If you happen to leave near a seaside or even a beach, then surfing might already be part of your recreational routine. If you have children, they too might already be riding astride your own board as you surf your way to the shore. For those like yourselves, where surfing is more akin to a lifestyle than a sport, then perhaps this article isn’t for you. However, if your child has shown some interest in surfing and you, yourself are not a natural or even mildly familiar with the activity, then read on!
It’s safe to say that for many, surfing is more than just a sport; it’s a way of life. Surfing allows us a very real way to connect with the ocean. It helps us find our natural rhythm and for children, allows them to feel the exhilaration that comes from riding waves. For the uninitiated, surfing might look challenging, almost impossible if you happen to be a child, but this could not be further from the truth!
Surfing is not simply a fun and rewarding activity for kids who love water, it can be the key to boosting their confidence, engaging them with nature, and enhancing their sense of adventure. In this article, we will dive into the basics of surfing, describe the different types of waves you can ride, and highlight how surfing can benefit both your body and your mind. So, let’s run into the surf together, shall we?
Why Surfing is a Great Sport for Kids
When viewed from the shore or through the lens of movies like Point Break, surfing might seem a little intense. You might even be unsure that you want your child to try it out, let alone pick it as their chosen summer sport. In reality, surfing is actually one of the most enjoyable and fulfilling sports that children can engage with. Here’s why children think that surfing is so totally radical:
Full-Body Workout: Like swimming, surfing works every single muscle in the body. It works the arms, the legs, and all of the core, making it a fantastic workout that builds strength and endurance. Paddling through the water strengthens the upper body, while standing on the board works your legs and core. This makes it particularly good for children who could use an extra leg-up in terms of fitness.
Improves Balance and Coordination: Kids are clumsy, we all know this, so balancing on a board on the top of an ever-shifting liquid surface might seem like something of an impossible challenge. The good news here is that, because riding a wave requires balance and coordination, kids learn to develop those skills pretty darn quickly. A few trips into the drink and your child will figure out how to get the knack of balancing down. As an added bonus, the coordination they develop while surfing can be used to help them in other, similar sports situations such as ice skating, dance, and gymnastics.
Encourages Patience and Focus: Kids are not possessed of the endless patience that their parents have learned to cultivate. Indeed, some children have very little patience at all. Fortunately, surfing is very much about being patient. Kids have to be patient enough to wait for the right wave before attempting a ride. At the same time, surfing requires focus to catch the wave at the right moment. This makes surfing a fantastic way to learn concentration and self-discipline.
Boosts Confidence and Resilience: We’re not going to lie to you, surfing can be challenging at first. Like any sport worth playing, surfing takes practice in order to improve. Children who put in the work and get more practice will not only learn to succeed, they will gain newfound confidence in the bargain. Every wave your child manages to catch is a small victory, and every wipeout teaches them about the importance of resilience.
Connects You with Nature: These days, it feels like something of a chore to get kids to detach from their devices and sit outside for a moment. Surfing is the oceanic equivalent to touching grass and for those near coastal areas, it can be a great way to bring the whole family down to the beach for an afternoon. Being in the ocean, enjoying the beauty of nature, and respecting the power of the waves can have a very beneficial effect on human beings, especially children. Surfing, unlike some other sports, offers kids a chance to build a special connection to their environment.
Types of Surfing Waves
The sea is a cruel mistress and not every wave that moves across her capricious surface is manageable, especially if you happen to be a child. Frankly, not every wave should be tackled by experts either, but that’s a story for another time. The truth is, every surf spot is unique, and the ocean offers different types of waves to challenge surfers of every levels. Some of the most common types of waves you’ll encounter can be found below:
Beach Breaks: Beach breaks are waves that break over sandy bottoms. These relatively tiny waves are usually best for beginners because they’re softer and more forgiving, especially during a wipeout. Also, many popular surf beaches have beach breaks where new or budding surfers can practice without too much fear.
Point Breaks: Point breaks (yes the movie was aptly named) happen when waves wrap around a point of land, like a rocky outcrop. Longer and more predictable than other waves, point breaks offer intermediate and advanced surfers a longer, slightly more challenging ride.
Reef Breaks: Reef breaks happen over coral reefs or rock formations. Powerful and challenging even for experience surfers, these waves can be difficult or even dangerous for the uninitiated. Regardless, some of the world’s best surf spots are reef breaks.
River Mouths: That’s right, even rivers can contribute to the surf party. River mouths create unique waves at places where river water meets the ocean. These waves, though unpredictable thanks to the changing flow of tides and rivers, can be exceptionally fun to ride.
Surfing Gear: What You Need to Get Started
If your child is interested in surfing, they are going to need a board at the very least. However, a good surfboard isn’t the only piece of safety gear a surfer requires. Let’s look at what each piece of equipment does and why it’s necessary:
- Surfboard: The titular surfboard is the main piece of equipment for surfing, but as expected, there are different types depending on the surfers experience and the type of waves that they will be riding.
