Sand. Sunscreen. Miles of empty ocean.
Ask any family spending time at the beach. At some point you’ve all looked out at the waves and thought… What’s it actually like out there?
The answer is:
Ocean water sports are one of the best ways to add interest to your next beach holiday, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Plus, there’s never been a better time to get involved.
Below you’ll discover:
- Why ocean water sports are more popular than ever
- The best ocean water sports for kids and families
- How To choose the right activity for you
- Everything you need to know to get started
Why Ocean Water Sports Are More Popular Than Ever
Ocean water sports don’t come with a niche audience anymore.
Water sports grew over 9% in 2023 according to the SFIA, beating almost every other activity across 100+ categories.
Think about it.
Active holidays are booming. Families ditch sun loungers for paddleboards. Swap beach bars for waves. Ocean water sports offer an incredible physical challenge, a unique shared experience… and a chance to connect with the coastline that you don’t get from many other activities.
The best part? Almost every ocean water sport is beginner-friendly (with the right guidance). Booking surf lessons with qualified instructors is the quickest way to get the whole family catching waves and smiling.
What Are the Best Ocean Water Sports for Families?
Look. Not every ocean activity suits every family. Some are better for younger kids. Others are ideal if you’ve got mixed abilities in the group. Consider these options for your next beach break.
Surfing
Yep. The Old faithful are up there for a reason.
Surfing is one of the most rewarding ocean activities that you can experience as a family. It has a steeper learning curve than other activities on this list. But when you land your first wave? Ahh… there’s literally nothing like it. There are currently over 35 million surfers worldwide, and that number is rising every year.
Foamie surfboards (also known as soft-tops) are how most beginners learn. They’re super stable and easy to manoeuvre, which means less frustration when you’re first starting out. Plus, kids and adults alike generally LOVE them.
Stand Up Paddleboarding
Stand up paddleboarding or SUP is exploding in popularity right now for all the right reasons.
Paddleboarding is easy to learn. Suitable for all ages. And you’ll be getting a decent workout without even realising it. Nobody paddling together means everyone goes at their own pace too. Tiny kids sit on top whilst the older ones are standing upright within minutes. Overall US paddleboarding participation was roughly 4.13 million participants in 2023. That’s a year-on-year increase of 9.3%.
Bodyboarding
Kids or adults new to wave riding?
Bodyboarding is a brilliant introduction. Riders lie face down on a small foam board before paddling out and riding waves all the way back to shore. Great for families with younger kids since there’s less technique involved and it’s easier to pick up. Most kids LOVE it right away too.
Sea Kayaking
Sea kayaking is oceans apart from surfing or bodyboarding. Literally.
But that’s exactly the appeal. Sea kayaking allows families to tour coastlines, sea caves and quiet little beaches with less adrenaline than wave-based sports. Tandem kayaks mean you can paddle with your kids too. Sea kayaking is a beautiful way to combine exploration and adventure.
Snorkelling
Snorkelling often gets forgotten about…
…but deserves a spot on this list. Snorkelling opens up a whole new world. Marine life, colourful reefs, rock pools; snorkelling allows you to see things you never could from land. Pockets of rock or shallow reefs are great places to let curious kids dive right in. All you really need is a mask, snorkel and fins. What it gives back in return is priceless.
How To Choose the Right Ocean Water Sport for Your Family
Listen.
Your family’s needs aren’t going to be the same as everyone else. Something that works for your friends might not tick all the boxes for you. Here are some questions to ask yourself when deciding on an activity.
- What age are the youngest members of your family? Surfing and sea kayaking are better for older kids. Snorkelling and bodyboarding are ideal for even the youngest visitors.
- How would you describe the group’s fitness levels? Paddleboarding and sea kayaking are more physically demanding. Bodyboarding and snorkelling are more relaxed.
- How much time do you have? Learning to surf is something you can see improvements in after a couple of hours. Half-day sea kayaking trips are not uncommon.
- What are the ocean conditions like? Flat beaches won’t be great for surfing. Big point breaks are harder for new bodyboarders. Always check with locals who know the area.
Don’t overthink your decision too much. Simply choose one activity, really experience it, then let your new obsession grow from there.
What You Need To Know To Get Started
Doing a couple of quick checks before you book will help things run smoothly on the day.
Instructors – always use qualified teachers. They know their stuff. Lessons go quicker. And more importantly, everyone stays safe.
Clothing – the water is colder than you think. Especially if you’re in the UK. A proper wetsuit changes everything.
Weather / ocean conditions – Check the surf forecast. Paddle boarding and snorkelling are affected by different things. When in doubt, ask your activity provider. They should be doing this for you anyway.
Take your time – there’s a trend here. Surf schools and activity centres aren’t going to rush you. Stick with it. There’s no benefit in hurrying. Skill development comes with practise. And often, learning one ocean activity naturally leads to another.
Ready to Get Out There?
Ocean water sports are an incredible way to make the most out of your time at the coast as a family.
Picking up a board and chasing waves. Snorkelling with fish. Kayaking in crystal clear water; there’s an ocean activity to suit all ages and abilities.
And they’re also booming. Surfing had 4.2 million participants in the United States alone in 2024, growing 5.9% year-on-year. Global surfing tourism market size was valued at USD 68.3 billion in 2024.
All you have to do now is get out of the beach chair, into the sea, and have some fun.
You’ll never want to sit still again.