FAQS

After many years of experience trying different methods of renting equipment, the owners of SUMMERTIME Surf and Paddle School have concluded that renting equipment is not aligned with our core values. Our mission is to provide experiences that are safe and fun not only for our participants but also for the general public. We have a responsibility to our communities to keep the shared resources of our ocean and bays safe.

There is no license for surfing or stand-up paddleboarding, and there is no fair way to decide who can rent and who can’t. We do not want to be involved in giving access to equipment that can be harmful or fatal in the wrong hands.

If you are genuinely interested in surfing or stand-up paddling, we are happy to provide equipment along with proper instruction on the etiquette of keeping yourself and your fellow surfers and paddlers safe in the lifelong journey in the water.

Through the years, SUMMERTIME SURF SCHOOLS have strived to provide the best environment for teaching and learning, especially at our Kids’ Surf Camps. With experience and perspective on how kids learn best, our core surfers have created an original curriculum that keeps the surf camp experience positive and effective for campers of all ages and abilities.

THE SUMMERTIME SURF CAMP WEEK-LONG CURRICULUM:

• Builds surfing and ocean safety skills purposefully and effectively

• Teaches a well-rounded understanding of surfing and ocean safety

• Uses cumulative skill-building – starting on Monday and concluding on Friday

• Each day of camp has a new surf theme and goals for campers to reach.

• • FULL-DAY campers learn more about the day’s surf theme during our “Talk Story Enrichment” session after lunch.

• The most important day is Monday – this is where surfing basics and important Safety Systems are explained at length.

• Fridays are a special day where we tie all the lessons together in review and show how the lessons all work together to make well-rounded, safe surfers.
  • Also, the Friday award ceremony recognizes campers for individual achievements.

Our dedication to the next generation of surfers can be seen in the way we have improved our curriculum every year. SUMMERTIME SURF Camp is designed to teach the fundamentals in one week. While one week might not be enough for every surf camper to surf completely on their own, it’s the best way to start. Highly focused students learn enough in one week to effectively and safely practice their new skills on their own for the rest of the season (with lifeguard supervision).

While we recognize (and embrace) the fact that campers are on summer vacation from school, we have found the most success when the campers and counselors are working together to achieve goals throughout the structure of the day. In short, these practices allow for more waves ridden, little distraction, and harmony among campers. SUMMERTIME Kid’s Camps achieve a balance where kids can learn through the freedom in their experience under our expert eye.

A BALANCE BETWEEN FREEDOM & STRUCTURE

• Familiar practices like roll call, the buddy system, water breaks, and skills stations are used throughout the day.

• The day’s schedule is outlined at the beginning of camp, so campers know what is coming next.

• Campers are split up into small groups based on their ages/abilities.
  • Campers who want to be in the same groups together are encouraged to do so before groups are finalized.

• Within the camp stations, there is plenty of freedom to socialize and learn at their own pace.
  • We emphasize peer encouragement at all times.

• We do not post official “rules.” Rather, camp counselors lead by example and live by the code: “RESPECT ourselves, each other, and the ocean.”

Campers and parents are always asking us “what do they need to bring?”… Less is more!

Ty — a camper from Point Pleasant, shows how it’s done — a bathing suit, a smile, and maybe some water. The most important piece of the equation? The good attitude.

If you bring that, it doesn’t really matter where you’re going, because you’re going to end up having a good time when you get there regardless.