When I was young we also used to use a johnboat for boarding occasionally. Be sure you use that dummy turn off switch, oooooh boy. One time I got pitched out when my buddy cut super hard heheh!! It is a great life story now.

I am biased, but IMHO Liquid Force has by far the most complete line of kids gear of anyone. They have so many different sizes for diff years. Lots of selection actually. Look for something with rolled, forgiving edges and maybe adjustable bindings so they can grow with you some.