Frequently asked questions!
Which beach do we go to? What are the waves and water like?
We go to Santa Monica Beach just south of the Annenberg Community Beach House. We're very happy about this location for several reasons:
The slope of the beach and soft sand creates an ideal wave for beginners as opposed to some heavier breaks in Los Angeles
Located about halfway between the much more popular Santa Monica Pier and Will Rogers Beach, we have virtually zero crowds to contend with.
Being away from the crowds, our water quality is rated as one of the cleanest in LA. Per the Heal the Bay Beach Report Card, our location consistently receives an “A+” rating. SEE REPORT HERE Please feel free to reach out if you have any question or concerns! info@summerofsurf.com
What is your Tax ID number?
81-5216007
When does camp start?
Dates for our 2024 Summer session will be June 10 - Aug 16.
What is the age range?
We welcome campers as young as 7 years old and as old as 18 years old. For our more experienced older campers, we recommend asking about our Counselor-In-Training (CIT) Program.
What is the Weekly Curriculum?
Each day of camp has a different theme and lecture topic that we cover in our morning orientation. Surfing (and the ocean in general) has an endless amount of material we could cover, but we’ve narrowed it down to 5 main themes we feel are most important to ensure beginner surfers have a meaningful and safe experience. Here are our daily topics:
Monday - Camp Orientation
Camp Rules
Basic Ocean Safety
Introductory Surf Lesson (Land Lesson)
Tuesday - What are we afraid of?
We address common ocean fears,
What is the actual risk? Debunking common myths regarding ocean dangers, ocean life, etc.
What do we do? Discussing what to do if you should encounter one of these fears.
Wednesday - Wipeout Wednesday! (Camper/Staff Favorite)
Surfing is hard!
We discuss managing expectations and how we define success.
We all fall! Wipeouts are part of the fun, and no one should be embarrassed by falling of their board.
Thursday - Surf Etiquette
The unwritten rules of surfing
Staying safe and making sure we dont endanger anyone else
How to navigate a surf lineup
Friday - What did we learn? What was your best moment?
We discuss (aside from surfing) interesting things we learned that week
Who had the best wipeout?
Who saw the coolest animal?
How Many Days of Camp Do You Recommend?
For new campers we recommend attending the full week (Mon-Fri). We have a weekly curriculum (see above) during which each day has an important lesson for any new surfer. This also helps us make sure everyone gets all the vital information they will need to get the best experience. Returning campers, come as you like!
What if my camper doesn’t want to surf?
Surfing is totally optional! We will encourage everyone to get on a board, but we understand it’s not for everyone and there are lots of ways to enjoy the beach. Whether they want to swim, boogie board, or just play in the sand, that is totally fine. We only insist that everyone participate in our introductory “Land Lesson” as it includes important safety information. Additionally, we can be very encouraging, but we will never force anyone to surf, even at the request of a parent.
How do I get these awesome camper photos I see on Instagram?What’s included in a Photo Package?
You can add a photo package to your campers registration for $75 (if you have already registered, simply send us an email and we can add it for you! info@summerofsurf.com) We have photographers taking photos (almost) everyday, and we try to get photos of everyone but mainly focus on the campers that have ordered Photos. Our Photo Packages typically include about 15-20 high quality digital photos of your camper surfing, and usually some other fun antics as well. We encourage all our campers to surf, and Photo Package kids are no exception. However, the amount of photos we get is completely reliant on how much time your camper spends on a surfboard, so we can’t guarantee a certain number. If your camper is one that prefers to hang out on the sand with friends or mainly wants to boogie board, a Photo Package would not be recommended.
When do I get photos?
An optional Photo Package can be added for your camper for $75. We take as many photos as possible through out the week, so going through all of them can be a bit of an extensive process. We usually get them all sorted by Monday the following week, and send them out via email with a google drive link.
How much does it cost?
We have a variety of different packages in different price ranges to help keep Summer of Surf as accessible as possible. See the full Price List here
Which beach do we go to?
We go to Santa Monica Beach just about directly in front of the Annenberg Community Beach House. We're very happy about this location for several reasons:
The slope of the beach is ideal for learning to surf
Most of the tourists and other surfers crowd the beach further south
The city lifeguard resources in this region are directed mostly towards our camp
What do I need to bring?
A towel, sunscreen, water, your favorite snacks, lunch, hat, sunglasses, sandals, light jacket/sweatshirt, personal Rx (make sure that medical information is on your registration form).
Hot Tip: Zip-Lock brand one-gallon freezer bags are a great way to store and protect those valuable items you want to keep sand and water free!
What is the best type of sunscreen?
You'll need a sunscreen that's at least SPF 30 and water-resistant. You'll need to reapply every couple of hours. We recommend using zinc for your face, due to its heavy water resistance. A sunscreen spray may be easiest for protecting the rest of your body, use generously!
How long does it take to learn to surf? What if my camper can’t do it?
