A lot of parents worry about their kids' ability to surf. That's a mistake, as it can be a great experience for children. In fact, surfing is a great way to introduce your child to the outdoors and a love of water and the ocean. Is it safe? This activity can also help them develop a healthy relationship with the natural world, which is a great antidote to screen addiction.
Children under 7 years old can start surfing as early as five or six. However, it is best to introduce surfing at a time when they are confident and comfortable near the water. To help them prepare for surfing, parents should try to remove all expectations. They should think of this time as a learning and discovery period for their children. Young kids tend to be cautious at first, and would rather explore the water by building sand castles and dipping their toes. Read our beginners guide.
Children learn at varying rates, and should start with a smaller board. However, they should start learning to paddle in calm water and to wear a life jacket. Once they are able to hold their own board, they should try a larger board with a wider bottom. They should also learn to stand on the board while paddling. Children 7-9 years old should stick with a board four to six feet in length.
While it may be tempting to take your kid to a surfing school right away, you'd be better off encouraging your child to explore the ocean on their own. Forcing your child into surfing may result in a bad experience. In McIntosh's experience, kids learn better if they're able to explore the water on their own. To help your child learn to surf safely, here are some tips to keep in mind:
First, consider your child's age. Kids love to do things with their friends, so they'll progress more quickly if they're able to go surfing with a friend. Having a friend with whom to play can help your child feel less fearful. Plus, early bonds can lead to friends who want to take up the sport as well. Many surf schools offer group lessons for children to help them become comfortable and confident in the ocean.
Surfing for kids under 7 is all about allowing your child to feel comfortable near the water and learn about it. It is important to set aside all expectations and think of this time as one of discovery. Kids are naturally cautious at first, and will prefer to explore the ocean on land by building sand castles or just dipping their toes in the water. Once your child feels confident, he or she should be given a taste of the water on a small day.
It is important to choose the right size surfboard for your child. It depends on your child's age, flexibility, and athletic ability. There are three broad age groups for surfboards: 5-7 years, eight to 12 years, and 13-19 years. You should take into account the child's physical development and choose a board based on that. If your child is still learning to paddle, consider renting a smaller board until they are comfortable with it.
It is possible for children as young as 5 years old to learn how to surf. However, it is recommended for children between 5 and 9 years old to take a class from an adult surfer who is more experienced than the child. This will give them more confidence and help them develop their surfing skills. They will also learn some of the basic techniques. Eventually, they will move on to learning more advanced techniques. Here are some tips to get your child started surfing.
Sierra Kerr, who is the daughter of pro surfer Josh Kerr, started surfing at an early age. Her father was an avid surfer, and his enthusiasm for the sport has rubbed off on her. The youngster started surfing at four and was soon mastering the technical tubes at Surf Ranch. She is an inspiration to other young girls and encourages them to get on the board. She hopes that her daughter will grow up to be just as adventurous.
For children 7-8 years old, surfing is more about getting used to being near the ocean. To start, you should remove expectations about how the sport should be done and think of this as a time of discovery. It is natural for young children to be wary of the water, so they are more likely to learn about it by playing on the beach, building sand castles, and dipping their toes in.
In fact, it's possible for kids as young as two to learn how to surf, but they should always be accompanied by an adult who has had a proper surfing lesson. Safety should always be a priority, so kids should wear a life jacket at all times and only surf on small waves. However, if you're a parent who wants to teach your child how to surf, you can find a local surf school that offers lessons for kids this young.