Camp Info
| Ages: | 5–18 |
| Type: | Day |
| Gender: | Co-Ed |
| Setting: | Coast |
| Water: | Water, Surfing |
| Meals Type: | Bring Your Own |
| Time: | 09:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
| Staff to Сamper Ratio: | 1:3 |
[email protected]
Encinitas, CA, USA
Each morning puts campers directly into the surf at Moonlight Beach, where the focus is learning by doing. Children and teens ages 5–18 work with instructors on the skills that make surfing possible: reading waves, understanding tides, learning how to stand up on white-water waves, and moving responsibly through the lineup. Beginners can start in the waist-deep inside area, while more experienced surfers can progress toward catching waves farther outside as their skills allow.
The camp uses a structured progression rather than a one-size-fits-all lesson. Instructors give personalized feedback, and the published maximum ratio is 1:3, with 1:1 instruction for Groms ages 5–7. Soft-top surfboards, wetsuits, and rash guards are provided, so campers can concentrate on surfing technique and ocean awareness. No prior surfing experience is required, although participants should be comfortable and confident in the water.
Beyond board skills, campers learn surf etiquette, wave mechanics, and respect for the ocean environment. The international instructor team brings experience from several surfing cultures and can provide instruction in English and Spanish, with Portuguese, German, or Sign Language available by request when staffing allows. Families looking for an active, skill-focused morning on the coast will find a program centered on small groups, practical coaching, and steady progression in the water.
| Ages: | 5–18 |
| Type: | Day |
| Gender: | Co-Ed |
| Setting: | Coast |
| Water: | Water, Surfing |
| Meals Type: | Bring Your Own |
| Time: | 09:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
| Staff to Сamper Ratio: | 1:3 |
You won’t be charged yet. The camp will contact you to confirm all terms first.
You can still submit a quick request to let the camp know you’re interested.
Camp runs as a Monday-through-Friday morning surf program built around progressive coaching. Campers meet at the Buenas Olas tent at Moonlight Beach, get ready in their wetsuits, and work on surfing skills that match their current level. New surfers can begin in the waist-deep inside area and learn how to stand up on white-water waves. As campers progress, instructors can guide them toward catching waves on the outside and developing stronger overall technique.
Instruction combines time in the water with lessons in ocean awareness. Campers learn to read waves, understand tides and wave mechanics, use the lineup responsibly, and practice surf etiquette. Instructors provide personalized feedback within small groups, with a published maximum ratio of 1:3 and 1:1 instruction for Groms ages 5–7. The overall camp size is capped at 15.
Campers do not need prior surfing experience, but they should be comfortable and confident in the water. English and Spanish are standard instruction languages, while Portuguese, German, and Sign Language may be available by request. Buenas Olas also uses levels and benchmarks across its surf instruction so students can understand what they are working toward and see their progression over time.
Lunch is not included. Campers should bring a packed meal and snacks, along with a reusable water bottle. The camp also recommends bringing sunscreen, a swimsuit or boardshorts, a towel, and a hat for the morning at the beach.
Surf instruction includes ocean safety, wave reading, tide awareness, and responsible lineup behavior. All instructors are described as CPR certified and trained in advanced ocean safety. The published maximum instructor-to-student ratio is 1:3, with 1:1 instruction for Groms ages 5–7, and the maximum camp size is 15. Beginners stay in the waist-deep inside area until their skill level supports moving farther out.
Parents or guardians sign minors in with the camp supervisor and must officially sign them out at pickup. Authorized pickup people are listed by name and phone number. Minors who need to use the public restroom during a surf session are accompanied by a Buenas Olas representative. Severe weather or unsafe conditions may lead to adjusted activities or rescheduling. Participants are also required to follow instructor guidance, use provided safety equipment, and sign a liability waiver.
Buenas Olas uses an international team of surf instructors and mentors, with team members described as coming from places including Mexico, Peru, Argentina, and Brazil. The school is led by Cruz, a longtime North County San Diego surf instructor with experience in surfboard shaping, global surf exploration, and professional guiding. All instructors are described as CPR certified and trained in advanced ocean safety. Coaching is available in English and Spanish, with Portuguese, German, and Sign Language offered by request when available. Camp instruction uses small groups and personalized feedback.
Parents can contact Buenas Olas by phone or email with booking or camp questions. Customer service hours are listed Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM Pacific time, and the school says it typically responds to messages within 24 business hours. Families can also contact the team to update the list of people authorized to pick up a child or to request changes to an existing booking.
Campers are asked to arrive about 15 minutes before the morning start time so they can sign in and change into wetsuits. Families should park at the Moonlight Beach Parking Lot, walk to the beach, and head north to the Buenas Olas tent; the camp estimates the walk at about seven minutes. Parents or guardians sign children in with the camp supervisor and sign them out at pickup, with authorized pickup people listed in advance. Campers should bring sunscreen, a swimsuit or boardshorts, a towel, a hat, a reusable water bottle, and a packed lunch with snacks. Surfboards, wetsuits, and rash guards are provided.
Camp cancellations made up to seven days before the session start are eligible for a full refund. Cancellations within one week of the start receive a 50% refund, while cancellations within 24 hours of the session start are non-refundable. No-shows are also non-refundable.