Surfing is hard! It can be one of the most rewarding activities out there, but it is also very demanding physically, and can be very frustrating, especially when you are first starting out. Surfing is nuanced and complicated. It is often said that “you never stop learning” as aspects like ocean knowledge and reading waves are skills that can’t really be taught and just take time to acquire. This is why we stress the importance of having fun and enjoying the experience regardless of how quickly the camper is learning. We celebrate our wipeouts because everyone falls, no one catches every wave, and it is OK to struggle with new things.
“The BEST Surfer out there is the one having the most FUN!”
What is the cancellation/rescheduling policy?
We try to be as accommodating and understanding as possible when it comes to cancellations and rescheduling. However, late cancellations and rescheduling put a significant strain on our staff as filling these last minute spots can be very difficult. Cancellations made before the season starts, and with at least a month notice will be refunded (minus our $10 registration fee), no problem. Any cancellations made after the season starts or less than a month before your camper is scheduled will be handled on a case by case basis, but generally if you give us at least 2 weeks notice, refund is possible, but will incur a $15/day cancellation fee. Refunds will not be available cancellations made less than 8 days in advance. Reschedules will follow these same rules.
We will always do our best to accommodate reschedule requests, but we are, of course, limited by our availability. Once a day is full there isn’t anything we can do.
Can I come watch my child?
We’d prefer it if you let your camper have this experience on their own. We’ve found that the presence of parents/family prevents campers from full engaging in the camp environment.
If you are uncomfortable sending your child with us alone, or can’t bear to miss seeing it, ask us about our private lessons, where anyone can come watch!
All this said, you are definitely welcome to come to the beach to watch. We do ask, however, that you keep your distance so as to not disrupt the flow of camp.
I think I might be kinda...afraid of the ocean...kinda...
No worries! The ocean can seem big and a bit scary, but team at Summer of Surf has years of experience introducing new campers to the ocean. We can accommodate to anyone, regardless of their comfort level in the ocean. We pride ourselves on teaching our campers to gain confidence in the water and working with them until they ultimately become self-proficient.
Transportation...How do I get there?
When you ride to the beach with us, you ride in style. Our 5-star bus is hired through a professional transportation company. It has comfortable seats, seat-belts, air-conditioning, and most importantly...surf movies! You will be accompanied by our awesome counselors roundtrip! All you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride!
I don't think my son or daughter will be ok leaving me...(Separation Anxiety)
Separation anxiety is real. "Mom, I don't want to go!', "Don't leave me Mom...Please!" are real statements, and they are just as difficult for both parents and kids. Big adventures can create big anxieties, but they also are big growth opportunities. Our low ratios and attentive instructors create the space to empower our younger campers. After meeting new friends, spending time in the ocean and relishing in their growth in confidence, our new campers look forward to their next day in the ocean. That growth is what we aim to facilitate.
What if it starts raining? The waves get too big? Lightning begins a fabulous light show?
Summer of Surf's #1 priority is safety and we would never put our campers at undue risk. If the weather presents us with any dangers, we can reschedule your lesson. There will be a few days throughout the Summer where the surf conditions will be too big/dangerous to surf. Unfortunately this can only accurately be predicted in the short-term, within about a weeks notice. Should the conditions be deemed unfit for surfing at camp by our beach captain, there will be still be opportunities for swimming, games, and potentially bodyboarding that day. If you are scheduling last minute for a day at the beach, you can always call to ask what day(s) will have the best conditions that week.
What are Summer of Surf ratios?
Summer of Surf maintains at minimum a 3:1 camper to staff ratio. For first-time surfers, those dealing with a little bit of anxiety, or special needs we make sure they have 1-on-1 instruction while in the water.
if you have any other questions please call, we love to talk! (626) 250-0045
How does the Waitlist work? What are the odds my child gets a spot? When will I know?
Once a day has reached its registration capacity we accept waitlist applicants. These applicants will be notified when space opens up due to cancellations, etc. If/when a space opens up, you will be notified of the availability, and asked to respond by a certain time (this window will depend on how soon the day is). By registering for the waitlist you are not required to make any payment for the day, and you are not required to register for the day if a space opens up, just given the option. That said, please try to resist signing up for the waiting list unless you are pretty sure those days will work for you.
Predicting movement on the waitlist is very difficult, but we will be happy to let you know where you are on the list, and how we feel about your chances.
Timing of waitlist openings is also unpredictable. Generally speaking, we typically have good amount of movement in the months leading up to camp, but once the season has started, most openings will be last minute due to unexpected cancellations.
How do I redeem my “BUY NOW / SCHEDULE LATER” purchase?
Great question! This is not an easy one to figure out on your own.. Shortly after you make a pre-registration purchase through our website you will be sent a redemption code by one of our awesome reps. This code will credit your account for the full (non-discounted) price of your purchased days. When you would like to schedule your days, visit our registration portal and simply enter the code into your cart. See photo below:
