marty said:

Hi I am looking for info, suggestions and links on kids SUP boards and gear.  I have done plenty of searches and have only found one or 2 references to chopped paddles and kids riding on their parents boards.  My boys are 5 and 7, have whitewater experience and are ready for SUP.  

 Thanks marty 

Sure, there's quite a bit for kids. Starboard has a kids model that's a very cool board. It's 7'2″ X 29″  http://www.star-board-sup.com/2008/products/sup072.php  . A very light, skilled adult can ride it, but it's designed for kids. If the kids are REALLY ready to rip then you can get a lightning bolt SUP in any size you like. It's semi custom, meaning the basic shape is carved by a computer controlled shaper and then glassed http://www.kenalu.com/forums/showcase-index/lightning-bolt-sup-red-nine/  . Standard size is 9 X 27″ but I've seen some very small lightning bolt boards–Frank has a thing about little SUP boards to begin with. And don't forget the small sized Jimmy Lewis boards http://www.jimmylewis.com/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=15&cat=Stand-up+paddleboards . The pintail version is available down to 9'8 X 27 while the more stable All-arounder goes down to 9'10″ X 27.5″

I've seen a lot of kids using cut-down paddles but I think the blades are generally too big for them. I'd contact Ernie Johnson and get him to make me custom sized plywood paddles. Bulletproof, and I know he can make them any size and blade width. http://www.kenalu.com/2008/09/27/new-paddle-cheap-good-and-fast-take-all-three/