Surfing for the Ages

Surfing is accessible for all ages, from the very young to the more mature.

Have you ever wondered why surfing seems to be so much easier for children than adults?

It’s because people of different ages learn surfing in different ways.

Here’s some tips on learning to surf no matter what your age - for children, teenagers and adults.
 

Children

Young children are usually eager to learn all sorts of things and learn it quickly.
Children learn gross motor skills like “jumping to the feet” easier than the fine motor skills.
To improve surfing ability of children, more coaching focus would be on body positioning, feet positioning and where to look.

Teenagers

Teenagers have a high potential for learning. Those who have reasonable or good strong physical skills will be able to learn new physical skills more easily than those who do not.

Teenagers learn from role models such as people who excel in the sport and with whom they can easily identify. They are more often motivated to learn in order to be more like their role model and to gain the admiration of their friends.

Watching experienced surfers and surfing movies is a good way for teenagers to become motivated and to learn surfing. They also benefit from having their instructor demonstrating the skills in the water along with them.

Adults

Adults are generally self-motivated if they want to learn to surf. The physical fitness range of adults varies greatly from inactive, desk-bound lifestyle to those with a high level of physical fitness.  

Adults might be heavier or less flexible and therefore less likely to get their feet underneath their bodies as they jump up. And then they may come up too fast, jumping themselves off the surfboard. Adults should spend more time practising their “jump up”.

Adults should also spend more time on having central balance because it is easier for an adult to overbalance the board than a child who is much lighter.

 

To learn surfing, try surfing or improve your surfing, find an ASI accredited school who have highly qualified and experienced instructors.

Find surf schools on the ASI website at: https://www.academyofsurfing.com/school

 

 

 

 

ASI (Academy of Surfing Instructors), is the worldwide peak body for Instructors and Coaches in the outdoor recreation and sports industry for surfing, stand up paddle and bodyboarding.
www.academyofsurfing.com

We set the standards for education, accreditation, professional development and ongoing support for our members, offering pathways from entry level to elite level.

International Instructor and Coach Accreditation. You can travel the world with ASI.

ASI Accredited Schools abide by the high international standards for operations, training and safety.