- Foam Boards: Foam boards are soft and stable, making them perfect for beginners. These boards are likely the ones that most parents are familiar with, as they are usually used when teaching children how to swim as well. Foam boards are safer for new surfers because they’re less likely to cause injuries in case of a wipeout.
- Longboards: Longboards are the most recognizable bit of surf gear. These wooden boards tend to be longer, more stable, and easier to balance on than short or foam boards. This makes them great for when kids move to the next level and start learning how to stand up and ride waves.
- Shortboards: Shortboards, as the name implies, are smaller and more maneuverable than their longer, common cousins. These boards are ideal for advanced surfers who want to perform tricks and ride faster waves.
- Wetsuit: Ocean water is almost always colder than you think it’s going to be. A wetsuit is the perfect “uniform” to keep kids warm in colder water and protect their skin from the sun. Wetsuits also protect skin from accidental surfboard injuries during a wipeout. Note that different thicknesses of wetsuits are available, depending on the water temperature or local climate.
- Surf Wax or Traction Pad: There is a reason that you see people waxing their surfboards. Wax or a traction pad on the board helps surfers keep their grip while paddling and standing up on the board. Wax is applied to the top of the board, while traction pads are usually placed on the tail.
- Leash: Most often found on foam boards, the leash attaches to the child’s ankle and keeps the surfboard close should they fall off during a ride. This important safety feature prevents the board from drifting away so that the child can grab ahold of it to float if they fall into the drink.
Basic Surfing Techniques for Beginners
If your kid is interested in surfing, learning and teaching them the basics of the sport will go a long way to making them feel confident and comfortable in the water. Some of those essential techniques for beginner surfers can be found here:
Paddling: Paddling is how a surfer move through the water to get over to the waves. To paddle, have the child lie on the board with their chest lifted slightly, and use their arms to paddle in a smooth, alternating motion. Good paddling helps surfers move quickly and catch waves more easily.
Duck Diving: It might sound silly, but duck diving is a useful technique for getting through breaking waves on the way out to the lineup (where surfers float and wait for waves). To duck dive, have the kid push down on the nose of their board with both hands, then push their body downward, allowing the wave to pass over them.
The Pop-Up: The pop-up is an intermediate move that takes the surfer from a flying position on the board to standing up. To do the pop-up, have the kid start by placing their hands flat on the board below their shoulders, then push up and quickly bring their feet under themselves. This is a tricky move, so have them try practicing the pop-up on the sand before they head into the water.
Standing and Balancing: Once your young surfer has mastered the pop-up, the next trick is maintaining balance while standing. Have them keep their knees bent and their feet shoulder-width apart. The surfer’s front foot should be pointing forward, while their back foot should be slightly angled. Have your child their arms to help them balance and focus on staying centered over the board.
Turning the Board: Turning the board while riding a wave is no mean feat, but it’s not impossible, especially once a surfer learns a degree of maneuverability. To turn the board while riding a wave, have the child shift their weight slightly to the side that they want to turn. For instance, if they want to go right, have them lean towards their right foot, and so on. Pro Tip: Small shifts in weight will help the surfer control their direction without too much effort or overcompensation.
Surf Etiquette: Respecting Others in the Lineup
When you and your kid are out in the ocean with other surfers, it’s important that both of you follow some basic rules to keep everyone safe and show respect. Here are some rules to keep in mind:
Wait Your Turn: In surfing, the person closest to the peak (where the wave breaks) has the right of way. Respectful surfers don’t try to “drop in” on someone else’s wave. Always let them go first, and wait for your turn.
Don’t Hog the Waves: The waves are for everyone, so be mindful of space and make sure that you let others have a turn.
Stay in Control: This one is tough, because it’s not always in a beginner’s power to “stay in control.” Nevertheless, surfers should always be aware of other surfers around themselves. This will help them avoid loose boards as well. Always remember to make sure yours and your child’s leash is secure, so the board doesn’t float off and hit someone else in a wipeout.
Communicate: If you or your child is going for a wave, giving a quick shout like “Going left!” or “Going right!” can let others know your direction. Clear communication helps everyone stay safe and avoid collisions.
Respect the Ocean: Don’t litter! Always keep the beach and ocean clean by picking up trash. Also, be mindful of coral and animal inhabitants and do your best not to disturb them.
Cultured Athlete Says…
Surfing is a fantastic sport that lets kids connect with the ocean in a way that few others do. This sport build physical skills, and helps children find their balance and their confidence; both on and off the board. Whether your kid is paddling out for the first time or mastering the art of catching waves, surfing is a journey full of fun, fitness, and youthful discovery.
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