Kids learn to surf and enjoy it just as much as adults. Their size and strength are major considerations in how much risk they can take and how fast they advance.
Basics for Kids
Kids love surfing but have to be given special consideration for their size, strength, and courage.
I often start kids on 9′ soft top boards and push them into waves. Depending on their size, their arms may not reach far enough into the water to give them control of the surfboard as the foam wave pushes. I teach them the same count to pop up as I do for teens and adults, but kids get up differently most of the time.
Kids Learn to Be Smooth
The main thing is to get up smoothly and get the right posture on the board. The front foot has to be in the middle of the board and they have to have their shoulders and hips pointed forward so their balance is equal on both sides of the middle stringer.
Most kids can get to a standing position and ride the board to the beach on small foam waves. I like to try them paddling for their own small foam waves, but sometimes they do not have the arm length or strength to control the surf board.
Once I have them assuming the right techniques I move them to an 8′ board and then a 7′ or 6′. If they have the right technique, they have more fun with a smaller board.
I had one 9 year old girl that with a few lessons progressed to a short hard board and was catching real waves. This is exceptional. I try to help kids progress subject to their level of fear or courage. Waves are intimidating and kids must learn to feel comfort. If they are scared, they won’t learn.
I have had 5 year olds that wouldn’t’ go into the water and 5 year olds that wanted to go out too far. You never know. 7 and 8 seem to be the more adaptable ages where they don’t have unreasonable fears and listen well to instructions.
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For Surf Lessons in Oceanside, see my Landing Page
For my video on Pop Ups to help all age groups
A good video on Catching Waves