Kids by age
Quick answerA typical 6 year old, about 3'9" and 46 lb, fits a 7'6" to 8'6" kids board with a 53 to 55 in paddle and a USCG Child (30-50 lb) life jacket. Use your own child's weight: it matters more than age.
| Item | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Typical height and weight | 3'9", 46 lb (CDC 50th percentile) |
| Board | 7'6" to 8'6" kids board |
| Rated capacity to look for | 80 lb or more (child plus 10 lb gear, 70 percent rule) |
| Paddle | 53 to 55 in stand up paddle |
| Life jacket | USCG Child (30-50 lb) |
| Own board or boat? | Ride-along first |
| Riding with a 180 lb adult (400 lb rated) | 59% of rating |
At 6, most children are still learning to balance and to follow instructions in the water. Keep sessions short, stay in water they could stand up in, and let them ride along with you before they paddle alone.
At about 46 lb, a USCG Child (30-50 lb) jacket. The life jacket size calculator checks your child's exact weight.
SereneLife 7'9" Kids Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board - SUP for Youth with Single-Action Pump, Adjustable Paddle & Backpack - 30" Wide Stable Design with Non-Slip EVA Deck Pad, Ages 5+, 200lb Capacity 7'9" / 30" wide / 200 lb max / 13 PSI 
Santasup Kids Inflatable Paddle Board, 8ft Pink Panda with Sup Accessories, Stand Up Paddle Board Durable,for Girl & Child 8' 
Seaseesup Kids Stand Up Paddle Board with Inflatable SUP Accessories, Durable, Lightweight, Wide Stable Design, Non-Slip Comfort Deck,Inflatable Paddle Board for Kid & Youth 6" thick / 165 lb max / 15 PSI 
SUSIEBAY Kids Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board with SUP Accessories,Wide Stable Design,Non-Slip Comfort Deck, Inflatable Paddle Board for Kids & Children 
OWROMI Kids Stand Up Paddle Board with Inflatable SUP Accessories, Non-Slip Comfort Deck Inflatable Paddle Board for Kid, Durable, Lightweight Fin for Youth & Kids (Pink/Green, 7'10"X 30"X 6") 7'10" / 30" wide / 6" thick / 170 lb max 
ONYX General Purpose Boating Life Jacket Child, Red 30-50 lb For a typical 6 year old at 3'9" and 46 lb, a 7'6" to 8'6" kids board, rated for at least 80 lb. Children of the same age vary a lot, so use your child's weight and height rather than their age.
Usually with an adult alongside on their own board, or riding with the adult. At 6, stay within arm's reach in calm, shallow water.
At about 46 lb, a USCG Child (30-50 lb) jacket. Kids' jackets are sized by weight, and it must pass the shoulder-lift test: lifted at the shoulders it must not ride up past the chin. Children must wear one on the water in most states.
On the water: Wear a properly fitted, USCG-approved life jacket every time, dress for the water temperature rather than the air, and check your state and local paddling regulations before you launch.
This is researched general information, not professional advice. Sizing figures are starting points: confirm against the maker's own sizing chart and the capacity printed on the boat or board.