Surf Camp

SEA Surf Camps in San Diego at La Jolla Shores

Premium, City-Permitted Surf Camps for Kids & Teens

Surf Education Academy (SEA) offers award-winning surf camps in San Diego designed to be safe, educational, and genuinely fun for kids of all ages and ability levels. As a City of San Diego–permitted surf school, SEA is carefully vetted and held to the highest standards for safety, instruction, and professionalism.

Our camps are intentionally capped, led by experienced instructors, and designed to meet kids where they are — whether they’re stepping into the ocean for the first time or working toward more advanced surfing skills.

If you’re searching for the best surf camp in San Diego, you’ve found it!

MORE INFO BELOW!!!

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EARLY BIRD PRICE: (Ends Soon!)

Half Day (AM or PM) = $529 + surcharge ($614 total) 

AM Session Time: 8:30am-12:00pm / PM Session Time: 1:00pm-4:30pm

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ALL DAY = $862 + surcharge ($999 total) / 8:30pm-4:30pm

*** All Day campers have a choice for afternoon session options between PM Surf Camp or our new SEA Explorers Camp, ensuring the best experience for our campers.***

How to Book Surf Camp (3 Simple Steps)

Booking takes less than 2 minutes. Choose your dates, tell us your child’s age, and we’ll place them in the right camp automatically.

Why surf camp?

Looking for the perfect blend of surfing, outdoor fun, learning, and adventure this summer?

Where are we permitted to teach? La Jolla Shores!

Surf Camp Program Descriptions

Mini Groms Surf Camp in La Jolla, San Diego

$529 / Week | Ages 5–7 | Small Groups | Beginner-Friendly

Our Mini Groms Surf Camp in La Jolla, San Diego is the perfect first surf experience for young children who are new to the ocean and surfing. Designed specifically for beginners ages 5–7, this camp provides extra supervision, gentle instruction, and a fun, confidence-building environment led by certified local surf instructors from Surf Education Academy.

Parents love Mini Groms because it combines safety, structure, and play-based learning — helping kids feel comfortable in the water while developing basic surfing and ocean skills at their own pace.

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⭐ What Makes Mini Groms Surf Camp Different?

✔️ Gentle introduction to surfing
Kids learn balance, paddling, and riding small waves using soft-top surfboards in calm La Jolla beach conditions.

✔️ Strong focus on ocean safety & listening skills
Children learn beach awareness, wave safety, basic rip current knowledge, and how to follow instructor guidance in a fun, age-appropriate way.

✔️ Shorter surf sessions with frequent breaks
Plenty of water breaks, shade time, snacks, and beach games keep energy high and prevent fatigue.

✔️ High instructor-to-camper ratios
Smaller group sizes ensure personalized attention, hands-on assistance, and extra reassurance for nervous first-time surfers.

✔️ Positive reinforcement & confidence building
Our instructors specialize in encouraging young learners and helping them celebrate small wins in the ocean.

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🏄 What Kids Experience Each Day

Mini Groms sessions blend:

• Assisted surfing and wave rides
• Beach games and sand play
• Introductory ocean education
• Water confidence development
• Social skills and teamwork
• Fun storytelling and surf culture exposure

Every session is designed to feel like a safe ocean adventure, not a high-pressure lesson.

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👨‍👩‍👧 Best For

✔️ First-time surfers
✔️ Younger children ages 5–7
✔️ Families looking for extra supervision and safety
✔️ Kids who benefit from smaller groups and gentle coaching
✔️ Vacation families visiting La Jolla and San Diego
✔️ Local families seeking a trusted kids surf camp

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📍 Location

All Mini Groms Surf Camp sessions take place at La Jolla Shores Beach, San Diego, California, one of Southern California’s most beginner-friendly surf beaches with gentle waves and soft sandy bottom conditions.

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📅 Pricing

*Early Bird Special: $529 per week
All equipment included (soft-top surfboards, wetsuits, rash guards)

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👉 Reserve Your Child’s Spot in Mini Groms Surf Camp Today!!!

Spots are limited to maintain small group ratios and personalized instruction.

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SEA Groms Surf Camp (8-10yr)

 Groms Surf Camp in La Jolla, San Diego

$529 / Week | Ages 8–10 | Small Groups | Skill-Based Instruction

Our Groms Surf Camp in La Jolla, San Diego is the core of Surf Education Academy’s summer programs and one of the most popular kids surf camps in Southern California. Designed for kids ages 8–10, this program builds real surf skills while helping campers grow confidence, independence, and friendships in a safe, supportive beach environment.

