How to Teach Kids to Boogie Board

Boogie boards, which are small foam boards designed to enhance the sport of body surfing, can be an important stepping stone to more advanced water sports such as surfing and water skiing. It's easy to teach your kids how to boogie board, since these products were designed with children in mind.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Boogie board
• Leash
• Flippers

1. Choose the right style and size of boogie board for your kids before you teach them how to ride the surf. In general, the boogie board should span from the top of your child's head to her kneecaps. In addition, you can choose different styles of boogie boards that are made from more rigid materials so that the board will grow with the skill levels of your kids.

2. Pick out boogie board accessories that will enhance your ability to teach your kids how to use the boards. For instance, a leash that attaches to your child's ankle will decrease the chances of losing the board in the surf, and a pair of flippers will allow a child with underdeveloped swimming skills to maneuver in the water more quickly.

3. Teach kids to boogie board by allowing them to play on the board at the shoreline so that they can get used to the feel of the board and how it can move through the water. Have the kids practice by lying on the board and riding the smaller waves into the shore.

4. Lead the children out toward the bigger waves once they feel comfortable with the objectives of boogie boarding. Show them how to steer the board with their feet facing the oncoming waves, and then paddle with their feet toward the shore as the waves approach.

5. Allow your kids to ride the waves straight in toward the shore, holding onto the board firmly with both hands. Once your kids are comfortable with riding full-sized waves, you can teach them to steer the board into the waves by leaning their bodies to one side. By doing this, your kids will be able to actually ride the wave longer, as well as control the movement of the boogie board for a more satisfying ride.

Tips & Warnings

• Ensure that your kids have learned how to swim before you teach them how to boogie board. The smallest wave can still knock your child off the board, and ocean undercurrents can be unpredictable and dangerous, even in shallow water.