Family Surf Guide - Tips for Parents & Kids

Surfing is one of the most exhilarating and rewarding outdoor activities that anyone can experience. The idea of riding the waves while feeling the rush of the ocean beneath you can be captivating for people of all ages. But when you decide to go surfing with a family, especially with children, the experience takes on a whole new level of excitement, bonding, and learning. Going surfing with children offers a unique opportunity to create lasting memories, teach valuable life skills, and introduce the younger generation to the wonders of the ocean.

In this blog, I’ll explore the joys and challenges of surfing with a family, particularly when children are involved, as well as provide insights into the best surfboards for families to use. From safety tips to equipment choices, this guide aims to make your family’s surfing experience safe, fun, and unforgettable.

 

 

The Benefits of Surfing for Families

Surfing provides numerous benefits for families, especially those with children. It’s not just about catching waves and looking cool—it’s about connecting with nature, building confidence, and fostering teamwork. Here are some key advantages of surfing as a family activity:

1. Physical Fitness and Health

Surfing is an excellent full-body workout that helps improve strength, endurance, balance, and flexibility. For children, it’s a fun way to stay active while developing muscle coordination and motor skills. The constant paddling and balancing on the surfboard engage a variety of muscle groups, offering a great alternative to sedentary activities like screen time.

2. Building Confidence and Resilience

When kids are learning to surf, they face challenges such as balancing on a board or getting back up after a wipeout. Overcoming these obstacles helps build their confidence, teaches perseverance, and gives them a sense of accomplishment. For parents, guiding children through these challenges fosters stronger family bonds and provides an opportunity to model resilience in the face of adversity.

3. Connecting with Nature

Surfing encourages families to spend time outdoors and appreciate the beauty of the ocean. The beach setting is ideal for relaxation and exploration. Children can learn about marine life, tides, and the importance of environmental conservation in a natural setting. This connection to nature can inspire a lifelong love for the outdoors and a deeper respect for the planet.

4. Creating Family Bonds

Surfing together as a family allows for quality bonding time. Whether it’s a shared laugh after a tumble in the waves or the thrill of watching a child catch their first wave, these experiences create lasting memories. Surfing also provides opportunities for teamwork, as parents and children can support each other in the water, offer encouragement, and celebrate each other’s successes.

 

Safety Considerations When Surfing with Children

While surfing with kids is a fantastic experience, it’s important to prioritize safety. The ocean can be unpredictable, so taking the necessary precautions ensures that everyone has a safe and enjoyable time. Here are some safety tips to consider:

1. Choose the Right Beach and Conditions

The choice of beach is crucial when surfing with children. Opt for beaches with gentle, slow-breaking waves rather than powerful, fast-moving waves that can be intimidating and dangerous. Smaller, more beginner-friendly beaches are ideal for families. Make sure to check the weather and surf conditions before you go, as strong winds or large swells can make surfing unsafe.

2. Wear Proper Safety Gear

Safety gear such as surf helmets and rash guards can help prevent injuries, especially for children. Rash guards protect the skin from sunburns and friction from the surfboard. Surf helmets are a great option if your child is still learning and may fall frequently, as they protect against impacts with the board or the ocean floor.

3. Supervision and Instruction

Always supervise your children in the water, even if they are experienced swimmers. For younger kids or beginners, it’s best to hire a professional surf instructor who can teach proper techniques and ensure that your child is learning in a safe environment. Many surf schools offer family-friendly lessons and equipment rentals.

4. Know Your Limits

When surfing with kids, it’s important to know your own abilities and limits. If you’re a beginner, stick to smaller waves and avoid challenging surf spots. Likewise, encourage your children to start slowly and work their way up. Always stay close to the shore so you can easily assist if needed.

The Best Surfboards for Families

Choosing the right surfboard is a key factor in ensuring a successful and enjoyable family surfing experience. When selecting surfboards for children and family use, it’s important to consider factors such as skill level, age, size, and the type of waves you’ll be riding. Here are some of the best types of surfboards for families:

1. Soft-Top Surfboards

Soft-top surfboards are the most popular choice for families, especially those with children or beginners. They have a soft, cushioned top that is safer in case of falls, reducing the risk of injury. These boards are stable and easy to balance on, making them perfect for children who are just starting to learn how to surf.

