Teaching Kids to Wakesurf: Do’s and Don’ts

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Hitting the water with the whole family is part of the fun of boating. Snacks, laughs, and watersports, what else could you want? Some watersports are more accessible for kids to master. Laying on an innertube and holding a handle takes much less skill than shredding on a wakesurf board (depending on who is driving when you are tubing). However, if your kids are ready to graduate from the innertube to a wakesurf board, we have the do’s and don’ts to follow when teaching them.

Do’s: Wakesurfing Musts To Teach Your Kids

  1. Stay calm and let the boat do the work: For a beginner, getting up on the board is the hardest part. If you have a good form though, it will make a world of difference. The key is keeping your arms straight and knees relaxed. Many kids want to pull on the tow rope to get them up but they should be encouraged to let the boat pull them instead.
  2. Feet placement can be a game changer: Helping your kid place their feet in the correct spot before the boat gets moving can be the biggest help in getting that successful pop-up. Make sure their back foot is as close to the back as possible and their feet are approximately shoulder-width apart. Also, encourage them to keep their heels at the edge of the board.
  3. Slow down and take lots of breaks: Make sure you are going nice and slow while a kid is learning. In fact, going just a little faster than idle is probably the right speed. If they have tried to pull up three times in a row, take a break and rotate out your surfer. Remember, wakesurfing can be a lot harder on a smaller person, to avoid a tired surfer, make sure they are well rested.

Don’ts: Things to Avoid With Young Wakesurfers

  1. Don’t hit the water without a PFD (Personal Floatation Device): A lifejacket or PFD is essential whenever a kid is on the water but especially when they are wakesurfing. Not only is a PFD common sense, but it is also a practical tool to help a kid when they are learning. As we have already noted, foot placement is very important. When the kid is in the water, the PFD will help them float by their board as you instruct them or physically move their feet into the correct spot.
  2. Don’t encourage a kid to stand up too tall or too quickly: Kids center of gravity is closer to the ground than that of an adult. If they stand up too quickly or buckle their knees, they will likely lose their balance. Encourage them to stay low and keep those knees relaxed.

Conclusion

Teaching kids to wakesurf is not that different than teaching any newbie. As long as you take your time and make sure your surfer is having fun, they will be sure to master it in no time! If you aren’t sure if you have the right kind of board for a smaller surfer, come talk to us!

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