{"id":852,"date":"2022-01-26T13:09:16","date_gmt":"2022-01-26T18:09:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/beachfix.com\/?p=852"},"modified":"2022-01-26T13:09:18","modified_gmt":"2022-01-26T18:09:18","slug":"kids-boogie-boarding","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/beachfix.com\/bodyboarding\/kids-boogie-boarding\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Teach Your Kid to Boogie Board"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Boogie boarding or bodyboarding<\/a> is one of the most exciting beach activities. It can keep kids (and adults!) entertained for hours, and it’s one of the best ways to get physical activity on the water. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about kids boogie boarding!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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If you’re a parent looking to teach your little one a new activity<\/a> for your next beach vacation, or you’re trying to find a water sport you can take up together, boogie boarding is the way to go. It’s kid-friendly because it’s relatively safe, inexpensive, and usually easy to learn. In fact, most kids can pick it up in under an hour or two!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This guide will tell you everything you need to know from when you can start, what its benefits are, how to choose the best kids’ boogie boards, and detailed steps for how you can teach kids the skill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Age Can You Start Boogie Boarding?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While there’s no right age to start riding a boogie board, your child should be able to walk and swim before they hit the board. For many children, this means they’re somewhere between three and six years old.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, every child is different. If you’re ready to teach them to get on a board, but you’re not quite sure if they’re ready, you can always let them take a few swim classes and see what their instructor says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Teach Your Kids Boogie Boarding<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Not only is boogie boarding great fun, but it also comes with all sorts of hidden advantages. Your little one can develop other essential skills such as confidence from learning how ride a boogie board. It’s also a fairly easy hobby to start, learn, and teach even to small children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Teaching your kid boogie boarding promotes confidence, stamina, and independence. (Credit: Jeanne Provost\/Shutterstock)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It’s Inexpensive<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Unlike surfing<\/a>, paddleboarding, or other popular water sports, bodyboarding is relatively cheap. All your child technically needs is a kids’ boogie board. And, most boogie boards are less than $50.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you opt for a high-quality good boogie board and high-end accessories, like fins and a wetsuit, you could spend more. However, nice equipment isn’t essential, and it’s something you can invest in as time goes on. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You Don’t Need Much<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many kids’ hobbies, including some beach activities like sandcastle building, require a few items. With boogie boarding, you only need to bring the board, and it’s light enough that your child can probably even carry it themselves. There’s also the inflatable boogie board option that makes it even lighter!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s Easy to Learn<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It might take a little time for your little one to grow confident in the waves<\/a>, but you can usually teach boogie boarding in less than a day. Most kids will pick it up in no time, and once they get it, they can typically entertain themselves for hours on end. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your child doesn’t seem to be picking up on it this fast, no worries! They may need some extra time. (Read more on how you can make it a positive experience for them.)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Promotes Confidence in the Water  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The ocean can be scary, especially when you’re small. Many children feel at least a little unsure about such a massive body of water unless they’ve been to the beach several times. But, helping them overcome their ocean fears can be beneficial for the years ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Though you should never push your child into the waves when they’re afraid, you can show them how much fun bodyboarding is. You can always demonstrate getting on the board until they feel more comfortable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if your child isn’t fearful of the ocean, learning new skills is critical for building self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Builds Strength and Stamina<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Boogie boarding requires some paddling and kicking, which builds arm and leg strength. It also promotes core strength as kids master good balance and steer their board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Given that many children end up riding waves for hours on end, boogie boarding can also increase stamina, making it a great form of physical activity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Encourages Independence <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Once your kid gets the hang of boogie boarding, it won’t require much help. While parents will want to keep an eye out, you should be able to kick back and relax if your little one can swim and understands wave conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As little kids do independent activities<\/a>, they learn problem-solving skills, confidence, and self-regulation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Picking the Right Kids Boogie Board<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you’ve decided that taking boogie boarding sounds right for you and your little one, it’s time to get a board. When picking out the best kids boogie board, you’ll want to consider the size, material, and a few other features like the lease and tail type.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Boogie boards have various features, including different sizes, materials, tails, and straps. (Credit: Tom Mc Nemar\/Shutterstock)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Size <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Boogie boards come in multiple sizes. You want to pick one based on your child’s height and weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A quick rule of thumb: <\/strong>The board should stretch from their knees to chin. And, you also want a lightweight board they can carry and control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Longer and thicker boards are more buoyant, so you might want to veer on the longer side for kids who are just beginning. A slightly longer board will also give them room to grow, meaning it might last for more than just one boogie board season. With that said, they may not be able to paddle or control the board if it’s too big.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With smaller kids and toddlers, standard boogie boards that often start at 30 inches might be too big. However, there are kids boogie boards that are specially made for toddlers. Sometimes the best bodyboards for toddlers are a standard kickboard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Material<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Most bodyboards are made with a foam core, but the material varies. You’ll probably want a board with an expanded polystyrene (EPS) core. EPS is ultra-durable and offers flexibility, great buoyancy, and strength.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other options include polyethylene foam (PE) and polypropylene (PP). PE offers even more flexibility than EPS, but it’s better suited for experienced riders. They tend to be the fastest and strong choice and also the most expensive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other Features<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are several other features a kids bodyboard may have:<\/p>\n\n\n\n