Camp Info
| Ages: | 6–17 |
| Type: | Day |
| Month: | Summer |
| Gender: | Co-Ed |
| Setting: | Coast |
| Water: | Water, Boating, Sailing, Surfing, Wakeboarding |
| Academics: | Academics, Science, Marine Science |
[email protected]
San Diego, CA, USA
The Watersports Camp is a day camp for kids ages 6 to 17, with programs focused on wakeboarding, sailing, surfing, paddling, marine science, and other water-based activities. The camp is operated through the Mission Bay Aquatic Center, with the Associated Students of San Diego State University and UC San Diego Recreation listed as operators, and the YMCA of San Diego County listed as the sponsor.
The camp has a practical, skill-building feel. Kids are not just “trying” watersports from the shoreline. They spend structured time learning how to paddle, sail, surf, ride, balance, handle equipment, and understand water safety. Full-day campers focus on a primary activity in the morning, then rotate into different afternoon activities such as kayaking, sailing, surfing, stand-up paddling, inflatable day, STEM activities, or marine science.
This camp will likely interest kids who like movement, outdoor challenges, and a little sand in everything. Younger campers can start with Intro to Watersports, Junior Surfing, Marine Science, paddling, or basic sailing. Older and more experienced campers can move into wakeboarding, wakesurfing, Hobie Cat sailing, performance sailing, or the Leader-In-Training program. It is a strong fit for kids who are comfortable in the water and ready for an active day-camp routine.
| Ages: | 6–17 |
| Type: | Day |
| Month: | Summer |
| Gender: | Co-Ed |
| Setting: | Coast |
| Water: | Water, Boating, Sailing, Surfing, Wakeboarding |
| Academics: | Academics, Science, Marine Science |
You won’t be charged yet. The camp will contact you to confirm all terms first.
| Dates | Days | Price | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 20 - Jul 24, 2026 | 5 | $725 | |
| Jul 20 - Jul 24, 2026 | 5 | $595 | |
| Jul 27 - Jul 31, 2026 | 5 | $725 | |
| Jul 27 - Jul 31, 2026 | 5 | $595 | |
| Aug 3 - Aug 7, 2026 | 5 | $725 | |
| Aug 3 - Aug 7, 2026 | 5 | $595 | |
| Aug 10 - Aug 14, 2026 | 5 | $725 | |
| Aug 10 - Aug 14, 2026 | 5 | $595 | |
| Aug 17 - Aug 21, 2026 | 5 | $725 | |
| Aug 17 - Aug 21, 2026 | 5 | $595 |
The Watersports Camp is a day camp, not an overnight camp. Campers attend during the day and go home after their session. The official camp schedule lists full-day and half-day options, with full-day programming running from morning drop-off through afternoon pick-up, plus optional late supervision for some campers. Half-day campers attend either morning or afternoon sessions, depending on the activity selected.
The official schedule includes a lunch period for full-day campers from 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The website does not state that lunch, snacks, or drinks are included in the camp fee. Based on the published schedule, parents should plan for lunch unless the registration materials provide additional instructions after enrollment.
Because the camp is outdoors and activity-heavy, families should also think practically about hydration and food. Campers may spend time in sun, wind, salt water, sand, and physically demanding conditions, depending on the activity.
Safety is a major part of the camp’s official messaging. Mission Bay Aquatic Center is described as a regional boating safety center for the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways. The camp states that staff are trained to high industry standards, with American Red Cross Waterfront Lifeguarding certification and US Powerboating Safe Powerboat Handling certification. Wakeboarding and waterskiing instructors are also listed as holding United States Coast Guard Captain’s Licenses.
Campers must be water safe to participate. First-time campers complete a swim assessment on the dock area. The assessment involves swimming about 165 feet and then comfortably treading water. There is no stated time limit or required stroke. Once a camper completes the assessment, they are checked off for future camp weeks.
The Watersports Camp offers a broad menu of watersports, with many programs designed as “main activity plus multisport” weeks. In full-day camps, the morning usually focuses on the selected specialty, such as surfing, wakeboarding, sailing, kayaking, paddling, or marine science. The afternoon then offers variety, giving campers opportunities to try other water activities throughout the week.
This structure works well for kids who want depth but do not want to do only one thing all day. A child might spend the morning learning surf pop-ups, water safety, and board control, then rotate into kayaking, sailing, STEM, or inflatable activities later in the week. Sailing campers can move through levels, from Basic Sailing to Adventure Sailing, Hobie Cat Sailing, and Performance Sailing. Wake-focused campers can choose beginner-friendly wakeboarding, junior wakeboarding, more advanced Nautique development, kneeboarding and tubing, or wakesurfing.
The camp also has a clear progression for older teens. The Leader-In-Training program is open to ages 14 to 17 and requires prior attendance and training before participation. LITs assist counselors and can build leadership skills while staying close to the activities they already enjoy.
Late Supervision is not available for AM camps, PM Wakesurfing, or PM Wakeboarding, Kneeboarding and Tubing.
Some camps have age requirements or prerequisites.
Some camps are not offered every week.
Cancellations or transfers with more than 7 days’ notice receive a full refund minus a 3% processing fee, or full credit toward a future camp.
Cancellations or transfers with 3–7 days’ notice receive a 50% refund minus a 3% processing fee, or 50% credit.
Cancellations with less than 3 days’ notice receive no refund or credit.
For illness or injury cancellations, the camp says it will do its best to accommodate a full credit with a doctor’s note.
Activities may be canceled or modified due to adverse weather. Families are advised to have a backup plan.
