Image: gohawaii.com
Family surfing in Hawaii.

Family Holidays with Surfing

Ready to make a splash on your next family holiday? Whether you are seasoned surfers or beginners ready to catch your first wave, or a mix of the two, a family surfing holiday can be so much fun, offering a perfect mix of adventure, learning and relaxation. 

Where are the best places for family surfing?

Looking at areas where waves are gentle and good for beginners and children, in Europe, top spots for surfing families include the Algarve in Portugal and Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands. Going further afield, great options include Taghazout in Morocco, Weligama in Sri Lanka, Kuta in Bali, Indonesia, and Tamarindo and Nosara in Costa Rica. If you want to travel even further, and head to destinations famed for surfing, Waikiki in Hawaii and Byron Bay in Australia both have beaches with nice, mellow waves, perfect for families.

What is the best time of year for family surfing?

Summer brings warmer water and calmer weather, so is generally the best time of year for surfing with kids. Of course, if you head south of the Equator, this means you'd be best travelling in the UK winter time, to enjoy the destination's summer weather. If you choose to travel to a destination in wintertime, the water will be colder and the waves bigger - a joy for experienced surfers!

At what age can kids learn to surf?

The answer to this depends on a number of factors, such as how confident the child is in water and how strong their swimming is. Also, the location is a factor, along with the water conditions on the day. From as young as 4 or 5, children can play with a surfboard in shallow water, under close supervision. From about 6, children may be ready to learn to paddle a board, catch small waves and practice standing up. 8-12 years is perhaps the prime age range for full surfing lessons, when children may be stronger and more coordinated, resulting in them progressing quickly in their lessons.

What if only some of us want to surf?

Choosing a family holiday with surfing doesn't mean the whole family has to want to surf. We have some beautiful resorts with all sorts of facilities for the whole family to enjoy. These range from childcare and clubs for kids to waterslides, watersports and sports facilities, spas and more. Many of our surfing destinations also have fascinating cultural attractions, amazing restaurants and fun family activities too. Talk to us about what is important for each family member, and we'll find you the locations that best suit your family.

 

Best places to stay for SurfingFilter by destination

Martinhal Sagres

Algarve
Super-stylish rooms, houses and villas in southern Portugal, with kids' sports academies including football and surfing.

Memmo Baleeira

Algarve
A luxury beachfront hotel well suited to active families, especially those who love surfing.

Paradis Plage

Agadir
A laid-back Moroccan beach resort near Agadir, perfect for families seeking surfing, sunshine, spacious suites and relaxed Atlantic-coast adventures.

Arenas del Mar Beach & Rainforest Resort

Costa Rica
A luxury family-friendly hotel in Costa Rica where the rainforest meets the ocean, there are lots of adventurous activities and sightings of sloths and other wildlife in the grounds.

Mazagan Beach Resort

El Jadida
A luxurious Moroccan-style beach resort just over an hour from Casablanca, with lots of sports and activities for the whole family.