Summer is all about sun, sand, and splashing in the waves! And for many kids, nothing beats the thrill of catching their first wave on a boogie board. It’s an easy, exciting, and accessible way for young ones to enjoy the ocean, build confidence, and create unforgettable beach memories. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the best boogie boards for kids?
Don’t sweat it! We’ve done the digging for you. In this guide, we’ll dive into what makes a great kid’s boogie board and review seven fantastic options that promise a splashing good time. We’ll help you find the perfect match for your little wave rider, ensuring safety, fun, and durability.
Let’s get those kiddos ready to carve some gentle waves!
What to Look for in the Best Boogie Boards for Kids
Before we jump into the reviews, here are a few key things to consider when choosing a boogie board for your child:
- Size Matters: The right size ensures comfort, control, and performance. A general rule is that the board should reach somewhere between your child’s belly button and chest when standing upright.
- Core Material: Most kids’ bodyboards feature an EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) core, which is lightweight and buoyant. Look for a durable core that can withstand energetic play.
- Slick Bottom: The slick bottom (usually HDPE – High-Density Polyethylene) provides speed and glide. Channels and crescent tails can add to maneuverability.
- Leash: A wrist or bicep leash is crucial! It keeps the board attached to your child, preventing it from floating away in the waves and making it easier to retrieve after a wipeout.
- Durability: Kids are tough on their gear! Look for heat-laminated construction and strong deck materials (like IXPE or XPE) that resist dents and fading.
Our Top Picks: The 7 Best Boogie Boards for Kids
Ready to find the perfect ride? Here are our detailed reviews of the best boogie boards for kids available right now.
1. CONTOUR SURF Reed Body Board 33 Inches Bodyboard Body…
This CONTOUR SURF board is a fantastic all-rounder designed to make wave riding accessible and exciting for kids and teens. What truly makes it stand out is its robust heat-laminated construction combined with performance-enhancing features like dual channels and a crescent tail. This isn’t just a basic board; it’s engineered for better control and fluidity in the water, allowing young riders to truly experience the thrill of the waves.
Key Features:
- Stable and easy to ride, suitable for all wave conditions.
- Ultra-strong lightweight EPS core with weather-resistant FRP stringer for buoyancy and flexibility.
- Durable heat-laminated board prevents bubbles, deformation, and fading.
- IXPE deck designed for speed and comfort, resisting impact.
- HDPE Slick Bottom with plastic mesh, dual channels, crescent tail, and 60/40 rail for superior control.
- Includes a stainless steel, double-swivel coiled bodyboard leash.
Pros:
- Exceptional durability due to heat lamination and quality materials.
- Advanced design features (channels, crescent tail, 60/40 rail) boost speed and control.
- Suitable for a wide range of skill levels, from beginners to intermediate riders.
- Leash included for convenience and safety.
Cons:
- 33-inch size may be limiting for older teens or adults seeking a larger board.
User Impressions: Parents frequently praise this board for its sturdy build and how well it holds up to energetic play. Kids love how easily they can catch waves and maneuver, making beach days even more exciting. It’s often highlighted as a great investment for active families.
2. Bo-Toys Body Board Lightweight with EPS Core (Blue, 33-INCH)
The Bo-Toys Body Board is a brilliant choice if you’re looking for a lightweight yet incredibly durable option for your child. Its heat lamination technology and high-density polyethylene slick bottom mean it’s built to last and offers fantastic performance. Kids will appreciate how easy it is to carry down to the beach, and parents will love its resistance to impact and general wear and tear, ensuring countless hours of fun.
Key Features:
- Lightweight EPS core with heat lamination for durability and impact strength.
- HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) super slick bottom with channels and a crescent tail for maneuverability.
- 60/40 rails for enhanced control and skills development.
- Includes a pro-quality leash with a wristband.
- 33-inch board with stylish designs and bright color options.
- Comes with a “Total Assurance” satisfaction guarantee.
Pros:
- Excellent balance of lightweight design and robust durability.
- Great maneuverability thanks to the slick bottom and rail design.
- Includes a reliable leash for safety.
- Vibrant designs appeal to kids.
- Strong customer satisfaction policy.
Cons:
- The 33-inch size is best suited for younger children; older kids might need something larger.
User Impressions: Many users are impressed with how lightweight yet sturdy this boogie board feels. It’s a popular choice for families heading to the beach or water park, with kids finding it easy to paddle and catch small waves. The included leash is a big plus for parents.
3. Wham-O Boogie Boards 2 Pack, 33″ Body Board for Beach,…
Why buy one when you can get two? The Wham-O Boogie Boards 2 Pack offers double the fun and fantastic value, making it perfect for siblings or friends. Wham-O is a name synonymous with classic outdoor fun, and these boards live up to the brand’s reputation for being strong, lightweight, and incredibly fun. They’re designed specifically with new riders (ages 5+) in mind, making them a great entry point into the world of wave riding.
