As in any outdoor sport, there is a risk for harm when surfing. However, with the correct safety precautions, surfing can be quite safe for kids.
Surfing is safe for kids when the conditions are suitable and within the surfer’s abilities.
In fact, surfing is a great sport for kids because it is physically and mentally engaging, immersive within the natural world, and incredibly rewarding. Surfing teaches humility and helps to develop balance and coordination.
In addition, surfing is an excellent activity to bond with friends and family through a shared and meaningful experience.
My dad taught me to surf and it is an effort that I am forever grateful for. Surfing is one of my favorite things to do and I recommend that everyone, both kids and adults, try surfing!
Is surfing too dangerous for kids?
Surfing can be dangerous for kids, just like adults. However, it can also be quite safe.
As in any outdoor sport, there is a risk of harm. The risk in surfing depends on the conditions. The conditions are mainly the size and frequency of the waves, the strength of the currents, and the depth of the water.
Sometimes the conditions can be super mellow and easy for beginners or children to surf. Other times the conditions can be unforgiving.
The surfer’s swimming abilities and experience level are important factors, as well as the level of supervision from adults or more experienced surfers.
While risks are present, there are many cases where the conditions are suitable for true beginners and young children. Heck, people take their babies surfing: Baby’s First Time Surfing – WOW – YouTube
So, long answer short, surfing can be dangerous sometimes and very safe other times. It depends on the conditions and the surfer’s experience level.
Is surfing good for kids?
In the right conditions, surfing is not only safe, but actually beneficial for kids.
First of all, surfing is a blast. There is no feeling quite like gliding on a wave with the wind in your face and the board underneath your feet (or your stomach!). Surfing is exciting and fun for both adults and kids.
Secondly, surfing is engaging. The breaking waves, changing currents, and shifting wind create a dynamic environment that is incredibly immersive. Surfing is an excellent way to experience the present moment in an exciting natural environment.
Third, surfing is a great way to bond with friends and family. Surfing together, or learning to, is a powerful and memorable shared experience that can be recounted and appreciated.
Finally, there are many lessons that surfing can teach people, kids and adults alike.
What lessons does surfing teach kids?
As a surfer myself, I recognize that surfing has many lessons to teach the average person.
Surfing teaches humility. It is a powerful lesson to learn that the ocean is out of our control. The waves and currents can be intimidating, and it is important to have respect for the ocean and the natural world.
Surfing teaches purpose, intention, and reward. Surfing is not easy, and it takes a while to learn, even for fit adults. However, with focused effort and learning, surfing can be incredibly rewarding. For example, it is such an amazing feeling to stand on the board for the first time.
How old should kids be to go surfing?
There is no general rule for what age kids are able to surf. Children of almost any age can go surfing, assuming the appropriate level of supervision and the suitability of the conditions.
Like you saw earlier, babies can go surfing. Not on their own of course but if they are held by an adult on the board together.
Kids younger than 10 years old can surf independently. Again, the level of independence in the water depends on their experience and the conditions for a given day and surf spot.
If you’re not a surfer yourself you may be wondering what conditions are suitable for your child.
How to make sure your kid is surfing safely?
If you are a fairly experienced surfer yourself, then you probably recognize what conditions are safe for kids, and beginners in general.
However, if you are a beginner surfer, you might not realize what is safe and what is dangerous. If you are taking your child to surf, you should either be able to surf yourself, or enroll them in a surf lesson or camp.
If you don’t know how to surf safely yourself, then you should seek additional supervision for your child from someone who does, before letting them go in the water.
To learn how to surf safely and avoid dangers, see: How to surf safely and avoid dangers.
What conditions are right for kids surfing?
For both kids and adults, the surf conditions will dictate if it is suitable to even surf at all.
You generally want small waves (1-3 feet), a long period (the time between waves; over 8 seconds is preferable), minimal currents, and a popular surf beach that is well known.
It is harder for kids to manage a surfboard, jump over waves, and resist any currents, so the conditions need to be even more mellow for them to surf safely. It is often helpful to have an adult manage the surfboard and help the kid to catch waves.
For any beginner surfer, a longer breaking wave is better. This allows more time to catch the wave and stand up. Look for popular beginner surf beaches near you.
What are some alternatives to surfing?
Surfing is intimidating and renting or buying gear can be prohibitive. Fortunately, there are some good options that are potentially more accessible for some families or kids.
Boogie Boarding
Boogie boarding is a great alternative to surfing that still allows people to catch some waves. If you haven’t heard of boogie boarding, think surfing except always staying on your stomach. The board is smaller and made of foam.
Fortunately, boogie boarding is a suitable alternative to surfing for kids and adults alike. Not as much coordination is required which works well for younger kids.
Boogies boards are much cheaper and easier to transport than surfboards, which is another great advantage. Overall, boogie boarding is less of a commitment than surfing but still allows people to get out into the waves.
However, the same surfing precautions apply as surfing. Also, boogie boarding usually doesn’t require the same water depth as surfing. This can be a plus for kids as they will typically always be able to stand when boogie boarding.
Skimboarding
Skimboarding is when you run and throw a flat board on a thin layer of water, then jump on the board and glide.
You don’t actually go into the water when you skimboard, so less supervision is required for kids. You don’t need a wetsuit either. Although you still want to keep an eye out for sneaker waves.
Skimboarding is typically done when waves are receding on a sandy beach that isn’t too steep. It is super fun, but a little tricky to get the hang of it.
Before boogie boarding and surfing, I learned to skimboard. I had a blast! It was a great option for me to still play in the waves without getting all the way into the water.
Body Surfing
Body surfing is just what it sounds like. Your body is the board. Unless you are a serious connoisseur of body surfing, it’s mostly just splashing around in the waves, which can be a great time!
Conclusion
Surfing is safe for kids during the right conditions, which are usually smaller waves with a larger period and low wind. It is important to have the appropriate level of adult supervision depending on the kid’s experience level.
Surfing is fun, active, and can teach a lot of valuable lessons for kids. It can be difficult and rewarding. Parents, learn how to plan a successful day surfing.
I learned to surf in high school and I recommend every child and adult try surfing at least once!
Heads up! Surfing is awesome but it can be dangerous! Learn more about how to stay safe and avoid dangers while surfing. If you are a beginner surfer, check out my other articles about surfing and my ultimate guide to learning how to surf.
