Volunteer Guide - Surf Assistant: How to Support Kids Safely in the Water

Volunteer Guide - Surf Assistant: How to Support Kids Safely in the Water

Surf Assistants help kids move safely through a Brooklyn Surf Club surf lesson. You are the bridge between the beach and the Surf Instructor.

You help kids practice, enter the water, stay organized, feel calm, move through the Surf Lesson Flow, finish safely, and return to the start for another round.

You do not need to be a Surf Instructor to be a Surf Assistant. But you do need to be comfortable around the ocean, attentive, calm, and ready to follow the safety plan.

Important: Surf Assistants do not select waves and do not push kids into waves unless they are also designated Surf Instructors.

Only Surf Instructors select waves and push kids into waves.

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, supported, and ready.

That means:

  • Stay close to the kids you are helping
  • Help kids understand what happens next
  • Support beach practice and water entry
  • Help kids move through the Surf Lesson Flow
  • Keep kids organized near the shoreline
  • Help kids finish safely after their ride
  • Communicate clearly with Surf Instructors
  • Ask for help when unsure
  • Never take on the Surf Instructor role unless assigned

A great Surf Assistant helps the lesson feel calm, safe, and fun.

Surf Assistant Requirements

Surf Assistants must attend the water safety briefing before helping in or near the water.

No exceptions.

Surf Assistants should be:

  • Comfortable near or in the ocean
  • Able to listen and follow instructions
  • Calm around kids
  • Aware of boards, waves, and other people
  • Willing to ask for help
  • Focused on safety over speed
  • Clear about their role
  • You do not need to be a strong surfer to be a Surf Assistant.

But you do need to understand where to stand, what to watch, and when to ask a Surf Instructor or safety lead for support.

Quick Lesson Timetable for Surf Assistants

Time Lesson Part What the Surf Assistant Focuses On
0:00–0:10 Welcome + safety briefing Listen, learn the day’s safety plan, and understand your role
0:10–0:20 Warm-up + board basics Help kids stay organized and practice safely
0:20–0:35 Land practice Reinforce paddling, belly ride, falling, and pop-up basics
0:35–1:00 First water round Help kids enter, move through the flow, and hand over to Surf Instructors
1:00–1:15 Reset + coaching Help kids return to start and remember one simple cue
1:15–1:45 More surf practice Keep kids moving safely through the Surf Lesson Flow
1:45–1:55 Cool down + debrief Help kids reflect and reconnect with families
1:55–2:00 Equipment return Help collect boards, rash guards, wetsuits, and cleanup

This timetable is flexible.

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

Before Entering the Water

Before helping in or near the water, attend the water safety briefing.

Confirm:

  • Surf zone boundaries
  • Entry point
  • Exit point
  • Parent Zone
  • Start area
  • Finish area
  • Return-to-start path
  • Hand-over location
  • Emergency signals
  • Communication signals
  • Who the Surf Instructors are
  • Who the safety leads are
  • Which Surf Assistants are assigned to which area
  • Whether you are staying shallow or helping farther out
  • What to do if a child is nervous, cold, tired, or overwhelmed

The final call on ocean conditions and water safety is made by the designated safety leads.

If you are unsure, ask.

Do not guess in the water.

The Surf Assistant’s Role 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

Surf Assistants support many parts of this flow.

Your role may include:

  • Helping kids practice on land
  • Explaining what happens next
  • Walking kids and boards into the water
  • Helping kids get on the board
  • Keeping kids organized near the shoreline
  • Helping move kids toward the Surf Instructor
  • Handing kids over clearly
  • Watching the finish area
  • Helping kids return to the start
  • Encouraging kids after each ride

The Surf Instructor takes over for wave selection and the actual surf ride.

The Most Important Surf Assistant Rule

Support the flow. Do not take over the wave.

