BEST YOUTH PADDLE BOARDS
- BEST AFFORDABLE: THURSO Prodigy 7’6
- BEST FOR 14 YEARS OR OLDER: BLUEFIN Cruise Jr 8′
- BEST FOR REALLY YOUNG PADDLERS: HONU Airlie 8’6
- BEST VALUE AND LIGHTWEIGHT: NIXY Huntington G4 Compact 9’6
- BEST VALUE: GILI Air 10’6
YOUTH PADDLE BOARDS COMPARISON
| PRODUCT | PRICE RANGE | USE | DIMENSIONS | WEIGHT / CAPACITY |
COMES WITH | REVIEW | PRICE | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BEST AFFORDABLE THURSO Prodigy 7’6 |
Medium | All-around | 7′6 x 30″ x 4″ | 19 lbs 80 lbs |
– Duffle bag – Carbon shaft paddle – 3 fins – Leash – No pump – No repair kit |
Jump to Review |
Check Price on ThursoSurf.com |
Check Price on Amazon.com |
BEST FOR 14 YEARS OR OLDER BLUEFIN Cruise Jr 8′ |
Medium | All-around | 8′ x 29″ x 5″ | 22 lbs 265 lbs |
– Backpack – 2-action pump – Fibreglass paddle – Kayak conversion kit – Fin – Leash – No repair kit |
Jump to Review |
Check Price on BluefinSUPboards.com |
Check Price on Amazon.com |
BEST FOR REALLY YOUNG PADDLERS HONU Airlie 8’6 |
Medium | All-around | 8′6 x 27″ x 4.7″ | 11.9 lbs 176 lbs |
– Wheeled-backpack – Pump – Fin – Leash – Repair kit – No paddle |
Jump to Review |
Check Price on HonuBoards.com |
|
BEST VALUE AND LIGHTWEIGHT NIXY Huntington G4 Compact 9’6 |
High | All-around | 9′6 x 32″ x 6″ | 18.75 lbs 250 lbs |
– Wheeled backpack – Carbon shaft paddle – 2-chamber 3-action pump – 3 fins – Leash – Repair kit |
Jump to Review |
Check Price on NixySports.com |
Check Price on Amazon.com |
BEST VALUE GILI Air 10’6 |
Medium | All-around | 10’6 x 31″ x 6″ | 19 lbs 280 lbs |
– Backpack – Aluminum paddle – 2-stage pump – Leash – 3 fins – Repair kit – Valve wrench |
Jump to Review |
Check Price on GiliSports.com |
Check Price on Amazon.com |
Contents
YOUTH PADDLE BOARDS REVIEWS
THURSO Prodigy 7’6
BEST AFFORABLE
| WHAT I LIKE | WHAT I DON’T LIKE |
|---|---|
| – Very easy to maneuver around. – Very stable. – Really nice-looking board. – Reasonably priced. – Very helpful for helping youth learn more simple and advanced techniques. – Extremely well built. – Side paddle holder helps your kid avoid losing its paddle. | – Comes with no pump. Not a big deal since parents usually have one. – Its limited tracking makes it not good for touring. – Heavy, compared to similarly-shaped kids iSUPs. – The kit paddle is a little bit bulky and heavy for very small size paddlers. – I would prefer a larger center fin for better tracking. |
IDEAL CHOICE FOR:
- Beginners kids and youth looking for a stable board to learn on.
- Youth playing in the waves.
- Youth and kids that want to do lots of different types of SUP activities.
- Youth and children looking for a bit of turning fast.
GREAT IN/FOR:
- Flat water.
- Light chop.
QUICK SPECS
- Price range: Medium
- Use: All-around
- Dimensions: 7′6 x 30″ x 4″
- Weight: 19 lbs
- Weight capacity: 80 lbs
- Comes with: Duffle bag, Carbon shaft paddle, 3 fins, Leash, No pump, No repair kit
TODAY’S PRICE
THURSO Prodigy 7’6 REVIEW
- GLIDE & SPEED
The THURSO Prodigy 7’6 is easier to paddle and much faster.