Campers receive structured coaching from certified local instructors while enjoying plenty of water time, guided free surf, and fun beach breaks — creating the perfect balance of learning and play.

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⭐ Skills & Focus Areas

✔️ Paddling strength and pop-up technique
✔️ Wave reading, positioning, and ocean safety awareness
✔️ Surf etiquette, lineup respect, and ocean responsibility
✔️ Structured instruction plus supervised free surf time
✔️ High-energy water sessions balanced with beach recovery breaks

Instruction is customized by ability level, ensuring beginners feel supported while more confident surfers continue progressing.

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🏄 What Kids Gain

• Strong foundational surf technique
• Increased water confidence and endurance
• Ocean knowledge and safety awareness
• Teamwork, leadership, and social skills
• A lifelong love of surfing and the ocean

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👨‍👩‍👧 Best For

✔️ Kids ages 8–10
✔️ Beginner to intermediate surfers
✔️ Kids ready to learn real surf skills
✔️ Families seeking a trusted surf camp in San Diego
✔️ Local families and visiting vacation families in La Jolla

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📍 Location

All sessions take place at La Jolla Shores Beach, San Diego, California, known for consistent beginner-friendly waves and safe sandy-bottom conditions.

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📅 Pricing

$529 per week
All surf equipment included (boards and wetsuits)

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👉 Enroll Your Child in Groms Surf Camp Today

Limited spots available to maintain quality instruction and small group ratios.

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Future Legends Surf Camp (11-15yr)

🏄 Future Legends Surf Camp in La Jolla, San Diego

$529 / Week | Ages 11–15 | Performance Progression | Small Groups

Future Legends Surf Camp in La Jolla, San Diego is designed for tweens and teens who want more independence, challenge, and progression in their surfing. This advanced youth surf camp bridges the gap between recreational surfing and higher-level skill development — while keeping the experience fun, social, and confidence-driven.

Campers spend increased time in the water working on wave selection, board control, paddling efficiency, and surf confidence under the guidance of experienced local coaches from Surf Education Academy.

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⭐ What Sets Future Legends Apart

✔️ Increased water time and longer surf sessions
✔️ Wave reading, positioning, and smart wave selection
✔️ Board control, turning fundamentals, and flow development
✔️ Performance-oriented coaching cues and feedback
✔️ Leadership, responsibility, and teamwork development
✔️ Positive, motivating coaching — never pressure or intimidation

Instruction remains personalized so each surfer progresses safely and confidently at their own pace.

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🚀 What Surfers Develop

• Stronger paddling endurance and surf fitness
• Improved wave judgment and lineup awareness
• Better board handling and control
• Increased ocean confidence and independence
• Leadership, accountability, and teamwork skills
• Respect for ocean safety and surf etiquette

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👨‍👩‍👧 Best For

✔️ Tweens and teens ages 11–15
✔️ Surfers ready for next-level progression
✔️ Kids who already enjoy the ocean and water time
✔️ Families seeking an advanced surf camp in San Diego
✔️ Local and visiting surfers in La Jolla

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📍 Location

All Future Legends sessions take place at La Jolla Shores Beach, San Diego, California, offering consistent waves, safe conditions, and ideal training environments for skill progression.

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📅 Pricing

$529 per week
All surf equipment included (boards and wetsuits)

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👉 Enroll in Future Legends Surf Camp Today

Limited enrollment ensures quality coaching and safe progression.

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SEA Explorers Camp (New 2026 Camp)

SEA Explorers Camp in La Jolla, San Diego

Ages 8–13 | Afternoon Program or Standalone | Ocean Education + Adventure

SEA Explorers Camp in La Jolla, San Diego blends surfing, ocean exploration, and environmental education into a hands-on coastal adventure for curious kids ages 8–13. This flexible afternoon program can be taken as a standalone camp or paired with Surf Camp for a full-day experience.

Designed for kids who love the beach but don’t want to surf nonstop, SEA Explorers provides a balanced mix of physical activity, marine science, discovery learning, and environmental stewardship — helping campers stay energized, engaged, and inspired.

