Had started a thread a while ago when I was considering the O&E "Spud" for my kids, age 8 and 10. I am back on the topic, but I think the Spud is out of the question, it really is an ugly shape and I don't see it paddling well.

The youngest paddled on my 8'2 NSP/DC the other day and she went really well on it, am leaning towards something of a more traditional shape. Main question is, will there be much benefit in going for a dedicated kids board (say, 70L x 24" wide) over a secondhand surf sup of 100L x 29-30" wide?

It is hard to ignore the obvious benefit in getting something that I would like to surf also (a secondhand minion perhaps, if I thought it would paddle flatwater with the kids ok), but ultimately it will be the kids board and that will be my priority.

Thanks,
Scott.

Ocean And Earth 7"6 Squeeze

carbine said..
If I was a 10yr old kid I would feel embarrassed with a spud.

Ha, so true mate! It is also in the back of my mind that I will be the one carrying it....

If you want to paddle flatwater what about the Gulliver 9.6ft x 23" race board, I've had my 60kg girlfriend on one with the 6kg dog, I was pushing it at 78kg

Towny said..
If you want to paddle flatwater what about the Gulliver 9.6ft x 23" race board, I've had my 60kg girlfriend on one with the 6kg dog, I was pushing it at 78kg

Hadn't really considered a raceboard style to be honest, I think that might come later if they are still keen.

Brenno said..
My daughter is a bit older but loves my minion. Speed and stability.
I have flogged it and don't really mind if it gets dinged, she couldn't do any worse than I have!

cheers mate - how does it paddle for her in flatwater?

Scott79 said..
What do you mean by "The ugly is actually efficient"??

the parallel outline (compared to the sleek "pumpkin seed" outline) may be ugly but it paddles extremely well, without row..
it also allows for a narrower board, important for small kids, otherwise they tend to have the paddle shaft very far from vertical, adding a lot of row.

Mind you, I never saw a spud in the flesh (in the foam?), just pictures.

How about a 7'11 Evoke ?

Am still looking, has anyone tried the Bic 8'4?
23 1/4" wide, 72L, obviously touted as a kids board. It is a bit heavier than I would have preferred, but I know they are super durable, and it won't break the bank....

Thanks,
Scott.

Thanks to all, I ended up getting a second hand Fanatic Ripper.
It is definitely a bit bigger than what I was hoping for, but I am sure it will serve the kids well for a few years until they are ready to progress a bit further.

Thanks,
Scott.