The aa clan is going to woolacombe in a fortnight and we’re going to try to get the older child on a body board. Is there any reason to buy anythinh other than the cheapest on I can find?
Also, the leash thing? A good idea for young children?

The cheaper ones are usually a fair bit smaller than a standard body board which may well help when the wind gets up, otherwise you could see the little dude-dudette being blown about every time they pick it up.

Oh and I try and get one before beach day as the ones on the sea front are twice the price at the start of the summer.

Just get a cheap slick bottom the thicker the better more stable an get waves easy

We bought our lad a Madd Sportz Inflatable Body Board when he first started which he loved. The handles helped in too plus the extra buoyancy helped catch waves & the grin factor was very high.