Want to Teach Your Kids to Surf?

Sometimes life can feel chaotic — it’s not just me, right? And when it does, nothing beats a calming dip in the ocean.

But beyond the bliss, there are real benefits to getting some vitamin sea. Saltwater boosts your immune system, improves your skin and helps reduce inflammation. And my kiddos love the ocean, so it’s become one of our favourite ways to spend time together. Recently they’ve started learning to surf — and I’m completely here for it. Here’s why:

1. It’s great exercise.

Surfing is a full-body workout — building strength, cardio fitness, balance and coordination all at once. So much better than the gym.

2. Failure is part of it.

There will be many, many wipeouts before they catch their first proper wave. And that’s the point. Surfing teaches tenacity and shows kids how to learn from failure — a life lesson worth having early.

3. Nature is incredible.

It’s well-documented that time in nature lowers stress, lifts mood and increases happiness. Being out in the ocean with a surfboard takes that to another level entirely. If you want to raise kids who love and respect the natural world, this is a pretty good place to start.

4. It teaches patience.

In a world of instant everything, patience is rare — and even rarer in children. Surfing is all about waiting for the right wave. That’s a skill worth practising.

5. Where to learn in Cape Town?

I have to give a shout-out to Surf Emporium — my all-time favourite surf school. They’re an enthusiastic bunch of water lovers, and they do a seriously good hot chocolate. The perfect spot to sit in your Octohoodie and watch your kids find their sea legs.

Keep your little surfers warm before and after every wave.
Our kids’ swim ponchos slip on in seconds — no fuss, no cold, no drama.

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