Most people who live on the West Coast all love the idea of surfing and many children there all pick up a surfboard when they are very young.  There are three major types of surfing, the first is body boarding where the surfers lie on boards made from lightweight foam about three feet in length and ride the waves.  The second type is called Malibu surfing and involves the surfers lying down on a long, stiff fiberglass board using their arms to paddle and catch a wave.  Once they catch a wave, the surfer stands on the boards and rides along the wave.  This is the typical image of surfing most people have. 

The final style of surfing is kneeboarding, in which surfers ride a specialized small board on their knees, they must stay in a compact and stable position so they do not fall off.  There are great differences in the styles depending upon each person’s preference.  While there are three different styles, they all require the same skills and benefits.  The benefits of surfing are much improved upper body strength, as well as improved lower body strength. 

Other benefits are the increase in stamina, and endurance.  Surfing is also a wonderful as an intensive cardiovascular workout.  Reflexes are also sharpened, as are decision-making skills.  Many surfers also experience a sharpened sense of their awareness and what is going on around them.  Many children also enjoy the idea that it is a family sport that everyone can do together. 

Children should start surfing when they are around 9 years of age and have developed their swimming skills.  If you start your child on surfing younger, then you should be the one teaching them, and only after many years of experience.  Body surfing and belly boarding are also great pre-surfing activities for young children to help them become comfortable with the surfboard. 

You should carefully ask about the instructor’s level of experience and make sure they have lifeguard credentials, CPR certification and are trained in ocean rescue and first aid.  Never cut corners to save money on surfing lessons, your child’s life is not worth saving some money.  If your child is 8 or younger they should not be in water that is more than waist deep, if they are 12 and under they should be in no more than chest deep water. 

Many surfing lessons begin with instruction that takes place on dry land, and then moves to water for hands on lessons and practicing what they have learned.  They should be taught how to safely carry a surfboard, tie the leash that connects the surfboard to their body, and how to paddle, catch a wave, standup, and ride the wave.  Once your child has mastered the basics they can begin focusing on the more advanced techniques of paddling, direction control and surfing on an unbroken wave. 

If you are looking towards competitive surfing look for an instructor who has experience training surfers for the National Scholastic Surfing Association, of the Eastern Surfing Association and the Hawaii Amateur Surfing Association as these are the major associations that conduct competitions.  Some of the more serious injuries are the result of the boards hitting surfers, and being stung by jellyfish.  You should never allow your child to go surfing in an area where there may be sharks present, as well as you should carefully watch for sharp rocks. 

Cost considerations are not as bad as some sports but can be considerable.  Surfboards can be a bit expensive at upwards of $1,000 each; it is very possible to get a cheaper board though.  A wet suit is also another large expense, ranging up to $200 each.  Board repairs can run up to $50 each and can repair cracked boards, broken fins, and a broken nose.  A leash, surf rack, and rash guard will only add around $20 to the total.  Unless the board has a traction pad you will need to wax the board which costs around $1 per bar.  Many parents will rent most of the equipment for their kids until their child has determined if surfing is the sport for them. 

The last major expense is private lessons that average around $50 per hour but can go up to as much as $100 per hour.  If your child enters into competitions then the entrance fees typically cost between $20-$30 for each event.  Surfing can be a very fun sport for the outgoing and adventurous.