Key Features:
- Comes as a convenient 2-pack.
- Strong and lightweight construction with Fiberclad cover and Phuzion core.
- Ideal for new riders aged 5 and up for waves, pools, or waterparks.
- Simple to handle with a crescent tail shape for balance and agility.
- Includes a wrist leash to keep the board secure.
- Vibrant, durable polyester graphic skins resist fading and wear.
Pros:
- Excellent value with two boards included.
- Iconic and trusted brand for outdoor recreational products.
- Specifically designed for beginners and younger children.
- Lightweight and easy for kids to carry and handle.
- Leashes are included with both boards.
Cons:
- 33-inch size is limited to younger children.
- The “Phuzion core” isn’t as detailed as some other advanced core materials.
User Impressions: Families love the convenience of having two boards ready for action, especially for playdates or trips with multiple kids. The boards are consistently praised for their durability and how easy they are for young children to use, allowing them to quickly gain confidence in the water.
4. RAYWER Body Board Lightweight with EPS Core, HDPE Slick…
Much like its Bo-Toys counterpart, the RAYWER Body Board emphasizes a perfect blend of lightweight design and robust durability, ideal for kids ready to hit the waves. It boasts an EPS core and heat lamination technology for impact resistance, ensuring it can handle the rigors of beach play. Its maneuverability features, like the HDPE slick bottom with channels and a crescent tail, are designed to give young riders an edge, making every wave ride enjoyable.
Key Features:
- Lightweight EPS core with heat lamination for impact strength and durability.
- HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) super slick bottom with channels and a crescent tail for speed and control.
- 60/40 rails for increased maneuverability and skill development.
- Includes a pro-quality leash with a wristband.
- Stylish design with bright color options, ready for fun at the beach, river, or water park.
- Offers a “Total Assurance” guarantee for customer satisfaction.
Pros:
- Excellent lightweight construction for easy transport and handling.
- Durable materials and heat lamination ensure longevity.
- Designed for good maneuverability in various wave conditions.
- Includes a professional-grade leash for security.
- Backed by a strong customer satisfaction policy.
Cons:
- The 33-inch size is primarily for smaller children and young beginners.
User Impressions: Customers often highlight how surprisingly sturdy this lightweight board is. It’s a fantastic option for kids who are just starting out, providing enough stability and speed to make learning fun. The included leash is, again, a frequently mentioned benefit.
5. Goplus 41”/37”/33” Lightweight Body Board for Beach,…
The Goplus Body Board stands out with its versatile sizing options, making it a fantastic choice for families with kids of different ages or for those who want a board that grows with their child. Whether you need a compact 33-inch for a small beginner or a larger 41-inch for an older, more confident rider, Goplus has you covered. Beyond size, its high-quality construction with an XPE deck, EPS core, and HDPE slick bottom ensures strong buoyancy, durability, and a dynamic surfing experience.
Key Features:
- Available in multiple sizes: 41”, 37”, and 33” to fit various ages and heights.
- XPE deck for good impact resistance and durability.
- Weather-resistant, waterproof, and shock-absorbing EPS core.
- High-density polyethylene slick bottom for added stiffness, speed, and flexibility.
- Dynamic design with 60/40 rails, rear channels, and a crescent tail for excellent control in all waves.
- Strong buoyancy and lightweight for easy carrying.
Pros:
- Variety of sizes is a significant advantage, catering to a wider age range.
- High-quality materials ensure durability and performance.
- Strong buoyancy helps riders stay afloat and catch waves easily.
- Dynamic design elements enhance control and speed.
- Lightweight nature makes it easy to transport.
Cons:
- A leash is not explicitly listed as included, which might be an additional purchase.
User Impressions: Reviewers often praise the Goplus board for its robust build and the availability of different sizes, which makes it easy to find the right fit. Kids find it stable and fast, allowing them to enjoy their time in the water without frustration.
6. Bloo Tide 40IN Bodyboard
For the child who’s growing fast or for families looking for a versatile board that can be enjoyed by both youth and adults, the Bloo Tide 40-inch Bodyboard is an excellent option. Its generous volume and rigid design provide fantastic flotation and drive, making it easier to catch and ride waves. The thermal-molded and wrapped slick rail is a testament to its durable construction, promising less delamination and a longer lifespan, even with enthusiastic use.
Key Features:
- Generous dimensions (40″ L x 20.25″ W x 2.175″ Thick) and volume (6.55 Liters) suitable for youth to adult (up to 180 lbs).
- Buoyant and rigid for performance wave riding.
- Generous volume and boxy rail for excellent flotation and drive.
- Thermal-molded and wrapped slick rail for stronger construction and reduced rail delamination.
