The Best Kids’ Boogie Boards for Starting Out a Future Surfer

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We are knee-deep in boogie board season, and if your kids are anything like mine, they’re going to want to hit those waves ASAP. Getting your little ones a good boogie board that’s big enough for growing bodies but doesn’t overpower them is crucial for fun (and safe) wave chasing.

What to Consider

Generally, boogie boards from 33 inches to 37 inches are standard for kids, although they can get up to 48 inches as your kid becomes a teen. They're typically made of a foam core with a sturdy fiber exterior and a bottom that's slick to the touch, keeping them light and durable — even though it's likely they're going to get pretty banged-up over the summers, it's just the nature of the beast.

These coatings, core materials, and even the process of manufacturing can really affect the quality of your boogie board. But this becomes important really only if your child is either out on the beach every single day of the summer or if they’re more competitive with the sport. Most kids’ boogie boards are right around the $30 to $50 range and completely serviceable at that price point, so much of your choice will come down to size and style.

A Note on Safety

If you poke around, you'll also see inflatable boogie boards, but steer clear of those as they aren't meant for the ocean. They're really just flotation devices for the pool or a pond, and they can't take the surf, nor should they be brought to the beach. And one more safety tip: Boogie boards should only be used by extra-strong swimmers under parental supervision. It's an open-water sport, so vigilance is key for safety.

I'm a self-confessed boogie board fanatic, taking one out on the water when I hit up beaches near Brooklyn, NY. Relying on that experience, I've compiled a list of kids’ boogie boards that will keep your children in the surf instead of dodging seagulls on the beach.

Super Lightweight Bodyboard

Whether your kid plans on going boogie boarding in the ocean, river, pool, or water park, this durable kids' boogie board has super buoyancy and is our best overall pick for various water activities.

Not only is this model available in multiple sizes, but it's also available in multiple patterns. The deck of the bodyboard is made of XPE, which is a cross-linked polyethylene material known for its shock-absorbing properties. The interior of the board is extruded polystyrene (EP), which is durable but also affordable. The bottom of the board is HDPE, a high-density polyethylene that's slick and slippery, and able to cut through those waves.

The wrist strap has some give, but it's not like a bungee cord that's going to shrink back and wallop your kid in the face with the board. (Often, the waves will do this the most.)

More: These Beach Toys Will Keep Your Kids Happy All Summer

Body Board with Wrist Leash

Here's the thing: Sometimes, you just want something economical. We get that — and that's exactly what makes this kids' boogie board so great. It's lightweight and has a high-density EPS core, making it great for all types of water and waves. It's nothing fancy, but if your kid has never tried the sport, and you don't know if they'll like it or not? Save yourself the cash on a premium board and quite literally test the waters with this budget-friendly board.

Lightweight Bodyboard

Here's the thing: Sometimes, you just want something economical. We get that — and that's exactly what makes this kids' boogie board so great. It's lightweight and has a high-density EPS core and poly top. It's nothing fancy, but if your kid has never tried the sport, and you don't know if they'll like it or not? Save yourself the cash on a premium board and quite literally test the waters with this budget-friendly board.

Bodyboard

If you look up the Platonian ideal for a boogie board, it looks just like this one. It has a nice, deep tail, great ridges, a strap that's sturdy and easy to use, and it comes in varying sizes and colors.

Straight out of the box, this board is ready to go with a slick HDPE slick bottom and poly core. It's light and easy to use. (And it's also a brand that is frequently sold or rented at the beaches for a lot more coin, so hop on this deal.)

Heat Sealed Legendary Pro X Bodyboard

Your kid will be feeling hang-10 vibes thanks to this stiffer, faster boogie board that comes in multiple sizes. While it’s made of similar materials to other bodyboards — polyethylene-based products — this board is heat-sealed to make it stiffer and less prone to surface and layer bubbling.

Skull Body Board

Your kids will absolutely kill those waves with this skull-themed boogie board. Available in 37- and 41-inch lengths, this board is great for the tween in your life who wants a board for a baddie with a slick HDPE bottom, XPE top, and easy-to-attach strap.

Lightweight Body Board

Do your younger barracudas want to hit the waves, but many of the boards they've tried are too big and bulky? This 33-inch, lightweight, shallow-depth board is just for them. It has a poly core and slick base, with comfortable rails for maximum maneuverability.

Bodyboard with Premium Wrist Leash

Your kids will love the shape of this board, which will feel very natural and intuitive for them. It's a slimmer shape with a shallower board, making for easy gripping with their hands and legs. It has an XPE deck and EPS core, and it comes in multiple colors and sizes.

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