Boogie boards (otherwise known as bodyboards) are a great tool for introducing kids to beachside swimming and water sports. There is plenty of fun from the start even if it is only through safe and relatively simple paddling and floating along the shoreline. As skills are developed it can open the way for more advanced bodyboarding in the surf and then on into other board sports.
Boogie boarding is a great activity for parents and kids to do together, as well. Boards come in sizes to suit everyone in the family and in some cases can accommodate a parent and child on the same board.
To help you get a view of the range of the best boogie boards for kids on the market, top models are reviewed below starting with a comparison table, descriptions, key features, photos, and videos, followed by a basic buying guide
If you have any questions or concerns, please use the comments section at the bottom.
For more reviews of surfing gear, please check out these popular posts:
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Best Boogie Boards for Kids
- BPS Storm Bodyboard
- Bo-Toys Lightweight Bodyboard
- GoPlus Bodyboard
- THURSO SURF Duoslider Bodyboard
- Mike Stewart Science Pipe Intermediate Bodyboard
- Lucky Bums Bodyboard
- Grand Juguete Bodyboard
- Own the Wave Beach Attack Pack Bodyboard
Best Boogie Boards for Kids Comparison Table
| Picture | Boogie Board | Length | Weight Range | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | BPS Storm Bodyboard | 33", 37", 41" | less than 65 to 188 lbs | $$ |
  | Bo-Toys Lightweight Bodyboard | 33', 41" | 40 to 180 lbs | $ |
  | GoPlus Bodyboard | 33", 37", 41" | 89 to 188 lbs | $ |
  | THURSO SURF Duoslider Bodyboard | 45" | 210 lbs | $$ |
  | Mike Stewart Science Pipe Intermediate Bodyboard | 43" | Kids to Adults | $$$ |
  | Lucky Bums Bodyboard | 33", 37", 41" | 65 to 190 lbs | $ |
  | Grand Juguete Bodyboard | 37", 41" | 60-188 lbs | $ |
  | Own the Wave Beach Attack Pack Bodyboard | 33", 37", 41" | less than 65 to 188 lbs | $$ |
| Picture | Boogie Board | Length | Weight Range | Price |
- Length: 33, 37, or 41 inches
- Recommended Weight: 33″ – <65 pounds, 37″ – 60 to 120 pounds, 41″ – 120 to 188 pounds
- EPS core
- Fast HDPE (high-density polyethylene) bottom
- Rear channels to maintain contact
- Crescent tail
- Accessories: coiled wrist leash, 2 fin tethers
- Currently available in 6 color designs
- 1-year money-back guarantee
Available in two lengths suitable for kids above 40 pounds all the way to 180-pound adults, the Bo-Toys Lightweight Bodyboard is low-priced but offers high-performance to those ready for it. It has a rigid EPS core, slick polyethylene bottom, a crescent tail, and 60/40 rails for maneuverability. Available in blue, red, or pink, it comes with a leash and wristband, and a generous 100% satisfaction guarantee.
- Length: 33 or 41 inches
- Recommended Weight Range: 40-180 pounds
- EPS core
- Fast HDPE (high-density polyethylene) bottom
- 60/40 rails for maneuverability
- Crescent tail
- Accessories: wristband with a leash
- Currently available in blue, red, or pink
- Low-priced
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
The GoPlus Bodyboard has eye-catching seashore designs and comes in three lengths that fit people from 4’ to 5’11”, a range that will handle most members of the family. This is another board that is suitable for boogie boarders at all stages of the developmental process with high-performance design and materials. An impact-resistant, soft XPE deck is a feature this one has that most of the others lack. It also includes a leash with a wrist band and has a price toward the lower end of the range.
- Length: 33, 37, or 41 inches
- Recommended Maximum Weights: 33″ – 89 lbs, 37″ – 122 lbs, 41″ – 189 lbs
- Height Range: 4’ – 5’11”
- EPS core
- Impact-resistant XPE deck
- Fast HDPE bottom
- 60/40 rails for control and maneuverability
- Rear channels to maintain contact
- Crescent tail
- Accessories: leash with a wristband
- Currently available in green coconut palm or blue starfish designs
- Low-priced
THURSO SURF Duoslider Bodyboard
The THURSO SURF Duoslider is large in comparison to the other models suitable for children reviewed here because it is designed for an adult and a small child to ride together. To accommodate the two it has dual handles, a comfortable contoured deck, and two leashes. A heat-laminated IXPE deck and HDPE bottom are extra durable and will keep it in action for years. It has the attractive THURSO SURF blue and white stripe and wood laminated look, and a reasonable price to go along with it.
- Length: 45 inches
- Recommended Maximum Weight: 210 pounds
- EPS core
- Impact-resistant high-density heat-laminated 4mm IXPE deck
- Fast heat-laminated HDPE bottom
- Integrated dual handles
- Comfortable contoured deck
- Crescent tail
- 2 leashes
Mike Stewart Science Pipe Intermediate Bodyboard
The Mike Stewart Pipe Intermediate Bodyboard comes from the line of the top bodyboarding pro and is a little higher priced than the other models here but has some premium features and a design to show for it. Suitable for kids and adults from beginner-level on up it’s a board to grow with especially since it has PE stringers, heat-welded seams, and other high-quality construction features that make the longevity of service assured. The only tiny drawback is that you will have to purchase a leash separately.
