
Weight
When looking at a SUP consider your kid’s weight. Every paddle board has a maximum weight capacity. You want your child’s weight to be well under the maximum weight capacity.
If your kid is too heavy for the board it will drag through the water. It will be hard to paddle and move slow. It will also feel unstable. So it’s critical to make sure your child’s weight is well under the maximum weight capacity.
Age
Some children are naturally athletic and ready to start paddle boarding earlier than others. It’s becoming common to see 6 & 7 year olds out on the water. If you child is small it’s important you get him/her started on a shorter board around 7′. This will make paddling easier and more fun.
Athletic Ability
If your child is already good at paddling and shows an eagerness to get more advanced you can get him/her an adult paddle board. This is especially true if your child shows an interest in surfing or racing a paddle board. You can buy a small adult paddle board that they can grow into.
Parent’s Watch the Wind
Along with waves and water currents, it important that parents keep an eye on the wind. It’s best not to let you child paddle board if there is moderate wind blowing.
Wind is a factor beginning paddle boarders do not take into account. When you are standing on a paddle board you body acts like a sail.
When the wind is to your back you will fly across the water with ease. The problem is the wind can quickly take you out farther than you want to go. When you turn around the wind resistance may overwhelm you. You may not have the strength to paddle back into shore.
And this is even more true for a child. Make sure to tell your kids not to paddle too far from shore. And explain to them that the wind can take them out too far and make it hard for them to paddle back to safety.
Have your kid practice paddling on his/her knees. Tell them this is the “safe position” if they get in trouble.
It may seem like overkill but besides a life jacket and an ankle leash an emergency whistle is a good idea.
Kid’s SUP Paddle
If you decide to let your kid use your paddle board you may want to buy him/her their own paddle. Lighter, shorter, sized paddle for a smaller person. Less struggle grappling with a big paddle means more fun.
Life Jackets
Life jackets are mandatory.
Read: Best PFDs for paddle boarding
Ankle Leash
A leash will keep your kid and the paddle board connected after a fall. And he/she will be falling a lot. Everyone should always wear a leash when they paddle board. It’s safer and just make good sense.
Typically the length of a leash is at least the length of the board or often one foot longer.