- STABILITY
The extra width that this board has over other kids’ paddle boards makes it more than stable enough to help your kid feel safe, steady, and comfortable.
- TRACKING
Due to the short 7’6’’ length of this youth SUP, it is tricky to maintain a straight line in the water.
This is not a big deal since most youth and children use their board for recreational use.
If you are touring with your kid, you can quite easily attach a little tow line.
- MANEUVERABILITY
The shorter length of the THURSO Prodigy 7’6 makes it easy and quick to turn around by children and youth.
- EASE OF TRANSPORT
When deflated, the duffel bag is more than enough to comfortably carry everything by a kid, child, or small adult.
The three cushy and soft grab handles in this board make it easy to carry it to and from the water
- EASE OF INFLATION
Inflating this only 7’6 long and 4’’ thick board will be easy for an adult to do, especially if you use a dual-chamber triple-action pump.
- ACCESSORIES
Unfortunately, the Prodigy 7’6 does not include a pump or repair kit.
Starting with the kit paddle, its carbon shaft makes it lightweight and the nylon blade is durable, making it good for youth abuse.
Another great thing about this paddle is that it also floats, giving your little paddler some time to recover it before it sinks.
The kit duffel bag is of quality and has a big zip opening and enough room to fit even a deflated SUP board with little air in it.
The fins use the simple-to-install snap-lock system and are both well made.
The kit coiled leash keeps the board close to your kid when he falls off into the water.
BLUEFIN Cruise Jr 8′
BEST FOR 14 YEARS OR OLDER
| WHAT I LIKE | WHAT I DON’T LIKE |
|---|---|
| – Reliable. – Great value. – High quality and nearly unbreakable. – Very stable. – Grows with your kid with its high weight capacity. – Kick pad for advanced turning techniques. – Includes part to be converted into a SUP kayak. – 5-year warranty on the board and 1-year warranty on the accessories. – Incredible customer service. | – Paddle has no length indicator on it. |
IDEAL CHOICE FOR:
- For 14 years or older kids.
GREAT IN/FOR:
- Flat water.
- Light chop.
QUICK SPECS
- Price range: Medium
- Use: All-around
- Dimensions: 8′ x 29″ x 5″
- Weight: 22 lbs
- Weight capacity: 265 lbs
- Comes with: Backpack, 2-action pump, Fibreglass paddle, Kayak conversion kit, Fin, Leash, No repair kit.
TODAY’S PRICE
BLUEFIN Cruise Jr 8′ REVIEW
- GLIDE & SPEED
The BLUEFIN Cruise Jr 8′ has a decent speed on the water.
- STABILITY
This board is very stable for children and youth.
- TRACKING
The BLUEFIN Cruise Jr 8′ tracks well on flats.
- MANEUVERABILITY
If your child cannot maneuver obstacles and others on this board, he can use the kick pad for sharp and quick carving turns.
- EASE OF TRANSPORT
The board weighs 22lbs, so it can be not that hard to carry for a child if you provide some help.
But it still depends largely on his age and size.
- EASE OF INFLATION
Inflating this board using the kit hand pump takes just over 3 minutes from an adult, but it remains a pre-workout.
- ACCESSORIES
The package is very complete (see list above).
The kid backpack is very comfortable with its extra back and strap padding. It also has webbing reinforced zippers.
Unfortunately, this backpack does not have wheels for easy pulling.
The paddle fiberglass shaft makes it very strong and durable. It can also be used as a kayak paddle.
The included hand pump is double-stage, meaning it can provide air on the downstroke and upstroke.
The package includes a kayak seat, that your kid can use if he gets tired on the water and wants to enjoy nature.
You also get a removable fin and a safety leash.
