There’s nothing quite like the thrill of riding your first wave, and if you’re looking to introduce your child to the joys of surfing, picking the right gear is key. A good surfboard for kids isn’t just a miniature adult board; it’s specifically designed to make learning fun, safe, and encouraging. We’re talking about boards that offer stability, buoyancy, and durability, so your little ripper can focus on catching waves, not struggling with their equipment.
Choosing the best surfboard for kids can feel a bit overwhelming with all the options out there. But don’t worry, we’ve done the legwork for you! We’ve rounded up seven fantastic options that are perfect for young, aspiring surfers. From pint-sized foam boards ideal for tiny tots to slightly longer soft-tops for growing groms, you’ll find a board that fits your child’s age, skill level, and your budget. Let’s dive in!
Why a Kid-Specific Surfboard is a Game-Changer
Before we jump into our top picks, let’s quickly chat about why a specialized board matters. Regular surfboards can be tricky for young learners. Kid-specific soft-top surfboards offer several advantages:
- Enhanced Safety: Soft foam construction means fewer bumps and bruises during wipeouts, both for the rider and other surfers in the water.
- Increased Buoyancy: More float means easier paddling and catching waves, reducing frustration and building confidence.
- Stability: Wider and thicker designs provide a stable platform, making it easier to pop up and maintain balance.
- Durability: These boards are built to withstand the inevitable knocks and drops that come with a beginner’s journey.
Ultimately, a well-chosen best surfboard for kids transforms learning into an enjoyable adventure, fostering a lifelong love for the ocean.
How to Choose the Right Surfboard for Your Child
When looking for the perfect board, consider these factors:
- Size: Generally, a longer, wider, and thicker board is more stable and easier to learn on. As kids grow and improve, they can move to shorter boards.
- Material: Most beginner kids’ surfboards are soft-top foam boards, which are safer and more forgiving.
- Fins: Soft fins are a must for safety. Ensure they are securely attached.
- Leash: An ankle leash is essential to keep the board from floating away, preventing chasing after it and ensuring safety.
Now, let’s explore our top 7 picks!
1. Waterkids Kids Surfboard & Leash, Perfect for Learning How to Surf
This 4’10” soft top surfboard from Waterkids is specifically designed for young learners, making it an excellent entry point into the world of surfing. As an American-owned company, Waterkids prides itself on crafting boards with kids in mind, ensuring a perfect balance of safety, durability, and performance right from their US-based design studio. It’s built with super-safe Dura-Soft construction, meaning your child gets a high-quality, forgiving board that’s practically indestructible for those first exciting sessions.
- Key Features:
- 🇺🇸 American owned and designed by real surfers for kids.
- Compact 4’10” size ideal for young children and beginners.
- Super safe and durable soft-top material (Dura-Soft construction).
- No surf wax needed, simplifying preparation.
- Versatile – can be used as a bodyboard by removing fins.
- Built to high surf industry standards for quality and longevity.
- Pros:
- Excellent for true beginners due to its compact size and soft material.
- Very durable and safe for kids.
- No need for surf wax, easy to use right out of the box.
- American-made with a focus on quality.
- Cons:
- Might be outgrown quickly as skill levels advance.
- Slightly less versatile for older/heavier kids compared to larger boards.
- User Impressions: Parents consistently praise this board for its robust construction and how quickly their children gain confidence. Many noted that the smaller size was perfect for younger kids to handle both in and out of the water, making those first beach trips much more enjoyable.
- See it on Amazon here
2. Giantex Surfboard, 6 Ft Stand Up Surfing Board w/ 3 Detachable Fins
The Giantex 6 ft surfboard offers a fantastic blend of stability and versatility, making it a solid choice for kids and even adults who are just starting out. Built with a sturdy EPS core, EPE deck, and PP bottom, it provides excellent buoyancy and resilience against wear and tear. The thoughtful arc linear design and three detachable fins give learners plenty of control, helping them steer and maintain balance as they get the hang of catching waves.
- Key Features:
- 6-foot length, suitable for kids, adults, and beginners.
- Durable construction: EPE deck, EPS core, PP bottom, reinforced with fiberglass stringers.
- 3 detachable fins for directional control and stability.
- Arc linear design for enhanced stability.
- Includes an adjustable safety leash.
- Versatile for various water activities beyond surfing.
- Pros:
- Good size for a wide range of beginners, including older kids and teens.
- Durable and impact-resistant materials.
- Detachable fins allow for easy transport and customized riding.
- Comes with a safety leash for peace of mind.
- Cons:
- Might be a bit large for very young or small children.
- Assembly required for fins.
- User Impressions: Customers appreciate the durability and stability this board offers. Many found it to be a great family board, allowing both kids and adults to enjoy learning together. The detachable fins were a frequently mentioned positive for easy storage and transport.
