Volunteer Guide - Beach Assistant: How to Support Kids on the Beach

Volunteer Guide - Beach Assistant: How to Support Kids on the Beach

Beach Assistants help create the calm, fun, and organized beach environment that makes Brooklyn Surf Club work.

Not every child is in the water at the same time. Some kids are waiting for their turn. Some are nervous. Some just came back from a wave. Some need sunscreen, water, encouragement, a game, a quiet moment, or help knowing where to go next.

That is where Beach Assistants make a huge difference.

You do not need surf experience to be a Beach Assistant.

Your role is to help kids stay safe, coordinated, hydrated, protected from the sun, and emotionally ready before and after their time in the water.

Brooklyn Surf Club provides free surf lessons for kids ages 6–15 at Beach 67 in Rockaway Beach, Queens, NYC. Volunteer surf days usually happen on Sundays from 10 AM to 2 PM, June through September. Volunteers should arrive 30 minutes before the session and stay 30 minutes after the session.

Your Main Goal

Your main goal is simple:

Help kids feel safe, included, and ready while they are on the beach.

That means:

  • Help kids stay organized before their turn
  • Lead or support warm-ups
  • Help with simple games and beach activities
  • Remind kids to drink water
  • Remind kids to use sunscreen
  • Help kids return to the start after surfing
  • Encourage nervous kids
  • Keep the waiting area calm and positive
  • Support the Parent Zone
  • Help with beach cleanup
  • Let Surf Instructors and Surf Assistants focus on the water

A great Beach Assistant helps the beach feel warm, safe, and fun.

Beach Assistant Requirements

Beach Assistants do not need surfing experience.

Beach Assistants should be:

  • Friendly
  • Patient
  • Calm around kids
  • Comfortable giving simple instructions
  • Aware of where kids are
  • Ready to help with sunscreen, hydration, and organization
  • Willing to ask the Event Organizer or safety lead for help
  • Focused on safety and kindness

Beach Assistants are not water-support volunteers unless they have also been assigned to a water role and attended the water safety briefing.

If you are assigned as a Beach Assistant, stay focused on the beach.

Quick Lesson Timetable for Beach Assistants

Time Lesson Part What the Beach Assistant Focuses On
0:00–0:10 Welcome + safety briefing Help kids gather, listen, and understand where to stay
0:10–0:20 Warm-up + board basics Help lead warm-up, games, stretching, and surf stance practice
0:20–0:35 Land practice Help kids stay engaged during paddling, falling, and pop-up practice
0:35–1:00 First water round Support kids waiting on the beach; hydration, sunscreen, calm energy
1:00–1:15 Reset + coaching Help kids return to start, take breaks, and hear simple feedback
1:15–1:45 More surf practice Keep the waiting area organized and positive
1:45–1:55 Cool down + debrief Help kids reflect on what they learned
1:55–2:00 Equipment return Help collect gear, clean up, and reconnect kids with families

This timetable is flexible.

Ocean conditions, child comfort, weather, and safety always come first.

Where Beach Assistants Fit in the Surf Lesson Flow

Brooklyn Surf Club uses a structured Surf Lesson Flow, also called the Magic Carpet System:

Practice → Briefing → Walk → Onboard → Ferry → Hand-over → Surf → Finish → Celebrate → Return to start

Beach Assistants mainly support:

  • Practice
  • Briefing
  • Waiting area
  • Parent Zone
  • Celebrate
  • Return to start
  • Breaks
  • Debrief
  • Cleanup

You are not responsible for selecting waves, pushing kids into waves, or managing the water.

Your job is to make sure the kids on the beach are safe, included, and ready.

The Most Important Beach Assistant Rule

Keep the beach calm, organized, and fun.

That means:

  • Know where kids should wait
  • Keep kids out of the active surf zone
  • Help kids return to the start
  • Keep sunscreen and hydration moving
  • Watch for nervous, cold, tired, or overwhelmed kids
  • Help parents understand the Parent Zone
  • Ask for help when unsure

A good Beach Assistant prevents confusion before it reaches the water.

The 3-Wave Method for Beach Assistants

At Brooklyn Surf Club, we teach kids using the 3-Wave Method.

