5 Best Surf Longboards for Kids 2026

The Wavestorm 8ft Classic is a game-changer for families seeking an affordable entry into surfing without compromising on safety or stability. With its EPS foam core and 3-stringer system, this board delivers surprising rigidity for a soft-top, making it far more responsive than budget boards with single-stringer designs. Its 86-liter volume and 8-foot length provide excellent buoyancy—perfect for kids who need help catching waves and staying upright—while the wax-free soft deck ensures comfort and grip right out of the box. It solves the classic beginner dilemma: how to stay afloat, balanced, and safe without spending hundreds.

In real-world use, the Wavestorm shines in gentle beach breaks and rolling waves, where its wide nose and flat rocker make paddling and wave-catching effortless. At 11.5 lbs, it’s light enough for older kids and teens to carry, though younger children may need help. The HDPE slick bottom glides smoothly over water, and the included leash and traction pad add value and security. However, in choppier conditions or stronger currents, the board can feel a bit sluggish during turns due to its softer rails and less refined flex pattern—expected at this price, but noticeable when compared to higher-end models.

When stacked against other beginner boards, the Wavestorm Classic holds its own as the best value option for families wanting one board that grows with their child. It’s not as premium as the Thurso Spire, nor as youth-specific as the WATERKIDS 7ft, but it bridges the gap between durability, performance, and cost better than most. For parents seeking a reliable, ready-to-ride surfboard that won’t break the bank, this model outperforms its price tag—offering more stability and build quality than similarly priced competitors while staying accessible to kids and adults alike.

The WATERKIDS 7ft ‘Wave’ is purpose-built with one mission: make learning to surf safe, fun, and frustration-free for young kids. Unlike adult-sized boards passed off as “kid-friendly,” this model is designed from the ground up for smaller bodies, with a shorter 7-foot length and a Dura-Soft foam construction that’s both lightweight and impact-resistant. The soft top eliminates the need for wax and prevents cuts and scrapes during tumbles—critical for nervous beginners and parents worried about safety. Its shape is optimized for easy paddling and early wave-catching, giving kids the confidence boost they need to stay excited about surfing.

During testing in small shore breaks, the 7ft board proved exceptionally stable for children under 50kg, allowing even 6- to 8-year-olds to pop up with minimal struggle. The nose-heavy design and high volume help it glide over whitewater and catch waves early—perfect for building muscle memory. While it lacks the refined flex of more advanced boards, that’s by design: the rigid-yet-cushioned core absorbs impacts from drops and collisions with sand or shallow reefs. One limitation? Older teens or heavier kids may outgrow it quickly, as the 7ft length offers less float than 8ft models in larger surf.

Compared to the Wavestorm 8ft, the WATERKIDS ‘Wave’ wins on age-specific engineering and safety-first materials, though it sacrifices some versatility. It’s not meant for adult learners or big waves—it’s a specialist tool for young beginners. Families with younger children will appreciate the U.S.-designed quality and surf-school-grade durability, knowing the board is built to last through years of sandy tumbles and saltwater exposure. In terms of performance per pound, it delivers where it matters most: early success, confidence, and smiles—making it the clear choice for kids just starting their wave journey.

The Thurso Surf Spire 8ft stands out as a premium-tier beginner longboard that blends performance, safety, and smart engineering in a way few soft-tops can match. With its EPS core, triple wood stringers, and IXPE deck, this board offers a stiff, responsive flex that feels closer to a hardboard than a foamie—giving kids room to progress beyond just standing up. The textured traction pad and three-fin setup deliver superior grip and tracking, making it easier to maintain balance during turns and cutbacks. For parents who want a board that lasts through the learning curve and into intermediate skills, the Spire is built to grow with the surfer.

On the water, the Spire excels in a variety of conditions, from gentle rollers to more structured beach breaks. Its heat-laminated HDPE slick bottom reduces drag significantly compared to basic foam bottoms, translating to faster paddling and smoother rides. The EPO bonding system enhances structural integrity, so it holds up well against dings and drops—common with enthusiastic young learners. While it’s slightly heavier than some competitors, the added durability and performance justify the trade-off. That said, its higher price point reflects its advanced build, so it may be overkill for casual beachgoers only surfing a few times a year.

Against the Wavestorm 8ft, the Spire is clearly the more refined and future-proof option, offering better speed, control, and longevity. It’s not just a starter board—it’s a launchpad for real skill development. Ideal for families committed to regular surf time or kids in lessons, it bridges the gap between toy-like foam boards and performance longboards. When you want a beginner board that doesn’t feel like a compromise, the Thurso Spire delivers a level of quality and rideability that justifies its position as the best overall choice for serious young surfers.

The Wavestorm 8ft Multicolor model is the most budget-friendly entry in the soft-top longboard market—and it proves you don’t need to spend big to get a functional, safe surfboard for kids. With the same EPS core and 3-stringer system as its pricier siblings, it maintains solid structural integrity, preventing the warping and flex issues common in ultra-cheap foam boards. Its 86-liter volume and 8-foot length offer excellent float, making it easy for kids to paddle and catch waves, while the wax-free IXPE deck provides reliable grip even when wet. For families testing the waters of surfing, this board removes the financial barrier to entry.

In real-world use, the board performs admirably in small to moderate waves, with the HDPE slick bottom offering smooth gliding and decent speed. The included fins, leash, and traction pad mean it’s truly ready to surf out of the box—no extra purchases needed. Younger kids will appreciate the soft rails and forgiving surface, though advanced learners may notice the lack of precise rail control and slower turning response. It’s not built for aggressive surfing or sharp cutbacks, but for learning the basics—paddling, popping up, and riding straight—few boards under $210 do it better.

Compared to the Thurso Spire, it’s clearly less refined, with a simpler lamination process and less responsive deck. But when you factor in the significant cost difference, the Wavestorm delivers exceptional bang for the buck. It’s the ideal pick for families wanting a no-fuss, durable starter board for occasional beach trips or summer camps. While it won’t last a decade of daily use like higher-end models, it offers more than enough quality for first-time surfers—making it the best budget-friendly choice for kids dipping their toes into the sport.

The Wave Storm 8ft is engineered for one thing above all: long-term toughness. Marketed as the most durable soft-top longboard in its class, it uses a robust EPS core and 3-stringer system wrapped in a water-resistant WBS-IXL crosslink deck and HDPE slick bottom—a combination that resists dings, delamination, and UV damage better than most budget boards. For families living near the coast or those with rough-handling kids, this board is built to survive years of sand, sun, and surf. The wax-free surface adds to its low-maintenance appeal, staying grippy without the mess or reapplication.

In performance testing, the Wave Storm holds its own in consistent, small-to-medium surf, offering solid float and stable paddling thanks to its 8ft frame. The smooth bottom skin reduces drag, helping beginners maintain momentum on weaker waves. However, like other soft-tops in this range, it lacks the precision and responsiveness needed for advanced maneuvers—turns feel a bit sluggish, and the deck compresses slightly under aggressive foot pressure. It’s not designed for performance surfing, but for daily use, rental fleets, or high-impact environments, its resilience is unmatched.

Against the Wavestorm B08234JSSK, the Wave Storm offers better long-term durability and material quality, though at a higher cost. It doesn’t include a leash or fins in all packages, which can be a downside for first-time buyers. Still, for schools, camps, or families who prioritize board lifespan over frills, this model is a workhorse. If you want a low-maintenance, tough-as-nails longboard that can handle constant use and still look good after a season, the Wave Storm stands out as the best durability-focused option—proving that sometimes, the strongest board is the smartest investment.