This is a moment I’ll never forget: standing on the sun-warmed sands of Huntington Beach, watching my kids wobble on surfboards for the first time, a mix of nervousness and excitement written all over their faces. Teaching my kids to surf was something I always dreamed of doing as a dad, but the experience turned out to be much more than I expected. It wasn’t just about catching waves — it was about patience, perseverance, and sharing a piece of my own passion with my children.
The journey started with an innocent suggestion during dinner one night. My wife and I were talking about summer activities when I casually said, “Hey, how about I teach the kids to surf?” The kids lit up at the idea — though I think they were more intrigued by the thought of spending hours in the water than the idea of actual surfing. Their excitement was contagious, and before I knew it, we were planning a weekend trip to Huntington Beach, the ultimate spot for beginner surfers.
Preparation: The Calm Before the Waves
Teaching kids to surf isn’t as simple as grabbing a board and running into the ocean. It starts before you even set foot on the sand. The first thing I did was rent a couple of foam beginner boards. These are lighter, softer, and way more forgiving than traditional boards — perfect for little learners who might take a tumble or two (or ten).
Next was gear. Wetsuits were non-negotiable. Even in Southern California, the water can be chilly, and I didn’t want their first experience to be overshadowed by shivers. So, we headed to a local surf shop to find suits that fit each of them snugly. They had fun trying them on, pretending to be superheroes in their tight neoprene "costumes."
Lastly, I gave them a quick lesson on the basics. On the living room floor, I mimed paddling, popping up, and balancing on an imaginary wave. It was a hilarious scene — the kids giggling as they tried to balance on an invisible board while I played coach. Still, I knew this small introduction would make the real thing feel less intimidating.
First Steps (Or Stumbles) Into the Ocean
The day arrived with perfect weather: sunny skies, a slight breeze, and gentle waves rolling in. Huntington Beach was buzzing with life. Families were setting up umbrellas, joggers traced the shoreline, and surfers dotted the water like scattered birds. It was the kind of scene that makes you feel alive.
We started on the sand, practicing the basics again. I showed them how to position themselves on the board, how to paddle, and how to pop up to their feet. They were eager to get in the water, but I told them that surfing takes patience,and mastering the basics on land was just as important as being in the ocean.
When we finally waded into the water, my youngest, who’s seven, clung to the board like a koala. She was both thrilled and terrified — the perfect mix of emotions for a first-time surfer. My older one, who’s ten, was a little more confident, paddling out with purpose, though I could tell he was nervous too.
The First Wipeouts (and the Lessons They Taught)
They learned quickly that surfing is not as easy as it looks. The first few attempts were all wipeouts — arms flailing, boards flipping, and salty laughter filling the air. It was a humbling moment for both of them. My youngest got frustrated at first, but I reminded her that every surfer has to fall before they rise. I even shared stories of my own epic wipeouts when I was learning to surf as a teenager. “The ocean doesn’t care if you’re a beginner, a pro, or somewhere in between,” I told her. “It’s about how you get back up.”
It wasn’t long before they started to find their rhythm. My oldest managed to pop up to his knees on his second or third attempt, and the pride on his face was priceless. My youngest took a little longer, but when she managed to ride her first wave all the way to the shore — even if she was lying flat on the board — she let out a triumphant whoop that made every moment worth it.
The Magic of the Ocean
What struck me most about the experience was how the ocean has a way of teaching lessons beyond just surfing. It demands respect. The kids quickly learned to read the waves, to understand when to paddle and when to wait. They discovered that timing is everything — a lesson that applies far beyond the surf.
There were moments of pure magic, too. A pod of dolphins appeared at one point, their sleek bodies breaking through the surface not far from where we were. The kids were awestruck, and so was I. The ocean has a way of making you feel small in the best possible way, reminding you that you’re just one part of a much bigger world.
Parenting on the Waves
Teaching my kids to surf wasn’t just about the mechanics of paddling or popping up. It was about being patient and encouraging, even when they felt frustrated. It was about knowing when to back off and let them figure things out on their own and when to step in with a guiding hand.
There were also moments when I had to remind myself to let them enjoy the process. As a dad, it’s easy to fall into the trap of wanting your kids to excel at everything. But surfing isn’t about perfection; it’s about the joy of being in the water, the thrill of catching a wave, and the freedom of letting go.
The Breakthrough Moments
By the end of the day, something clicked. Both kids managed to stand up on their boards, however briefly, and ride small waves back to the shore. The look of pure joy on their faces was something I’ll carry with me forever. They weren’t just riding waves; they were riding the high of accomplishment, of pushing through fear and frustration to discover what they were capable of.
We celebrated with burgers and ice cream at a beachside café, their wetsuits still damp as they recounted every wipeout and successful ride. They were exhausted, sun-kissed, and happier than I’d seen them in a long time.
Reflections on a Perfect Day
Teaching my kids to surf at Huntington Beach was more than just a fun day at the beach. It was a reminder of what parenting is all about: guiding, encouraging, and sometimes just stepping back and letting them find their way. It was also a chance to share something deeply personal to me, a passion I’ve carried for years, and see it through their fresh, curious eyes.
Surfing taught them resilience, patience, and respect for nature — lessons that go far beyond the waves. And for me, it was a chance to bond with them in a way that felt real and meaningful, away from screens and schedules.
Will they become lifelong surfers? Who knows. But I do know this: they’ll always remember the day they rode their first wave at Huntington Beach. And so will I.
