Surfing may look easy but the reality of it is it is actually one of the toughest sports to conquer. Since this sport obviously requires a lot of patience it is important that your child be at least the age of nine or ten before beginning to surf. Children at this age will have the patience and strength necessary for this sport as well as the swimming skills. Remember they need to be able to carry their surfboard and paddle out.

If you decide to start your child on surfing younger, four years old is a good age, then you should be the one teaching them, and only after many years of experience. It is important to start on a soft-top board and that you enter the water with your child.

• Body surfing is also a great pre-surfing activity for young children to help them become comfortable with the surfboard.
• Make sure you start them on a day when the waves are small and take care with wipeouts to ensure that they do not become fearful.
• Encourage them to surf with friends of similar age and start in the summer when they have plenty of time to practice.
• Don’t go to beaches where the tide is too strong, and always go surfing where there are lifeguards.
• Most importantly remember always that this should be fun for your child!!!