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🌊 What Campers Explore & Learn

✔️ Light surfing, boogie boarding, body surfing, and snorkeling
✔️ Tide pool exploration and coastal ecosystem discovery
✔️ Marine biology basics and ocean science education
✔️ Beach clean-ups and environmental stewardship projects
✔️ Ocean safety, situational awareness, and navigation skills
✔️ Surf history, culture, and lineup etiquette
✔️ Creative team challenges and problem-solving activities
✔️ Beach hikes and coastal observation adventures

Surf sessions build water confidence, board control, and wave awareness, while exploration activities deepen understanding of marine habitats and coastal ecology along the La Jolla coastline.

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🧠 What Kids Gain

• Curiosity-driven learning and critical thinking
• Strong connection to marine life and ocean conservation
• Teamwork, leadership, and collaboration skills
• Balanced physical activity without burnout
• Confidence navigating coastal environments
• Respect for the ocean and surf culture

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👨‍👩‍👧 Best For

✔️ Curious learners ages 8–13
✔️ Kids interested in marine life and nature
✔️ Active kids who enjoy variety and adventure
✔️ Families seeking educational summer camps in San Diego
✔️ Homeschool, charter, and enrichment students
✔️ Kids who benefit from balanced physical + mental activities

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📍 Location

Sessions take place at La Jolla Shores Beach and nearby coastal zones in San Diego, California, offering access to tide pools, marine habitats, protected coves, and beginner-friendly surf areas.

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👉 Hurry Limited Spots

Reserve Your Spot in SEA Explorers Camp Today
Limited enrollment ensures safety, engagement, and personalized instruction.

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Surf Camp FAQs

Where is Surf Education Academy’s surf camp located in San Diego?

Surf Education Academy’s surf camps take place at La Jolla Shores Beach in San Diego, California, one of Southern California’s safest and most beginner-friendly surf beaches. The area features gentle rolling waves, a sandy bottom, lifeguard coverage, and easy beach access — making it ideal for kids learning to surf and build ocean confidence.

What should my child bring to surf camp?

We like to say bring what you would to a normal beach day. Beach bag or backpack, towel, sunscreen, water -reusable bottle, healthy snacks, extra beach clothes, hat, and any extra beach accessories specific to the surfer.

Campers should bring:

• Swimsuit or rash guard
• Towel and change of clothes
• Sunscreen (reef-safe preferred)
• Water bottle
• Snack or lunch (depending on session length)
• Positive attitude and excitement

Surfboards and wetsuits are provided.

Is your surf camp safe for beginners and nervous swimmers?

Yes. Safety is our top priority. Our instructors are trained in ocean safety, CPR, first aid, and youth instruction. We use soft-top surfboards, maintain small group ratios, and carefully select surf zones based on daily ocean conditions. Beginners receive extra hands-on support to build confidence in a calm and encouraging environment.

Where is the best place to park?

There a few options for parking, but during weekends and peak seasons it can get crowded, so we recommend providing ample time for parking your car. Option 1 is the La Jolla Shores Beach Parking lot. Option 2 is street parking (be sure and check the signs for 2 hour limits, street sweeping, etc.). 

*SEA Local’s Tip: The main beach parking lot can be crowded during summer and weekends and you can get stuck in the lot behind people waiting for spots. If the main beach parking lot looks crowded we suggest looking for street parking. If you don’t find a close parking spot in your first pass we recommend parking up the street a bit (across La Jolla Shores Dr.); it may seem farther, but it is really only a few minutes walk, a fraction of the time you could spend stuck in the lot or looking for a spot on the street right up front.
* See map

What does a typical day at surf camp look like?

Each day includes a mix of:

• Beach warm-ups and safety briefings
• Surf instruction and assisted wave riding
• Supervised free surf time
• Water breaks, snacks, and shade rest
• Beach games and team activities
• Ocean education and environmental learning

The schedule balances physical activity with rest and fun.

What if I am running late?

If you are running late please call us at (858)269-5063; if we do not answer please leave a message. Our Surf Coaches will wait until 20 minutes after the start of a session time, at this point you will be considered a no-show.

If you are running late for a group session or class, your Surf Coach and other participants will wait at the designated meeting spot until 5 minutes after the start time of the session; after five minutes the group will move to our permitted beach site. If you are later than five minutes please meet the group at the beach site. If you are more than 15 minutes late to a group session or class your Surf Coach and group may be already be in the water, so please do your best to arrive on time.
*See map

Where do I meet my Surf Coach?

