Did your kid come to our surf camp and now has been nagging you for their own board? Or they want to join you on the water. You may be left wondering what are the best surfboards for kids? Here are some of our recommendations broken down by age group.

Surfboards for Kids Under 5

When it comes to kids under 5, it’s important that they are comfortable in the water and can confidently swim. If not, get them in swim lessons before attempting to surf. Once they can swim and are comfortable in the water, they will need to learn the basics of surfing, which includes paddling.

We recommend kids under five, get a good bodyboard to start with. This will help them master the skill of paddling, while also being able to easily carry their own board.

The Bo Toys 33” Bodyboard is a great board for younger kids. It’s lightweight, solid and affordable. Affordability is key. The last thing you want to do is waste money on an expensive board just for your little one to lose interest.

Surfboards for Kids Under 12

After your kid has mastered the art of paddling and are confident in the water, they are ready to make the jump from a. bodyboard to a full surfboard. Don’t run out and buy the first board you see. It’s important to account for the size of the board and the weight. Although longboards provide better balance and are easier to learn on, they may be harder for your kids to carry around, so you will want opt for a short board to start.

We highly recommend Liquid Shredder boards. These are what we use for all of our lessons. The soft foam boards are designed for novice surfers. They allow for surfers to hone their skills without risking injury. They are also lighter to carry, so your little one won’t be stuck lugging around a board twice their size.

We also recommend the Wave Bandit Shred Sled and Shred Sled Mini. The Shred Sled is a 48” board designed for kids ready to take the next step in their surfing journey. The board is lightweight and affordable. If your kid isn’t quite ready to make this step and still wants to stick to the bodyboard, the Shred Sled Mini is a great option. The Mini can be used as a kickboard, bodyboard, or skimboard and has no fins. It is affordable, priced at less than $40.

Best Surfboards for Teens

When it comes to teen surfboards, you’ll want a board that adapts with them as they grow. You’ll also want something that is durable and still relatively lightweight. After all, we know teens don’t necessarily treat things with the utmost of care.

The Bug Mini board from Ocean and Earth is a great board for both young kids and teens alike. The board comes in a variety of sizes including 4’0” (for kids weighing up to 66 pounds), 4’8” (for kids weighing up to 88 pounds), 5’2” (for kids weighing up to 121 pounds), and 5’6” (for kids weighing up to 143 pounds). The Bug Mini is stable, safe and durable. Even though they are short, they pack volume, making them easy to paddle and float.

Another good option for bigger teens is the Odysea Skipper from Catch Surf. The Odysea Skipper comes in 5’6”, 6’0”, and 6’6” lengths, making it a good board for more advanced surfers. It comes in a thruster and a quad set up with a fish shape, allowing for speed and precise turns. It has tons of float and easy for wave catching.

Don’t just rush out and buy any board for your kid. Make sure you do your research and find the best board that fits their age, size and their skillset. Hopefully this guide helps. Feel free to chat with any of our instructors about the best boards for your kid.