For kids living around the Monterey Bay, seeing surfers ride the waves is a pretty regular occurrence. At some point, many kids will ask about surfing and may want to give it a try. If you’re a parent who loves to surf (or one who wishes you had learned!), getting your child on a board may even be on your agenda.
There are several reasons why learning to surf is an excellent option for your family. Surfing will keep your child active. In these days of hours of screen time, being outdoors and active is a great reason to learn to surf. Surfing can also develop ocean awareness in your kids, as well as an appreciation for Mother Nature. Finally, surfing can be a big confidence boost and help your child overcome fears. Working at something hard like surfing offers kids a chance to have lots of small wins while also learning to deal with the inevitable frustration of learning something new and demanding. For parents, knowing that an hour of surfing will REALLY tire your kid out may be enough of an incentive to allow them to give it a try!
GAUGE THEIR INTEREST
Both surfing and bodyboarding require confidence and a sense of adventure. Most children need to want to do something to give it a real try. The best way to get them interested is to get them excited ahead of time. Pointing out surfers having fun in the water, watching bodyboarders at the beach, or watching surf videos is a great way to get them intrigued.
Getting them accustomed to water activities is an important step. Swimming lessons and pool time, playing at the beach and wading, playing on a small board at the water’s edge – they’re all good options for helping children feel comfortable around water.
WHEN TO START
You’re probably wondering when a good time to get your child started might be. Although many experts agree that the right age for a kid to begin surfing is around eight, there are no hard and fast rules. Of course, you can get them in the water earlier, and many surfing parents have their kids on a board as soon as they can swim. Local surf instructors report teaching kids as young as two and adults as old as seventy-five.
Noah Greenberg with Carmel Surf says that the age to start depends on how independent you expect the child to be. Greenberg had his child in the water around the age of two.
It may seem kind of obvious, but the more time you take teaching them to swim and learning to be comfortable in the water, the better their relationship with surfing will be. Zane Reed, owner of Big Surf, advises parents that children should tread water and be strong swimmers before starting to surf independently.
Jean Abraham with Monterey Bay Surf Lessons learned to surf at the age of ten. He started teaching his children on boards at four years old and his granddaughter at two. Abraham adds: “when you can’t keep your child out of the ocean is a good time to start.”
SAFETY FIRST
Safety should always be the number one priority. Be sure to spend lots of time with your child going over safety rules. The first rule is for parents: you should always watch your child while they are in the water. This is not the time to be playing on your phone or sunbathing. If your child is in the water, you should have your eyes on them. You can find lots of safety information online and from your instructor if your child is taking lessons. Go over it carefully to understand it and share it (multiple times!) with your child. Stress to your child that breaking safety rules means you will take immediate action.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
According to Zane Reed, beginner surfers will need a surfboard, a leash, a wetsuit, plus wetsuit booties. Some surf schools will lend the basics to newcomers. That can save you some money while you test whether this will be an activity your child sticks with.
Noah Greenberg stresses that a warm wetsuit is a must with 4mm his recommendation. Greenberg advises purchasing the wetsuit at a local surf shop to ensure you’re getting the proper fit. Some well-known brands give trade-in incentives for kids because they know kids grow out of their suits quickly. Greenberg says that you can expect to spend about $160 for a good quality wetsuit.
PARENTS AS TEACHERS
If you’re a surfer or bodyboarder who wants to teach your child, it’s important to remember that your child needs to guide the lesson. You need to go slow and repeat the lessons as often as needed. This is an opportunity to practice patience. Never force your child to learn something when they’re not ready.
TURNING IT OVER TO A PRO
If you’d prefer not to teach your child, surf instructors can take over. Jean Abraham says that the main reason to get a pro-teacher involved is for the child’s safety. According to Abraham, “Lessons keep children from making the “trial and error” mistakes which result in stitches. With guidance, a child will progress much quicker. Tips learned from a seasoned surfer will keep your child from becoming exhausted and frustrated. After each ride, an instructor can address the cause of a wipeout and suggest a way to avoid it on the next ride.”
Noah Greenberg adds: “I can’t speak for all surf schools but the way we teach it’s safe, really safe. I have been teaching surfing for 35 years and I think that counts for something. Our motto is “safety and fun,” and if we can’t do both then we’ll cancel with no charge to the customer.”
If you’re considering getting your kids out on the waves, there are plenty of great reasons to grab your kid a surfboard and head to the beach. Hang loose, stay safe, and have fun!
FOR MORE INFO:
Big Surf: (831) 264-8008 • www.bigsurfadventures.com
Carmel Surf: (831) 915-4065 • carmelsurflessons.com
Monterey Bay Surf: (831) 915-0789 • montereybaysurflessons.com