That means:

  • You can help kids enter the water
  • You can help kids stay calm
  • You can help kids hold position
  • You can help kids return after a ride
  • You can help kids remember simple cues

But:

  • Do not select waves
  • Do not push kids into waves
  • Do not move outside your assigned area
  • Do not change the flow without checking
  • Do not leave a child unattended
  • Do not be alone one-on-one with a child

Your job is to help the system work safely.

The 3-Wave Method for Surf Assistants

Wave 1: Safe Surfer

Goal:
Help kids remember the safety basics.

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

As a Surf Assistant, reinforce:

  • Stay with the group
  • Wait for instructions
  • Raise one hand if help is needed
  • Do not leave the group without telling a coach
  • Never dive headfirst
  • Fall flat when needed
  • Protect your head when coming up
  • Find your board and listen

Wave 2: Board Boss

Goal:
Help kids control the board and feel ready.

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

As a Surf Assistant, reinforce:

  • Carry the board safely
  • Enter the water carefully
  • Keep the board pointed correctly
  • Use natural paddle hands
  • Keep hands flat under armpits for belly ride and pop-up setup
  • Do not hold the rails when catching the wave
  • Look toward the beach

Wave 3: Stand & Smile

Goal:
Support kids as they try standing when ready.

Core cue:
Paddle. Push. Stand.

As a Surf Assistant, remember:

The Surf Instructor decides whether a child is ready to stand.

Your job is to help the child stay calm, organized, and ready for the instructor.

Step 1: Practice

The Surf Lesson Flow starts on land.

Before entering the water, help kids practice the basics.

Focus on:

  • Where to lie on the board
  • How to paddle
  • Where hands go
  • How to fall safely
  • How to pop up or use a Plan B method
  • How to listen for instructions
  • How to return to the start after a ride

Teach it in 3 steps

1. Show

Demonstrate the move first.

2. Practice

Let the child try it on the sand.

3. Repeat one cue

Use one simple phrase they can remember.

Good cues

Flat hands. Strong arms. Big scoops.
Chicken wings. Flat hands. Look forward.
Fall flat. Protect your head. Find your board.

Surf Assistant note

Do not give too many corrections.

Kids need simple cues, not a lecture.

Step 2: Briefing

Before going into the water, explain the flow to the child.

Keep it short.

Say:

“You’ll practice here, walk with me into the water, meet the Surf Instructor, catch a wave, finish safely, celebrate, and come back to the start.”

Teach it in 3 steps

1. Tell them what happens next

Kids feel safer when they know the plan.

2. Remind them who helps

“You stay with me until the Surf Instructor takes over.”

3. Repeat the safety cue

“Stay close. Listen first. Raise your hand.”

Surf Assistant note

A nervous child may need to hear the plan more than once.

That is okay.

Step 3: Walk

Walk with the child and board into the water.

Stay close.

Move slowly.

Keep the board under control.

Teach it in 3 steps

1. Board close

Help keep the board close to the child.

2. Nose to the wave

Keep the board pointed safely toward the incoming whitewater.

3. Walk slow

Move calmly and stay aware of waves, boards, and other kids.

Kid-friendly cue

Nose to the wave.

Surf Assistant note

Do not let the board turn sideways in front of a wave.

If the child seems scared, pause and reset.

Step 4: Onboard

When the water is too high for walking, help the child get onto the board.

This should feel calm and controlled.

Teach it in 3 steps

1. Lie in the right spot

Help the child get centered on the board.

2. Hands ready

Hands under armpits, flat on the board.

3. Eyes forward

Encourage the child to look toward the beach or the Surf Instructor.

Kid-friendly cue

Chicken wings. Flat hands. Look forward.

Surf Assistant note

Do not rush this step.

A stable child is safer and more confident.

Step 5: Ferry

Some Surf Assistants may help ferry kids and boards through shallow whitewater toward the Surf Instructor.

Only do this if you are comfortable, assigned, and have completed the water safety briefing.

Teach it in 3 steps

1. Stay in your zone

Do not move farther out than assigned.

2. Watch the waves

Pause if a wave, board, or person is in the way.

