If you’re a surfing parent, you know the ocean is a whole lot more than a place to catch waves. It’s like a giant, salty classroom teaching life lessons with every swell and wipeout. For kids, learning to surf is not just about standing up on a board. It’s about discovering resilience, patience, and the beauty of learning from mistakes. And as their coach, cheerleader, and parent, you’re in the perfect spot to show them how to roll with the waves—both in the ocean and in life.

Ready to dive into how you can use surfing to help your kids build a growth mindset? Let’s paddle out!

1. Wipeouts Happen—And That’s Awesome!

Every surfer knows that falling is part of the fun (and the challenge). Wipeouts are practically a rite of passage! For kids, falling off their board can be frustrating, but it’s also the best way to learn. Surfing teaches that wipeouts aren’t failures; they’re just moments to brush off the sand and try again.

• Chat with Them: Remind your kids that every surfer they admire—yep, even the pros—spends a ton of time wiping out. Ask them, “What do you think went wrong that time?” This little reflection turns each wipeout into a mini-lesson. And hey, bonus points if you can share a story about one of your epic falls to keep things light!

2. Patience: The Secret Superpower of Surfing

Nothing says “instant gratification” quite like…waiting for waves, right? Surfing teaches patience whether we like it or not! Sometimes, you paddle out and have to wait forever to catch that perfect wave. This can feel like torture to a kid eager to ride, but it’s also a great opportunity to learn patience and persistence.

• Celebrate the Little Wins: Instead of focusing on getting them to stand up right away, celebrate every little moment: the first paddle, the first balance, even just being out in the water together. Each step is progress! With each small win, you’re teaching them that skills take time to build, and that patience pays off—in the ocean and everywhere else.

3. Ride the Waves of What You Can’t Control

If the ocean teaches one thing, it’s that Mother Nature calls the shots. Kids quickly realize that waves don’t always do what we want, and conditions change on a dime. Instead of fighting it, we can teach our kids to roll with it. Not everything in life is in our control, but we can control our attitude toward it.

• Keep It Real: When waves aren’t cooperating or they wipe out in a way they didn’t expect, remind them that nobody can control the ocean—just like we can’t control every part of life. Ask, “How could you react differently next time?” These little nudges help them focus on the things they can control—like their reactions, their effort, and their sense of adventure.

4. Confidence: Earned One Wave at a Time

There’s nothing quite like the confidence boost from catching a wave. Whether it’s a tiny ripple or a decent-sized swell, that moment of riding a wave is pure magic for kids. It’s one of the best confidence-builders out there, and the coolest part? They earned it through their own grit and bravery!

• Celebrate Every Wave: Give a big cheer (or maybe a victory dance!) every time your kid catches a wave, no matter how small. Acknowledge how much courage it took just to paddle into it and stand up. This helps them understand that confidence isn’t something you’re born with; it’s something you earn through effort and a willingness to try—even if it means falling sometimes.

5. Learning Isn’t Just a Goal—It’s a Never-Ending Adventure

Surfing isn’t something you “master” once and for all. Each wave, each tide, each day in the ocean brings something new, making surfing a constant adventure in learning. By embracing that the journey never really ends, kids can learn to love the process of growth and improvement rather than rushing to reach some final “destination.”

• Get Curious Together: When your child gets frustrated or feels stuck, remind them that even lifelong surfers are still learning something new all the time. Ask them, “What’s one thing you’re curious to try next time?” By framing every session as a chance to try something fresh, you’re helping them see learning as a forever journey—and one they get to enjoy every step of the way.

6. Keeping Cool in Chaotic Waters

Sometimes a big wave knocks them off, or they lose sight of the shore for a second. Learning to stay calm in these moments is one of the most powerful life skills they can develop. Surfing is the perfect setting for teaching kids to stay steady when things get a little wild.

• Practice Calm Together: When a wave takes them by surprise, help them take a few deep breaths or remind them of something funny to ease the tension. This helps them build a habit of staying calm and finding their center in tough situations. It’s a skill that goes beyond surfing—and they’ll carry it with them into everything they do.

7. Team Spirit: The Ocean’s Built-In Community Vibe

Surfing doesn't need to just be a solo sport. Out in the water, there’s an unspoken camaraderie among surfers cheering each other on. For kids, learning that growth is a shared journey and that there’s power in helping others can be one of surfing’s most valuable lessons.

• Be Their Cheerleader and Teach Them to Cheer Others On: Encourage them to give a thumbs-up to others, share tips, or simply be part of the stoke in the lineup. By learning that we grow best when we lift each other up, kids start to see their own growth as something that adds to the community. It’s all about celebrating our own victories while being genuinely excited for others, too.

Final Takeaway: Life’s Like the Ocean—Just Keep Riding the Waves

Every wave, every ride, every splash in the surf teaches kids resilience and the beauty of learning from the process. As a surfing parent, you’re helping them build the confidence to tackle challenges, the patience to take their time, and the openness to roll with whatever life brings.

Next time you’re in the water with your kids, take a moment to watch them paddle out, catch a wave, and—even if they wipe out—get back on the board. Each wave they try is another step toward building a resilient, curious, and growth-minded little surfer who’s ready to take on whatever life throws their way. And remember, you’re right there, riding the waves alongside them, showing them how to go with the flow and savor every moment!