I'm thinking of boogie (or called body?) boards for my girls for a present. Just something to play with when at the beach. They are 5 and 7. Nothing expensive. I did a quick internet search and was overwhelmed. Any "features" to think about? (It can't be THAT complicated for Pete's sake!)
Costco has good quality ones for about $25ish and they last. We bought a more expensive one at RonJon's that was more expensive & it had a bubble in it by the end of the 1st day. Needless to say it went back. You may have to wait for warmer weather for Costco to have them in stock. If you don't have a membership ask a friend that does to be on the lookout. That's what we did.
For a 5 and 7 yr old you don't need anything expensive.
They are generally sturdy enough until a teen (or adult) starts jumping on them.
Many people buy them as seasonal items and then toss them because they don't want to store them all year.
We don't do that - we have one (a cheap one) that is 8 yrs old and in great shape.
If you just want them to play at the beach pick up the cheap (but not inflatable) ones at a discount store. If they seem to really like them and are using them a lot then wait til the end of the season and buy something sturdier on clearance sale.
And the last rental house I stayed in came with a dozen beach chairs and boogie boards that were left behind by others.
J.,
Boogie boards for kids should be, from the ground up, 1" to 2" above your child's navel. If the board is too big/tall - they can't control it. If it's too short - they can't catch the wave.
There are Styrofoam boards - those are cheap and will fall apart easily. Then there are harder boards...your child should be able to lay comfortably on it - chin to mid thigh. Again - too long - they can't kick and control. Too short - they can't "ride" the wave and will end up getting sand scratch.
Go to a pro-shop and ask them. They will help you!!
Honestly... For 5 and 7, I would buy the cheap inflatable little ones. They will only be using them as floaties, and these ones will work well enough for what they will be capable of. Heck, last time *I* went to the beach I got a few and my sister and I had a blast with them!
Wal-mart has them on clearance right now... Regular price you can buy a package that includes a beach ball, little tube, and the boogie board for 5$.
Added bonus- you can deflate them and stuff em in your bag. Less to carry! (Not hard to inflate at all either... My 4yo has one for the pool, and she blows hers up on her own.)
Good features only matter if you want to catch waves and be able to paddle past the surf. Buoyancy and size appropriate to a childs body would matter in that case. If they just want to mess around at waters edge and catch white water, buy cheep ones. The ones at costco are adult size and not buoyant enough for adults to catch waves with ease. But plenty fun for kids who aren't really boogie boarding in real surf yet.
All I know is that at every beach house we've ever stayed at, there are 20 million broken boogie boards in a bin.
I'd say if you want them to last more than O. summer? Get halfway decent ones!
They might like the skimmer boards too!
I'd spend a bit and get a hard one, not a cheapy. We got our girl a milkshake brand few years ago that's still in great shape. I think it was around $50.
It should come up to right past the waist. It's OK to go little bigger but not too much or they won't be able to handle it. Ours has been HEAVILY used, my girl loves it and uses it year round. A wetsuit is a good idea too depending on where you live.
get cheap ones and pitch 'em afterwards. only invest in 'good' ones (with features....???!!!) when they're older or if they ask for 'em.
khairete
S.
