Good board for kids ages 5 -11?

[DurhamSUP]

For the little ones, I would look for the biggest beater long board you can find and put a full sheet of hydroturf on the deck. Plus it adds a soft top long board to your quiver.

Once the kids start getting close to 100lbs, an 9' mini flatwater board like the grom is great. The kids do so much better when they get on a narrower board in the 25-26" range. They can paddle so much straighter.

[Boomers on Board]

Many thanks to all who responded!  As always, we've learned so much from you all - and we can't wait til we can get those kids back out on the water.  Today was the first day of summer vacation and they're already asking when they can paddle!

[stoneaxe]

The old starboard kids windsurfer I have my grandaughter on (7'er) is perfect for the littler ones, she's only 34 lbs at 3 years old. Stability equals fun....you'll have a tough time telling a 5 year old they have to work at it to be able to use it. I tried getting her on a 7' softtop longboard but even at her tiny size it wasn't stable enough for her to be comfortable and she didn't want to stay on it. I got out the windsurfer and just left her "alone" with it. She eventually climbed up on it herself and proclaimed "LOOK...I'M SURFIN".  I made her a paddle immediately from a broken one I had...now she can't wait to take out her "new" board.....
Eventually a board that better matches their shoulder width will work better but to get started it's all about success standing and fun.

Best of all you can find old windsurfers cheap. I found this old starboard for $50