You drop your kid off for their first day of surf camp, go home, make a coffee, and then wonder: are they in the water yet? Is it happening right now? Should I have brought a camera?
This is something almost every new surf camp parent wonders about. You want to know what your child is doing during the day. Here is the simple answer: kids usually get in the water around 10:15 am, but the exact time can change depending on the day. The team checks the weather and ocean, so they only go in when it is safe and good for surfing.
Let’s walk through what happens in the morning before kids go surfing, and why the time on the sand is important too.
The Morning Is Not Just Killing Time Before the Ocean
A lot of people think that the time before surfing is just a waiting room: name tags, sunscreen, maybe some awkward games. But at Aqua Surf, everything that happens in the morning is just as important as actually stepping into the ocean. Kids who pay attention and join in usually have a better time when they start surfing.
Here’s what a normal Monday looks like, from drop-off to getting in the water:
8:45 am – 9:15 am: Sign-in.
Parents check kids in and can share any important info, like how well their child swims, any concerns, or notes you want to pass along.
9:15 am – 9:30 am: Name games and icebreakers.
Kids meet their instructors and other campers. These games help everyone feel more comfortable, especially younger kids.
9:30 am – 9:55 am: The Surfle.
This is a group meeting where staff talk about water safety, check the ocean, and answer questions. They also help put on sunscreen. It’s like a team huddle before surfing.
9:55 am: Land lesson.
Instructors show kids what they’ll do in the water, step by step, while still on the sand. New surfers learn the basics, and each lesson teaches a new skill.
10:00 am onwards: In the water.
Now it’s time to surf! This is what the kids have been waiting for.
Chasing Waves, Not Clocks: Why Start Times Change
One thing to remember: the ocean does not have a set schedule. The waves, tide, wind, and weather change every day. The Location Director decides when it is safe to go in the water by checking the real conditions each morning.
That flexibility is a feature, not a bug. If the ocean is rough, the group spends more time on land before going in. If the water is calm and the weather is perfect, they might go in sooner. The main goal is always to make sure kids surf when it is safe and fun, even if that means the time changes a little.
What always stays the same is the routine. Sign-in, games, the group meeting, and the land lesson happen every day. This plan helps keep kids safe and makes the time in the ocean better.
Into the Blue: What Your Camper Really Experiences
For kids who are new to surfing, things start slowly. New surfers begin in shallow water with small waves, close to the beach. Instructors stay right next to them and help as they learn. No one is put into deep water right away.
Younger kids, especially those in the 5-6 age range, get a lot of one-on-one time. Instructors hold the surfboard until each child feels ready to try on their own. If a child does not want to surf that day, that is okay. No one is ever forced to go in the water. The staff encourages kids, but being comfortable is the most important thing at Aqua Surf.
Older or more experienced surfers get more freedom. Once an instructor says it is okay, they can try catching waves by themselves. Instructors still watch and help, but give these kids more space.
From Sandcastles to Surf: The Day Keeps Rolling
After the morning surf session, the day continues. Lunch is from about 11:45 am to 12:45 pm, and kids bring their own lunch. At the Santa Monica camp, you can also order food like burgers, pizza, or smoothies when you drop your child off. These meals cost about $12–$20, and you pay with cash.
After lunch:
- 12:30 pm: More fun. Kids play games, do activities on the beach, swim, or surf again.
- 2:15 pm: Clean-up time. Instructors help everyone put on more sunscreen and clean up the beach.
- 2:45 pm – 3:15 pm: Pick-up. Kids wait in a shady spot with instructors until a parent or guardian picks them up.
It’s a busy day, and kids get to do a lot.
A Few Things Worth Knowing Before Day One
If this is your child’s first time at Aqua Surf, a few things are worth keeping in mind:
- Kids should be able to swim, but it’s okay if they are still learning. It helps if they can swim the length of a regular pool, but we also love to help out younger or less experienced swimmers. Just tell the camp about your child’s swimming skills when you sign up. The team will make sure your child is in the right group and gets the help they need.
- Kids are grouped by age and skill level. Most groups are made up of kids who are about the same age and can surf at the same level. If you want your child to be with a friend or sibling, you can ask for that. We will try our best to make it happen.
- The schedule changes a little every day. There are different themes and activities each week, so camp never feels the same. The main routine stays the same, but what kids do and learn changes.
- Sunscreen is very important. Our instructors help kids put on sunscreen during the morning meeting, before lunch, and before clean-up. It’s also good to put sunscreen on your child before camp and pack a hat that can get wet.
Dive In—Why This Is the Surf Camp to Try
If you’re still unsure, Aqua Surf makes it easy: if your child doesn’t love camp, you get a full refund. You can sign up for a single day, a whole week, or just mornings or afternoons, whatever fits your family best.
You can browse the Summer Surf Camps page to see all the options, or go straight to Reserve Your Dates to save your spot. Still have questions? We’ll be happy to answer them; just contact us here.
The ocean is waiting, and the staff is ready. Around 10:15 am, your kid will be out there, learning, laughing, and probably smiling the whole time. Aqua Surf isn’t just another camp; it’s the start of a true surfing adventure.