Wave 1: Safe Surfer

Goal:
Help kids remember the basic safety rules.

Core cue:
Stay close. Listen first. Raise your hand.

As a Beach Assistant, reinforce:

  • Stay with the group
  • Listen to volunteers and instructors
  • Raise one hand if help is needed
  • Do not leave the group without telling a coach or volunteer
  • Stay out of the active surf zone unless instructed
  • Parents stay in the Parent Zone
  • Take breaks when needed

Wave 2: Board Boss

Goal:
Help kids feel comfortable with the board and beach practice.

Core cues:
Board close. Eyes up. Walk slow.
Flat hands. Strong arms. Big scoops.
Chicken wings. Flat hands. Look forward.

As a Beach Assistant, reinforce these cues during land practice.

You do not need to be a surf expert. You can help kids remember the simple phrases.

Wave 3: Stand & Smile

Goal:
Help kids feel confident whether they stand, ride on their belly, or simply try.

Core cue:
Paddle. Push. Stand.

As a Beach Assistant, celebrate effort.

Standing is exciting, but it is not the only success.

A kid who tries, listens, falls safely, takes a break, or goes back for another round is also succeeding.

Step 1: Help with Welcome and Gathering

The first few minutes set the tone.

Some kids arrive excited. Some are shy. Some are nervous. Some do not know anyone yet.

Do this in 3 steps

1. Welcome kids warmly

Use simple, friendly language.

“Hi, welcome to Brooklyn Surf Club. We’re happy you’re here.”

2. Help them find the group

Guide kids to the waiting area, warm-up area, or check-in area.

3. Help them settle

Keep the energy calm and positive.

Good questions

“What is your favorite water animal?”
“Have you surfed before?”
“What are you excited to try today?”

Beach Assistant note

A child who feels welcomed is more likely to listen, participate, and try something new.

Step 2: Support the Safety Briefing

Beach Assistants help kids listen during the safety briefing.

You are not responsible for leading the full water safety plan unless assigned.

But you can help make sure kids are paying attention and understand the basics.

Do this in 3 steps

1. Help kids focus

Bring kids close enough to hear.

2. Repeat the main cue

Stay close. Listen first. Raise your hand.

3. Watch for confusion

If a child looks unsure, quietly help explain.

Beach Assistant note

Do not add extra rules or create confusion.

Repeat the safety lead’s message in simple language.

Step 3: Lead or Support Warm-Up

Warm-up gets kids moving, focused, and ready.

It should be playful, not intense.

Do this in 3 steps

1. Move

Use light running, beach tag, or simple movement.

2. Stretch

Stretch head, arms, hips, legs, and feet.

3. Balance

Practice surf stance on the sand.

Fun warm-up ideas

Balance like a flamingo.
Move like a crab.
Jump into your surf stance.
Freeze like a surfer.
Pretend a wave is coming.
Do slow-motion pop-ups on the sand.

Beach Assistant note

Short is better.

A fun five-minute warm-up is better than a long warm-up that loses the group.

Step 4: Help with Land Practice

Before kids enter the water, they practice on land.

Beach Assistants can help keep kids engaged and organized during this part.

Main cues to reinforce

Flat hands. Strong arms. Big scoops.
For paddling practice.

Chicken wings. Flat hands. Look forward.
For belly ride position.

Fall flat. Protect your head. Find your board.
For wipeout safety.

Paddle. Push. Stand.
For pop-up practice.

Do this in 3 steps

1. Watch and encourage

Help kids stay involved.

2. Repeat simple cues

Use the same language as the Surf Instructors.

3. Keep kids moving

Help avoid crowding, waiting confusion, or kids wandering away.

Beach Assistant note

Do not overcoach.

Use simple reminders and let Surf Instructors lead the technical instruction.

Step 5: Organize the Waiting Area

Once water practice begins, not every child will be surfing at once.

Beach Assistants help the waiting area work.

Do this in 3 steps

1. Keep kids together

Make sure kids know where to wait.

2. Keep kids ready

Help them stay close enough for their turn.

3. Keep kids calm

Use games, encouragement, or quiet conversation.

