How Kids Learn to Surf

Kids learn to surf different than adults. Kids have an advantage in that their weight is more stable on an 8′ surf board than their teen siblings. They can learn to stand without destabilizing the board.

Kids Differ from Teens and Adults

With young teens and adults, I have a process that requires precision to keep their weight balanced in the middle of the board. This is necessary for popping up after catching a wave and for riding the board.

The surf board is designed to have a surfers weight equal on both sides of the stringer running up the middle. When too much weight is placed on either side of the stringer, the board tips

When teens or adults get up, they might swing their butt to one rail or place a front foot off center. Both cause instability and a fall. Kids have to oblige the boards need for center balance, but their body nor foot create as much influence

Kids Learn to Surf with Their Own Pop Up

When kids learn to surf, I tell them to paddle three times and get up. I show them how their final position has to look; one foot in front and one foot in back with their hands pointing forward. If kids can’t get to this position smoothly, they too will fall into the water.

If when kids learn to surf, they cannot on their own figure out how to keep the board balanced when they get up, chances are they will not get it. It almost has to be instinct they have learned trying other balance games, like walking across a beam.

When kids learn to surf, they are learning in very shallow water with tiny foam waves. Kids can’t control the direction of the surf board because their arms are too small to paddle and they don’t have the strength.

Kids have to be pushed into the waves and most are happy after about a half hour. It is a good introduction to get them comfortable in the ocean.

For Oceanside Surf Lessons, see the Home Page

For my video on Dry Land and in Water Demo