Soft-top boards come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but longer boards (typically 8 to 9 feet) are recommended for beginners because they provide more stability and make it easier to catch waves. These boards are also forgiving in terms of paddling and balancing, making them ideal for both children and parents. We recommend our Ultimate Longboard (Hybrid EpoxySoft) for beginner to advanced surf families. For intermediate and up, we also recommend considering the Poacher and the Easy Rider in hybrid epoxysoft construction. 

2. Longboards

Longboards are another excellent choice for families, particularly for beginners. These boards are typically between 9 and 12 feet in length, providing a lot of surface area, which makes it easier to balance. Longboards are also perfect for smaller waves, which is often the type of surf you’ll encounter when surfing with children.

For families, a longboard offers a versatile option for both kids and adults. Parents can ride larger waves and enjoy the smooth ride, while children can practice their paddling and balancing skills on a more forgiving board. A longboard allows the whole family to enjoy the waves together, regardless of individual skill levels. Check out the Ultimate longboard in epoxy construction for a perfect board for this. 

3. Funboards

Funboards, which are a hybrid of longboards and shortboards, are a great compromise between the two. These boards are typically around 7 to 8 feet long, making them slightly more maneuverable than longboards but still stable enough for beginners. Funboards are perfect for families who want something that works for both younger children and adults, especially for those who want to progress beyond the basic beginner level.

Funboards are versatile and can be used for a wide range of wave conditions. They are great for catching small to medium-sized waves, making them a good choice for a family surf outing. The balanced design offers a good combination of stability and performance, so everyone in the family can have fun and improve their skills. The Poacher in any of its constructions is a perfect fit, although we recommend the soft deck version for young children. 

4. Foam Surfboards

Foam surfboards are specifically designed with beginners in mind, and they are ideal for children. They are lightweight, buoyant, and easy to paddle, making them perfect for younger surfers. Foam boards are also very safe, with the foam material providing extra cushioning to protect children from bumps or falls. These boards are typically between 6 to 8 feet long, making them easier for smaller riders to manage.

Foam surfboards are also affordable, durable, and easy to repair, making them a great choice for families on a budget. They are the go-to option for kids and beginners who want to have fun in the surf without the worry of damaging more expensive equipment. Our Perfect Foamie is designed to fit these needs. 

Tips for Surfing with Children

In addition to the right equipment, a few extra tips can help ensure a smooth and enjoyable family surfing experience:

1. Start with Land Practice: Before hitting the water, have a dry land practice session where your children can learn how to pop up on the board and get a feel for the movements. This can help build confidence and make the water session more enjoyable.
   
   

2. Make It Fun: Keep the experience fun and lighthearted. If a child is nervous or afraid, encourage them to take it slow and focus on the enjoyment rather than performance. Praise every little achievement, whether it’s paddling out or catching their first wave.
   
   

3. Take Breaks: Surfing can be exhausting, especially for younger children. Take regular breaks, hydrate, and rest to keep everyone energized and safe.
   
   

4. Respect the Ocean: Teach your children to respect the ocean, including the tides, waves, and wildlife. It’s important to instill a sense of responsibility and respect for the natural environment from a young age.
   

Conclusion

Surfing with a family, especially with children, is a fantastic way to spend quality time together, bond, and create lasting memories. The ocean offers endless opportunities for fun, learning, and adventure, making it a perfect activity for all ages. With the right preparation, safety measures, and equipment—such as soft-top surfboards, longboards, and foam boards—you can ensure that your family’s surfing experience is both safe and enjoyable. Most importantly, by introducing children to the joys of surfing, you’re giving them a gift that will stay with them for a lifetime: a deep connection with the ocean and a love for outdoor adventure.

Photos courtesy of Corinne Gold @hi.golds