Kids and surfing/wake boarding

[chowder2016 110]

My nephew is 5 years old. Not terribly athletic for a little kid, but he is fearless and loves to be on my shoulders when surfing. He really wants to surf on his own. Any recommendations on a board for little kids? Also any techniques on how to teach a little kid?

[Bongo Fury 640]

We use a Jimmy Jam to get them used to being behind the boat then Phase 5 Scamp when they are ready for a real board.

[Hillside Powersports and Marine 107]

What H recommended is great, I actually have his (have been borrowing for an extended period of time lol) Obrien Jimmy Jam and have been working with my now 4 year old. I am confident she will go rope less this year, we have found that allowing her to actually stand on the board between our legs and sort of get the feel works well.

 

I see you in here in Northern Cali as well Chowder - if you get up to the Northbay for a weekend let us know!

[chowder2016 110]

Yeah for sure. When's the best time of the year for Clear Lake? I've been up there a couple times before but there has was nothing actually "clear" on the lake. Full of algae or some other stuff.

[Darkside 248]

Chowder, one other thing that really helps kids is attach the rope to side of the tower, then have a "coach" pull rope towards the wave. This way they don't have to fight the prop wash, only flat water, while learning to pop up. We also let little ones lay down on a big board and boogie board the wave. Your new 257 should be amazing for this!

 

+1 on the scamp btw.

[chowder2016 110]

Yeah the side of the tower makes a lot of sense. We did the boogie board thing with him last year and he loved that!

[Hillside Powersports and Marine 107]

Yeah for sure. When's the best time of the year for Clear Lake? I've been up there a couple times before but there has was nothing actually "clear" on the lake. Full of algae or some other stuff.

 

It can change every year, but there is usually always good water somewhere. The past few years have been excellent, very clean throughout the season and we are looking at a very wet winter so this year should be another great one! There's a good number of Centurions on the water every weekend and a lot of our customers throughout the Bay Area and Valley come up for weekend trips - its a great place.

[jester 111]

The first goal is to get them use to being on a board. For a 5 year old I put them in-between my legs on a big board so they can stand up on the board and know what it is like. Next I move them to their own board. I use the Phase 5 Scamp and love it. Light board that is easy for the kids to push down and get up on. At this stage I make sure the wave is little. I also attach the rope to the side of the tower to pull them up on that side of the boat. The goal is not to free surf but to get them on top of the board and learn about hips, toes and heels. This part is done in the flats. Once they get the hang of this we have them move more into the wake. This can be done by someone in the boat pulling the rope and putting them into the correct spot. The goal is to let them feel a little push of the wave. Not having much push is a good thing. When a kid starts moving fast to the boat they start to panic. At this point we work more on hips, heels and toes with some push and controlling speed. Next is to bring the wave up some and get them really feeling how to surf. Most kids see someone surfing without a rope and want to toss it in at the first chance they get but you need to explain to them it is ok to hang onto the rope to get better. NOTE!!!!!!! remember to tell them when they crash to put their hands above their head. That little board loves to come back at them. I think it has a chip that guides it to kids heads.

Edited January 7, 2017 by jester

[chowder2016 110]

Thanks Jester. I'm confident we can get him up this summer.

[Bongo Fury 640]

Yeah for sure. When's the best time of the year for Clear Lake? I've been up there a couple times before but there has was nothing actually "clear" on the lake. Full of algae or some other stuff.

 

 

 

It can change every year, but there is usually always good water somewhere. The past few years have been excellent, very clean throughout the season and we are looking at a very wet winter so this year should be another great one! There's a good number of Centurions on the water every weekend and a lot of our customers throughout the Bay Area and Valley come up for weekend trips - its a great place.

 

Trav...don't go telling everyone what a sweet lake we are on... lol.....seriously.....spring and fall are epic.....in the middle of summer parts of the lake can get bad but as Trav points out the lake is huge and you can always find nice water to ride or a nice quiet cove to hang out. Average lake temp during the season is around 78. Fun Fact: Clear Lake is the largest natural lake in California.

Edited January 7, 2017 by Bongo Fury

[chowder2016 110]

Bongo let me know when you wanna meet up. I live in Novato so driving up to clear lake is a pretty easy drive for me. If there are any good RV spots i can bring up the fifth and the 257 for the weekend at some point this year.

[Hillside Powersports and Marine 107]

Bongo let me know when you wanna meet up. I live in Novato so driving up to clear lake is a pretty easy drive for me. If there are any good RV spots i can bring up the fifth and the 257 for the weekend at some point this year.

 

Damn 237, then a 257 here in our backyard, nice! Give your local dealer a shot when it comes time for the next upgrade

 

The easiest for RV and boat is KV Casino, it has fuel, ramp, slips, etc. But if I had an RI and being that short of a drive I would rent a lake house and leave the 5th at home.

[Bongo Fury 640]

 

Damn 237, then a 257 here in our backyard, nice! Give your local dealer a shot when it comes time for the next upgrade

 

 

Was thinking the same thing....no one is going to beat Trav on price and service is second to none. No I'm not on the payroll!

[Hillside Powersports and Marine 107]

 

Was thinking the same thing....no one is going to beat Trav on price and service is second to none. No I'm not on the payroll!

I would love to sell every boat in Northern California, but honestly its not that big of a deal, we sold over 600 units for 2016 and I don't know if I could handle any more lol!! I would just like to have a 257 customer - its not about the sale, its about the relationship. Chowder is the only 257 owner in Cali and yes I would love for him to say he bought it from me, but other than that its all good.

 

Thanks H! The lake is full buddy, time to order my demo and get busy!

Edited January 12, 2017 by Hillside Powersports and Marine

[chowder2016 110]

I'll let you k ow when I'm coming up. Always fun meeting new people.