- Length: 43 inches
- Suitable for kids and adults
- PE core – softer and heavier than EPS
- Cullucushion 8-pound PE deck
- Fast HDPE bottom
- PE stringers for rigidity
- Durable heat-welded seams
- 55/45 rails for control and maneuverability
- Graduated channels to maintain contact
- Crescent tail
- Comes in royal blue/black/electric blue or yellow/aqua
- Leash is not included
View More From Mike Stewart Science
- Length: 33, 37, or 41 inches
- Recommended Weight Range: 65-190 pounds
- EPS core
- 8 pound PE deck
- Smooth HDPE high-density polyethylene bottom
- 60/40 rails for maneuverability and control
- Rear channels to maintain contact
- Crescent tail
- Includes a leash with a wrist strap
- Choice of blue, pink, orange, or green
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Low-priced
The Grande Juguete Bodyboard is a durable, buoyant, lightweight board that comes in two lengths suitable for youngsters as light as 60 pounds up to full-sized 188-pound adults. It has quality construction with a fast HDPE bottom, EPS core, and 60/40 rails for maneuverability. Ready to use right out of the box, a leash is included and there are three bright colors to choose from. The pricing is low and backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
- Length: 37 or 41 inches
- Recommended Weight Range: 60-188 pounds
- EPS core
- Fast HDPE (high-density polyethylene) bottom
- 60/40 rails for maneuverability and control
- Crescent tail
- Includes a leash with a wrist strap
- Choice of green, pink, or red
- 100% satisfaction guaranteed
- Low-priced
Own the Wave Beach Attack Pack Bodyboard
The Own the Wave Beach Attack Pack Bodyboard is another high-quality model available in sizes for the whole family. Durable, lightweight construction is complemented by performance features and includes a leash and fin tethers great for kids to make sure they don’t lose anything. It comes in 9 possible colors with an eye-catching “Wave Weapon” graphic emblazoned on the deck. Moderately priced, the manufacturer has a reputation for good service and provides a 100% guarantee.
- Length: 33, 37 or 41 inches
- Recommended Weight Range: 33″ – <65 pounds, 37″ – 60 to 120 pounds, 41″ – 120 to 188 pounds
- Lightweight EPS core
- HDPE slick bottom
- 60/40 rails for maneuverability and control
- Rear bottom channels for maintaining contact
- Crescent tail
- Coiled leash and fin tethers included
- Choice of 9 colors
- 100% guarantee
Best Boogie Boards for Kids Buying Guide
Size – To perform effectively the boogie board needs to take into account the height and weight of the rider. The manufacturers generally outline pretty specifically the range of sizes a board can effectively accommodate. A number of boards are available with a length of 33 inches that oftentimes are suitable for kids 80 pounds and under. Otherwise, there are longer models to suit bigger kids and adults. This boogie board sizing graphic can be used as a guideline.
Use – When selecting a boogie board for a kid it is worth asking just what level of use you anticipate. There are boards available that are durable with performance features appropriate for serious use (like the models reviewed above) and others that are not so robust and might best be used only for occasional use at the pool or in the least taxing conditions. Note that there are quality models available at prices under $50.
Core – The material used inside the board, or in the core, is most commonly EPS (expanded polystyrene). It is lightweight, durable, and buoyant. Similar materials that are occasionally used are PE (polyethylene) or PP (polypropylene) which is newer, lighter, and more flexible, performing well in cold water.
Tail – This is the back end of the board. Commonly it is shaped like a crescent or a bat tail. A crescent shape is comfortable on the waist and wraps around the torso to help in stabilizing position. There are other tail shapes available for more advanced performance but the crescent tail is a functional and friendly design for kids.
Stringer – This is a material placed in the core of the board that runs along the length. It adds to the rigidity and durability of the structure. Advanced models may come with single, double, or even triple stringers. Many of the less expensive models don’t have one. While not essential, the most durable boards will have one or more.
Rails – On better quality boogie boards rails are often configured in ways to add to the performance. “Rails” refer to the sides of the board. They are often expressed in terms of a ratio like 50/50 or 60/40. The numerator describes the percentage of the bottom rail in direct contact with the water and the denominator describes the percentage of the top rail that connects to the deck or top of the board. This is of greater concern to advanced level riders but you will see some of the boards reviewed here that include rails in the descriptions. This article provides a more detailed discussion.
Channels – These are grooves or indentations molded into the bottom of the board which help distribute weight over the water better than a flat surface. They help to maintain direction by providing traction rather than sliding off the wave.
Skin or Slick – This refers to the material on the bottom of a boogie board. It is designed to be slick or slippery to allow the board to move quickly through the water. Most often boogie boards use HDPE (high-density polyurethane) as the material to achieve the super smooth surface.
Deck – This is the top of the board usually constructed of foam. Some models have contours or traction surfaces for comfort or ease in maintaining position.
Leash – In order to keep your board from escaping when you fall off, you can use a leash with one end attached to the board and the other to a wrist band. Most boards include this in the package. Needless to say, it is a useful feature for children.
Fin Tethers – For boogie boarders using fins, fin tethers are short leashes that keep them attached to the ankles if they come off in the surfing action. This is another useful feature for children to avoid the hassle and expense of losing fins.
Further Reading: The Anatomy of a Bodyboard
For more reviews of surfing gear, please check out these popular posts:
Surfboard for Beginners Soft Top Surfboards Surfboards Surfboard Car Racks Surf Booties Surfing Wetsuits Surfboard Travel Bags Men’s Rash Guards Women’s Rash Guards Wakesurf Boards Skimboards Bodyboards Bodyboard Fins
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Suitable For: younger divers, women, and people with smaller faces
Suitable For: midi version for slim faces (comes in regular and midi)
Suitable For: smaller or women’s faces
Suitable For: women’s faces
Suitable For: children and small and narrow faces
Suitable For: people with smaller faces
Suitable For: smaller faces
