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4 Surf Camps for Beginners

These camps will teach you to hang 10 like a pro on vacation

spinner image a man and his wife in the water with surfboards
Try to catch a wave at one of these beginner surf camps.
Getty Images

Surfing has existed in some form for several centuries and traces its origins to Polynesia. In the early 20th century, the sport was elevated to global phenomenon status, especially along the Southern California coast. Anthems such as  “Surfin’ U.S.A.” by the Beach Boys and movies such as Gidget brought surf culture mainstream. These days, it’s easier than ever to try the sport, especially at camps that make it fun for people at all skill levels to catch a wave. (Be sure to talk with your health care provider before planning any strenuous activities.) 

Check out these four surf camps where you’ll be hanging 10 faster than you can say cowabunga!

spinner image surfers in the water at pata sudaka surf camp in oahu hawaii
Guests learn how to read the waves with the pros at Pata Sudaka Surf Camp in Oahu, Hawaii.
Courtesy of Pata Sudaka Surf Camp

Pata Sudaka Surf Camp, Oahu, Hawaii 

Hawaiian island magic and surfing meet during a seven-day surf camp about 40 minutes from Honolulu. Guests start by learning how to read the waves and progress with professional lessons along the way. A maximum of 12 students share the camp’s glamping tents (private tents are possible for couples), which are surrounded by coconut palms just five minutes away from Hale‘iwa, a laid-back town for ducking into galleries featuring work from island-based artists and grabbing post-surf smoothies or açai bowls at Hale‘iwa Bowls. The camp includes yoga classes for flexibility, guided hiking, kayaking and snorkeling opportunities around the island. Prices start at $2,650 per surfer and include airport transfer, two meals per day and professional surf lessons with video analysis. Camps run every month of the year.   ​

spinner image a group photo of surfers at endless summer surf camp
Learn everything you need to know about surf etiquette and safety at the Endless Summer Surf Camp in California.
Endless Summer Surf Camp

Endless Summer Surf Camp, San Onofre, California

The part of San Onofre State Beach known as “Old Man’s Beach” will keep you young at heart. The area’s renowned surf breaks are great for beginners. By the end of the five-day camp, you’ll know how to paddle out, select a wave, stand up and turn, plus everything you need to know about surf etiquette and safety. A dedicated campsite at San Onofre State Beach has carpeted tents, ping-pong tables and a television and video viewing lounge complete with sofas for nighttime movies and surf session video analysis. Prices start at $1,395 and include overnight stays, all meals, snacks, nonalcoholic drinks and surfing equipment. Camp dates run through early September. 

Texas Surf Camp, Port Aransas and Corpus Christi

For warm Gulf of Mexico waters by day and afternoons and evenings on Texas’ sandy beach towns by night, you’ve come to the right place. Not only will you learn surf techniques with expert teachers in the state’s best surfing spots, but you’ll also hear presentations from professional representatives from organizations such as the Surfrider Foundation, Texas Gulf Surfing Association or the University of Texas Marine Science Institute. Both Texas Surf Camp locations offer weeklong camps. Prices start at $350 and include equipment and optional lunch. Weekly camps are offered through mid-August; one-day surfing camps in Port Aransas run through Oct. 22. 

TheCaliCamp, Dana Point, California

Stay for a week or live out a monthlong surf fantasy in some of Southern California’s most iconic (and secret) surf spots. Don’t want to drive in L.A.? No worries. TheCaliCamp crew will pick you up at the airport and drop you off after camp. Lodging at the casual Dana Point Marina Inn is also a perk. The inn is within walking distance of restaurants, grocery stores, beaches and Dana Point Harbor. The guides are surfers themselves. Prices start at $1,199 and include accommodations, airport transfer, breakfast and two daily surf sessions with instructors. Camps run to the end of November.

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