Teaching kids to surf.

[parrysurf]

Sunday I was the instructor for a group of 12 kids between 7 and 9 years old. I gave a short talk on history, safety, and respect for the ocean and other surfers.

Then we did pop up practice. I told each kid to stay clear of the board if bailed in the shallows. I then took each one out a ways and pushed em into the white water.

Genuine stoke as 5 of the kids were able to stand and ride to shore. 4 didn't try at all, scared. But 5 out of 8 who surfed, stood up. The stoke was all over their faces. Mine too as one of the kids who stood up was my boy. Should have seen him, all styled out with knees bent and arms out for balance.

This summer is gonna be awesome

How much do instructors charge??.....side cash!!

[Real Pol]

That sounds cool mate!

My friend has a 7 yearold and wants me to teach her surfing, but I worry about the temperature of the water and the kid being cold and miserable after 5 minutes!

Where did you teach them and was the temp okay?

[parrysurf]

In Ventura, CA. Water temp approx. 60F. The kids with full suits were good for several rides, those in spring and trunks were only good for one ride.
I was expecting most of them to be cold and afraid, but when the birthday boy caught 4 and stood on all...the crowd was amped and they were all charged for their turn.

I was pushing them into white water, but having them paddle with my push.
All on my 10'0". One kid was so small when the wave had passed him he was still standing and looking around as if to say what now.

As the summer warms, we will hopefully spend longer times in the water. My son already is asking for a return trip this coming weekend. Mission accomplished....I have set the hook!!! Surfing will finish the deal.

[isaluteyou]

One kid was so small when the wave had passed him he was still standing and looking around as if to say what now.

Class

[surfmom68]

My son is learning in Brighton (bbrrr). He is 7 years old but is nice and cosy in his hand me down excel winter suit and cheap 3mm boots. He stood first time too. So proud!!!

[parrysurf]

Go surfmom68!!!

Keep the stoke!

[essex sucks]

kids do not feel the cold as much as we do anyway, aslong as they are haveing fun they do not care

surfmom68 where u surf i surf the brighton area from time to time

[surfmom68]

Wise words Essex! Both my boys are thin and stringy whippets. They whinged about the cold so I just don't bother with summer suits at all now for them. Both have toasty winter suits all year round!!
We are mostly surfing the Hotpipes.

[Hang11]

My 8yo daughter has been learning over the summer - loves it - and can get to her feet and ride the foam up the beach. Made me feel real proud! I bought her a 6'2" pink foamie board. She's taking off on clean waves and making the drop now, with a push from me.

Bit too cold now, but both my kids are little chargers on a snowboard already, so we will be hitting the mountains every weekend from next month.

It's quite mad all going for a surf as a family, my wife and oldest daughter paddle out together, and I take my 6yo daughter out on my back on a big longboard for a few. She loves it too, so will probably be learning next summer.