Justin, I am probably going to do the same thing, get a custom SUP with a fin box for a removable centre fin. It means I will have a SUP and the kids will have a Windsurf board.
When they get more advanced I have a shed full of boards they can use. I must do something about that addiction of mine, maybe I can go on an episode of the collectors!!!

I'm sceptical about using SUPs for kids to learn on - I would think they would be too long and narrow and not have appropriate footstrap options. Kids have enough trouble tacking with their small sails. It is worth getting the right board since kids will get a lot of use from their first board because they will always go back to it to learn new skills and tricks as adults do - first in light wind before attempting them in higher wind strengths and on smaller boards. They will also be able to use it for light wind sailing (and when their friends want to have a go or younger siblings start to sail). It is tempting to try and get a board that can do lots of things but, in my experience, they tend to be mediocre at most things and don't end up getting used as often as we hope they will.

The best beginners board varies depending on the age and size of the child. I have two children - my daughter, Elli, now age 6 started at 5. My son, Alex, now age 10 started at 7. I think the easiest age to start is around 8 but of course you should never miss an opportunity and if circumstances and conditions are right earlier then you have to go for it. Also some kids can pay attention and translate what they are shown/told into action earlier than others (they all have their own time).

The key with board choice is that it needs a stable platform and a soft deck to start on. A small child can use a board anywhere between 110 and 140 litres. You could try the Starboard Kode (but bear in mind that the fin that comes with it won't be suitable for use with the smallest sails). For the 1.0 and 1.5 metre Ezzy sails (5-7 year olds), tacking will be nearly impossible and I wouldn't really bother. I just walked my kids upwind and let them sail downwind. My daughter learnt to gybe instead of tacking. If anyone wants to see her starting to learn to windsurf at 5, I can give you a link to a YouTube video. If the walking upwind seems like a hassle, just remember - their gear is still small and light if you start when they are young.

For the 2.0 and 2.5 metre Ezzy sails, you have a good chance of teaching the kids to tack but need to use small fins. I would recommend a 10cm fin in the tail and a sleek 25cm fin as a centre fin.

I think it is worth starting the children young (around 8) as they can progress very quickly as long as you take them often and make sure they have good experiences. Also, I think a big effort can really pay off quickly and they can be planning (and no longer needing any help) in one or two seasons BUT they will need the appropriate gear at EVERY stage. I believe that kids lose interest if they don't plane quickly. Parents do too - it's unreal when you can sail together and not have to go to the beach only when the wind is too light for you to sail too.

The Ezzy sails are great to start with but the only ones that will work to get young/small children planning are the Severne XS1s. We have tried all the brands and they are either too tall and difficult to uphaul or too heavy or not powerful enough. Kids need light gear.

Remember too that kids cannot make do with inappropriate equipment - they give up easily if things are not fun and too difficult. It is so worth it though to get the learning stage over with quickly.

The most difficult board choice is when the child is ready to plane and I think I've discussed this board in previous threads but if anyone needs to know, please let me know if you want more information. After this stage, there is only one choice of board brand. Starboard makes a great kids range - Alex loves his 60 litre Flare!

Thanks for your confirmation of all we have talked about Akim! We didn't touch on the SUP topic, so thanks for clearing that up...off we go to check the price on the goya board then...we purchased both of the ezzy rigs and I have to thank you for your advice..because ordinarily I would not have let the kids build it in the house like a piece of lego...all three kids have had them outside playing, practising the putting together etc...they've had a great time familiarising themselves with all 4 sails.

How much does your 12 year old weigh? Also, does the SUP have a centre fin?

i wouldn't worry about the sup for kids as long as it has a centreboard/fin and the dimensions are good.

i've taught kids on one designs before. yes the narrowness makes it harder but it can work. that said i'd prefer wider none the less.

my 8 year old. who's bigger/taller than most 8 year olds can just tack on my freestyle board. it's only 70cm wide. it's wobbly for her and she would definitely get more from a wider board. the younger kids, 6 year old and petite and the 4 year old are fine on the freestyle board but it's the lack of centre fin that's an issue.


the goya looks excelent for kids. not so good for adults and heavyweights for the basics.

out of interest, the sup i've got coming is the same dims almost as the goya. it's 9'8" long and 32" wide which makes it 81cm or so. very soft rails and good rocker for ease of tacking etc. being custom i got the centre fin box installed.

i've also got a start that i'll give the kids a run on. then will be able to give an accurate comparison.

Hey Little feet,
In response to your quest...yes 114 tufskin is big enough for an adult (i put around on it to show my boy what to do, even with 3.0m sail and light wind) when a bit stronger my wife uses it with one of my 4m freestyle sails. She is still learning, but quite comfortable on this board.

If you want to windsurf, buy a windsurfing board. This SUP talk is crap!! A SUP is never going to give the exp an windsurfing board will, they're not designed for it!!! especially if learning.