If you’ve got a little wave chaser in the family, you’ll know one thing for sure—the right surfboard can make all the difference. Get it wrong, and you risk frustration (or worse, fear). Get it right, and you’re setting them up for years of stoke.
Here’s the deal:
- A board that’s too heavy? They’ll struggle just getting it to the water.
- Too small or unstable? Cue nose dives and frustration.
- Too hard? One solid knock and they may never want to paddle out again.
But don’t stress—there’s a board out there for every young surfer, from wide-eyed beginners just figuring out whitewater to fearless tweens charging their first green waves. In this guide, we’ll help you find the best surfboards for kids at every stage of their surfing journey.
Table of Contents
What to Look For in a Kid’s Surfboard
Before we dive into specific board types, here are the four big things that actually matter when choosing a surfboard for your child:
1. Safety
Soft tops are your best friend when kids are starting out. They’re gentler on impact (for both the rider and nearby surfers) and help reduce wipeout-related drama.
2. Carryability
If your kid can’t carry their own board, surfing becomes a chore—for both of you. Lighter boards encourage independence and build confidence.
3. Stability
A stable board helps kids pop up sooner and ride longer. Look for extra volume and width, especially in beginner boards—it’s all about getting more waves, more easily.
4. Toughness
Kids aren’t exactly gentle on their gear. Their board needs to take some knocks—on the sand, in the car, and during the inevitable garage wipeout.
Now, let’s break it down by skill level.
Beginner Surfboards (Ages 4–10)
Focus: Safety, Stability, and Fun
1. Catch Surf Odysea Mini 5’0” or Skipper 6’0”
Why it helps:
Catch Surf knows how to make foam boards fun. With bold colors, soft tops, and wide outlines, these boards are perfect for tiny groms learning to stand up and ride whitewater.
What we loved:
- Super lightweight and soft for safety
- Easy paddling and early takeoffs
- Durable build that handles rough play
Perfect for:
Young kids catching their first waves. The Mini 5’0” is great for short sessions, while the Skipper 6’0” offers more glide and stability.
Parent tip: These boards are light enough for kids to carry themselves—and that’s a win in itself.
Visit catchsurf.com
2. Softech Roller (5’6″ – 6’6″)
Why it helps:
The Roller blends soft-top safety with better design and real fins. A wide nose and thick rails make pop-ups easy, while the FCS fin system lets you upgrade as skills improve.
What we loved:
- Super stable platform for learning
- Soft deck with a slick bottom for speed
- FCS fins = better turning and tuning
Perfect for:
Beginner groms who are gaining confidence and want a board that grows with them.
Parent tip: Go with the 6’6″ if your child is taller or needs extra volume early on.
Visit www.softechsoftboards.com
3. Softlite Chop Stick (5’6″ – 6’6″)
Trusted Aussie brand with a focus on beginner and intermediate surfers.
Why it helps:
Softlite’s boards are super durable and made for surf school conditions. The Chop Stick is soft, stable, and more responsive than budget big-box brands.
Why we like it:
- Heat-laminated, no-peel finish
- Great grip and soft rails
- Reputable surf school choice across Aus/NZ
Perfect for: Kids aged 6–10 learning to pop up and ride straight on whitewash, with enough quality to keep progressing.
Visit www.softlite.com.au
Intermediate Surfboards (Ages 8–14)
Focus: Control, Confidence, and Progression
4. Ocean & Earth Ezi-Rider 5’6” or 6’0”
Why it helps:
A true hybrid between beginner and performance. With more shape than basic foamies, the Ezi-Rider is perfect for kids learning to trim, turn, and ride down the line.
What we loved:
- Wide, stable deck for balance
- Tough core for frequent use
- Great in small to medium waves
Perfect for:
Groms who’ve outgrown their first board and want something more capable but still safe.
Parent tip: This board helps bridge the gap between softies and hardboards, especially for kids transitioning to green waves.
Visit oceanandearth.co.nz
5. Mick Fanning Little Marley Softboard
Why it helps:
The Little Marley is short, wide, and fast—designed to get kids turning, trimming, and loving small waves. With a soft deck and high-performance shape, it’s the perfect board to bridge the gap between foamie and hardboard.
What we loved:
- Short and skatey for rail work
- Soft-top safety with real surfboard feel
- Designed by Mick Fanning, tested by families worldwide
Perfect for:
Confident beginners or early intermediates ready to go beyond the whitewash and start surfing down the line.
Parent tip: This board performs, lasts, and holds its resale value well. A smart step-up choice.
Visit mickfanningsoftboards.com
Advanced Surfboards (Ages 10+ with solid skills)
Focus: Performance, Progression, and Style
6. Firewire Sci-Fi Grom or Slater Designs Grom Boards
Why it helps:
Built with the same high-performance construction as adult boards, but sized for kids. Epoxy construction makes them light and fast, while the design supports aggressive turns and critical surfing.
What we loved:
- Scaled-down pro models
- Light but durable
- Fast and highly responsive
Perfect for:
Young surfers who are confident in solid waves and ready to push their limits.
Parent tip: These aren’t just kids’ boards—they’re legit high-performance machines for rising stars.
Visit firewiresurfboards.com
7. JS Industries Monsta 10 Youth
Designed as part of JS’s Youth Series, the Monsta 10 Yout is a performance shortboard tuned for younger, lighter surfers who are ready to step up. With proven pedigree in the adult Monsta series, this grom version is all about fun, flow, and progression.
What we loved:
- High-performance shape scaled for youth
- Lower volume for easier duck diving and tighter turns
- Built to handle serious surf without overwhelming smaller surfers
Perfect for:
Young surfers transitioning into more powerful waves or starting to compete. It’s future-focused and fun-focused—a proper step-up board for serious groms.
Parent tip: If your kid is ripping and ready for more than a foamie, this is the kind of board that keeps the stoke alive and the skills growing.
Visit jsindustries.com
Final Tips for Parents
- Size up for beginners: More foam = more waves. Don’t worry if it seems “too big” at first.
- Involve your kid in the choice: Let them pick the color or style—they’re more likely to love it.
- Go used or rent before upgrading: Groms grow fast, and tastes change quickly.
- Safety gear counts: Don’t forget a proper-fitting leash, rashie, and sunscreen.
Summary Table
| Skill Level | Recommended Boards | Length Range | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | Catch Surf, Softech, Olaian | 5’0”–6’6” | Soft, stable, fun |
| Intermediate | Ocean & Earth, Mick Fanning | 5’6”–6’0” | Tough, maneuverable |
| Advanced | Firewire Grom, JS Youth Series | 4’10”–5’6” | Light, responsive, high-performance |
Whether your kid is just starting out or already dreaming of CT glory, the right board makes all the difference. Keep it fun, keep it safe, and remember—the best surfer is the one having the most fun.