You will meet your Surf Coach on the boardwalk in front of the restrooms at the north end of the La Jolla Shores beach parking lot. Your Surf Coach will be wearing a SEA t-shirt.
* See map

How experienced are your surf instructors?

All Surf Education Academy instructors are experienced surfers and trained youth coaches with certifications in CPR, first aid, and ocean safety. Many are long-time local surfers who understand La Jolla’s ocean conditions and specialize in teaching kids.

What happens if ocean conditions are not safe for surfing?

Safety always comes first. If surf or weather conditions are unsuitable, we modify activities to include beach games, ocean education, environmental projects, sand skills, balance drills, or sheltered water activities until conditions improve.

What if it rains?

We are going to get wet anyways! All sessions will run as scheduled unless canceled by SEA, and SEA will only cancel sessions if the Lifeguards or the City close the beach due to high bacteria levels, excessive pollution or other safety concerns. With that said, there is always a general water quality advisory in effect for 72 hours after significant rain spells, so entering the ocean is up to each individual. SEA will not issue refunds or credit for sessions that are not canceled by SEA. Please check the weather forecast before booking if you are concerned about rain or water quality.  

Are campers grouped by age or skill level?

Yes. Campers are grouped by age and ability to ensure safety, comfort, and appropriate coaching progression. This allows beginners to feel supported while more experienced surfers continue advancing.

What are the cancellation policies?

Please Check

Can my child attend multiple weeks of surf camp?

Absolutely. Many families enroll for multiple weeks to help their child build consistency, confidence, and skill progression. Returning campers often move into higher-level groups as their skills improve.

What ages can attend your surf camps?

We offer surf camp programs for children ages 5–15, with tiered programs designed by age and ability:

• Mini Groms (Ages 5–7) – First-time surfers and younger kids
• Groms (Ages 8–10) – Skill-building and confidence development
• SEA Explorers (Ages 8–13) – Ocean education + adventure
• Future Legends (Ages 11–15) – Advanced progression and performance coaching

This structure ensures every camper receives age-appropriate instruction and supervision.

How do I reserve a spot in surf camp?

Spots can be reserved directly through our online booking system. We recommend booking early during peak summer weeks, as enrollment is limited to maintain safe group sizes.

Do you offer half-day, full-day, or afternoon programs?

Yes. We offer morning surf camps, afternoon enrichment programs like SEA Explorers Camp, and flexible options that allow families to build full-day experiences.

Do you work with visiting families and vacation travelers?

Yes. Many of our campers are visiting families staying in La Jolla, San Diego, and nearby beach communities. Our location is close to hotels, parking, restaurants, and restrooms — making drop-off and pick-up easy for travelers.

Why choose Surf Education Academy over other surf camps in San Diego?

Surf Education Academy combines professional instruction, strong safety standards, ocean education, small group coaching, and a welcoming family-friendly culture. Our programs focus not only on surfing skills, but also on confidence, responsibility, teamwork, and lifelong respect for the ocean.

* Fine Print – Please Read

• SEA Surf Camps are run Monday through Friday. We are not able to split weeks up or offer credit.
• We do not negotiate prices, offer credit for missed days, swap surf camp days for surf lessons or pro-rate weeks for any reason.
• If weather permits us from running certain sessions, make up credit will be offered for a weekend Surf Club session or Group Surfing Class.
• Foam Surfboards are provided at no additional charge
• Hard Surfboards – We recommend campers use soft boards only. If your child has their own surfboard and want to bring it we will have a safety assessment on day one to ensure they have the proper safety habits in place to keep themselves and others safe at all times. Our staff reserves the right to require any campers to ride soft boards at any time if safety becomes a concern.
• Wetsuit rental is $49 for the week
• Full Day Camps are a long day at the beach and only encouraged for those who love surfing and the ocean. We encourage half day camps for most campers, but are glad to provide full day camps for those who can’t get enough. Extra water food and sunscreen is required. The minimum age for Full Day Camp is 8 years old. No credit, refunds, splitting up sessions between weeks, or prorating will be offered if the camper decides not to attend the full day sessions.
• Registration for camp closes the Friday prior to the start of camp
• Cancellations can only be made through your original email confirmation and must be done at least 2 weeks prior to the start of camp for a refund. Credit for a different week of camp will be issued if canceled up to 1 week prior to the start of camp. No credit or refund issued within 1 week of camp. Credit or refunds cannot be processed over the phone.

SEA you in the water!