Size chart
Quick answerKids 6 to 9 fit 7'6" to 8'6" kids boards and 6 foot youth kayaks; 10 to 12 fit 8'6" to 9'6" boards or small adult kayaks; most 13 to 16 year olds ride a 10 foot adult board. Life jacket class follows weight: youth 50 to 90 lb, adult above 90 lb.
| Age | Typical height | Typical weight | Paddle board | Kayak | Life jacket |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 3'9" | 46 lb | 7'6" to 8'6" kids board | 6' youth kayak (100-150 lb rating) | Child (30-50 lb) |
| 7 | 4' | 51 lb | 7'6" to 8'6" kids board | 6' youth kayak (100-150 lb rating) | Youth (50-90 lb) |
| 8 | 4'2" | 57 lb | 7'6" to 8'6" kids board | 6' youth kayak (100-150 lb rating) | Youth (50-90 lb) |
| 9 | 4'4" | 63 lb | 8'6" to 9'6" kids board | 6' youth kayak (100-150 lb rating) | Youth (50-90 lb) |
| 10 | 4'6" | 70 lb | 8'6" to 9'6" kids board | 6' youth kayak (100-150 lb rating) | Youth (50-90 lb) |
| 11 | 4'8" | 79 lb | 8'6" to 9'6" kids board | 6' youth kayak (100-150 lb rating) | Youth (50-90 lb) |
| 12 | 4'11" | 89 lb | 8'6" to 9'6" kids board | 8' to 9'6" small recreational | Youth (50-90 lb) |
| 13 | 5'1" | 100 lb | 9'6" to 10' small adult board | 8' to 9'6" small recreational | Adult (size by chest) |
| 14 | 5'4" | 112 lb | 10' to 10'6" adult board | 9'6" to 10' recreational | Adult (size by chest) |
| 15 | 5'6" | 123 lb | 10' to 10'6" adult board | 9'6" to 10' recreational | Adult (size by chest) |
| 16 | 5'7" | 131 lb | 10' to 10'6" adult board | 9'6" to 10' recreational | Adult (size by chest) |
Match the row that fits you, then check the listing's own dimensions and rated capacity.
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 
Kids Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board, Kid Paddle Board with SUP Accessories, Anti-Slip EVA Deck, 7'6''Child SUP for Kids & Youth 7'6" 
Lifetime Shark Youth Kayak with Paddle, 6 Ft, Blue 6' / 130 lb max 
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 
Lifetime Cadet Youth Kayak - Paddle Included 100 lb max 
Pelican Solo EVO DLX - Kids Sit on top Kayak with Paddle and Decals - Mango - Twin Tunnel Hull with Swim up Deck - Lighweight & Durable - 6 ft 6' Children grow through three sizes of paddle craft. Small kids ride on an adult board or in the front of a tandem; from about 6 to 12 they fit dedicated kids boards (7'6" to 9'6", about 30 inches wide, rated 150 to 200 lb) and 6 foot youth kayaks; by their teens most are on adult 10 foot boards and boats. Size from the child's actual height and weight, which vary a lot at the same age, rather than from age alone.
Want the number for your exact weight and height? Use the kid or toddler passenger check, which runs the same math as this chart.
A typical 10 year old is about 4'6" and 70 lb, which suits a kids board of 8'6" to 9'6" around 30 inches wide. Adult 10'6" boards work but are heavy for a child to carry and hard to turn. Pair it with a USCG youth life jacket for 50 to 90 lb.
Many families start kids on their own board around 7 to 10 on calm, shallow water with an adult alongside, once the child swims confidently and will keep a life jacket on. Younger children ride on the front of an adult board.
Around 12, most kids are 4'10" to 5'0" and 85 to 95 lb, which is at the top of youth kayak ratings. An 8 to 10 foot recreational kayak or a two-person inflatable shared with an adult is usually the better fit.
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.