Benefits of surfing for children and at what age to start

Surfing is dancing with the waves

Gerry Lopez

If you are already thinking about the best summer plans for children , one sport in particular can make them happy and provide them with an unforgettable experience: surfing. In this article you will be able to learn about the benefits of surfing for children, the most appropriate age to start practicing the discipline and where to find the best children's surf schools in your area.

Surfing goes far beyond mere exercise: it is an activity that is as good for the body as it is for the mind , which allows you to make friends, value natural resources, enjoy the sea and connect with the nature of which we are a part. It is an extra feature compared to other sports: it promotes environmental awareness and allows you to develop group skills.

In addition, surfing is great to enjoy the long and magical days of summer , although it can then be practiced in all seasons.

Benefits of surfing for children

• Motor coordination and balance: surfing allows you to develop balance in early stages, and also helps with psychomotor skills and motor coordination. Different surfing tasks help the little ones, from paddling to connecting with the wave and finding balance on the board. There are prior balance preparations, such as exercises on a roller.
• Benefits for the heart and muscle toning : both rowing and surfing are excellent cardiovascular exercise. According to Fit Day , a fitness website, surfing is beneficial because it keeps your heart rate up, keeps your breathing fast, and forces oxygen supply to the body. Surfing also improves endurance and strength, strengthening bones and muscles.
• Reduces anxiety and releases stress: surfing is incredibly beneficial for the mental well-being of children and adolescents, helping to reduce stress levels and release happiness hormones. The relaxing rhythm of the waves, the salty breeze, the sunlight and the beautiful sounds and colors of the ocean help. Physical activity also helps them channel energy and sleep better.
• It incorporates the benefits of salt water: seawater stands out for its high concentration of minerals, increases defenses, stimulates the venous and lymphatic circuit of the body, strengthens bones, disinfects wounds and activates circulation. It also opens the respiratory tract, improves allergies and benefits the mood.
• Contact with nature: outdoor exercise has great advantages for children , preventing problems such as asthma, sleep apnea, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases; provides sufficient daily vitamin D; It encompasses complete sensory stimulation and contributes to brain development. In addition, the little ones will experience a deep connection with the sea, its creatures, sea birds, fish and shellfish, the tides or the beach ecosystem.

In addition, surfing instills a philosophy of respect, trust, tenacity, patience, serenity and awareness of the environment, which invites each child to feel part of a whole.

Ideal age to start surfing

According to schools like the Watsay Surf School, the ideal age to start surfing is between 8 and 10 years old. However, the minimum age for surfing is between 5 and 6 years old , always with supervision and initiation activities by professionals. Below this age it is not recommended, since children may not be fully physically developed for it.

It is essential that children who go surfing know how to swim, never force them to get into the water, have the appropriate material, follow safety regulations, surf on a board according to their age and physical proportion and have the best professionals.

How to find surf schools for children in Spain

By clicking on the following map you can find some of the best surf schools in Spain. You can also compare reference centers, instructors and schools on Yumping .