Oceanside Surf Lessons for Kids are a great way to introduce kids to the ocean and make them comfortable in waves. I do suggest they spend time boogie boarding first to get used to getting hit by waves and going under water. Being a swimmer is also good for confidence.
Kids learn the same techniques for surfing that adults learn and can take a lesson with the family. I usually start kids at 7 years old, but surfer dads take their kids out as early as 3 or 4. A lot depends on how the child feels about the ocean. Some have no fear.
Starting with the Dry Land Lesson
Kids begin with a dry land lesson that teaches them water and board safety. Then they learn the fundamentals of catching the wave and standing up on the surfboard. Kids have varying levels of physical maturity. Some can learn the 5 step beginner pop up sequence and some can’t.
In the water, I push all students for several rides into the waves so they can concentrate on standing up. If the child cannot learn the pop up, I just tell them paddle and stand up. They have to get one foot in front of the other on the surfboard to ride effectively. I have had 5 year olds do it great and 8 year olds that can’t do it.
What Waves do they Ride?
We ride waves close to the beach, so children are not in more than waist deep. I try to get kids to catch their own waves. On real small near the beach waves, many can do it fine. If the kids are excited about riding and not fearful of falling, it usually works great. But then, even many teens and adults are afraid of falling and won’t stand up.
Kids use small 7′ and 8′ soft top boards depending on their weight. Under 80 pounds, I use a 7′ board and over that I am likely to use an 8′ board. Lean works better for surfing and kids that are overweight have a very difficult time. Their weight might indicate a lack of physical activity and with that they lose the ability to learn new physical movements.
Children that are 10 and over should be able to learn the proper pop-up sequence and progress as far as their abilities and courage carry them. Children that have had a lot of physical activities like dance, soccer, gymnastics and other sports learn easily. Surfing is very technical, so kids have to be mentally sharp and capable of following directions.
Read Other Posts:
Beginner Surfers Learn on Soft Tops
5 Steps to Improve Surfing Performance
3 Ways to Catch Real Surfing Waves
Training to Ride the Surfing Short Board
Short Board Surfing Techniques
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