Where to Catch a Wave This Summer

Surf camps for kids around the country

Throughout the U.S. there are many different places to catch a wave. Here, I have compiled a list of some of the best surf schools (and camps) up and down both coasts.

The West Coast

Known for its busy beaches and reliable waves, the west coast draws surfing-enthusiasts year-round. Both the water and weather also tend to be a bit warmer. If you’re headed that way, check out these awesome options:

Corky Carroll’s Surf School: This surf school is located in Huntington Beach, California—otherwise known as Surf City, USA. This specific school is said to be the first surf school in Huntington Beach, having opened in 1996, and is family-owned and operated. The best part about this school are the different options they offer for kids during the summer (they do offer a winter camp as well]).

• Junior Camp is for kids 4+ who just aren’t ready to tackle the waves alone. Kids learn to use kick-boards, boogie boards, surfboards and tandem surfing to improve their swimming and surfing skills. One of the main objectives is to build their confidence in the water.
• Surf Camp is for kids 8+ who are ready to learn how to surf solo. These camps are one week long, ranging from 4–6 hours a day. Surfers learn the basics, but soon after are surfing independently.
• Surf Class is for the older kids 10+ who know how to surf, have their own equipment and are looking for a place to practice. These sessions are supervised and with other students. However, there is no set curriculum.

Oregon Surf Adventures: located in Seaside, Oregon this company offers one or two-day camps for kids 7–17 years old. What makes this camp unique is they also offer interactive lessons on marine biology, teaching kids how to take better care of the environment. Add to that, beach games and other educational activities and this camp is fun for everyone—whether you’re just learning how to surf or a pro looking for new friends.

Ty Gurnery Surf School: Located on the Southeast corner of Oahu in Honolulu, Hawaii, this surf school offers a 3-day camp for kids 6–15 years old. They only hold camps during school breaks and holidays, and have not yet released dates for this upcoming summer, so there’s still plenty of time to sign up!

The East Coast

While the East Coast may not be as famous for surfing as the West Coast, that doesn’t mean they are lacking in fun places to learn. Whether you head north or south, here are several camps to get you started:

Ron Jon Surf School is located in Cocoa Beach, Florida. This school is one of the first surfing schools/camps in Florida. Kids from 7–17 are welcome during summer and spring breaks. Camps are one week long, running Monday through Friday with the option of having a full or half day session.

Coreyswave is located in Montauk, New York, just two hours from New York City. Beginners will enjoy the Kids’ Surf Discovery program (ages 7–16) where they learn to be comfortable in the ocean. After gaining some experience, kids can sign up for the Kids’ Surf Academy (ages 8–17), a camp for intermediate-level surfers.

Tony Silvagni Surf School is located in Carolina Beach, North Carolina with lessons by none other than Pro Surfer Tony Silvagni. Students are taught in groups during 2-hour sessions held daily Monday-Friday. Camps are offered every week beginning in March, running through the end of September.

Surfing Outside-the-Box

Looking for something less cookie-cutter? Try these on for size:

Endless Summer Surf Camp- This camp is unique in that they offer an overnight option, in addition to the standard day camp. It last for five days and includes all accommodations, food and drinks, 24-hour supervision, and all the required surfing equipment.

Star Surf Camps- While this camp has locations across the world, when COVID-19 hit they opted to help people virtually, through the use of instructional videos. You can even send in your own video, showing off your mad surf skills, and instructors will provide feedback to help you become an even better surfer!

Surfing Goats: This might be the most original surf camp out there. We’ve all heard of people swimming with dolphins or turtles, but have you ever considered surfing with goats? Run by Dana McGregor, his “Family Camp” is completely customizable from surf lessons to Party Wave Boarding (think six people and one goat on the same board). McGregor also runs a camp called the Beautifully Abled Surf Camp, for children with special-needs who want to learn how to surf — and hang out with some really gnarly goats of course!