Kids’ Surfboard Size Calculator
Here’s a comprehensive table summarizing all you need to know about Kids’ Surfboard Sizes:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Age Range | Typically 5-16 years old |
| General Rule | Board length = Child’s height + 6-12 inches |
| Volume Calculation | (Weight in kg) x (2.0 to 2.5) = Recommended volume in liters |
| Beginner Board Length | 6’0″ to 8’0″ soft-top or foam board |
| Intermediate Board Length | 5’6″ to 7’0″ funboard or fish |
| Advanced Board Length | 5’0″ to 6’6″ shortboard |
| 5-7 Years Old | 5’6″ to 6’6″ soft-top or foam board |
| 8-10 Years Old | 6’0″ to 7’0″ soft-top, foam board, or funboard |
| 11-13 Years Old | 6’6″ to 7’6″ funboard or shortboard |
| 14-16 Years Old | 6’0″ to 7’0″ shortboard or funboard |
| Width Consideration | Generally 19-21 inches for beginners, 18-20 inches for intermediates |
| Thickness | Usually 2-3 inches, thicker for beginners |
| Volume for Beginners | 100-130% of body weight in pounds |
| Volume for Intermediates | 90-110% of body weight in pounds |
| Volume for Advanced | 80-100% of body weight in pounds |
| Foam vs. Epoxy/Fiberglass | Foam recommended for beginners, epoxy/fiberglass for intermediates and advanced |
| Rocker Profile | Minimal rocker for beginners, more pronounced for advanced |
| Tail Design | Wide, stable tails for beginners; narrower for advanced |
| Fin Setup | Single fin or tri-fin (thruster) for beginners; thruster or quad for advanced |
| Wave Size Consideration | Longer boards for small waves, shorter for bigger waves |
| Progression Plan | Start with longer, wider boards and progress to shorter, narrower boards |
| Safety Features | Soft top, flexible fins, and leash attachment point are crucial for beginners |
| Weight Capacity | Ensure the board can support the child’s weight plus some extra |
| Maneuverability | Increases as board size decreases, but stability decreases |
| Paddling Ease | Longer, wider boards are easier to paddle |
| Durability | Foam boards are more durable for beginners prone to dropping boards |
| Storage and Transport | Consider board size in relation to car space and home storage |
| Custom Shaping | Can be beneficial for unique body types or advanced young surfers |
| Importance of Demo-ing | Try different sizes if possible before purchasing |
| Growth Consideration | Allow some room for growth, but not too much to hinder current performance |
| Professional Advice | Consult with surf schools or experienced instructors for personalized recommendations |
This table provides a comprehensive overview of surfboard size considerations specifically for kids. It covers recommended lengths and volumes for different age groups and skill levels, factors affecting size choice, and various aspects of board design that are particularly relevant for young surfers. The information aims to help parents and young surfers make informed decisions about surfboard sizes, while emphasizing the importance of safety, progression, and getting personalized advice.