The Parent’s Checklist: Everything You Need to Teach Kids to Surf
Malcolm Cox February 19th, 2018 Posted In: How-To Tags: Surfing
Teaching kids to surf is one of those magical parenting moments: salty hair, big smiles, and memories that stick for life. Some benefits of surfing include keeping kids active, building confidence, and introducing them to the ocean in a meaningful way. That said, learning how to teach kids to surf takes a bit of planning, patience, and the right approach to keep things fun and safe.
Kids are often fearless learners, which can be a huge advantage, especially when guided correctly. This guide walks you through exactly how to teach kids how to surf, from knowing when they’re ready, to land drills, safety tips, gear choices, and even troubleshooting common hiccups along the way.
Is Your Child Ready to Learn to Surf? (Pre-Surf Checklist)
Before grabbing a board and heading to the beach, it’s important to make sure your child is ready for the ocean environment. Your child should be able to:
- Feel comfortable putting their face under water
- Tread water or float independently
- Follow basic instructions
- Feel excited (not pressured) about trying surfing
If these boxes are checked, you’re off to a great start!
The Scoop on How to Teach Kids to Surf
Surfing can be lots of fun for children and is a great way to keep them active — if it remains safe and enjoyable. Endurance, confidence and agility are all required to master the art of surfing, so teaching kids to surf can be tricky.
Fortunately, youngsters tend to be fearless when faced with a physical challenge. While this fearlessness should be managed, it can be harnessed to make the teaching process fun and effective. Surfing should feel like play, not pressure. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s confidence. When kids are engaged, supported, and having fun, progress happens naturally!
Here’s how to build that foundation step by step.
Get Them Interested First
When children are genuinely engaged and excited, they are far more likely to take on a challenge with maximum effort and zeal. Start by sparking curiosity. Spend time on the beach watching other surfers, pointing out how they paddle, stand up, and ride waves. Let your child explore a surfboard on dry land. Touch it, sit on it, and ask questions.
Making surfing feel familiar before entering the water helps reduce nerves and builds excitement.
Introduce Them in Warm, Shallow Water
If your learner has never been in the ocean, these first introductions to surfing might be a little intimidating. Help the youngster to overcome fear by gradually moving into shallow water. Warm water is a game changer when you’re teaching kids to surf. Cold water drains energy quickly and can make kids uncomfortable fast.
- Begin in ankle- to knee-deep water
- Encourage your child to splash, dunk their head, and get used to the movement
- Keep sessions short and positive
Even in warm conditions, a kid’s wetsuit or rash guard helps with warmth, buoyancy, and protection from board rash.
Practice on Land: The Basics That Matter
Land practice is where confidence starts. Break things down into simple, repeatable steps.
The Kid-Friendly Pop-Up (Step by Step)
- Start prone — lying on the board, hands placed by the ribs (not on the rails)
- Arch the back — like a gentle cobra pose, lifting the chest
- Bring feet under the body — sliding knees or stepping feet forward
- Find the stance — feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, eyes forward
Remember to keep it light and playful, there’s no need for perfection.
Stance & Balance Tips
Here are just a few tips on your child’s stance and how to balance on a surfboard:
- Soft knees, relaxed posture
- Feet centered on the board
- Arms out like airplane wings
- Eyes up, not looking down
Gear That Makes Learning Easier (and Safer)
The right equipment can make a huge difference when you teach kids how to surf.
Recommended Beginner Surf Gear for Kids
- Soft-top (foam) surfboards — safer, more buoyant, and forgiving
- Leash (non-negotiable) — keeps the board close and prevents accidents
- Rash guards or wetsuits — protect against sun, cold, and board rash
- Zinc sunscreen — water reflects UV rays more than you think
Foam boards are especially important as they reduce impact risk and help kids catch waves more easily.
Play it Safe in the Water
Once the child can perform the basic surfing maneuvers, it’s time to get in the water. Don’t forget that this might be a little scary for him or her, so play it safe at the beginning. Never venture more than a few yards from dry land, and only enter the water if the waves are relatively gentle.
This first foray into the water should be on a child’s board, or even a boogie board. Give the child a gentle push, and provide a little forward power when needed.
Safety is what allows surfing to stay fun.
Key Ocean Safety Rules for Kids
- Stay close to shore and avoid crowded lineups
- Gentle waves only—no steep or fast-breaking surf
- Use a leash every session
- Know the area—point out safe swim zones and avoid rip currents
How to Fall Safely
- Starfish fall — fall flat, not headfirst
- Cover your head when resurfacing after a wipeout
- Always fall away from the board
These habits protect kids from hitting the board or the ocean floor.
Make Mistakes (and Laugh About Them)
Falling is part of surfing. And that’s okay! Kids learn resilience when they’re allowed to mess up safely. Celebrate effort over outcome, and keep encouragement flowing. You can even turn learning into games:
- Balance challenges — who can stay standing the longest on sand?
- Tandem boogie rides — ride whitewater together
- Wax art — let kids draw shapes on the board with wax
With a little planning, patience and practice, your child can be surfing to a reasonable standard in no time.
Troubleshooting Common Beginner Issues
Even with great instruction, a few bumps are normal.
Problem: Nose diving (pearling)
Solution: Scoot the child slightly farther back on the board.
Problem: Can’t stand up
Solution: Practice pop-ups on land and start with kneeling rides.
Problem: Fear after falling
Solution: Go back to shallow water play and rebuild confidence.
Final Thoughts: Teaching Kids to Surf the Right Way
Learning how to teach kids to surf is about patience, preparation, and positivity. With the right gear, simple instruction, and strong safety habits, kids can build confidence in the water and fall in love with surfing for life.
Keep sessions short, celebrate small wins, and remember, the goal is smiles, not perfect rides.
Have more tips or questions about how to teach kids how to surf? We’d love to hear them! Feel free to drop a comment below!