Good waiting-area activities

  • Surf stance practice
  • Balance games
  • Water break
  • Sunscreen reminder
  • Beach cleanup challenge
  • “What did you learn?” check-in
  • Quiet cheering for other kids

Beach Assistant note

Waiting kids still need supervision.

Do not let kids wander into the surf zone, away from the group, or out of sight.

Step 6: Hydration and Sun Protection

Kids may forget to drink water or reapply sunscreen.

Beach Assistants help make this easy.

Do this in 3 steps

1. Remind

“Water break.”
“Sunscreen check.”
“Hat if you have one.”

2. Help

Younger kids may need help finding their water bottle or sunscreen.

3. Watch

Look for kids who seem tired, cold, overheated, or distracted.

Beach Assistant note

Hydration and sunscreen are not side tasks.

They are part of safety.

Step 7: Support Nervous Kids

Some kids may feel scared or overwhelmed.

That is normal.

Do not pressure them.

Do this in 3 steps

1. Slow down

Give the child time.

2. Offer a smaller step

Practice on land, watch others, touch the water, or take a break.

3. Encourage gently

Celebrate effort, not just surfing.

Helpful phrases

“We can take our time.”
“You do not have to stand up today.”
“Let’s just watch one wave first.”
“That was brave.”
“Surfers take breaks.”
“You can try again when you are ready.”

Beach Assistant note

A child who takes a break may return stronger.

Do not treat breaks as failure.

Step 8: Help Kids Return to Start

After a ride, kids may be excited, tired, or confused about where to go.

Beach Assistants help them return safely.

Do this in 3 steps

1. Greet them

Smile, high-five, or say something encouraging.

2. Guide them

Help them return to the start area or waiting area.

3. Reset them

Water, sunscreen, rest, or back in line.

Good phrases

“You did it.”
“Nice try.”
“You kept going.”
“Want another round or a quick break?”
“Let’s head back to the start.”

Beach Assistant note

Keep kids from walking through the active surf zone alone.

Help keep the flow moving in one direction.

Step 9: Support the Parent Zone

Parents and guardians stay on the beach during lessons.

Beach Assistants may help explain where they should stand or wait.

Do this in 3 steps

1. Point out the Parent Zone

Show parents where they can watch.

2. Explain the reason

“This keeps the surf zone safer for kids, instructors, and volunteers.”

3. Redirect kindly

If parents move too close to the active surf zone, guide them back.

Beach Assistant note

Be warm and respectful.

Parents want to support their kids. The Parent Zone helps them do that safely.

Step 10: Celebrate Effort

Beach Assistants help create the emotional tone of the day.

Kids should feel proud even if they do not stand.

Celebrate

  • Listening
  • Trying
  • Falling safely
  • Getting back on the board
  • Riding on the belly
  • Taking a break
  • Cheering for others
  • Returning to start
  • Helping clean up

Good phrases

“That was brave.”
“You tried something new.”
“You listened really well.”
“You got back up.”
“You looked more confident this time.”
“You helped the group.”

Beach Assistant note

Confidence is built on the beach as much as in the water.

Step 11: Cool Down and Debrief

At the end of the session, help kids reflect.

Keep it short and positive.

Do this in 3 steps

1. Ask what was fun

“What was your favorite part?”

2. Ask what they learned

“What did you learn today?”

3. Ask what they want to try next

“What do you want to work on next time?”

Beach Assistant note

Help kids leave with one win.

A good debrief sounds like:

“You were brave today. You tried the board, practiced falling safely, and cheered for other kids.”

Step 12: Beach Cleanup and Equipment Return

The lesson is not done until kids are safe, families are reconnected, and the beach is cleaned up.

Do this in 3 steps

1. Help return gear

Support collection of rash guards, wetsuits, boards, or beach supplies if assigned.

2. Clean up

Help pick up trash and leave the beach better than we found it.

3. Thank the group

Thank kids, parents, and volunteers.

Kid-friendly cue

Surfers take care of their gear and their beach.

Beach Assistant note

Cleanup is part of the culture.

Kids can help.

When to Ask for Help

Ask the Event Organizer, Surf Instructor, or safety lead for help if:

  • A child is scared, crying, or overwhelmed
  • A child says they feel sick, cold, or dizzy
  • A child wants to leave the group
  • A child cannot find their parent or guardian
  • Parents or bystanders enter the surf zone
  • A child is missing from the waiting area
  • You are unsure where a child should go
  • You notice unsafe behavior
  • You are unsure what your role is

Never guess with safety.