3. Move calmly

Guide the child and board toward the hand-over point.

Surf Assistant note

Not every Surf Assistant should ferry kids.

If you are unsure, ask for help.

Safety is more important than speed.

Step 6: Hand-Over

The hand-over is one of the most important safety moments.

This is when responsibility moves from the Surf Assistant to the Surf Instructor.

Teach it in 3 steps

1. Get the Surf Instructor’s attention

Make sure the instructor sees you and the child.

2. Use clear words

Say:

“Ready for you.”
“Handing over.”
“Child ready.”

3. Wait for confirmation

Do not leave until the Surf Instructor clearly accepts responsibility.

They may say:

“I’ve got them.”
“Ready.”
“I’m taking over.”

Surf Assistant note

Never assume the Surf Instructor has the child.

Clear hand-over prevents confusion.

Step 7: Surf

The Surf Instructor takes over for the actual wave.

Only Surf Instructors select waves and push kids into waves.

Your role is to support the flow.

You may be asked to:

  • Hold position nearby
  • Keep the next child waiting safely
  • Move back to the start
  • Watch the finish area
  • Help a child return after a ride

Surf Assistant note

Do not coach over the Surf Instructor.

Do not push the board.

Do not call waves for the child.

Let the Surf Instructor lead this moment.

Step 8: Finish

After the ride, Surf Assistants help make sure kids finish safely.

This area can get busy.

Kids may fall, boards may turn, and waves may continue pushing boards toward shore.

Teach it in 3 steps

1. Watch the child

Make sure they are okay after the ride.

2. Watch the board

Help prevent the board from moving into another child.

3. Move out of the way

Help the child leave the active surf area safely.

Kid-friendly cue

Fall flat. Protect your head. Find your board.

Surf Assistant note

The finish is part of the lesson.

Do not stop paying attention just because the child caught the wave.

Step 9: Celebrate

Kids should feel proud after each attempt.

They do not need to stand up to be celebrated.

Celebrate:

  • Trying
  • Listening
  • Falling safely
  • Riding on the belly
  • Paddling
  • Getting back on the board
  • Returning to start
  • Helping another child

Good phrases

“You tried it.”
“That was brave.”
“You listened really well.”
“You kept your head up.”
“You’re getting better.”
“Ready for another one?”

Surf Assistant note

Confidence is built between waves.

Your encouragement matters.

Step 10: Return to Start

After the ride and celebration, help the child return to the start.

This keeps the Surf Lesson Flow organized.

Teach it in 3 steps

1. Reconnect

Make sure the child knows where to go.

2. Return safely

Help them move around the active surf area, not through it.

3. Reset

Help them prepare for the next round or take a break.

Surf Assistant note

Do not let kids wander back through the surf zone alone.

Keep the flow moving in one direction.

Step 11: Debrief

After a ride or at the end of the lesson, help kids reflect.

Keep it short and positive.

Teach it in 3 steps

1. One win

Say one thing they did well.

2. One next step

Give one simple thing to try next time.

3. One choice

Ask if they want another round or a short break.

Example

“You kept your head up. Next time, let’s try flat hands under your armpits. Want to go again or take a water break?”

Surf Assistant note

Do not give five corrections.

One win. One next step.

Working with Nervous Kids

Some kids are scared.

That is normal.

Do not pressure them.

A successful lesson might mean:

  • Standing near the water
  • Practicing on land
  • Touching the ocean
  • Lying on the board
  • Riding on the belly
  • Taking a break
  • Trying again later

Helpful phrases

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

Surf Assistant note

Nervous kids often need calm energy more than technical instruction.

Stay patient.

When to Ask for Help

Ask a Surf Instructor or safety lead for help if:

  • You are unsure where to stand
  • A child is scared or crying
  • A child is cold or tired
  • A child wants to leave the group
  • A board is difficult to control
  • Waves get bigger or messier
  • The current changes
  • Parents or bystanders enter the surf zone
  • Another volunteer seems out of position
  • You feel uncomfortable with your assigned task

Asking for help is not a weakness.

