Boys 8 - 16 Boardshorts
Boys' boardshorts in sizes 8 to 16, built for surf, swim, and everyday summer in the water. The collection is led by O'Neill, including the Hyperfreak and Hermosa lines, with Billabong, Vissla, Salty Crew, Rip Curl, and Party Pants rounding out the styles, so there is a fit for groms who surf hard and kids who just live at the pool.
You will find quick-dry boardshorts in 16, 17, and 18 inch lengths, lined elastic-waist trunks that are easy for younger boys to manage, scallop-hem surf shorts, and volley-style swim trunks for casual days. Prints range from bold Hyperfreak graphics to clean stripes and solids.
What length boardshort is right for an 8 to 16 year old?
Most boys in this range fit a 16 to 18 inch outseam, which hits around the knee. Younger or shorter kids do well in 16 inch and elastic-waist styles like the O'Neill Hermosa; taller teens often prefer the 17 to 18 inch Hyperfreak and Vissla Sidewinder.
Are elastic-waist trunks better than tie-only boardshorts for kids?
For younger boys, yes. Elastic-waist styles like the O'Neill Hermosa and Perform Light make it easy to get a secure fit without fighting a drawstring. Older groms who surf usually want the lace-up Hyperfreak for a locked-in fit in the water.