Had started a thread a while ago when I was considering the O&E "Spud" for my kids, age 8 and 10. I am back on the topic, but I think the Spud is out of the question, it really is an ugly shape and I don't see it paddling well.
The youngest paddled on my 8'2 NSP/DC the other day and she went really well on it, am leaning towards something of a more traditional shape. Main question is, will there be much benefit in going for a dedicated kids board (say, 70L x 24" wide) over a secondhand surf sup of 100L x 29-30" wide?
It is hard to ignore the obvious benefit in getting something that I would like to surf also (a secondhand minion perhaps, if I thought it would paddle flatwater with the kids ok), but ultimately it will be the kids board and that will be my priority.
Thanks,
Scott.
I would not rule out the Spud. Seems that its parallel rails will provide a stable boards with a contained width, for minimizing the row effect. The "ugly" is actually efficient, just ask any Simmons owner...
Plus, very important for kids, it can truly be "her" board that she can carry around, not fearing dad's anger if she dings it / drops it / drags it.
And kids are very found of soft boards, they can be quite afraid of hurting themselves on a hard board.
Plus they are kids, and they can just use as a platform / giant beach toy to fool around with other kids...
If I was a 10yr old kid I would feel embarrassed with a spud.
Be a cool dad and get them a 7'4 ASAP.
Select to expand quotecarbine said..
If I was a 10yr old kid I would feel embarrassed with a spud.
Ha, so true mate! It is also in the back of my mind that I will be the one carrying it....
Select to expand quotecolas said..
I would not rule out the Spud. Seems that its parallel rails will provide a stable boards with a contained width, for minimizing the row effect. The "ugly" is actually efficient, just ask any Simmons owner...
Plus, very important for kids, it can truly be "her" board that she can carry around, not fearing dad's anger if she dings it / drops it / drags it.
And kids are very found of soft boards, they can be quite afraid of hurting themselves on a hard board.
Plus they are kids, and they can just use as a platform / giant beach toy to fool around with other kids...
I definitely agree with most of your points Colas, some valid points about the soft board aspect, but the construction will not be the main determining factor. We already have a 10 foot inflatable that the kids play around on, but obviously it is far from ideal for the kids to actually go on much of a paddle - it is just way too big.
What do you mean by "The ugly is actually efficient"??
Thanks,
Scott.
If you want to paddle flatwater what about the Gulliver 9.6ft x 23" race board, I've had my 60kg girlfriend on one with the 6kg dog, I was pushing it at 78kg
Select to expand quoteGboots said..
Ocean And Earth 7"6 Squeeze
It is an option, for sure.
The problem I see with it though is that it is a soft-board that is comparable in size and price to a second hand prowave/starboard pro etc. I think it will either be a dedicated kids size (ie narrow) or secondhand surf sup.
Scott.
Select to expand quoteTowny said..
If you want to paddle flatwater what about the Gulliver 9.6ft x 23" race board, I've had my 60kg girlfriend on one with the 6kg dog, I was pushing it at 78kg
Hadn't really considered a raceboard style to be honest, I think that might come later if they are still keen.
My daughter is a bit older but loves my minion. Speed and stability.
I have flogged it and don't really mind if it gets dinged, she couldn't do any worse than I have!
Select to expand quoteBrenno said..
My daughter is a bit older but loves my minion. Speed and stability.
I have flogged it and don't really mind if it gets dinged, she couldn't do any worse than I have!
cheers mate - how does it paddle for her in flatwater?
It's my 3 kids favourite in the flat cause they can stand on the tail and do 360's and other fun stuff.
My daughter prone surfs, but I'll never forget her first wave on the minion. She let out a scream and yelled "It's so fast!"
Good fun!
Select to expand quoteScott79 said..
What do you mean by "The ugly is actually efficient"??
the parallel outline (compared to the sleek "pumpkin seed" outline) may be ugly but it paddles extremely well, without row..
it also allows for a narrower board, important for small kids, otherwise they tend to have the paddle shaft very far from vertical, adding a lot of row.
Mind you, I never saw a spud in the flesh (in the foam?), just pictures.
Heres a video link to my 9 year old sun surfing his 8'4 last week down here in cold Victoria. Clicking on the pic will reveal the play button, there is a small delay before playing.
www.instagram.com/p/BHYqac3hsgL/?taken-by=jacksboards&hl=en
Board dimensions are 8'4 x 28 x 3-75-4.
He has gone through a few diff dimensions and brands this year, this board has a wide nose and drawn in tail with fairly parallel rails and seems to work best at present.
Jack
Just out today and saw two familes with around 8 boards, some nice fanatic boards the 7 year olds were riding.
Am still looking, has anyone tried the Bic 8'4?
23 1/4" wide, 72L, obviously touted as a kids board. It is a bit heavier than I would have preferred, but I know they are super durable, and it won't break the bank....
Thanks,
Scott.
I have a 7'6 x 26 Fanatic prowave carbon in great condition it would be a great kids board and one they would stoked with only selling for $1000 as i no longer need it.
It's light and strong and would look better walking down the beach with it than a spud.
Thanks to all, I ended up getting a second hand Fanatic Ripper.
It is definitely a bit bigger than what I was hoping for, but I am sure it will serve the kids well for a few years until they are ready to progress a bit further.
Thanks,
Scott.
