General Camp Questions
Order through our site’s lunch page or during camp registration. You can order anytime before midnight the night before and can choose from three rotating menu options daily, each crafted to keep kids energized and happy.
At 11am we have a 15 minute snack break and from 12pm-1pm we have lunch. We want to ensure that all campers are well-nourished and energized for a day filled with fun and activities. We offer two options for lunch:
- Bring Your Own Lunch: We encourage campers to pack healthy and nutritious meals that will provide them with the energy they need for an exciting day at camp.
- Provided by Children's Menu: Order here
All campers are provided with everything needed to surf! We provide wetsuits, rashguards and have a wide variety of foam surfboards tailored for each camper's ability. Our beach set-up offers plenty of shade, chairs and umbrellas along with onsite cold drinking water.
Please pack your child with the following: Towel, Hat, Sunscreen, Plenty of water, Snacks and Lunch (or order a lunch through Children's Menu)
That's why we are here! We specialize in introducing children to the joy of surfing in a safe, supportive, and fun environment. Our program is designed to help new surfers gain confidence and learn at their own pace. With our low ratio your child will get the personalized instruction they need to have a successful start to their surf journey. New surfers surf one-on-one with our expert instructors to ensure a great experience and that your child leaves camp wanting to become a lifelong surfer.
At Sunrise Surf Academy, our camp is about more than just surfing — it's about helping kids grow in confidence, resilience, and ocean awareness in a way that's safe, personal, and fun. With years of experience at other surf camps, we've seen what works and what doesn't. That's why we've created a program that prioritizes personal growth, positive energy, and unforgettable days filled with waves, learning, and laughter.
- Small Group Sizes: We always maintain a low 3:1 camper-to-instructor ratio, ensuring each child receives individualized attention and support they need to grow.
- Expert Local Surf Instructors: Our instructors are the best at what they do! The team consists of physical/outdoor education specialists, lifeguards, pro surfers, and teachers all eager to help your kid reach their full potential.
- Holistic Learning: Beyond surfing, we educate campers on ocean safety, our local ecosystems, environmental stewardship, and teamwork, fostering a well-rounded experience and camper.
- Confidence-Building Approach: We focus on positive reinforcement, building trust with each kid at their own pace. Whether it's their first wave or their one thousandth, we make sure every child feels proud and supported — not pushed.
- Family-Oriented Approach: We don't treat you like just another sign-up. From the moment you reach out to us, you're part of the Sunrise family. We know our campers and their parents by name and surf style. We're always available to answer questions or lend a hand.
Choosing Sunrise Surf Academy means your child will not only learn to surf but also develop valuable life skills and a lasting appreciation for the ocean.
No, our low ratio ensures kids who do not know how to swim are paired 1 on 1 with an instructor while surfing and stay extra shallow in the water. We do ask that kids are water confident with prior water experience and that they want to be at the beach. When booking please add in the notes your child cannot swim to notify our team and lifeguard. Click here to learn about water safety!
At Sunrise, we pride ourselves on providing a safe environment for kids to get more comfortable and find joy in the water at their own pace. Though our ratio is 3:1 at camp, we are 1 on 1 with first time beginners and make sure to keep them in the shallow water where they can stand. This ensures they can progress at their own pace safely and comfortably. Click here to learn about water safety!
Yes! Our beach full set-up offers plenty of shade. We have 10x10 tents, chairs, and umbrellas, set up all day long, in addition to on-site chilled drinking water. Throughout the day we take sunscreen/hydration breaks in which we help children/teens apply sunscreen. For details on our sunscreen and break click here to learn more.
A day of surf camp is filled with smiles, friends, and lifelong memories. A full day of camp starts at 9 am and ends 3 pm, with extended hours offered. Each day includes a personalized land lesson, team building exercises and tons of surfing. Half day options are available as well with a slightly different schedule. For more detailed schedules please visit our curriculum page.
Our summer surf camp is for kids ranging from 5-16 years old. We're able to teach all skill ranges and levels, from first time surfers to advanced rippers.
