Learn to Surf the Aqualand Way
As summer gets underway, we thought we'd share a little about how we teach surfing at Aqualand.
Our approach is built around a simple idea: kids learn best when they're actively participating, building confidence, and having fun.
That's why you won't find giant hard boards or oversized soft tops that kids can barely carry much less paddle into a wave. We use 54" to 7' foam boards that young surfers can handle themselves. From day one, they're learning how to carry their board, paddle it, turn it, and move through the water independently.
Many beginner surf programs focus on getting a child standing up as quickly as possible. While popping up with help is exciting, we believe surfing is about much more.
It's about learning how to handle a board, understanding the ocean and building confidence one wave at a time.
Our instructors are trained to support that process. Early on, they may stabilize the tail of a board or help generate enough speed to get into a wave. As skills improve, that support gradually fades away. The goal is always to help kids develop the skills to do it themselves.
One thing you won't see at Aqualand is instructors spending camp time surfing for themselves.
Our staff are there for the campers.
Our instructors are constantly positioning surfers, helping with paddling, encouraging nervous beginners, and getting kids into as many waves as possible.
Just as important as the surfing is the connection between our staff and campers.
We believe every child deserves to be met where they are. Some arrive ready to charge into the lineup. Others need a few days to build confidence. Both are perfect.
Our instructors spend the week getting to know campers, celebrating small victories, building trust, and helping kids discover what they're capable of.
We don't run surf contests.
There are no rankings.
There are no trophies for being the best surfer.
Every Friday, we award the camper with the most stoke—the one who brought positivity, perseverance, enthusiasm, and encouragement to the beach each day. That's the surfer we celebrate.
The Stoker!
With a 5:1 camper-to-instructor ratio and a dedicated Ocean Safety Supervisor, our focus remains where it belongs: on the kids.
We love Anderson Street at Surfside! The sandbars often create ideal beginner conditions, there are no blackball restrictions, and dolphins are frequent visitors. It remains one of our favorite places to introduce young people to the ocean.
If your child is looking for advanced coaching on hard boards, there are plenty of excellent programs nearby that specialize in competitive surfing and performance training.
But if they're looking for a fun and nostalgic summer camp experience, real surf instruction, great mentors, new friends, and a chance to fall in love with the ocean, we'd love to share the Aqualand Way with them.
