Nautical Kids iSUP: Overview
The Nautical Kids iSUP by iRocker offers the best stability and highest volume of all of the kids inflatable paddleboards we have reviewed. The 32” width provides an incredible amount of stability, while the full 6” thickness maintains plenty of volume for a high weight capacity. The Nautical Kids iSUP is a great option for two smaller kids to share, An adult to sit and paddle with their kid, and of course as a solo paddleboard for growing kids.
Construction and Durability
The Nautical Kids iSUP uses the same double-layer PVC construction as the full-size Nautical iSUPs. This is a durable construction that balances stiffness, weight, and cost.
The Nautical Kids iSUP is a shortened version of the full-size Nautical iSUPs by iRocker. The Kids version starts with a 6” thick drop stitch interior with two layers of PVC adhered to the top and bottom to create the deck and hull. Around the sides of the board there are two more layers of PVC to seal the airtight chamber and increase the overall rigidity and durability of the board.
The rails also get two more strips of PVC material to cover the top and bottom edges. These rail reinforcement strips help protect the edges of the board where it is most likely to receive bumps, rubs, and pulls as the board is transported and while it is on the water.
The double layer PVC does an excellent job of balancing rigidity, durability, weight and price. At only 17.2 lbs, the Nautical Kids iSUP is very lightweight, but without sacrificing its durability – which is ideal for a kid’s paddleboard.
The larger size of the Nautical Kid’s iSUP not only increases its stability, but also its stiffness compared to thinner kids’ paddleboards. This ultimately translates into even better stability and performance on the water than a thinner board with more flex.
Specifications
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 9’ 0” |
| Width | 32“ |
| Thickness | 6“ |
| Weight | |
| Max Capacity | 220 pounds |
| Board Weight | 17.2 pounds |
| Kit Weight (SUP & accessories) | 29 pounds |
| Buying Info | |
| List Price | $449.99 |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Returns period | 60 days |
Features, Accessories and Versatility
The Nautical Kids iSUP has multiple storage areas, mounting points, and a high weight capacity to help carry everything your little one needs for a day on the water or share with a sibling.
The Nautical Kids iSUP is fully-featured and ready for full days on the water. The extra width and volume of the Nautical Kids compared to other kids’ iSUPs means that it’s capable of being paddled by two smaller siblings, or an adult with a child. But it’s also large enough to grow with your kids during those tween years where they are not quite big enough for an adult-sized iSUP. However, this same benefit can be a drawback with significantly younger paddlers as they may not be able to easily or comfortably reach over the sides of the 32” wide paddleboard. This can make it more difficult for them to paddle straight vs turning with each stroke.
The paddleboard itself is well-accessorized for a variety of different uses. The front and rear of the board both have very large, 6-point, cargo areas that can easily hold dry bags, shoes, small coolers, water bottles, or just about anything else your kids will need on the water.
There are removable passenger handles on the front and rear cargo areas as well. These are great if you have two kids paddling together or if you are paddling with your child. On the front of the board is a threaded accessory mount for an action camera, speaker, fishing rod holder, or any number of other accessories.
The deck pad covers the rear ⅔ of the Nautical Kids iSUP with a high-traction EVA foam pad. The standing area has both an embossed texture and deeper grooves to help keep your feet planted while standing on the board.
The Nautical Kids iSUP kit has everything your little one needs to get on the water except for a well-fitted PFD. While the three flip-lock fins are the same size and design as the full-size Nautical iSUP, the included paddle is a shorter length and easily adjusts to fit paddlers 3’8” to 5’1” tall.
Paddle
The Nautical Kids iSUP includes a fiberglass/nylon paddle adjustable paddle that is sized for kids 3’8” to 5’1” tall.
Using a paddle that is too long can be uncomfortable, tiring, and potentially lead to injury. The Nautical Kids iSUP includes a shorter version of the Nautical fiberglass paddle.
The shortened paddle shaft is still adjustable using the same tried-and-true pin-and-clip mechanism that both keeps the handle and blade aligned, and makes it easy to set the same length every time.
The nylon blade on the kids paddle is the same size and shape as the full-size paddle. For your smallest paddlers, this may be a bit large, however because the Nautical paddle already has a relatively small blade size compared to many other full-size kit paddles, it’s not too large for most kids. The plastic blade and fiberglass shaft have enough flex in them to help reduce the amount of strain or torque the paddle could produce with a stiffer design. This makes it far more comfortable to use for longer periods of time, and has plenty of give and flex if it does hit something hard in the water.
Warranty and Customer Support
The Nautical Kids iSUP has the same 2 year warranty period as the full-size Nautical iSUPs. Additionally, all of the included accessories are covered by a 1 year warranty. The normal “no-questions-asked” return period for the Nautical Kids iSUP is 60 days, however that is extended to 120 days for paddleboards purchased between October 1, and January 31, to help account for purchasing as a holiday gift. If you have any questions about the Nautical Kids iSUP, its return period, or warranty, you can reach iRocker’s customer service team via their website contact page, or by phone.
Value
The Nautical Kids iSUP is the widest and highest capacity kids’ iSUP we’ve reviewed. This makes it especially great for those who want a more stable paddleboard and want a board that will grow well with their children. While currently on sale, the Nautical Kids iSUP is a great value even at its full list price.
Overall Impressions/Review Summary
Kids’ sporting goods can be difficult to purchase. They grow so quickly that it can be hard to have one piece of equipment that can truly grow with them. The Nautical Kids iSUP provides a great balance of features and equipment designed for smaller kids with a paddleboard that will work well as your kids begin to grow into their early teens. While the Nautical Kids isn’t the best size for the smallest of solo paddlers, it’s not going to be outgrown any time soon. The extra volume even makes it possible for parents to paddle with their kids on the Nautical SUP as you teach them how to paddle.
Nautical Kids iSUP FAQ
Does the Nautical Kids iSUP come with a youth paddle?
Yes it does. The Nautical Kids iSUP includes a shorter fiberglass paddle to fit paddlers 3’8” to 5’1”.
How durable is the Nautical Kids iSUP?
The double-layer PVC hull and double-layer PVC rails are extremely durable. While it’s never recommended to drag your paddleboard, the extra material layers help mitigate any potential damage that may occur if your child does accidentally drag or drop the board.
Can I paddle on the Nautical Kids iSUP with my kids?
Yes you can. The larger width and 6” thickness provide enough volume for up to 220 lbs. This means parents can work directly with their kids as they learn to paddle!