Sunrise conveniently offers surf camp at 3 locations, the world famous Venice Beach and at Will Rogers State Beach in the Palisades. Both locations offer a wide variety of waves for surfers of all levels. Transportation is offered to our Palisades location throughout summer.
Summer camp always has a 3:1 instructor-to-student ratio plus a personal ocean lifeguard in addition to the LA county lifeguards on duty. We are able to keep the best ratio of any surf camp in LA while still having the highest quality instructors by setting a cap on the number of spots at camp. At Sunrise, you will never have to worry about your child being lost in a crowd. The high ratio and small camp allow for personalized instruction and deeper connections with our counselors and curriculum.
Absolutely! We have tons of kids that participate in morning activities then join us for a PM Half Day. We kindly ask you to give us a heads up so we can send an instructor over to bring your child to camp.
Extended hours of care are offered daily from 6:00 am-9:00 am and 3:15 pm-6:30 pm. Extended care is $30 an hour if booked ahead of time. If you need extended care the day of, the hourly rate is $40 and it is subject to our availability. Extended hours can be added when making your booking or afterwards by contacting us.
Sunrise Surf Academy's summer camp curriculum is thoughtfully designed to foster personal growth, confidence, and a deep appreciation for the ocean. Emphasizing safety and inclusivity, the program offers a personalized surf experience tailored to each child's skill level, from first-time surfers to advanced riders. With a low camper-to-instructor ratio of 3:1, children receive individualized attention, ensuring they thrive both in and out of the water. Beyond surfing techniques, the curriculum incorporates lessons on ocean awareness and environmental stewardship, transforming the beach into an outdoor classroom where campers build lifelong skills and friendships. Click here to visit our camp curriculum page.
Safety is our number one priority which is why many LA county lifeguards recommend Sunrise Surf Academy. Camp safety starts with our low ratio, expert instructors, our private lifeguard and ocean safety education for campers. We use preventative lifeguarding techniques to stop accidents before they happen. Camp always has a Red Cross certified lifeguard with advanced CPR and multiple years of experience as an ocean lifeguard on duty. In addition, our instructors are organized and trained to prevent collisions while maintaining close proximity to students. All instructors communicate with the beach lifeguard via hand signals and work as a cohesive unit to prevent injuries. For more please visit our safety page.
Yes we do! We offer a charter bus pick up and drop off service with locations in Studio City, Brentwood/Westwood, Encino and Calabasas/Topanga. click here to learn more about our transportation options!
Our instructors speak many different languages. If you are interested in a non-English language, please contact us, and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Prior to 72 hours of booking start time, there is an option to reschedule or cancel your booking. Please visit our Terms and Conditions page for our full policy.
At 11am we have a 15 minute snack break and from 12pm-1pm we have lunch. We want to ensure that all campers are well-nourished and energized for a day filled with fun and activities. We offer two options for lunch:
- Bring Your Own Lunch: We encourage campers to pack healthy and nutritious meals that will provide them with the energy they need for an exciting day at camp.
- Provided by Children's Menu: Order through Children's Menu, a local catering company that specializes in healthy and delicious meals made with fresh, organic ingredients for kids. To learn more or to order simply click here.
All campers are provided with everything needed to surf! We provide wetsuits, rashguards and have a wide variety of foam surfboards tailored for each camper's ability. Our beach set-up offers plenty of shade, chairs and umbrellas along with onsite cold drinking water.
Please pack your child with the following: Towel, Hat, Sunscreen, Plenty of water, Snacks and Lunch (or order a lunch through Children's Menu)
Luckily in summer, we are blessed with great waves and warm weather almost every day. In the unlikely event of foul weather preventing us from surfing or being at the beach, you will be notified as soon as possible and given the option to reschedule. If we consider the ocean conditions to be unsafe but the beach safe, we will offer the ability to reschedule or to join us for a great day of beach games, team-building activities, and practical sessions on understanding ocean conditions.
