Sign up for an L.A. Surf Camp this Summer

As you may recall, earlier this week we mentioned how sports camps are gaining popularity in and around Los Angeles.  Just this week we've heard from families wanting our opinion on the best football camps, hockey camps and tennis camps in the city.  And even though we're about to head into the coldest time of year, three other moms emailed us about their kids' surf camp interest for the upcoming 2017 summer season.

One of the things we learned long ago through our involvement with camps is when children express interest in learning a new skill or trying a new activity, it’s best to help them pursue those interests as much as possible to the extent that you can.

In this manner, you will be helping your son or daughter learn more about themselves as a person by discovering their likes and dislikes, interests and non-interests, while simultaneously helping them increase their self confidence and esteem as they grow into happy, healthy adults.

If your son or daughter has expressed interest in learning to surf, why not sign them up for surf camp this summer?

Surfing and Summer Camp Were Made for Each Other

If you live in L.A., you probably already know we're blessed with some of the best beaches, weather, and waves in the world.  After all, our local beaches are here and available for your child's enjoyment, and if you're like most L.A. parents, you'll probably be sending your child to camp this year.

Why not combine the two and sign your child up for surf camp? Surfing and summertime go hand in hand.

No Prior Surfing Experience? No Problem

Photo credit Ballona Beach Camp www.ballonabeachcamp.com

While the prospect of sending their kids to surf camp appeals to many parents, families are often concerned about the lack of prior surfing experience their kids may have.

But even if your child's a newbie at surfing -- even if they've never caught a single wave -- don't worry! One thing you shouldn't do is deny your child an exciting surf camp experience just because they haven't surfed before.

To the contrary, many reputable Los Angeles surf camps actually specialize in serving kids who have little to no prior surfing experience. (Let's put it this way ... most of the kids who've already become proficient surfers usually aren't those attending surf camp. So even if your your camper's a first-time beginner, we assure you they'll fit right in.  Learning to surf from the ground up is what surf camp's all about.

What if My Child Doesn't Know How to Swim? Can They Still Go to Surf Camp?

Great question. The answer depends on what "kind" of surf camp you're looking for. 

It's important to distinguish between a pure surf camp -- where surfing's the primary (if not the only) activity offered -- from other camps which may offer surfing as a smaller component to a more comprehensive summer program that might also boogie boarding, water play, sand games, and other beach-related activities in addition to surfing.

If you want a pure, dedicated surf camp program -- where surfing's the primary focus -- we highly advise learning to swim before signing up for the program.  Sending your child to surf camp if they don't know how to swim could potentially be a very unsafe (and not very fun) proposition.

Photo credit Fitness by the Sea Summer Camp www.fitnessbythesea/santamonica

On the other hand, there's several beach-oriented summer camps here exist here in L.A. where kids can not only learn to surf,  but also enjoy many other activities besides surfing.  Ballona Beach Camp and Fitness by the Sea come to mind.

Some of the eye-catching activities at these programs include  counselor talent shows, hula dancing, beach yoga, kite making and much more. You obviously don't need to know how to swim to enjoy all that! :)

Now there's just one more thing to note.

Despite our personal thoughts on this subject, individual camps may have their own guilelines regarding previous swimming experience required of their campers.  Check with the camp director for their particular policies before signing up for any program.

How to Choose a Surf Camp

As a parent, there should be no mystery as to what you looking for in a surf camp. You want a safe, fun program your child will enjoy while making new friends, connecting with their counselors, and mastering the basics (if not the art) of surfing. 

Choosing a surf camp with competent instructors, modern equipment, and an established reputation will help you meet these goals. 

"Buyer beware" comes into play here.

In this day and age, practically everyone starts their search for a camp (plus anything else they're buying) online.

Photo credit CampSurf.com

Given the sheer number of surf camps available, it's tempting to type "Surf Camps Los Angeles" into Google, then sign up for the first one you find.

While that's not a bad way to find a surf camp, keep in mind ANYONE can make ANYTHING look good online! This means you must be absolutely certain you're not choosing some fly-by-night program that just started teaching kids to surf yesterday.

This isn't to say newer surf camps aren't qualified to deliver an outstanding camp experiences to your child.  All we're saying is, it's pretty darn easy to put up a website, head down to the beach, set up a tent or canopy and call yourself a surf camp. 

Fortunately, there's a number of reputable, established surf camp programs in L.A. and Malibu you can choose from. One consideration is to contact the American Camp Association for a referral to qualified surf camps in your area.  Asking your friends if they can recommend a program is always a good strategy, too.

Once you find some surf camps that interest you, talk to each camp director to narrow down your choice. Eventually you'll find one or two you consider to be the best match for your child.

How Will My Child Get to Surf Camp?

Aloha Beach Camp is one of a few L.A. surf camps that provides free transportation so you don't have to brave the beach traffic. Photo credit AlohaBeachCamp.com

This is an important question and one often overlooked by families when choosing a summer surfing program. If you don't live near the beach, or your work schedule prevents you from driving your child to camp yourself, consider a surf camp that provides transportation. Some of the surf camps providing transportation do so for free, while others charge extra for the convenience.

Other programs require you to pick-up and and drop-off your kids yourself, so you'll need to find a way to get your child to camp yourself while braving the beach traffic. One popular arrangement we've seen used at many surf camps is a carpool arrangement with other camper families. Ask the camp director to help you facilitate a carpool for your program if this idea would benefit you.

The main point to remember is you have numerous transportation options when it comes to getting your child back and forth to camp.

When Should We Sign Up for Surf Camp?

Many camps in the L.A. area, notably the more popular ones, tend to fill up quickly.  Camps register children on a space-available basis, so when the last spot's gone, it's generally gone for good. The only option you may have at that point is to join the waiting list and hope for the best.

Sign up for an L.A. surf camp this summer!

One notable point about space availability is that surf camps generally keep enrollment intentionally small.

That means they may sell out even faster than general camp programs. Maintaining small enrollment numbers, particularly for surf camps, is an idea we support here at L.A. Summer Camps.com.

For one thing, smaller enrollment lends itself to a safer surf camp experience.  For another,  it promotes a better learning environment, because when kids learn to surf in small groups, they get maximum personal attention from their instructors rather than getting lost in the crowd, a definite possibility in larger groups.

All in all, when you find a program that appeals to you, it's best to register sooner rather than later. This way you can sidestep the frustration and disappointment of finding a surf camp your child's eager to try, only to find out later they don't have room for you.