- See it on Amazon here
3. Giantex 6′ Surfboard Surfing Surf Beach Ocean Body Foamier with Leash
Another great offering from Giantex, this 6-foot surfboard is designed to get beginners, especially kids, into the water with ease and style. It boasts a durable foam top, EPS core, and a slick HDPE bottom for maximum speed and stiffness, ensuring a responsive ride. What really sets this one apart are its vibrant, colorful design and the fish tail, which adds extra traction and lift, making it easier for new surfers to generate speed and control in the water.
- Key Features:
- Durable construction: Foam top, EPE deck, EPS core, and PP hard slick bottom.
- Fish tail design for enhanced hold, traction, and planning speed.
- Colorful design with a free leash and transaction pad.
- Removable fins for easy transport and storage.
- Ideal for kids, adults, and beginner surfers.
- Pros:
- Fish tail design aids in maneuverability and speed.
- Eye-catching colorful design.
- Strong and responsive bottom skin for a better ride.
- Removable fins for convenience.
- Cons:
- Similar size and build to other 6ft options, might not stand out purely on performance for some.
- Might be less stable than wider, longer boards for absolute first-timers.
- User Impressions: Users love the vibrant look and the added control provided by the fish tail. Many commented on its suitability for younger beginners, noting that the robust build stood up well to consistent use. The inclusion of the leash was a definite plus for parents.
- See it on Amazon here
4. THURSO SURF Lancer 5’10” Soft Top Foam Surfboard Fish Tail
The THURSO SURF Lancer 5’10” is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a beginner-friendly board that also allows for some progression. Its fish tail and twin fin setup provide a fantastic balance of stability and maneuverability, making it easier for kids to catch small waves and start practicing turns. The enhanced safety features like double swivels and a triple rail saver ankle leash show that THURSO SURF truly thought about the learning experience, reducing the risk of injuries in busy lineups.
- Key Features:
- Beginner-friendly design with a forgiving and stable platform.
- Soft Top EPS Foam Core with IXPE deck and HDPE slick bottom.
- Enhanced stability and safety with double swivels and triple rail saver ankle leash.
- Optimal maneuverability with two wood stringers and a twin fin setup.
- Fish tail excels in smaller waves, helping generate speed.
- Versatile for small to medium waves, suitable for various family members.
- Pros:
- Great balance of stability and agility for progression.
- Excellent safety features for the rider and others.
- Efficient for catching smaller waves.
- More cost-effective than hardboards, offering great value.
- Cons:
- The 5’10” length might be a slight step up for very young or very small children.
- Twin fin setup, while good for maneuverability, might feel different to traditional thrusters.
- User Impressions: Customers rave about this board’s ability to help new surfers quickly grasp the basics while also offering enough performance for them to improve. The safety features were particularly appreciated by parents, providing extra peace of mind during lessons.
- See it on Amazon here
5. 6’ FLOWBOARD Surfboard Softboard Foam – Include (3) Fins & Leash
While specific details were limited, the 6′ FLOWBOARD Softboard Foam surfboard is designed with the aspiring young surfer in mind, offering a robust and forgiving platform. At six feet, it hits a sweet spot for many growing kids, providing ample float for easy wave catching without being overly cumbersome. The inclusion of three fins ensures good directional stability, and a leash guarantees the board stays tethered, making it an all-around reliable choice for fun days at the beach and starting those first steps into wave riding.
- Key Features:
- 6-foot soft top foam board, ideal for beginner and intermediate kids.
- Includes three fins for enhanced stability and control.
- Comes with a safety leash to keep the board close.
- Durable foam construction for safety and longevity.
- Good buoyancy for easy paddling and wave catching.
- Pros:
- Versatile size suitable for many age groups and skill levels.
- Soft top material ensures safety for learners.
- All-inclusive package with fins and leash.
- Great for developing fundamental surfing skills.
- Cons:
- Lack of detailed product specifications.
- May not offer advanced performance features for more experienced riders.
- User Impressions: (Based on typical softboard reviews) Users generally find 6-foot foam boards like the FLOWBOARD to be perfect for family beach days and beginner surf lessons. They appreciate the durability and how forgiving these boards are, making the learning process less daunting and more enjoyable for kids.
- See it on Amazon here
6. THURSO SURF Aero 7ft Soft Top Foam Surfboard for Beginner & Intermediate
The THURSO SURF Aero 7ft Soft Top Foam Surfboard is a fantastic option for beginners, offering a highly stable and forgiving platform that’s ideal for catching those first waves. Its generous 7-foot length and robust construction, featuring three wood stringers, provide exceptional durability and buoyancy. This board is designed to instill confidence in new surfers, whether they’re kids or adults, making the journey from paddling out to standing up a much smoother experience.
- Key Features:
- 7-foot length, offering superior stability for beginners.
- Soft top EPS foam core, IXPE deck, and heat-laminated HDPE slick bottom.
- Durable construction with three wood stringers for strength.
- Includes an ankle leash for enhanced safety.
- Versatile for all surf conditions, performing well in small to medium waves.
- Suitable for both kids and adults learning to surf.
- Pros:
- Exceptional stability and buoyancy, perfect for learning.
- Very durable, designed to withstand a lot of use.
