Surf gear for children: everything you need to know
Surfing, a sport that is very connected with freedom, excitement and nature, has seen a big rise in popularity over the last decade. And as we all know, the best time to learn surfing, is when we are young. Harsh truth, but that really is the best time to learn surfing properly (that is to say, with lots of dedication you can still become very good at an older age).
The demand for specialized surf wear for children has grown significantly. These garments are designed not only to enhance performance and comfort, but also to ensure safety and protection from all the elements.
In this article, we will tell you all you need to know about children’s surf products.
The Essentials of Children’s Surf Gear
Kids Wetsuits
Wetsuits for kids are a part of any surfer's wardrobe. Especially for children, they are very important. Wetsuits are designed to keep you nice and toasty while surfing. They are made from neoprene, a synthetic rubber that offers both flexibility and buoyancy. That’s right, it also keeps you afloat.
Wetsuits for children come in various thicknesses, typically ranging from 2mm to 5mm, which allows parents to choose the appropriate suit based on the water temperature. A wetsuit is normally better when it’s a little bit on the tight side, rather than on the ‘bigger side’. This is because over time, your wetsuit will grow a little. And, the other upside of wearing a wetsuit… it provides some protection against jellyfish stings, which can be quite nasty in some areas of the world. Trust us, we have experienced some…
Kids wetsuits at Hart Beach
Shop 24/7 online in our webshop or come by in the surfshop and get tailor made advice by our experienced surf crew.
Kids Rashguards
Rash guards for kids, also known as rash vests, are another essential piece of surf wear. Try and surf only with a boardshort or bikini, and you know what we are talking about. The tops are made from a blend of spandex and polyester or nylon and are designed to protect the skin from irritation caused by friction against the surfboard and ocean water.
What many people don’t know, is that they also offer UV protection, which shields young surfers from getting burned. Rash guards for kids are available in long-sleeve, short-sleeve and also sleeveless: for any kind of weather situation.
Kids Boardshorts
Boardshorts are more about comfort and style than about protecting you in the water. They’re usually made from quick-drying, lightweight materials and ideal for warmer waters. They offer freedom of movement, which is essential whilst you’re surfing. Many kids boardshorts come with a secure waistband to ensure they stay in place during intense surf sessions.
Kids Surf Boots, Gloves, and Hoods
In colder climates, additional gear such as surf boots, gloves, and hoods are quite necessary. Surf boots provide grip and also protect the feet from sharp objects. Gloves help keeping the hands warm, and hoods offer thermal protection for the head. These accessories are typically made from neoprene and provide extra protection against cold water.
Sun Protection Accessories
Apart from clothing, accessories like sun hats, sunglasses, and waterproof sunscreen are also important. Sunglasses with UV protection help shield the eyes from harmful rays and hats protect your neck and back of the head from burning.
Surfboards: sizing, volume and type
When choosing a surfboard for your grom, it is important to look at the size. When starting out, it is good to first use a softtop and when progressing, to gradually size down. For example, when your child is 8 years old and 4 ft. tall (1,21 m), then it is good to have a board slightly taller: about 5,5 (1,67 m) ft. When your child is 12 years old and 5 (1,52 m) ft., choose a board from about 6 ft.
Someone’s weight is also important to take into consideration, as surfboards also differ in volume. You can like a 6.6 ft. surfboard with a lot of volume much more than a 7.8 ft. with very little volume. Volume impacts buoyancy, which affects stability and paddling ease. A board with more volume is more buoyant, making it easier for beginners to catch waves and balance on the board.
Types of Surfboards for Kids
- 1. Soft Top Surfboards: These boards are ideal for beginners because they are safer and more forgiving. The soft foam construction helps prevent injuries when falling. They are perfect for beginners as they float really well! Softtops are usually between 8 and 9 ft.
- 2. Fish Surfboards: Once your child gets more experienced, a fish surfboard is a great choice. They are shorter, wider, and have a swallowtail design, making them faster and more maneuverable in smaller waves. Their extra width provides more stability, which is good for groms transitioning from a soft top. Fish surfboards are between 6 and 7 ft.
- 3. Shortboards: For advanced young surfers, shortboards are the way to go. You need to be very balanced and have excellent paddling skills, as the board do not float like soft tops. Shortboards are great for getting your sharp turns and learning tricks. Shortboards are in between 5,5 and 6,6 ft.
- 4. Mini mals: These boards are a hybrid between longboards and shortboards, offering a good balance of stability and maneuverability. They are ideal for kids who are past the beginner stage, but not quite ready for the challenge of a shortboard. The size of a mini mal starts at 7 ft. and ends at around 8 ft.
Choosing the Right Surfboard for Your Grom
By considering these 3 factors, you can ensure your young surfer has the right equipment to enjoy their time in the water and progress quickly.
- 1. Level of experience: it is important to consider the level of surfing when choosing a board. You don’t want the board to be too big or too small. Check with our experienced workers in the Hart Beach harbour shop what board suits the level of the surfer.
- 2. The right size and weight with the right board: As mentioned before, the size of the child matters when choosing a surfboard. Keep in mind that you can progress quickly, especially children. Also: children grow fast, so that is also an important thing to take into consideration. For advice about the right sizes, ask one of our experiences colleagues in the Hart Beach harbour shop.
- 3. Test it out: And the most important thing of all (we believe): TEST IT OUT! Try some sizes before you actually invest in your board.
Choosing the Right Surf Wear
When selecting surf wear for children, there are a few things to consider:
- The right fit: Proper fit is crucial for both comfort and safety. This is of crucial but also hard, as children grow (fast!).
- High-quality material: High-quality materials have a long longevity. The best thing is to look for gear made from UV-resistant fabrics and neoprene.
- Easy to use for children: Children should be able to put on and take off their surf wear with minimal assistance. Things like zippers can usually help to make this easier.
- Design, color and more: Bright colors and fun designs can make surf wear more appealing to children. And don’t we all love colors?!
Investing in high-quality surf wear is essential for children's safety, comfort, and fun in the water. With the right gear, young surfers can surf with lots of confidence, while staying protected from the sun. As parents, ensuring your children are equipped with the best surf wear is a step towards nurturing their passion for surfing, which could very well result in a lifelong love relationship with our beloved ocean…
