How to Make Your Next Coastal Holiday a Real Adventure for the Kids
How to Make Your Next Coastal Holiday a Real Adventure for the Kids
Family holidays by the coast are awesome.
https://www.pexels.com/photo/people-standing-on-dock-during-sunrise-39691
But here’s the honest truth…
Sandcastles and ice creams can only entertain kids for so long. By day two, your little angels have had enough — and everyone can see it.
Which is such a shame, because there is another way. One that will have your kids reminiscing years down the line. And it all begins with introducing them to waterborne activities.
Contents:
- Why beaches need adventure (spoiler: kids get bored)
- Beginner Surf Lesson: The One Activity That Changes Everything
- How To Tell if a Beginner Surf School is Any Good
- Other Adrenaline-Fuelled Adventures Worth Considering
- FAQs For Planning the Ultimate Adventure Coastal Holiday
- Top Safety Tips For Newbies
Why beaches need adventure (spoiler: kids get bored)
Kids love the beach. No arguments there.
However, wanting to be at the beach versus having fun at the beach are two separate things.
Playing passively in the sea, digging holes and collecting seashells are all great ways to while away an afternoon. But kids crave stimulation. They need to set goals and overcome challenges. The reward you feel when conquering an obstacle is much greater than one you are simply given.
Throw in a cool activity or two and those holiday memories become extra special.
Beginner Surf Lesson: The One Activity That Changes Everything
One activity, above all else, will take your family coastal holiday from “great” to epic.
That activity is surfing.
Kids love surfing. They have no concept of nerves or looking foolish. Their flexibility, curiosity, and enthusiasm allows them to learn faster than most adults. A beginner lesson with a good surf school is honestly magical to watch.
For families visiting Cornwall, Newquay surf lessons from a reputable beginner surf school are one of the best investments a parent can make. Professional coaches provide kids (and adults) with step by step guidance — starting on dry sand and finishing with catching their first wave. It’s not uncommon for children to stand up on a surfboard in the same lesson they start in.
Incredible.
The perks last way beyond fun-in-the-sun. Surfing improves balance, core strength, and agility. But most importantly, kids who surf tend to develop fierce confidence and pride. Standing up on your first wave is something kids tell parents about decades later. It’s no wonder the global surf school market hit $2.1 billion in 2024. Industry growth is powered by beginners, and children make up the majority of that demographic (between ages 6–34).
Still not convinced? Children ranked beaches and coastal locations 6.5/7 for enjoyment in outdoor activities. Higher than any other leisure attraction in a recent ONS survey. Quite simply, kids love the beach when there’s something to do.
How To Tell if a Beginner Surf School is Any Good
When it comes to picking the right surf lesson, keep these five things in mind:
- Small groups — The smaller the ratio of students to instructors, the more personalized attention your kids will receive
- Accredited coaches — Sounds obvious, but always double check surf schools have certified coaches on staff
- Extra large surfboards — Big foam surfboards help children feel safe and keep them afloat whilst learning
- Ocean awareness — All reputable beginner surf schools run safety demonstrations before entering the sea
- Fun environment — Lessons should feel like playtime, not school. Choose schools that prioritize enjoyment
It’s really that simple. Find a school that meets those criteria and you can’t go wrong. Read online reviews, ask questions about the instructors, and if they fit those bullets…go for it.
Other Adrenaline-Fuelled Adventures Worth Considering
Surfing should be the main event. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t supplement it with other exciting activities.
Rockpooling is seriously underrated. Grab a bucket and net and spend hours discovering creatures on the shoreline. Prawns, crabs, starfish; kids are fascinated by these mini ecosystems and it really is free education.
Coasteering is great for slightly older kids (activities suit children aged 8 and above) due to the nature of the activity. Climbing over rocky cliff sides, swimming through caves, jumping into the ocean. It’s beautifully terrifying. And kids love everything about it.
Finally… Kayaking and paddleboarding. They’re not as exciting as surfing or coasteering but equally wonderful ways to explore the coastline from the water. And they’re both super easy to learn on calm days.
Remember to mix activities up. Rather than having three days of surfing, why not one surf lesson, an afternoon of rockpooling, then a coasteering adventure? Mix and match — that way your kids will have things to look forward to each day.
FAQs For Planning the Ultimate Adventure Coastal Holiday
With kids in tow, planning should be kept as straightforward as possible.
FAQs
- Question: Which UK areas are best for family surf trips? Answer: Without a doubt, Cornwall, Devon and Pembrokeshire are the best in the UK for family surf holidays. Proximity to quality beginner surf schools makes them winners.
- Question: How do I stop kids getting bored on the beach? Answer: A good rule of thumb is having an ‘adventure activity’ for every beach day. That could mean surfing, coasteering or even just kayaking.
- Question: Are there age restrictions on these water activities? Answer: Surfing is perfectly fine for almost all ages. However, many coasteering trips restrict children under 8/9 due to safety.
- Question: What gear will we need to bring? Answer: Most beginner surf schools provide wetsuits. But if you plan on doing other activities like kayaking, check what you need ahead of time.
Top Safety Tips For Newbies
Like any adventure activity, there are safety concerns to be aware of.
Of course, every activity listed should only ever be undertaken via certified coaches. That being said, parents should know a couple things before heading out on vacation:
- Check tide times before visiting beach areas
- Be aware of the flag system on beaches. Red/yellow are swimming zones. Black/white are watersports zones.
- Always supervise children near water
- Sunscreen. Kids dehydrate surprisingly fast in Cornwall. And that Cornwall coastline sun can catch families off guard!
Cornwall’s watersports scene is incredibly safe. As long as you stick to the above you should be fine!
The Takeaway From This Trip Survival Guide
Done right, your family coastal holiday can be anything you want it to be.
Astoundingly memorable or just another set of photos at the beach. Children provide us with endless energy and wonder at everything they see. Pair that with some choice activities and you’ve got yourself a winner.
For advertisements, please contact us at [email protected]