- Longer length helps with paddling and catching waves easily.
- Comes with a safety leash.
- Cons:
- Can be a bit bulky for smaller children to carry.
- Might be less maneuverable for advanced tricks than shorter boards.
- User Impressions: Reviewers consistently highlight the Aero’s excellent stability and durability, making it a favorite for families. Many mentioned that both their kids and themselves had great success learning on this board, praising its forgiving nature and robust build quality.
- See it on Amazon here
7. WATERKIDS 7ft ‘Wave’ Kids Longboard Surfboard & Leash
For kids ready for a classic longboard feel that still prioritizes safety and ease of learning, the WATERKIDS 7ft ‘Wave’ Longboard is an outstanding choice. This 7-foot soft top surfboard is specifically shaped for young learners, offering maximum stability and a generous surface area for catching waves with ease. Like its smaller sibling, it boasts Waterkids’ superior Dura-Soft construction, ensuring it’s not only incredibly safe but also built to last through countless sessions of beach fun.
- Key Features:
- 7ft classic longboard shape, specifically designed for kids.
- Super safe and durable soft-top material (Dura-Soft construction).
- No surf wax needed for easy use.
- High-quality construction, comparable to adult soft top surfboards.
- 🇺🇸 American owned and dedicated to making the best kids’ surf equipment.
- Ideal for learning how to catch and ride waves, great for all skill levels.
- Pros:
- Excellent stability due to its length and classic longboard shape.
- Highly durable and safe for kids.
- Great for progression from smaller boards, offers more glide.
- Quality assurance from an American-owned brand.
- Cons:
- 7ft can be challenging for very small children to manage out of the water.
- Less portable than shorter boards.
- User Impressions: Parents were particularly impressed with how easy it was for their children to catch waves and stand up on this longer board. The durability and high-quality feel were frequently mentioned, reinforcing Waterkids’ reputation for making surfboards truly built for kids.
- See it on Amazon here
FAQ: All Your Questions About Kids’ Surfboards Answered!
Finding the best surfboard for kids means understanding a few key things. Here are some common questions parents ask:
Q1: What’s the ideal size surfboard for a beginner child?
A: For absolute beginners, generally, the longer and wider the board, the better. Boards between 4’10” and 7 feet are great starting points. A 4’10” or 5’10” is excellent for smaller, younger kids, while a 6ft or 7ft board offers more stability and buoyancy for older kids, teens, or those who learn quickly. The goal is to maximize stability and ease of paddling and wave catching.
Q2: Are soft-top surfboards truly better for kids learning to surf?
A: Absolutely! Soft-top, or foam, surfboards are overwhelmingly recommended for young surfers. Their soft exterior minimizes injuries from accidental bumps or falls, both for the rider and anyone else in the water. They also tend to be more buoyant and stable, making it much easier for kids to paddle, pop up, and catch waves without getting discouraged.
Q3: Do kids need a leash when surfing?
A: Yes, a surfboard leash is non-negotiable for kids learning to surf. It keeps the board attached to the rider’s ankle, preventing it from drifting away after a wipeout or in strong currents. This not only keeps the child safe by always having their board close but also prevents the board from becoming a hazard to others in the water.
Q4: How do I care for a kid’s soft-top surfboard to make it last?
A: Caring for a soft-top surfboard is pretty straightforward! Always rinse it with fresh water after use to remove salt and sand. Store it in a cool, shaded place, ideally out of direct sunlight, to prevent the foam from degrading or delaminating. Avoid leaving it baking in a hot car. Check the fins and leash regularly for wear and tear.
Q5: At what age can a child realistically start learning to surf?
A: Most children can start learning the basics of surfing around 4-6 years old, often on a soft-top board in very gentle whitewash. However, true independent wave riding usually begins when they have stronger swimming skills, good coordination, and the ability to follow instructions, typically around 6-8 years old. It largely depends on the individual child’s comfort in the water and physical development.
Q6: Should I get surf lessons for my child before buying a board?
A: While not strictly necessary, surf lessons can be incredibly beneficial. A good instructor will teach fundamental safety, ocean awareness, paddling techniques, and how to pop up correctly, significantly accelerating your child’s learning curve and building confidence. Many surf schools also provide the equipment, so you can “try before you buy” to see if your child genuinely enjoys it.
Q7: What’s the difference between a soft-top surfboard and a bodyboard?
A: A soft-top surfboard is designed for standing up and riding waves, offering more volume and length. A bodyboard is much shorter and wider, designed for riding waves while lying down on your stomach (or sometimes kneeling). While a soft-top surfboard can often be used like a bodyboard, a bodyboard cannot be used like a surfboard for standing up.
Ready to Ride the Waves!
There you have it – our top picks for the best surfboard for kids, along with some essential tips to get your little ones started safely and confidently. Remember, the goal is to make learning an enjoyable and unforgettable experience. With the right board, a bit of patience, and plenty of beach days, your child will be catching waves and loving the ocean in no time. Happy surfing!