Surf Camps FAQ
What makes Surf Academy unique?
The Surf Academy Wahine (girls only) and Kanaka (boys only) Surf sports programs are the first gender-specific surf camps in the United States. We observed that children learn better when grouped according to gender. Our Santa Monica and Huntington Beach camps follow this practice. Mary Setterholm, the founder, began the program after and unsupervised young girl with minimal swim skills drowned many summers ago. It was obvious that not enough instruction was being offered to children below the Junior Lifeguard level. A need was seen and filled by Surf Academy providing all swim levels with safe ocean fun.
Does my child need to be a good swimmer?
Not to be a part of Surf Academy's safe and fun program. On the first day
of camp your child'swimming capabities will be observed in a very un-intimidating
way. Our goal is to help children make progress on their ocean
skills, gain confidence and insure their safety at all times.
Some children, because of their understandable apprehension of the ocean,
will only be allowed to venture into the water waist high. There are plenty
of fun waves to surf on the “inside”. They will come home with stories
of catching huge monster waves all the same!
Are Surf Academy instructors qualified?
We always have a CPR certified instructor present. We stage our own emergency response plans under the watchful eyes of the LA County Lifeguards. We feel that well trained instructors provide the safest environment for your children. The Surf Academy teaching techniques, which minimize risk and maximize learning, are instilled in every one of our instructors. Our instructors come from backgrounds including lifeguards, junior lifeguards, pro-surfers, personal trainers, school teachers and moms. All share a love of teaching and working with children.
Is Surf Academy safe?
A surf camp is as safe as the sound judgment of the staff managing the camp! Surf Academy’s competent staff will teach children how to spot and unsafe situation and respond correctly by not panicking. We teach campers about rip tides, wave types, jelly fish (and other creatures) water pollution, skincare, hypothermia, ocean currents, localism and equipment care. We supervise children to the restroom and across the bike path. Each camp has a designated cell phone for emergencies. We have each child’s emergency contact information and medical history on site at all times. Surf Academy considers safety the greatest priority.
What is the instructor to student ratio?
Depending on the surf conditions, our ocean activities have a student to instructor ration of 5 to 1. Beach games have a 10 to 1 ratio. When teaching a skill we rotate instructors to give a better ratio to insure each child gets the attention they need to learn.
What does Surf Academy provide?
Friendly, enthusiastic instructors and provide safe fun! We provide all the
equipment required: soft surfboards, rash guards, and wetsuits. Your child
may bring their own equipment provided fiberglass boards have rubber tipped
fins and nose guard. Our instructors will determine if they are capable
of controlling their equipment in a safe manner.
We also proved plenty of bottled water, simple snacks, canopies for shade
and a ton of beach game equipment for fun filled land activities.
What does my child bring to Surf Academy?
A well rested body that has had a good breakfast or lunch.
Sun screen and lip balm; children should come to camp with sunscreen and
lip balm already applied. We insure they re-apply as necessary. A bathing
suit or trunks, long sleeve T-shirt, hat and sandals are needed as protection
from the sun and sand. All day campers should bring a morning snack and
beverage along with a packed lunch. Half day campers need only a snack
and beverage. All campers should bring their supplies in a back pack that
closes tightly, as the seagulls are very skilled at opening packs to steal
food!
How do we sign up?
For Huntington Beach, contact the City of Huntington Beach directly at 714-960-8884.
For Santa Monica, contact the City of Santa Monica Community Programs directly
at 310-458-2239.
Payment in full must be received with registration to guarantee enrollment.
Confirmation will be mailed or emailed.
What is your refund policy?
City of Huntington Beach
Full refunds/credits are available for classes that are cancelled. All other withdrawals are subject to a $6 processing fee for each class. Refunds/credits after the start of the program are contingent upon City approval and are for illnesses only. The refund/credit will be assessed a $6 processing fee and prorated based on the number of classes held. Credit Card transactions will be refunded to the same credit card. Cash or check transactions may receive a refund 4 to 6 weeks after the request. You may also choose to receive credit towards future recreation programs for any type of transaction following the same guidelines. Refunds are not available for Excursions or Special Events. Refunds are not available for classes that have concluded. Refunds or credits will not be given for Workshops without a two-day notice.
City of Santa Monica
The City of Santa Monica has a no refund policy.