10 Reasons to Choose a Stand Up Paddleboard Designed For Kids

Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) has seen significant growth in recent years and the market for children’s paddleboards is no exception. Promoted as a fun and family-friendly activity for everyone to enjoy, SUP as a recreational watersport resonates strongly with families looking for shared outdoor experiences, leading to a growing demand and an increase in purchases of paddleboards designed specifically for children.

Photo by picsbykimoverpelt via MOAI

One thing is certain when introducing kids to stand-up paddleboarding – they will inevitably take over your board! However, it quickly becomes apparent that even the classic 10’6 all-around adult designs can be too wide and difficult for kids to manoeuvre.

Hi Pleuni, the SUP board market for kids still seems relatively small. When did you first notice this gap?

The SUP market for kids is still relatively small but growing. Most of our customers are recreational SUPpers including families that usually take their board with them on a holiday to  enjoy the water with the whole family. As the SUP market is growing and the sport is becoming more and more popular, we’ve noticed that these families would love to be on the water together with their kids and take longer SUP tours together with their children. An adult SUP board is simply too big for smaller children to paddle independently for longer distances. So a kid’s SUP is ideal for these younger users.

Could you tell us more about the MOAI Kids Board 8’2?

The MOAI 8’2 board is a fun design for children. Most boards aimed at kids on the market have adult designs on them. We choose to create a product for children, something that is fun for them to see and to use. The MOAI kids SUP is a full package including aluminium paddle in child size, pump and backpack for a competitive price.

What are the key features you focus on when making a stand-up paddleboard suitable for kids compared to adult boards.

Boards for kids should be of a good quality, come in a complete package but most of all, kids should love the design.

Let’s go bananas! At MOAI, you place a strong emphasis on design, and the kids’ board is no exception.

Yes, for us design is one of our USPs (unique selling points) that makes MOAI different compared to lot of other players on the market. We think quality is the most important thing but then comes the design. Our customers love our boards because we offer a complete lifestyle experience, not just a stand-up paddleboard.

Here are the top 10 reasons for getting a paddleboard specially designed for children:

1.Size and Weight

Boards designed specially for kids are smaller and lighter, making them easier for children to carry, maneuver and control both on and off the water. With technological innovation in the industry, improvements in materials and design have made stand-up paddleboards more accessible for children. Lighter and more durable materials ensure that boards are easy for kids to carry and handle, encouraging more parents to consider investing in them.

The average sizes of paddleboards for kids typically range from 8 to 10 feet in length, 28 to 30 inches in width and 4 to 5 inches in thickness.

2.Safety

As awareness of the sport grows, there is a greater emphasis on safety and proper training for children. Kid-specific paddleboards feature softer construction, including rails and deck, aimed at reducing the risk of injuries. Boards can come with a tail kick pad to allow more movement on the board and a change of stance.

3.Enhanced stability and performance

Optimized shape, width and volume distribution provide better stability which is crucial for beginners and younger paddlers. Additional board features may include a nose rocker that prevents the front of the board (nose) from going underwater when paddling in small bumps or chop.

Photo by picsbykimoverpelt via MOAI

4.Fit for purpose paddles

Kid-friendly boards come with smaller, lighter and adjustable paddles that are easier for children to handle, ensuring a better paddling experience. Using suitable paddles can significantly impact skill development and a proper paddling technique.

5.Fun designs

Kid-specific boards often feature colourful and fun designs making the activity more engaging. Cool and eye-catching designs allow children to express their personalities and preferences, creating a sense of ownership over their gear. Vibrant and recognizable designs can enhance visibility on the water, promoting safety by making children more visible to other users.

6.Durability

Kid-friendly boards are often built to withstand the rough handling that is common with children, ensuring longevity and value.

7.Cost-effectiveness

Kid-specific boards are typically more budget-friendly compared to adult models. As children grow and their skills improve, parents can easily upgrade their gear without making a substantial initial investment.

8.Ease of learning

With board parameters tailored to their size and strength, kids can learn the basics of paddleboarding more swiftly and with greater enjoyment.

9.Confidence building & progression

Using equipment that fits well and is easy to control boosts children’s confidence, encouraging them to continue improving their skills. Consistent progression can motivate children to persist in practicing the discipline and pursue SUP activities such as joining a local SUP Club and advanced training programmes with introduction to SUP racing, that help them achieve the next level.

10.Physical activity & athletic development

The growing focus on health and fitness for children has led parents to seek out active, outdoor activities like paddleboarding. SUP has been widely recognised for its benefits in improving balance, strength, and coordination, making it an attractive option. Kid-friendly paddleboards make the sport more accessible and enjoyable, promoting a healthy, active lifestyle from a young age.

Stand-up paddleboarding helps children develop physical fitness, including strength, balance, endurance, and coordination. It also enhances mental skills such as focus, determination, and strategic thinking.

With the rise of SUP clubs focusing on youth training programmes and racing, the competitive side of stand-up paddleboarding for kids is gaining momentum with amazing talent in junior divisions emerging on the Italian, Spanish or Polish SUP scene, to name just few.

For aspiring young paddlers, junior competitions can serve as a stepping stone to a professional career in SUP. Success in youth competitions can potentially lead to opportunities in higher-level races and sponsorship deals as they advance in the sport.

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