- Includes a wrist leash.
Pros:
- Larger size accommodates a wider range of riders, including older kids and adults.
- Exceptional buoyancy helps with wave catching and reduces drag.
- Robust construction with thermal-molded rails ensures long-term durability.
- Leash included for convenience and safety.
Cons:
- May be too large for very young or small children.
User Impressions: Customers appreciate the Bloo Tide’s larger size, finding it perfect for teens and even adults wanting to join in the fun. It’s frequently described as a solid, high-performing board that offers great value for its size and durability.
7. MOREY® Mini Boogie 21” for Kids. Strong Core Body Boards…
Step into the legacy of bodyboarding with the MOREY® Mini Boogie. As the original bodyboard brand since 1971, Morey brings decades of expertise into this compact, fun-sized board designed specifically for the littlest wave riders. The 21-inch Mini Boogie is ideal for “groms” (young surfers) and toddlers, offering a super lightweight and easy-to-handle introduction to water sports. It’s not just a board; it’s a piece of history for your child to enjoy, making it one of the most charming best boogie boards for kids on the market.
Key Features:
- From The Original Morey Boogie Bodyboard brand, established 1971.
- 21-inch mini size, perfect for very young kids and toddlers.
- Lightweight EPS core for maximum buoyancy and speed.
- Durable XPE deck resists wear and tear, offering comfort.
- HDPE slick bottom for added durability, speed, and smooth gliding.
- Crescent tail design for stability and quick turning.
- Versatile for bodysurfing, kickboarding, or as a mini-board.
Pros:
- Iconic brand known for quality and innovation.
- Perfectly sized for the youngest children, making it very approachable.
- Extremely lightweight and easy for small hands to manage.
- High-quality materials (EPS core, XPE deck, HDPE slick) for performance and durability.
- Versatile for different types of water play.
Cons:
- Its small size means it’s exclusively for very young children and won’t suit older kids or larger waves.
- A leash is not explicitly mentioned as included, which is important for such a small board.
User Impressions: Parents absolutely adore this mini boogie board for their toddlers and preschoolers. It’s seen as the perfect first step into ocean play, with kids finding it incredibly easy to use and carry. The historical significance of the Morey brand is an added bonus for many.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Kids’ Boogie Boards
Q1: How do I choose the right size boogie board for my child?
A: A good rule of thumb is that the board should reach somewhere between your child’s belly button and mid-chest when they stand upright with the board’s nose on the ground. For very young children, a shorter board is easier to control, while older kids might prefer a slightly longer board for more speed and stability.
Q2: What’s the difference between a bodyboard and a boogie board?
A: Technically, “Boogie Board” was originally a brand name by Tom Morey, much like “Kleenex” is for tissues. However, the terms “boogie board” and “bodyboard” are now used interchangeably to refer to the same type of wave-riding board. So, for kids, there’s no practical difference!
Q3: Do kids really need a leash for their boogie board?
A: Absolutely! A leash is essential for safety and convenience. It keeps the board attached to your child’s wrist (or bicep) if they fall off, preventing it from drifting away in the current or crashing into other swimmers. It also makes retrieval much quicker and easier.
Q4: What are the best materials for a kid’s boogie board?
A: For kids, an EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) foam core is ideal because it’s lightweight, buoyant, and affordable. Look for a durable deck material like IXPE or XPE (Cross-linked Polyethylene) and an HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) slick bottom for good glide and impact resistance. Heat-laminated construction adds to overall durability.
Q5: Can my beginner child use any boogie board?
A: While many boards are beginner-friendly, it’s best to choose one specifically designed for children or beginners. These often prioritize stability, ease of handling, and durability over advanced performance features. The right size and an included leash are also crucial for a positive first experience.
Q6: How should I care for my child’s boogie board?
A: After each use, rinse the board with fresh water to remove salt, sand, and chlorine. Dry it thoroughly before storing it in a cool, shaded place. Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight or a hot car for extended periods, as this can cause the board to warp or delaminate.
Q7: What age is appropriate for children to start boogie boarding?
A: Kids can typically start enjoying boogie boarding as early as 3-4 years old, especially with adult supervision in gentle waves. For very young children, a small, lightweight board (like the Morey Mini Boogie) is perfect. As they grow and gain confidence, they can move to larger boards and more challenging waves. Always ensure they are comfortable in the water and wearing appropriate flotation if needed.
Ready to Make a Splash?
Choosing the best boogie boards for kids doesn’t have to be a chore. With these top picks, you’re sure to find a durable, fun, and safe option that will have your little ones shouting with joy as they ride the waves. Remember to prioritize the right size, a good leash, and robust construction for endless hours of seaside enjoyment.
Happy boogie boarding, and here’s to a summer full of fantastic beach memories!