Kids Surf Camps in Florida

Specialist surf camps give kids the chance to hone their board skills under the guidance of expert instructors. Generally, most Florida surf camps welcome teen surfers of all abilities, though campers are required to be good swimmers. In addition to focusing on board techniques, they can also cover fundamentals such as water safety and marine biology.

  1. Living Water Surf School

    • Under the guidance of Quicksilver-sponsored pro William 'Skeeter' Zimmerman and a team of other seasoned experts, the Living Water Surf School offers week-long camps for youngsters at both Boca Raton and Pompano Beach in Florida. A typical day at one of the camps will begin with stretching exercises and then a talk from an experienced surfer, followed by lessons geared towards the abilities of individual students. At the end of the week, campers take part in a surf contest and enjoy a pizza party.

      Campers are also taken snorkeling and taught about the creatures that inhabit the ocean, while instructors aim to build self confidence, self-esteem and a strong respect for the water. While no surfing experience is needed for admission into one of the camps, teens are required to be good swimmers.

    Lou Maresca and Lisa Mead's Central Florida Surf School

    • Founded in 1993, the Central Florida Surf School prides itself on being the biggest and oldest surf camp on the east coast of America. Throughout the summer, owners and chief instructors Lou Maresca and Lisa Mead offer camps for youngsters of all ages and abilities.

      Most of the camps take place at the Fort Pierce Inlet State Recreation Area, which offers gentle and consistent waves suitable for beginners and intermediates. The camps also teach students how to "read the ocean," and how to stay safe while out on the water.

    Ron Jon Surf School

    • Ron Jon Surf School in Cocoa Beach, Florida, runs four-day surfing camps for kids ages 7 through 17 throughout July and August. The non-residential camps typically start with instruction on the beach, followed by two sessions of surfing. The school boasts that its student to instructor ratio is almost always 1-to-4 at the most and all the necessary equipment is provided, though campers are asked to bring their own sunscreen and towels.

      Away from the water, the school has its own classroom, locker rooms and kitchen on Cocoa Beach and parking is provided. Discounts are given for early bookings.

    Florida Surf Camp

    • The Florida Surf Camp welcomes teens ages 13 through 16 and pledges to make even novices skilled surfers by the end of a seven day "adventure." Campers are transported up and down the Florida coast to some of the state's best waves, benefiting from expert tutelage and video analysis of their technique. At the end of a day's surfing, teens are then able to retire to a fully-equipped camp, complete with camp fire and hot meals.

      All equipment is provided by the Florida Surf Camp, though youngsters may bring along their own boards if they wish. The camp also provides 24-hour adult supervision and, if necessary, shuttle services from Orlando International Airport.