It is good water safety.

Quick Coaching Guide: Do This, Not That

Skill Do not do this Do this instead
Role clarity Act like a Surf Instructor Support the Surf Instructor and the flow
Water safety Enter the water without briefing Attend the water safety briefing first
Water entry Let kids drift into the water randomly Use the assigned entry area and Surf Lesson Flow
Board control Let the board turn sideways into waves Keep the nose pointed toward the wave
Paddling Tell kids to cup their hands like a bowl Use: “Flat hands. Strong arms. Big scoops.”
Belly ride Let kids hold the rails Hands flat under armpits: “Chicken wings.”
Hand-over Leave before the instructor confirms Wait until they say: “I’ve got them.”
Surfing Push kids into waves Only Surf Instructors push kids into waves
Falling Let kids dive headfirst or jump off Remind them: “Fall flat.”
After falling Let kids panic or ignore the board Protect head, find board, listen
Coaching Give five corrections Give one win and one next step
Nervous kids Push them to go before ready Slow down, practice, or take a break
Return flow Let kids wander through surf zone Help them return safely to start

The 5 Things Surf Assistants Should Remember

Remember Why it matters
Safety briefing first No water support without the briefing
Support the flow Keep kids moving safely through the system
Do not push waves Only Surf Instructors select waves and push
Clear hand-over Responsibility must be obvious
One win. One next step. Kids learn best with simple feedback

Surf Assistant Checklist

Before the session

  • Arrive 30 minutes early
  • Sign required waiver
  • Check in with the Event Organizer
  • Attend the water safety briefing
  • Confirm your assigned role and zone
  • Confirm Surf Instructor names
  • Confirm entry and exit points
  • Confirm hand-over location
  • Confirm finish area
  • Confirm Parent Zone
  • Review youth safety rules

During the session

  • Help kids practice on land
  • Brief kids on what happens next
  • Walk kids and boards into the water
  • Help kids get on the board safely
  • Keep the board under control
  • Help move kids toward Surf Instructors if assigned
  • Clearly hand kids over to Surf Instructors
  • Help kids finish safely
  • Help kids return to start
  • Encourage kids with simple positive feedback
  • Ask for help when unsure

After the session

  • Help kids reconnect with parents or guardians
  • Help return boards
  • Help collect rash guards and wetsuits if needed
  • Join the debrief
  • Share safety observations
  • Note any child who needed extra support
  • Help clean up the beach area

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: Surf Assistant Role

Do Surf Assistants need to be strong surfers?

No. Surf Assistants do not need the same surfing ability as Surf Instructors.

You should be comfortable around the ocean, attend the water safety briefing, stay within your assigned zone, and follow guidance from Surf Instructors and safety leads.

Can Surf Assistants push kids into waves?

No.

Only designated Surf Instructors select waves and push kids into waves.

Surf Assistants support the flow, help kids enter and exit safely, assist with hand-over, and help kids return to start.

Can Surf Assistants help kids in the water?

Yes, but only after attending the water safety briefing and only within the assigned role and area.

What if I am unsure what to do?

Ask the Event Organizer, Surf Instructor, or safety lead.

Never guess in the water.

What if a child is scared?

Slow down.

Use calm language, practice on land, stay shallow, offer a break, and ask for help if needed.

What is the most important part of the role?

Clear hand-over and safety awareness.

A Surf Assistant helps kids move safely through the lesson, but the Surf Instructor leads the wave.

Final Reminder for Surf Assistants

As a Surf Assistant, you may not be the person pushing the child into the wave.

But you are one of the most important people in the child’s experience.

You help them feel safe enough to try.

You help the lesson stay organized.

You help Surf Instructors focus on waves.

You help nervous kids feel brave.

Keep it calm.
Keep it clear.
Keep it safe.
Keep it encouraging.

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

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