HONU Airlie 8’6
BEST FOR REALLY YOUNG PADDLERS
| WHAT I LIKE | WHAT I DON’T LIKE |
|---|---|
| – Extremely lightweight. – Easy to control. – Durable and solid construction using X-Woven and fused dropstitch material. – performs well in most conditions. – Very easy to carry. – Tracks great. – Easy to inflate. – Not sluggish. – 2 years of free repairs on top of its 2-year warranty. | – Package doesn’t include a paddle. However, you can bundle it for a 20% discount. |
IDEAL CHOICE FOR:
- Really young paddlers.
- Youth and kids who want to totally be independent by carrying/inflating their own paddle board.
GREAT IN/FOR:
- Flat water.
- Small waves.
QUICK SPECS
- Price range: Medium
- Use: All-around
- Dimensions: 8′6 x 27″ x 4.7″
- Weight: 11.9 lbs
- Weight capacity: 176 lbs
- Comes with: Wheeled-backpack, Pump, Fin, Leash, Repair kit, No paddle
TODAY’S PRICE
HONU Airlie 8’6 REVIEW
- TRACKING
The large center fin combined with 8’6 of board length offers great tracking in the water.
- EASE OF TRANSPORT
Weighing only 11.9 lbs, carrying this board on the shoulder will be very easy for youth.
- EASE OF INFLATION
Inflating a board only 4.7″ thick and 8′6 in length is doable for kids and youth and can be easy and fast for adults, especially if they use a dual-chamber triple-action hand pump.
- ACCESSORIES
The HONU Airlie 8’6 comes with everything except a paddle. However, you can bundle it for a 20% discount.
The bag you get with this package has wheels for easy pulling as a trolley if your child got tired after paddling.
The hand pump is a single-chamber dual-stage one with a built-in pressure gauge to never overinflate your board.
You also get a safety leash, a large tracking fin, and a repair kit.
NIXY Huntington G4 Compact 9’6
BEST VALUE AND LIGHTWEIGHT
| WHAT I LIKE | WHAT I DON’T LIKE |
|---|---|
| – Comes with an extremely lightweight paddle. – Solid construction. – Top-notch set of accessories. – Rich with action mounts. – D-rings for attaching an optional kayak seat. – Great value for the money. | – Nothing. |
IDEAL CHOICE FOR:
- Parents looking for a youth easy-to-carry lightweight paddle board.
- Parents seeking a great-value iSUP with best rated SUP accessories for their child and youth.
GREAT IN/FOR:
- Flat water.
- Recreational SUP paddling.
- Ocean calm water.
QUICK SPECS
- Price range: High
- Use: All-around
- Dimensions: 9′6 x 32″ x 6″
- Weight: 18.75 lbs
- Weight capacity: 250 lbs
- Comes with: Wheeled backpack, Carbon shaft paddle, 2-chamber 3-action pump, 3 fins, Leash, Repair kit
TODAY’S PRICE
NIXY Huntington G4 Compact 9’6 REVIEW*
*this review is based on adult use.
- GLIDE & SPEED
This board glides fairly well, accelerates fast but has a slow speed.
- STABILITY
For youth, the NIXY Huntington G4 9’6 is very stable.
- TRACKING
This board lack in terms of keeping a straight line in the water.
- MANEUVERABILITY
The length and width of this board make it fairly maneuverable through obstacles.
- EASE OF TRANSPORT
Weighing only 18.75 lbs, this board is easy to carry on the shoulder.
If your child got tired after paddling, he still has the backpack wheels for easy pulling as a trolley.
- EASE OF INFLATION
Inflating this board by adults, using the included hand pump takes about 6 minutes and is quite a workout.
For youth, I expect it to be 10 to 15 minutes if they can complete it themselves.
- ACCESSORIES
NIXY Huntington G4 9’6 package includes everything needed (see list above) for your to start having fun on the water.
I very much like the kit paddle, it only weighs 25 oz, helping youth paddle more before start feeling tired.
The included hand pump is amongst the best hand pumps in the market with its dual-chamber triple-action feature, a built-in pressure gauge to avoid overinflating, and removable handles/foldable legs for easy storage.
