Surfing with Kids: An Unforgettable Family Adventure

By DBP Adventures

A family surf trip is an ideal way to embark on an active adventure that everyone can enjoy. With a journey like this, you’ll not only learn something new but also navigate the unique challenges and experiences that come with it. By the end of the trip, you’ll leave with unforgettable memories and plenty of fun stories to share around the dinner table for years to come.

Maybe you’ve been considering a family surf adventure but want to know more about what it entails before making the final decision? If so, this article is for you.

Planning Your Trip: Key Steps to Keep in Mind

When planning a surf trip with your family, it’s natural to have questions and uncertainties. We’ll cover what many families typically wonder about, to make sure you’re fully prepared.

At DBP Adventures, we specialize in organizing family-friendly surf trips to a variety of European destinations. We love helping families learn something new together and experience travel in a unique and engaging way. By traveling with us, you can relax as we handle the logistics, giving you more time to enjoy the adventure, surfing, and quality family time that you came for!

Of course, there are still a few things to consider as you prepare (but rest assured, we’re here to help you along the way):

Choosing Your Surf Destination

Choosing a destination that suits the whole family is the first step toward a successful family adventure like a surf trip. While there are family-friendly surf spots worldwide, our experience has shown that Europe is a great option. Its shorter flights and lack of significant time zone changes make travel smoother and easier for families.

The top picks in Europe include France, Portugal, and Spain. These countries are home to consistent beginner-friendly waves ideal for learning together as a family. Additionally, there are spots with more challenging waves, perfect for anyone in the family with prior experience who wants to push their skills further.

Accommodation and Transport

One of the best parts of booking a family surf trip with us is that we handle all the practical details to make sure your stay is both comfortable and convenient. We carefully select accommodations within easy reach of the beach, so you’re always close to the action. All you need to do is arrive on check-in day, and we’ll take care of the rest!

For transportation, flying is often the quickest option (check sites like Momondo to compare flights), but train travel can be an enjoyable alternative, adding a bit of adventure before you even hit the waves. Once you arrive at your destination, you’ll have multiple options for getting around. Whether you prefer renting a car, using local transportation, or booking a private transfer, we can help you find the best solution for your family’s needs. Just reach out, and we’ll be happy to discuss what might work best for your family’s preferences!

Surf Gear and Packing Essentials

When you book surf lessons with us (or if they are included), board and wetsuit rentals are always included, so that’s one less thing to worry about. We want you to focus on the experience, not the logistics. Beyond the basics, we recommend packing plenty of sunscreen, swimwear, and beach towels to keep comfortable on land and in the water. Additional packing needs may vary depending on the destination, so we’ll provide you with a complete packing list tailored to your location as soon as your booking is confirmed. This way, you’re prepared for all the essentials and can just look forward to the adventure!

Surfing with kids: A family Surf Trip

Surfing as a beginner, especially as a family, may seem challenging at first, but with our skilled and experienced instructors, it quickly becomes an incredibly fun and rewarding experience for everyone! Our focus is on creating a safe, enjoyable environment where each family member learns the fundamentals before ever hitting the waves. This way, when you paddle out, you’re prepared, confident, and ready to enjoy the ocean together.

On our family surf trips, we also cater to the youngest members of the family. Sometimes we offer playful activities with instructors dedicated to entertaining younger children on the beach and in the shallow waters while parents and older kids are out surfing. These games and water activities ensure that even the littlest adventurers feel included and get to enjoy the surf vacation in their own way. It’s all about making sure the whole family has an unforgettable, safe, and joyful experience, creating lasting memories and shared skills that everyone can enjoy.

Our Family-Friendly Surf Destinations

Ericeira, Portugal

In Ericeira, we host a family surf getaway where you can unwind by the pool, savor fresh local ingredients, and maybe enjoy a glass of wine from nearby vineyards. Days are filled with surfing and beach relaxation, but there’s also plenty of variety with activities like rock climbing, mountain biking, and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). This destination combines vibrant surf culture with relaxing rural charm, making it ideal for families looking for both adventure and downtime.

Montalivet, France

In Montalivet, our surf camp blends surf and relaxation within a peaceful coastal setting. This destination boasts long, sandy beaches and is ideal for families of all ages. We’ve crafted a schedule that caters to everyone – while older children and adults ride the waves, the youngest (ages 2-6) can participate in their own engaging activities on the shore. Montalivet’s relaxed vibe, combined with tailored options for various age groups, makes it a perfect spot for a balanced family escape.

Moliets, France

Moliets is a lively surf town that’s hard to leave after a few days of surf sessions, movie nights, and live music events. While surfing is at the core of the experience, we also offer a range of other activities, including guided forest and river tours, mini-golf, quad biking, and even paintball. Moliets’ blend of dynamic surf culture and diverse entertainment options makes it a fantastic choice for families seeking an all-encompassing adventure.

Each of these locations provides a unique combination of surfing, relaxation, and memorable activities that cater to the whole family, making them perfect for both beginners and seasoned surfers.

Why Go on a Surf Trip with Kids?

We could talk about this for hours, but what we believe is that adventure and learning are among the best ways to grow as a family and create lasting memories together. Surfing offers an exciting and unique opportunity to bond over shared experiences, challenge yourselves, and build resilience as a team.

Here at DBP Adventures, we are passionate about helping families experience the joy of surfing. Surf trips provide not only the thrill of catching waves but also teach valuable life lessons about perseverance, patience, and the importance of supporting one another. There’s something incredibly special about being out in the ocean, learning together, and celebrating each milestone – whether it’s the first wave or the first time standing up on a board.

So, let’s dive into why a surf trip with your family could be the best adventure you’ll ever take together!

Creating Lasting Memories Together

Sharing adventures like surfing creates memories that the whole family can look back on, laugh about, and cherish long after the trip is over. What makes these memories extra special is that they aren’t just about the act of surfing itself, but about all the fun moments, mistakes, and successes you shared during your vacation. These are the stories that will bond your family even more, building a narrative of your adventure that you can all reflect on with warmth and laughter for years to come.

Lessons for the Whole Family

Surfing is one of the best teachers when it comes to patience, persistence, and teamwork. No matter your age, everyone gets to challenge themselves at their own level – whether it’s stepping into the ocean for the first time with a surfboard or catching your first wave. The valuable lessons you learn during this process go far beyond surfing, and can be applied to life in general. The ability to keep going despite setbacks, the joy of small victories, and the way everyone can support one another are skills that will stay with your family long after the surfboards are put away.

Summary and Inspiration

A family adventure that includes surfing will be an active experience filled with adventure and laughter. As you challenge yourselves together, the trip becomes a memory you’ll carry with you for a long time. Not only does it provide the thrill of learning something new, but a surf trip is also the perfect opportunity to relax and bond as a family. With a combination of fun, challenges, and moments of accomplishment, surfing brings everyone together, creating memories that will last for years.

Hear What Previous Families Have Said

“Our family of 2 adults and 2 kids, aged 11 and 8, went to the surf camp in Ericeira. It was our first time surfing, and we had an amazing week filled with surfing, yoga, and cozy moments with the other families we got to know.”

 

“We went to the family surf camp that DBP Adventures organized in Montalivet. A fantastic experience that I highly recommend to others. Our kids are 3, 6, 8, and 10, and they had a great time the whole week. We will definitely go again soon!”

 

“In short: A fantastic experience for the whole family! It was our first surf trip as a family, with a 4-year-old, and we were a bit worried about getting any downtime. But the camp was full of other families, and the atmosphere was really friendly. The surf lessons were excellent for us as beginners.”

 

Ready for your next family adventure? Explore all the family-friendly trips we have to offer here!