Surfing has been experiencing explosive growth in the past few years. It seems like everyone wants to get into the sport these days; young, old, those who live by the beach, and those who donʻt.
You may have someone in your life who is looking to get started surfing. My kids have recently started asking to go out with me when I go surfing but theyʻre pretty young. It left me wondering, can my 7 year old kid learn to surf?
7 year olds can surf with the proper supervision. As long as the child has a good swimming ability, has a basic understanding of the ocean and its dangers, and is comfortable in large bodies of water, surfing can be a great activity for them.
In fact, Iʻve been taking my kid surfing since he was 5. Along the way, Iʻve learned a few tricks that have helped my son gain a love for the sport, while not trying to push him too hard. Below is some of what Iʻve learned.
How To Get Kids Into Surfing
There are a few factors that will help you find success when trying to teach a young child to surf. The most important thing is to be patient and not push too hard. Remember to always have fun!
Just Go To The Beach
The first and most logical step to getting your kid into surfing is to just go to the beach with them. Let them play in the sand, paddle in the water, and just have fun.
This will help them get used to being in and around the ocean.
Also, as there are usually other surfers at the beach, they can start to see what surfing is and how it’s done.
Maybe there will even be some other kids their age surfing, which could definitely help spark their interest as well.
Most of the time, kids will show an interest in something if they see other people doing it and having fun. So, just going to the beach is a great way to start.
Teach Them To Swim
This should go without saying, but before you can teach your child how to surf, they should know how to swim, well.
Your child should at least be able to swim 100m freestyle without stopping. They should feel comfortable having waves crash on them and they should train to hold their breath for at least 30 seconds, preferably 1 minute.
Something can go wrong at any time in the ocean and if you canʻt get to your child they need to know how to manage themselves.
If they cannot do this, you can equip them with a floatation device that can keep them safe or just wait till they are ready.
Start By Boogie Boarding
Boogie boarding is a great way for kids (and adults who are just starting out for that matter) to start surfing. It is how I started out, and how I am getting my child used to the ocean.
It’s much easier than stand-up surfing and can help them get used to the feeling of riding waves.
One of the most important skills a beginner needs to learn is not how to stand up on a surfboard, but how to read the ocean.
Boogie boarding teaches you where to position yourself to catch waves easier, how to paddle through waves to get out into the lineup, and what to do when you actually catch a wave, without the pressure of having to stand up.
A great boogie board for kids is the Catch Surf 36” Wave Bandit Body Board.
It’s specifically designed for kids and is durable and safe which are both very important qualities when choosing a boogie board for kids.
And, maybe just as important, itʻs got a lot of cool styles to choose from, which kids love.
Also, get your child a good pair of swim fins. It will make all the difference with body boarding. Where I live in Hawaii, all the keiki are sporting these swim fins from DaFin.
Let Them Try Standing, When They Are Ready
Once your kids have built up their confidence in boogie boarding, ask them if they are ready to start standing up on a surfboard. Be patient here, let them tell you they are ready. Donʻt try and force it on them or youʻll lose them.
Make sure you have a board that is nice and stable and nice, easy rolling waves. The 8ʻ Wavestorm soft top surfboard is perfect for this age group.
Start by teaching them how to stand up on a surfboard on the sand. The back foot stays planted on the tail while the front foot comes through to the mid point of the surfboard when they can then stand up.
Doing this first helped my son understand what was expected of him.
After running some popup drills on land, you can take it to the water. It is too difficult for a 7 year old to navigate through the surf so you will have to be there to help.
Guide the board through the waves and to the takeoff zone. When you get to where you want to be, make sure you position your child on the board and teach them where the balance points are.
Wait for a small wave that is already breaking and push them straight into it. Once theyʻre on the wave, theyʻll either pop up or crash and burn.
They may get a little discouraged if they fall. Before paddling out I like to agree on a wave count goal with my son so when he does get discouraged he knows he has to keep pushing towards our already agreed upon goal. Typically we agree to catch 10 waves, good or bad.
Stay positive. Offer encouraging words. Reward success and offer motivation when there are failures. Being your childʻs cheerleader will go a long way toward how much theyʻll enjoy the sport.
If youʻre unfamiliar with surfing, then you should read this post on teaching yourself how to surf.
My Boy At 5 Years Old Killing It
Let Them Go To A Surf Camp
Surf camps are a great way for kids to learn how to surf in a safe and supervised environment.
At surf camps, they will be able to learn from experienced instructors who can help them progress at their own pace. Letting your kid go to a surf camp is a great way to quickly get them into surfing and develop their skills.
Learning to surf in the company of other children is a great motivational factor. We donʻt have any surf camps where I live, but I try and bring some friends along with us each time we go. Itʻs one of the best motivational tools Iʻve found.
Take Lessons As A Family
If you donʻt already surf, another option to get your kid into surfing is to take surf lessons as a family. You can learn to surf at any age, which you can learn more about in this post.
This can be a great bonding experience for everyone involved and will help your kids learn the basics of surfing in a fun and engaging way.
Besides, it will give you the chance to learn how to surf alongside your kids and make some great memories together.
Whether you choose to participate in surf lessons with your kids or send them off to surf camp, it is important to always make sure there is someone to supervise and support them.
If you’re looking for a fun, exciting activity that your whole family can enjoy, surfing is definitely worth considering. With the right preparation and supervision, your kids will be catching waves in no time!
What Kind Of Waves Should Kids Start On?
The best type of wave for kids to learn to surf on is a beach break on a small day, between 1ʻ-3ʻ in size.
Beachbreaks have nice sandy bottoms that make it easy on you and give your child confidence when it comes to falling.
Stick to the inside where the waves are already breaking. Pushing a beginning surfer into the whitewater is easier than pushing them into an unbroken wave, at least at the beginning.
Make sure you read the waves well. Not every wave is created the same, even on small days. Some waves will break sideways, or slam hard when they reach the shore, while others will gently roll in the whole way.
I am not so blessed when it comes to having access to the ultimate beginner wave. My only local spot is rocky and the waves can be a little chaotic.
The first thing I always do when I get to the beach is watch where the best wave is that day to learn on and which one of those waves will be best to push someone into.
I have booties so I can walk on the rocks easier and the first thing I did was teach my kid how to fall so they donʻt land straight on the rocks below the water surface. It is more challenging, but it can still be done.
If you’re unsure of which waves are best for your kids, it’s always best to ask a local surf instructor or lifeguard for advice. They will be able to tell you which waves are best suited for beginners in your area.
What Is A Good Surfboard For A 7 Year Old To Start On?
Finding success teaching your 7-year-old to surf highly depends on the surfboard you have them start on. Follow those guidelines and you should do well.
The Perfect Beginner Board For A 7 Year Old Has 3 Traits:
- Board is 3ʻ taller than the rider
- It has a round nose for increased stability
- The child is able to paddle and maneuver
For a young child, it is important not to go too big. They need to be able to paddle a little bit, even though youʻll be doing most of the propelling through the water.
The board should also be able to be maneuvered for the child. Mainly for paddling ability than for the need to maneuver on a wave.
A great example of a good surfboard for a 7 year old are these boards from South Bay Boards. Especially the 7ʻ and 8ʻ lengths. Those are a perfect size for 7 year olds.
So, these are the main things to keep in mind when your 7 year old is interested in learning how to surf.
Ultimately, whether a 7 year old is ready to surf depends on the individual child and the parents’ judgment. Your kid will surf when and if they are ready.
My daughter took one wipeout and swore it off forever and my son loves getting smashed by waves. You never know.
