San Diego Surf Camps

The following San Diego surf camps offer mostly day camp programs for kids to learn surf techniques, ocean awareness and have a ton of fun in the process.

When calling these camps, ask about the school's or instructor's backgrounds, experience and the student to staff ratio. This listing is meant to be a resource only, and a jumping off place, but none of these camps are necessarily endorsed by this writer or website. All prices are subject to change.

SAN DIEGO SURF CAMPS (includes areas north of San Diego)

Walking On Water Dream Surf Camp
These are overnight camps, with sleeping in the UC San Diego dorms. It's for 11-18 year olds, all levels of ability. The cost of $1200 includes 4 nights lodging, meals, surf lessons, surfboard and wetsuit use and a goodie bag.

Camp dates for 2007 are July 22 thru 27 for ages 11-14, and July 29 thru August 3 for ages 15-18.

This is a Christian based camp and includes morning Bible study. For more info, email surfcamps@walkingonwater.org or call 858-509-7977.

Gnarly Neal's Island Surf Camp
This surf camp is located at the famous and historic Hotel del Coronado. It's for ages 9-16 and is held June 27th through September 1st. Each child uses softboards and a wetsuit.

For more info, call 858-344-5336.

Pacific Surf School
Day camp for ages 6 to 17 at Mission Beach. Surfing instruction is customized to the age group. In addition to surfing, campers get environmental education, ocean awareness, visit to a surfboard factory and other beach activities. There's a one to three instructor to student ratio.

They offer morning ($300), afternoon ($300) and all day sessions ($500). The afternoon sessions are for age 12 and up only. Call 858-488-2685.

La Jolla Surf Camp
This surf camp is at La Jolla Shores and is for ages 5 to 10. The camper to staff ratio is 4 to 1. 858-454-8273. The morning sessions are $285 + 10% surcharge, while the all day sessions are $500 + 10% surcharge.

Australian Surf Academy
This one's for teens age 11-17. Located at La Jolla Shores beach in La Jolla, the camper to staff ratio is 5 to 1. Lots of fun games are played in addition to surfing. It costs $313 for a week of morning or half day sessions and $550 for all day sessions. 858-454-8273

SDSA Surf Camp
This one is put on by the San Diego Surfing Academy at South Carlsbad State Beach, north of San Diego. It's an overnight camp for 6 days and 5 nights, all included for $995. If you can't do the whole time, you can book 24 hour periods for $299. All ages can attend. They offer expert surf instruction personalized to the student's level. Wetsuits and surfboards provided, or you can bring your own.

Their day surf camp is 9-1 or 1-5 or you can go full day from 9 to 5. Prices are $75 for half day and $100 for full day.

Find out more by calling 800-447-7873.

Camp Pacific's Surf and Bodyboard Camp
Held at the Academy By The Sea in Carlsbad. The students learn how to choose equipment, how to choose waves, and surf and bodyboard techniques. During the afternoon, the kids can surf or bodyboard some more, or participate in all kinds of other sports or games. The cost is $880.

Call 760-434-7564