Sayulita is such a great place to raise a kid, let alone one who lives to surf. The main beach surf break is a year round kid playground. Consistently pumping out perfect kid sized sets (somedays bigger then others), the local youth get lots of thrills without losing their confidence. Of course they've all been stung by jellyfish, but who can beat surfing alongside sea turtles and manta rays when your six? When I asked around town why Sayulita's surf is so kid friendly everyone had similar things to say. Sayulita's right break is safe. There are mellow, easy waves almost all year round, breaking on all tides. The waves are not aggressive. The rips are not strong on the right break. It seems everyone agrees Sayulita's waves are great for learning to surf. Most of the local kid surfers attend school during the day. There are a few who get home-schooled, which means more time on the waves. Days at our house often begin like this, "Mom, if I stay home sick from school can I still go surfing?" Uh, no. Then as we stumble out the door at 7:45, I check to make sure my son's surf shorts are tucked in his backpack with his homework and lunch. In the afternoon when everyone gets out of school the front break fills with short boards and an array of tanned blond haired surf kids.

Although there is always a hierarchy of surfers of any age, the surfing community in Sayulita looks out for the little guys. This is another reason many parents like Sayulita's surf for their kids. People look out for eachother. Whether it is other parents on the waves, surf instructors on the beach, or even tourists, everyone keeps an eye on the waves and the welfare of the surfers. The kids look up to the local champions, and the
champions certainly love the attention of the youth. You should see how my son lights up when one of the sponsored surfers says hello. When one local kid was having a hard time diving through the waves the local surfers often paused to give him a lesson. The youth usually stick together out on the break, and they cheer eachother on as one after another catches a wave in.

Sayulita Fish Taco sponsors a Youth Surf Competition that allows the kids to compete together here at the beach. There is a 4-8 year old division, a 9-12 division, and a tandem division. It really encourages the kids who are developing surfers to ride alongside the best youth surfers. Last year I was impressed by the new levels of confidence all the kids had in the weeks after competing.

It is important to remember that when there are novices in the water it can be dangerous. It is important for all the kids to be given instruction by experienced surfers so they and the other surfers stay safe. There are lots of instructors on the beach available to teach kids how to surf.

Living here in Sayulita there is always the opportunity to learn how to surf. I can't imagine a better way for our kids to grow up. Instead of watching cartoons after school or playing video games, they are out riding waves with their best friends. Most of the youth surfers enjoy a freedom that other kids their age don't have. They are truly strong, healthy and happy.

Source:
The Sayulita Son

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