Ask early.

Quick Coaching Guide: Do This, Not That

Situation Do not do this Do this instead
Warm-up Make it long or boring Keep it short, playful, and active
Safety briefing Add too many extra instructions Repeat the main cue: “Stay close. Listen first. Raise your hand.”
Waiting kids Let kids wander Keep them together, hydrated, and engaged
Nervous kids Pressure them to surf Slow down, offer a smaller step, or take a break
Sunscreen Treat it as optional Make it part of the routine
Hydration Wait until kids complain Offer water breaks regularly
Parent Zone Ignore parents moving into the surf area Redirect kindly and explain safety
Coaching Give technical surf instruction beyond your role Repeat simple cues and let Surf Instructors lead
Celebration Only cheer when kids stand up Celebrate effort, listening, safety, and courage
Cleanup Leave it to others Help return gear and clean the beach

The 5 Things Beach Assistants Should Remember

Remember Why it matters
Keep kids together Waiting kids still need supervision
Hydration and sunscreen Comfort is part of safety
Celebrate effort Kids need confidence, not pressure
Support the Parent Zone Keeps the surf zone safer
Ask early Small confusion can become a safety issue

Beach Assistant Checklist

Before the session

  • Arrive 30 minutes early
  • Sign required waiver
  • Check in with the Event Organizer
  • Confirm your assigned area
  • Confirm warm-up plan
  • Confirm waiting area
  • Confirm Parent Zone
  • Confirm hydration and sunscreen station
  • Review youth safety rules
  • Ask who to go to if you need help

During the session

  • Help gather kids
  • Support warm-up
  • Help kids stay organized
  • Repeat simple teaching cues
  • Keep waiting kids engaged
  • Remind kids about water and sunscreen
  • Help nervous kids slow down
  • Help kids return to start after surfing
  • Support Parent Zone communication
  • Watch for kids who need help
  • Ask for help when unsure

After the session

  • Help kids reconnect with parents or guardians
  • Help collect beach supplies
  • Help return rash guards and wetsuits if assigned
  • Help clean up the beach area
  • Join the debrief if possible
  • Share anything important you noticed

Youth Safety Reminder

Brooklyn Surf Club works with children, so youth safety rules are required.

All volunteers must sign a waiver.

Volunteers working with youth must complete Brooklyn Surf Club’s kids safety agreement and sex offender registry screening.

No volunteer may be alone one-on-one with a child at any time.

Parents and guardians stay on the beach in the Parent Zone during lessons.

These rules protect kids, families, volunteers, and the Brooklyn Surf Club community.

FAQ: Beach Assistant Role

Do Beach Assistants need to know how to surf?

No.

Beach Assistants do not need surfing experience. This role is focused on helping kids stay organized, hydrated, protected from the sun, engaged, encouraged, and ready on the beach.

Can Beach Assistants go in the water?

Only if they are also assigned to a water-support role and attend the water safety briefing.

Otherwise, Beach Assistants should stay focused on beach support.

What should I do with kids waiting for their turn?

Keep them together, hydrated, protected from the sun, and engaged.

Use simple games, surf stance practice, cheering, water breaks, sunscreen reminders, or quiet encouragement.

What if a child is nervous?

Slow down.

Offer a smaller step: watch one wave, practice on land, touch the water, take a break, or talk to a Surf Instructor.

Do not pressure the child.

What is the most important part of the Beach Assistant role?

Keeping kids safe, calm, included, and ready while they are on the beach.

The water team can only work well when the beach team is organized.

Final Reminder for Beach Assistants

As a Beach Assistant, you help create the feeling of the day.

You keep kids smiling, hydrated, protected, encouraged, and connected.

You help nervous kids feel brave.

You help waiting kids feel included.

You help parents understand the flow.

You help the water team focus on surfing.

This role may look simple, but it is essential.

Keep it warm.
Keep it organized.
Keep it safe.
Keep it fun.

That is what makes a great Brooklyn Surf Club surf lesson.

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