10 Exciting Surfing Drills for Kids to Master the Waves!

Surfing is not only a thrilling water sport but also a fantastic way for kids to develop balance, strength, and confidence. Whether your child dreams of carving through the waves like a pro or just wants to have fun in the sun, these ten exciting surfing drills are designed for kids to practice both at the beach and at home. Let's dive in and help your kid become a little surf champion!

1. Dry Land Pop-Ups

Dry land pop-ups are a foundational surfing drill that help kids understand muscle movements required for getting up on the board. Have your child lie down on their stomach and then pop up into a stable stance as quickly as possible. Practicing this motion on the sand or at home will build the muscle memory needed out in the waves.

2. Balance Exercises

Balance is key in surfing. Encourage your child to practice balance drills by standing on one leg or using a balance board. These exercises strengthen core muscles and help young surfers maintain their footing on a moving board.

3. Turtle Roll Practice

For young surfers using longboards, learning the turtle roll is essential to get past breaking waves. Have your child practice this drill by lying belly-down and flipping the board over along with their body, simulating the motion in a safe, flat water environment or on the lawn at home.

4. Duck Dive Drills

Shortboard surfers need to master the duck dive to get under waves. This can be simulated in a pool or by having the child push a board down into a mattress, teaching them how to dip the nose and use their knee or foot to drive the tail down.

5. Paddling Practice

Paddling strength is important for catching waves. Set up mock surf conditions by having your child practice paddling on a stability ball, focusing on their form and endurance.

6. Wave Reading

Understanding waves is a more cognitive than physical drill but equally important. Spend time with your child watching surf videos or spectating at the local beach. Discuss how and when the surfers decide to catch a wave.

7. Skateboarding for Balance and Maneuvering

Skateboarding can mimic the feeling of surfing on land. It helps kids develop the balance and the carving techniques needed in the ocean. Encourage practice on gentle slopes to simulate the motion of riding a wave.

8. Swimming Skills

Strong swimming abilities are vital for safety in the water. Regular swimming drills in a pool can improve both endurance and confidence in the water. Focus on freestyle and treading water, which are most applicable to surfing.

9. Yoga for Flexibility

Yoga enhances flexibility, balance, and strength — all crucial for surfers. Through practicing different yoga poses, kids can improve their body awareness and control that translates directly to better surfing techniques.

10. Catching Foamies

When in the water, practicing with foam waves, or 'foamies', is a safe way for kids to get used to the motion of waves. Encourage them to feel the rhythm of the ocean and start taking off on these gentler waves before moving to open-face waves.

Practice Drills at Home

Not every day can be a beach day, but that doesn't mean surf drills have to wait. Here are a few ideas for practicing surfing skills at home, inspired by the resourceful suggestions at Australian Sports Camps:

Use the living room floor to practice pop-ups, turning a routine exercise into a fun challenge.

Turn on a surfing contest and let your child analyze the surfers' tactics and styles.

Create obstacle courses in the backyard to simulate paddling in the ocean, improving endurance and agility.

Use a skateboard to mimic surfing movements on pavement, encouraging the development of core surfing muscles.

Balance on a stability ball to enhance core strength and balance, just like they would on a surfboard.

By incorporating these drills into your child's routine, not only will they have a blast, but they'll also develop the skills and confidence needed to tackle the waves. Remember, consistency is key, and with practice, these drills will pave the way for your child's successful surfing journey. So grab a board, hit the beach, or get creative at home, and watch your little surfer ride the waves like a seasoned pro!