Children gain an interest in surfing from a very early age. They see this sport as something fun and challenging, they think it’s cool to see surfers in action and they aspire to be like them.
However, most parents don’t think it’s so “cool” anymore, they consider surfing a very extreme sport and are afraid. In fact, there is nothing to fear if you hire a professional. The child will be extremely safe. Surfing will help children develop their physical and even mental abilities, gaining a sense of strategy, concentration, and many skills. We can even say that surfing is a sport that stimulates the evolution of several areas in a child’s life, including the social area.
Benefits of surfing for children’s health:
The following benefits make any parent interested:
- Improves the child’s physical performance;
- Improves physical skills such as balance, flexibility and strength;
- Stimulates sensory integration;
- Helps with concentration and attention;
- Improves self-control;
- Relaxes and calms the mind;
- Helps with socialization;
- Improves self-confidence;
- Promotes constant coexistence with nature;
- Increases the desire to experience real-life things, that is, less interest in cell phones and tablets.
In addition to the benefits above, we must highlight that there are surfing associations that help children with Down syndrome or autism. These associations work with children in the physical area, but also stimulate sensory integration, relaxation, meditation, socialization skills and self-confidence.
Pay attention to the following questions!
Listen to the child’s wishes
Parents should always listen to their children’s wishes so they can decide what’s best taking their wishes into account.
For example, if a child doesn’t want to play football and their parents still force them to, they may experience certain traumas, which can create blocks in some areas, such as learning blocks. Instead of the child growing up physically and mentally healthy, or developing skills in various areas where sport could help.
Therefore, it is important to always take the child’s wishes and desires into account when choosing the most suitable activity for them.
Take into account the child’s limitations
The child’s limitations are sometimes what most affect the parents’ decision when choosing the sport or activity in which to enroll the child, but not for the best reasons.
Limitations must be respected and never forgotten. However, there are certain limitations that can and should be worked on. If parents simply accept the child’s limitations and don’t work on them, this will end up conditioning that child’s future.
For example, if your child has limitations when it comes to socializing, a good option would be to participate in group surfing lessons.
This way, you will learn to get along with others in various circumstances.
Choose a surf school
Many times, it may seem to adults that it is easy to teach a child to surf, but it is not.
Surf schools have highly qualified professionals to teach children how to surf in the best and safe way, with correct techniques, appropriate responses to the students’ needs and attention to every detail of the students’ progress.
Choosing a surf school is the best option for children.
Respect the minimum age
Parents should always take into account that there is a minimum age for surfing and, therefore, there is mandatory preparation. Before anything else, parents must find out about all the rules and conditions so that their children can follow the right surfing path.
What is the minimum age to surf?
Children can and should have contact with the sea between 6 months and 4 years old, to get used to it and develop physical skills.
From the age of 4, children should start swimming lessons. When your swimming is already solid, you should start surfing ATL and Surf Camps.
Depending on the feedback from the instructor or teacher, the child can start surfing lessons (which normally happens from the age of 5), but of course everything varies from child to child. It is necessary that the child only proceeds to surf lessons after a professional tells them that they are ready.
Tips: how to prepare your child for surfing?
- Prepare the child theoretically;
- Have swimming in the child’s routine;
- Have some contact with the sea before surfing;
- Teach all techniques on the sand first;
- Teach warm-ups;
- Motivate the child;
- Choosing a good Neoprene suit;
- Choose a suitable surfboard;
- Use a floating vest;
- Always have an adult nearby;
Do you already know which foods improve training? Read our article on Surfing and nutrition