If you’ve got a little one who’s stoked to catch some waves, teaching a kid to surf can be an awesome experience.
But it’s not about forcing them to stand up right away or expecting them to be pro surfers after a few tries.
It’s about getting them comfortable with the ocean, building confidence, and making it fun. Here’s how you can teach a kid to surf in a way that’s both effective and enjoyable.
Step 1: Set the Foundation on Dry Land
Before you even think about hitting the water, lay the groundwork on land. Here’s what you need to focus on to teach a kid to surf:
- Board Familiarity: Let them get to know the board. They should feel comfortable lying on it, paddling, and understanding its shape.
- Basic Positioning: Teach them how to get into the paddling position on land. Show them how to lie down with their body centered and arms stretched out in front.
- Pop-up Practice: Have them practice the pop-up move on land. Show them the motion of pushing their chest up, bringing their feet under them, and standing up with knees bent. It doesn’t need to be perfect, but getting the feel is important.
- Safety First: Remind them that surfing is all about balance and control. Safety comes first, so always explain the importance of listening to instructions and using safety gear.
Step 2: Start in the Shallows with Small Waves
Once your kid feels comfortable on land, it’s time to hit the water. But keep things simple and start slow. Choose a calm, shallow area with small waves to make the transition easier. Let them get used to the board and the water before pushing them into waves. Keep the experience positive and low-pressure, so they build confidence and enjoy the process without feeling overwhelmed by the surf:
- Choose a Gentle Beach Break: Start in the shallow surf with small, soft waves. Avoid reef breaks or big waves that can intimidate them.
- Gradual Water Exposure: Let them get used to being in the water before you start pushing them into waves. Have them float on their board and get used to paddling around.
- Push Them Into Small Waves: Once they’re comfortable, gently push them into a small wave and have them practice popping up. Stay close and make sure they feel supported but don’t hover too much—let them figure things out.
Step 3: Perfecting the Pop-Up
The pop-up is the heart of surfing, and it can take some time for kids to get it right when you teach a kid to surf. Don’t stress if it’s a bit wobbly at first. Here’s what to focus on:
- Slow and Steady: Encourage them to pop up smoothly, not too fast or jerky. A controlled, steady pop-up gives them a better chance of staying on the board.
- Feet Position: They should aim to place their feet in the center of the board, with knees slightly bent. Make sure they’re not standing stiff—bend the knees and keep their body low for better stability.
- Balance: Show them how to shift weight by slightly leaning forward or backward. Leaning too much forward will nose-dive; leaning too much back will cause them to lose control.
Step 4: Focus on Fun, Not Perfection
Kids won’t learn if they’re not having fun, so keeping the experience lighthearted is key. Celebrate the small victories, whether it’s paddling out or catching a tiny wave.
Make sure to keep the vibe relaxed and enjoyable.
Praise their efforts, even if they don’t get everything right. The more fun they have, the more they’ll want to keep going. Remember, surfing isn’t about perfection—it’s about enjoying the process and building confidence one wave at a time. Keep the stoke high:
- Praise the Small Wins: Even if they don’t catch the perfect wave, celebrate their effort. If they paddle out to the line-up without whining, give them a high-five. Every step forward counts.
- Laughter Over Pressure: Surfing isn’t about nailing it every time, especially at first. If they wipe out or miss a wave, don’t make a big deal about it. Make it a part of the process.
- Create Positive Associations: Keep the sessions short and sweet, especially early on. You want them to leave the beach excited, not exhausted or frustrated.
Step 5: Keep the Sessions Short
You don’t need to spend hours in the water to make progress when you teach a kid to surf. Kids have limited attention spans and can burn out quickly, especially if they’re not yet used to the waves. Here’s how to manage surf sessions:
- Keep It Fun and Brief: Shorter sessions of 30 to 45 minutes work best for young surfers. Once they start to lose interest or get tired, call it a day.
- Take Breaks: Make sure they have plenty of time to rest. Sitting on the beach or playing in the sand between waves can keep their energy levels up and help them stay stoked.
- Stay Hydrated: Encourage them to drink water regularly. It’s easy to forget when you’re having fun in the sun, but hydration is key.
Step 6: Build Confidence in the Water
Surfing can be intimidating, especially when the waves start moving fast. The goal is to help kids feel safe and build their confidence, not overwhelm them.
To do this, focus on gradual exposure to the waves, positive reinforcement, and providing the right level of support. Keep it light and fun, and make sure they understand the importance of balance and safety. Confidence grows when they feel comfortable and in control:
- Paddle with Them: Don’t just push them out and hope for the best. Paddle out with them, show them the ropes, and help them feel comfortable navigating the waves.
- Give Them Time to Adjust: Don’t rush the process. If they’re not ready to catch waves right away, let them practice paddling around and getting used to the flow of the ocean.
- Let Them Progress at Their Own Pace: Every kid learns differently. Some might take to the water quickly, others may need more time. Be patient and let them go at their own speed.
Step 7: Safety is Non-Negotiable
You can’t teach a kid to surf without keeping safety top of mind. The ocean is powerful, and the right safety gear makes all the difference.
- Leash Up: Always make sure your kid has a leash on their board. This keeps the board from getting away from them after a wipeout and ensures it stays close.
- Proper Board Size: Make sure the board is the right size for them. A bigger, more stable board is usually better for beginners. A soft-top board is also a safer option, especially when learning the ropes.
- Sun Protection: Don’t forget the sunscreen. Kids can burn fast, and it’s no fun dealing with sunburned kids after a surf session. Stick to water-resistant, reef-safe sunscreen, and reapply often.
- Know the Rip Currents: Teach them about rip currents and how to avoid them. Always surf in areas with lifeguards, and never let them surf alone.
Step 8: Let Them Explore the Ocean
Eventually, you’ll want to encourage your kid to connect with the ocean in a deeper way. To teach a kid to surf, it’s not just about catching waves—it’s about learning to read the water, the tides, and the wind. Here’s how you can help them feel more comfortable in the ocean:
- Teach Them About the Ocean: Help them understand how the waves are formed, what makes the tides go up and down, and how to spot safe waves.
- Encourage Curiosity: If they’re curious about the ocean, let them ask questions. Point out sea creatures, talk about the beach’s ecosystem, and teach them to respect the ocean.
- Give Them Control: As they progress, allow them to make some decisions. Let them choose which waves to go for, and trust their instincts. It builds confidence when they have a say in the session.
Step 9: Know When to Back Off
Sometimes, the best thing you can do as a coach is know when to back off while trying to teach a kid to surf. If your kid’s not feeling it, don’t force them to stay in the water. Likewise, if they’re exhausted or frustrated, it’s time to call it a day. Here’s when to back off:
- When They’re Not Into It: If they’re not feeling the session, don’t force it. It’s better to take a break and come back later.
- When They’re Tired: If they’re too tired to paddle or stand up, it’s time to rest. You can always try again another day.
Step 10: Celebrate the Progress
Don’t forget to celebrate the little victories when you teach a kid to surf. Even if they’re still struggling to pop up, recognize their effort. Surfing is a journey, and every session teaches something new. Celebrate their progress, no matter how small.
Final Thoughts: Keep it Chill, Keep it Fun
At the end of the day, teaching a kid to surf isn’t about perfection—it’s about getting them to love the ocean, feel confident, and have fun. Whether they’re catching tiny waves or just paddling around, make sure they’re having a blast. Surfing’s all about enjoying the ride, and if they’re stoked, they’ll keep coming back for more.
So, don’t stress the small stuff. Keep it chill, be patient, and let them figure it out. Surfing’s a lifetime thing, and the ocean’s got their back—just like you do.
