July 15, 2022 7 min read

Surfing can be a safe activity for kids if they take the proper precautions.

Kids and surfing

When it comes to surfing, safety in the ocean or the sea should always be a top priority - especially when kids are involved. Here are a few tips to help ensure everyone has a fun and safe time out on the waves. Choose a surf spot that is appropriate for your child's skill level. There's nothing wrong with starting small and working your way up to bigger waves.

Make sure your child is wearing a proper wetsuit or life jacket. This will help them stay warm and float in the event of a wipeout. Teach your child how to properly paddle out and catch waves. They should always keep their eyes on the wave and be ready to paddle when it's time to catch it. Surfing is a great way for kids to stay active and have fun, but it's important to be aware of the dangers. By taking simple precautions below, you can make sure your child stays safe while surfing.

The Dangers of Surfing for Kids

When it comes to surfing, there are a few things that kids need to be aware of in order to stay safe. Never let them surf alone. There should always be someone there to watch them and help if needed.

First of all, it is important to always surf with a buddy. This way, if anything happens, there is someone there to help.

Secondly, it is important to stay aware of your surroundings. This means keeping an eye on the waves and other surfers around you.

Lastly, it is important to listen to your body. If you are tired or not feeling well, it is best to get out of the water. Choose a safe beach. Look for beaches with lifeguards and avoid those with strong currents or rip tides. Teach your kids how to properly paddle and surf. They should know how to stay afloat and what to do if they get caught in a wave. Have them wear a life jacket. This will help keep them afloat if they do get caught in a wave. By following these simple safety tips, kids can enjoy surfing while staying safe.

girl surfer

With the Right Equipment

When it comes to surfing, safety is always the number one priority - especially when kids are involved. Make sure your kid is wearing the proper gear. A good wetsuit or rash guard will help protect their skin from the sun and any potential scrapes or cuts.

A surfboard leash is also a must-have to prevent them from losing their board in the waves. Choose a safe surf spot. Look for a beach with lifeguards and waves that aren't too big or powerful. Teach them the basics. Before they hit the waves, make sure they know how to paddle and pop up.

Consider the Right Beaches

When it comes to choosing the right beaches for your kids to surf safely, consider these three main factors: lifeguard coverage, wave action, and water quality. If you're unsure about a particular beach, always check with the local lifeguards to see if it's safe for swimming and surfing. They'll be able to give you the most up-to-date information about conditions. In general, you'll want to look for beaches with gentle waves and good water quality. A steep, rocky coastline can create large waves that can be dangerous for kids. And, of course, contaminated water can pose serious health risks. By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your kids have a safe surfing experience.

Learning About the Waves

As a parent, you want to do everything you can to keep your kids safe. That includes teaching them how to surf safely. Here are some tips to help you get started. The first step is to learn about the waves. Waves come in different sizes and can be dangerous. But, if you know what to look for, you can avoid danger. The second step is to find a safe place to surf. Look for a beach that has lifeguards. Make sure there are no rocks or other hazards in the water. The third step is to teach your kids how to surf. Start with small waves and work your way up. Show them how to paddle and stand up on the board.

surfing for kids

Check the Tides and Weather Conditions

When venturing into the waves, it is crucial to check the tides and weather conditions beforehand. Tides can change rapidly and without warning, so it is important to be aware of your surroundings. If the waves are too strong for your child, consider finding a different location to surf. In addition, always apply sunscreen before heading out into the sun. UV rays can be harmful to the skin, so it is important to protect your child from them. reapply sunscreen every few hours, and make sure to cover all exposed skin. Finally, make sure your child stays hydrated. Surfing can be tiring, so it is important to drink plenty of fluids. Dehydration can cause fatigue.

Rips and Undertows

Teach your kids to identify rip currents. Rip currents are strong, narrow channels of water that flow away from the shore. They can occur on any beach with breaking waves, and can even form in the middle of large lakes. Explain to your kids how to get out of a rip current if they find themselves in one. The best thing to do is to swim parallel to the shore until you're out of the current and then make your way back.

