In a recent post, I researched over 26 brands of paddleboards are determined what I thought were the absolute best paddleboards for adults. But what are the best paddleboards for kids? What should we look for when purchasing paddleboards for kids?

Just like with paddleboards for adults, my first priority for paddleboards for kids is quality. I don’t want the paddleboard springing a leak the first time it touches the water.

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Here are my Inflatable Paddle Board Must-Haves for Kids Paddleboards:

1. Durability

It must have a 2-year warranty. As I see it, any company that included a 2-year warranty must feel confident in their product’s durability. I also wanted the inflatable to have fantastic reviews attesting to great durability, convenience, and portability.

Side note: High-quality inflatable boards are often more durable than hard boards. In fact, I noticed many brands offer a 2-year warranty for their inflatables while only offering a 1-year warranty for their hardboard counterparts.

2. Backpack, Paddle, Leash, and Pump Must Be Included

If I am getting an inflatable I think it should come with a backpack. The backpack and pump are part of what gives a PORTABLE inflatable its identity. You need these things for an inflatable paddleboard to perform as it is intended to perform-as a PORTABLE paddleboard.

I also think the paddleboard should be lightweight so that it’s easy for a child to carry. Inflatable paddleboards are compact and often easier for children to manage.

The Best Paddleboard for Kids

Based on these essential criteria, the Bluefin Cruise Jr and the iRocker Nautical Kids are the best paddleboards for kids.

The iRocker Nautical for Kids

If you have read any of my past paddleboard reviews then you know that iRocker is one of my favorite paddleboard companies. Fortunately iRocker makes a fantastic option specifically designed for children. The NAUTICAL Kids inflatable paddle board is made to be stable, safe, and maneuverable. It is also less expensive than some of the adult paddleboards, so it’s a perfect option for kids who will eventually grow taller and convert to an Adult Paddleboard.

The Bluefin Cruise Jr

The Bluefin, with its military-grade PVC construction, includes a 5-year warranty! Now that is some warranty! The Bluefins comes with a backpack, paddle, and pump.

This paddleboard comes with D-rings for attaching and even comes with a SUP kayak attachment seat!

Everything is constructed with children in mind. The board is easy lightweight and easy to maneuver. Thanks to the fiberglass material, the paddles are 45% lighter than standard paddles, and it floats. The backpack is scaled-down so kids can wear them with ease and comfort.

The lightweight paddles are a big plus. Before our daughter had her own board, we rented one. While she handled the board just fine, she struggled with the heavy paddles.

Can you Get An Adult Paddleboard for Older Kids?

If you have an older child and taller child, you may want to consider an adult board. Our 12-year-old son wanted one of the higher-end boards, so he got the Blackfin. He loves it! It is a little heavy, so if your child is smaller, this board might be difficult for him or her to carry. Our son has no trouble carrying it short distances.

If you are looking for an adult board for younger children, consider getting them a lightweight board. Our 8-year-old daughter has a High Society Board. It’s a lighter adult board. She handles the board well in the water and can carry the backpack with the board on land. Even though the bag is big, it’s still lightweight. It’s pretty funny to watch her carry the giant backpack, but she can do it.

The reason we got her this paddleboard instead of the Bluefin Cruise Jr is simple. The High Society happened to sell for a HUGE discount just before Christmas. Her board doesn’t have as many bells and whistles (i.e. accessory attachment points). Since it is lighter, it also can’t hold as much weight. We attach our speakers and store our cooler on our paddleboard, she doesn’t need a heavy-duty board with lots of attachments.

She absolutely loves it and even put her own touch on the board by adding waterproof stickers to it.

Her board works perfectly for her; still, if I am being objective I would say the Bluefin Cruise Jr. is the best paddleboard for kids.