The backpack that comes with the NIXY Huntington G4 9’6 is big enough to fits everything inside, comfortable, and durable.
You also get a safety leash and a repair kit.
GILI Air 10’6
BEST VALUE
| WHAT I LIKE | WHAT I DON’T LIKE |
|---|---|
| – Durable construction. – Easy to carry. – Feels good on the water. – Plenty of storage room. – Includes everything needed. – Nice and clean look. – You purchase means a donation toward saving the ocean. | – For its price, I don’t expect to get an aluminum kit paddle that is heavy. – Paddle and pump logo fades off with time. – The deck pad area without grooves may feel less grippy. |
IDEAL CHOICE FOR:
- Youth looking for top rated paddle board without breaking the bank.
- Parents looking for an easy to carry iSUP for their kid and children.
- Adventures SUPers seeking a reliable SUP that can be shared with their kids or children.
GREAT IN/FOR:
- Recreational paddling in flat water.
- Calm ocean.
- Very small wave surfing.
QUICK SPECS
- Price range: Medium
- Use: All-around
- Dimensions: 10’6 x 31″ x 6″
- Weight: 19 lbs
- Weight capacity: 280 lbs
- Comes with: Backpack, Aluminum paddle, 2-stage pump, Leash, 3 fins, Repair kit, Valve Wrench
TODAY’S PRICE
GILI Air 10’6 REVIEW*
*this review is based on adult use.
- GLIDE & SPEED
This board glides gracefully and faster than expected.
- STABILITY
Gili Air 10’6 has enough stability for youth and kids.
His tendency to flex a bit helps almost absorb the chop.
- TRACKING
With the 9-inch center fin and its shape, this board tracks well in the water.
- MANEUVERABILITY
The Gili Air 10’6 is fairly well at avoiding obstacles.
- EASE OF TRANSPORT
If your kid or child is able to use the waist belt and the well-padded bag back and straps, carrying everything shoulder will be comfortable.
It would be great to have wheels on the bottom of the backpack to easily pull as a trolley, which is very useful for youth.
- EASE OF INFLATION
Inflating the GILI Air 10’6 isn’t terrible for a large adult and takes about 10 minutes.
For youth, I expect it to be around 15 minutes.
- ACCESSORIES
The GILI Air 10’6 comes with everything (see list above) right out of the box.
With a shaft made out of aluminum, the paddle you get feels very solid durable and is good as a beginner SUP paddle.
The kit pump is able to inflate the board on the downstroke and upstroke, with a built-in pressure gauge to never overinflate your board.
The upgraded kit backpack has now a well-padded back pad and straps, and a dedicated fin pocket it becomes amongst the best SUP backpacks.
You also get a safety leash, a repair kit, and a valve wrench.
HELPFUL ARTICLES
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST YOUTH PADDLE BOARD
STABILITY
This is very important, especialyl in a youth paddle board because feeling comfortable on the board helps a lot with learning.
The wider a board is the more stable it will be.
For kids and children, I recommend you board with widths equal or above 28’’.
BOARD WEIGHT
Generally speacking, the lighter the board the easier it can be carried by youth but the less weight capacity it can support.
DECK PAD
Deck pad is what let your kid feel comfortable while sittingor kneeling.
What I recommend in terms of deck pads is EVA foam with grooves, its comfortable and non-slippery.
FAQ
My Best Paddle Board for 14 years or olde is …
For 14 years or older, I recommend the BLUEFIN Cruise Jr 8′.
For a medium price, you get a very stable and easy to maneuver and extremely well built paddle board that is very helpful for helping youth learn on.
My Best Paddle Board for Really Young Paddlers is …
It’s hard to look past HONU Airlie 8’6.
For a fair price, you get an extremely lightweight board that is easy to control, very easy to carry, and uses a durable and solid construction that performs well in most conditions.
Updated on January 4, 2022 by Ben
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