Sun Safety

With the warmer weather upon us, many families will be heading to the beach for some fun in the sun. But it's important to keep sun safety in mind, especially when it comes to kids. Here are some tips to help your family enjoy the beach safely. Make sure to apply sunscreen regularly, even if it's cloudy. The sun's rays can still penetrate through the clouds and cause damage to the skin. Wear protective clothing. Long-sleeved shirts and hats can help shield skin from the sun's harmful rays. Stay in the shade as much as possible. If your kid is going to be in the sun a whole day, take breaks in the shade to give your skin a break.

Jellyfish Stings

This fish can be painful and even dangerous for kids, so it's important to take some precautions when surfing in areas where they're present. Avoid areas where jellyfish are known to congregate. If you're not sure whether jellyfish are present in an area, ask a lifeguard or other local authorities. If you see a jellyfish, stay away from it. Don't touch it, and don't let your kids get close to it. If you or your child does get stung by a jellyfish, rinse the area with seawater and call a doctor.

Sharks

  • First, make sure they stay in areas where there are lifeguards. Sharks are more likely to be found in areas where there are no lifeguards.
  • Second, teach your kids to always be aware of their surroundings. Sharks are more likely to attack if they feel surprised or threatened.
  • Third, have your kids wear brightly colored swimsuits. Sharks are more likely to attack if they mistake a person for a seal or other animal.
  • Fourth, avoid surfing near areas where there might be baitfish.

Final Thoughts

There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to surfing safely for kids. First and foremost, make sure that they have the proper safety gear. A good wetsuit, a life jacket, and a helmet are all essential. Second, teach them how to properly surf. This includes things like paddling out beyond the break, popping up on the board, and riding waves in the right direction. Finally, always supervise them when they're surfing and be nearby in case they need help.

Commonly Asked Questions

Who is the best kid surfer in the world?

There is no definitive answer to this question as it is subjective. However, some of the top kid surfers in the world include Lennox Chell (Australia), Eli Hanneman (USA), Kobi Clements (Australia), and Mahina Maeda (USA).

kids safety in surfing

Should little kids surf?

There is no one answer to this question as there are pros and cons to allowing kids to surf.

Some parents may feel that surfing is too dangerous for kids and that they should wait until they are older, while other parents may feel that kids can safely surf with the proper supervision.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to allow kids to surf is up to the parents and what they feel is best for their children.

What size children's surfboard should I get for my child?

There is no definitive answer to this question as the best size for a child's surfboard depends on a variety of individual factors such as the child's age, height, weight, and level of experience surfing.

However, as a general guide, beginners aged 6-10 years old would typically use a surfboard that is 7-8 feet long, while bigger and more experienced surfers aged 11 and up would use a board that is 9-10 feet long.

Can 5 years old surf?

There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the child's level of maturity, strength, and skill. Some 5-year-olds may be able to surf with proper instruction and supervision, while others may not be ready. Ultimately, it is up to the parents to decide if their child is ready to surf. If you think that your child is ready for surfing, you can relax after few days of practice enjoy surfing with your kid without big stress.

How do kids surf for beginners?

There are a few ways to help beginners surf. One way is to get a longboard. Longboards are easier to paddle and balance on, and they are great for beginners. Another way to help beginners surf is to find a surfing school. Surfing schools can teach beginners the basics of surfing, and they can help them practice and improve their skills.

Author - Fred Felton
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Fred Felton          

Content Creator / Editor

Fred Felton is a copywriter, editor and social media specialist based in Durban, South Africa. He has over 20 years of experience in creating high end content. He has worked with some of the biggest brands in the world. Currently Fred specialises in the adventure watersports space, focussing on surf, kayak and rafting. He is also a keynote speaker and has presented talks and workshops in South Africa.


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