Planning the perfect family surf trip is an exciting opportunity to create lasting memories. Imagine the joy of surfing as a family!

Organizing the ideal family surf holiday requires careful consideration to ensure a safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable family experience. In this article, we’ll take you through the essential steps to learn how to plan a perfect family surf trip. With the right planning, your trip will cater to the needs and skill levels of your entire family!

Find Family Surf Trip Destinations

Choosing the right surf destination is key to a successful family surf trip. Look for family-friendly surf destinations that offer a variety of surf breaks suitable for different skill levels. From gentle rollers for beginners to more challenging waves for intermediate and advanced surfers. Consider places known for their family-friendly atmosphere, focus on safety and amenities and services for non-surfers alike. Some popular family surf destinations include the Maldives, Morocco, Central America and Europe!

Assess Your Family’s Skill Levels

To plan the perfect family surf trip it’s very important to take into account the surfing abilities of each family member. Are they beginners, intermediates, or advanced surfers? Look for destinations that can accommodate everyone’s skill level, offering surf breaks that provide opportunities for learning and progression. Enroll your family in surf lessons or surf guiding tailored to their skill levels.

If some family members are less experienced surfers, lessons are a great way to build confidence. This improves technique and fosters a supportive learning environment. Surf instructors who specialize in teaching families can provide guidance and ensure everyone feels confident and comfortable in the water

Choose Family-Friendly Accommodations

A key factor is to select accommodations that cater to the needs of your family. Look for beachfront resorts, villas, or surf camps that offer family-friendly amenities such as spacious rooms, swimming pools, kids’ clubs, and easy beach access. Proximity to surf spots and surf schools is an added convenience. If you are planning to go to the Maldives, Niyama Private Islands and Anantara Dhigu are two amazing options for families!

Niyama offers one of the best Kids’ Clubs in the country and possibly in the world. Your kids will love the full schedule of activities and fun, leaving you time to relax and get some waves.

Anantara Dighu is another amazing family-friendly resort in the South Male Atolls in the Maldives. The resort boasts an expert surf team, providing both lessons and tailored surf guiding to the best waves, and a fully equipped water sports centre. With a strong focus on entertaining their younger travelers, the resort offers an exciting range of indoor & outdoor activities.

If you rather stay in Europe, Martinhal Sagres in Portugal is the best family resort in Europe. Everything about Martinhal Sagres is designed with families in mind. Stylish and design-orientated, Martinhal Sagres offers families a luxury beach holiday experience with high-class family-friendly accommodations, restaurants, bars, kids, and leisure services that put families first

Plan Activities Beyond Surfing

A family surf trip is an incredible opportunity to ride waves together, but it’s also a chance to explore and embrace the unique destinations that accompany these stunning coastlines. While surfing will undoubtedly be the main highlight of your adventure, there are plenty of activities to enjoy beyond the waves and we recommend planning additional activities to keep the whole family entertained. This ensures a well-rounded experience and allows for breaks from the water while still enjoying quality family time.

Surf destinations are often blessed with natural beauty and diverse ecosystems. Take advantage of this by exploring the surrounding nature through activities such as horse riding, wildlife spotting, or nature walks. Seek out national parks, nature reserves, or guided tours to witness breathtaking landscapes, spot exotic wildlife, and learn about the local flora and fauna. Rancho Santana in Nicaragua boasts 2,700 acres of rolling hills, five unique beaches, a variety of dining options, and a myriad of activities from adventure sports to spa treatments to entertain the whole family!

If your chosen destination is Morocco, don’t miss Paradis Plage located in the small village of Imi Ouaddar. The resort welcomes its guests throughout the year on this peaceful 5 km beach, at the foot of the mountains, far from the bustle of the tourists of Agadir and the surfers of Taghazout. A vast array of activities are available on land and sea: from surf, Jetski, wake-board or fly- board to yoga, fitness, karting and golf. Experience some local culture and scenery with one of the organized excursions, such as Paradise Valley, Quad biking, horse or camel riding, Agadir Souk (market) and much more. The Surf House is the hub of all the surf and watersports activity and it is located right on the beach.

Pack Family-Friendly Surf Gear

We recommend packing the necessary surf gear for the whole family. Include appropriate wetsuits or rash guards, sunscreen and don’t forget beach essentials such as towels, hats, and reusable water bottles. You can pack your own surfboards but these can also be rented at the surf schools where they will recommend the most suitable for each family member’s skill level. If you are planning on going to a Tropical destination don’t miss this helpful article HERE!

Prioritize Safety During Your Trip

Safety should always be a top priority during a family surf trip. Familiarize yourself with local beach conditions, including currents, tides, and potential hazards. Observe and adhere to any surf warnings or flags. Encourage open communication about safety in the sea and the importance of looking out for one another!

Create Memories For a Lifetime

Remember that the perfect family surf trip is about enjoying quality time together, embracing the beauty of nature, and celebrating each family member’s achievements in the water. Be flexible with schedules and expectations, allowing for spontaneous beach picnics, sandcastle-building contests, and laughter-filled evenings. Embrace the joy of surfing as a family, create memories that will be remembered for years to come and cherish the journey as much as the destination.