At What Age Should You Start Surfing? Complete Guide

À Quel Âge Commencer le Surf ? Guide Complet

The minimum recommended age to start surfing is 6 years old to surf alone on your board. However, baby surfing in tandem with a parent is possible from 18 months .

Recommended age to start:

  • Baby surfing (tandem): from 18 months
  • Solo surfing : from 6 years old

Hello parents team!

You want to pass on your passion to your little one, but you're wondering at what age to start surfing ? We'll enlighten you with some advice, but remember: every child is different and progresses at their own pace.

Why is 6 years old the ideal age to start surfing solo?

By age 6 , children have typically acquired:

  • The Basics of Swimming
  • The ability to follow safety instructions
  • A basic understanding of the dangers
  • Sufficient attention to lessons
  • Physical coordination adapted to beginner surfing

But be careful, there is no absolute rule! Here are the essential criteria for assessing whether your child is ready:

Essential prerequisites before you begin:

  • Comfortable in water (no fear, good buoyancy)
  • Self-motivation (never force it!)
  • Understanding basic instructions

As parents, you are in the best position to assess whether your future rider is ready for their first session. Observe their behavior in the water , their reaction to the waves, and above all, listen to their desires! Some children can be ready much earlier if they meet all these conditions.

Remember that surfing should remain fun! The more your child wants to learn, the more fun they will have in the waves.

Baby surfing: can you start surfing before the age of 6?

Baby Surf, 18 month old baby, tandem surfing, Pakarang Beach, Khao Lak, Thailand

Beyond children who are ready earlier to surf alone, surfing can be a family adventure from a very young age! Indeed, you can introduce your child on your board, in tandem , to help them discover the joys of surfing.

In the Zeus team, some mini-riders started before 18 months ! A great proof that sharing the sensations of surfing can start very early. However, there is no set age limit for baby surfing - each baby is unique and the initiation will depend on their temperament, motor development and ease in the water .

Introduction to surfing for toddlers: the ideal conditions

  • Wait at least 18 months in general (depending on development)
  • Adapt the position to the baby's age: first lying on the stomach then on all fours, squatting and even standing for the most daring
  • Tandem surfing on the same board
  • Ultra-safe conditions (we surf in foam or in very small waves!)
  • A parent who is proficient in surfing and feels comfortable
  • A large and stable surfboard ( Temper 8'0 (intermediate level) and Burger 7'0 (beginner level))
  • A beginner surf spot with very shallow and clear water to see the baby well in case of a fall.
  • Favor brightly colored swimsuits and lycras
  • An approved life jacket adapted to the baby's weight
  • A toddler used to putting his head under water who knows how to hold his breath
  • A curious and daring baby who is not afraid of new things.
  • Very short sessions (10-15 minutes max) focused on play and fun
  • Pay attention to the temperature , babies get cold quickly
  • Protect your baby from the sun : lycra or wetsuit with covered legs, surf hat, sunglasses

Zeus Team Tip: We let our mini rider play by the water with a bodyboard around 2 years old. It's a great way to let the baby "do it alone" which makes learning easier at this period of development when individuality often asserts itself 😉

👶 Discover our complete guide "How to introduce your child to surfing?"

Learning to surf as a family: mistakes to avoid

Don'ts:

  • Forcing a child who is afraid or does not want to
  • Choosing a spot that is too difficult
  • Taking the child too far or into waves that are too big
  • Focus on performance
  • Ignore the signs of fatigue and boredom

The keys to success for a good start:

  • Prioritize pleasure above all else
  • Start in the foam with small waves
  • Choose a stable board (like our Progress range!)
  • Plan short sessions (45 min max)
  • Thinking about surf lessons
Baby surf initiation with body board, baby 2 years old

At what age can you start surfing? There is no limit! 🎯

Surfing is a sport accessible to everyone , regardless of age! While younger people often benefit from a natural ease of learning, teenagers and adults also have their advantages for beginners.

Teenagers (12-17 years old) are in an ideal period for learning, with excellent physical condition. Adults, on the other hand, have a maturity that allows them to understand the techniques well and progress methodically.

Ready to introduce your child to surfing?

You now have all the cards in hand to start surfing as a family! Whether your mini-rider is 18 months, 6 years or 12 years old, the most important thing is to respect their pace and make sure they have fun. Start gently with a suitable board, choose a spot and pleasant conditions, and above all, enjoy these magical moments with your family on the water.

If you need personalized advice, our team is here to help you choose the perfect equipment for your future champion.

Send us an email with your questions

Let'Z ride with family! 🏄‍♂️

Summary of prerequisites to start surfing:

  1. Know how to swim (mandatory for solo surfing)
  2. Be comfortable in the water
  3. Have suitable equipment
  4. Choose a safe spot
  5. Start in easy conditions
Baby Surf, 18 month old baby, tandem surf, lying baby, Pakarang Beach, Khao Lak, Thailand

FAQ - Your questions about the age to start surfing 🤔

At what age can you start surfing?

The minimum recommended age to surf alone is 6 years old . However, you can start surfing much earlier (from 18 months ) in tandem with an experienced parent. There is no maximum age to start, surfing is accessible to everyone!

My 4 year old absolutely wants to go surfing, is this possible?

Yes, it is possible! At 4 years old , focus on baby surfing with a parent on the same board or private lessons adapted to toddlers. The important thing is that your child is comfortable in the water and enthusiastic about the idea of ​​surfing.

Do you need to know how to swim to start surfing?

Yes, it is essential to know how to swim before starting solo surfing. For tandem baby surfing, the child must be comfortable in the water and able to hold his breath underwater.

15, is it too late to start surfing?

Not at all! Adolescence is even an ideal time to start surfing. At 15 , you have the physical condition, the learning capacity and the motivation necessary to progress quickly.

What are the prerequisites for starting surfing?

The essential prerequisites are:

  • Know how to swim (for solo surfing)
  • Be comfortable in the water
  • Have basic physical condition
  • Use suitable equipment
  • Choose a safe spot

What equipment do you need to start surfing with a child?

For a successful initiation, favor:

Discover our selection of surfboards for children

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