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Surfing is a lifelong sport that can be picked up at any age. Even kids can be taught these skills if you have the right instructors and start them learning in a location that is conducive to beginners. If you want to teach your kids to surf, you would be wise to start these lessons at a beach that delivers ideal conditions and that is equipped with capable instructors and a fun vibe. Here are five of the best places to teach your kids how to surf.
1. New Smyrna Beach, Florida
The Sunshine State is no stranger to stunning coastlines and miles of swimmable beaches. New Smyrna Beach is a great place to learn how to pick up surfing. This charming town is ranked as one of the best surf towns in the nation by Surfer magazine. With over 17 miles of sandy beaches, you will find loads of options to teach your kids.
Start your adventure with a visit to North Beach, known for its consistent breaks that make it easy to learn the sport. Or head to the less crowded Bethune Beach for a more tranquil experience. With a number of surf shops that dot the landscape of New Smyrna Beach, you will also find plenty of equipment rentals and other essentials to make the most out of this time.
2. Huntington Beach, California
Distinguished as being Surf City USA, no list of potential beaches to teach your kids how to surf is complete without the inclusion of Huntington Beach. While expert surfers flock to Huntington Beach, you will also discover loads of resources for beginners. There is nothing quite like gazing off the edge of the Huntington Beach Pier to see numerous surfers out in the waves.
Visitors will also be able to sign up their kids for private or semi-private lessons. During your downtime out of the water, be sure to check out the International Surfing Museum. This is a great place to learn more about the sport and get your kids excited about what they are learning to do in the water. Huntington Beach is the quintessential California beach town, making it a fun destination for a family vacation that focuses on surfing.
3. Oahu, Hawaii
The North Shore of Oahu is a surfer’s paradise. This tropical paradise is known for its ideal wave conditions and sandy beaches. If these waves are too much for your kids to handle, head over to the gentler waves at Waikiki Beach. Together, these two areas provide a full surfing experience.
You can also sign up for a variety of surf tours to become more acquainted with all that Oahu has to offer its visitors. The experts in Oahu will also be able to provide you with recommendations for the best soft top kids surfboards, which are a necessity when teaching young children how to ride a wave.
4. Santa Cruz, California
While Southern California gets most of the best surfing press, those in Northern California flock to Santa Cruz. This edgy beach town is the home of the late Jack O’Neill, founder of the iconic O’Neill surfer line. Good places to put on your list for beginners include Capitola Beach and Cowell Beach. Both of these beaches offer milder wavers that are perfect for the pint-size surfers in your group.
Santa Cruz is also home to a world-famous boardwalk full of amusement park rides, carnival games, food, and more. This is a fun place to spend time when you need to dry out. Kids will love all of the action of this lively boardwalk.
5. Cocoa Beach, Florida
Famous surfer Kelly Slater picked up the sport of surfing at Cocoa Beach, making it a natural choice for novice surfers of all ages. The beach features rolling waves that invite beginners to jump in and try it out. The pier is a fun place to catch some sun and check out the surfers below.
You will also appreciate the year-round warm weather at this Florida hotspot, making it easier to predict the conditions than some of the other popular surfing destinations.
There is no shortage of amazing beach destinations to acquaint your kids with this sport. These five beaches are a great place to start this new journey.
