A very fun solution seem... inflatable prone surfboards.

You get the small dimensions adapted to kids of a prone surfboard, with the added stability of the high volume rails, and kids love the "toy" and safe feeling of an inflatable.

Here is a 6 year old on one:



The board is a 7'5" x 23" x 3", 78 liters more specs at www.gong-galaxy.com/magazine/pics/1-hour-4-boards/
Not sold outside of France, but maybe you can find something similar locally, or a beginner foam surfboard or with a foam deck.

Check out a Fanatic Ripper.

Great little board and inflatable so no dings to her or board.

pohaku said..

I went to the Baysup demo day today mainly to let my 6 & 10 year olds try this board to see how they went. They both loved it, it's light, pretty much bombproof and both liked that it wasn't too wide, they could paddle it pretty easily. it looked like my older boy could take it for a surf too. Pretty sure this is going on the Xmas list.

We've just spent the day with my 8yo and PT Woodys 9yo on a inflatable Astro Jr. starboard SUP. Great board. 10'6, 25" wide. Tracks well.