quiksilver-surf-camp-sponsor-logo
roxy-surf-camp-sponsor-logo
Shop Login

Family Surf Camp at Surf City

Overview

Come learn to surf the waves that give Surf City its name during our 5-day learn-to-surf program. Our surf camp is located in charming Topsail Island, North Carolina, where the consistent supply of waves are perfect for beginners. Our professionally trained instructors will teach you technical skills along with how to predict, select, and judge waves while building your confidence in the fundamentals of the “Sport of Kings.”

All our Topsail Island surf camps have guaranteed personalized instruction, with a student-to-instructor ratio that will never exceed 3:1. Our team consists of trained educators whose combined teaching totals several thousands of hours at all levels, to all types of students. Why not enjoy a week of fun in the sun while learning to surf along warm, emerald-green waters and white sandy beaches? We offer both locals and vacationers alike an ecological surfing experience they will never forget. Bring your friends or family to beautiful Topsail Island or come by yourself and have an unforgettable adventure that will change your life forever.

Each Surf Camp is 5 days long and taught with a progressional methodology. Camps run Monday – Friday from 7:45 AM – 10:00 AM and are filled on a first come, first serve basis. Pre-registration is required.

Includes:

      • Extensive daily surfing instruction at perfect beginner beach breaks
      • Personalized 3:1 student-to-instructor coaching and training by certified lifeguards
      • All high quality equipment (epoxy surfboard rental, UV 50 longsleeve rash guard)
      • Total instruction time of 10 hours
      • Full time staff beach lifeguard monitoring the shore break and your water exit
      • WB Surf Camp t-shirt
      • 8″ x 12″ Group Photo
      • WB Surf Camp Pre-Surf Stretching Guide
      • WB Surf Camp Surfing Etiquette Guide
      • WB Surf Camp Sea Turtle/Coastal Conservation Guide
      • WB Surf Camp Recycle Tote Bag
      • WB Surf Camp sticker
      • Surftificate of achievement
      • Professional staff photographer to shoot you as you surf
      • Sponsored by Quiksilver and Roxy
      • Ice cold drinking water and shade tent

This low enrollment (max 15) Surf Camp is for ages 11 and up. To secure your spot now, please select from the available date(s) listed below.

Click here for 2016 dates!

Itinerary

Monday

When you see the WB Surf Camp tent and flags flying in the breeze, your excitement builds even more for your first day camp! During “Ground School” instructors will have you paddling, popping up, and learning to fall safely on your board before we even hit the ocean. You are provided with a safe 3:1 camper-to-instructor ratio, which means you’re guaranteed personalized attention. You may stand up on your first wave, or it may take you a few tries; every person is different. Now you’re well on your way to learning skills that will transform you into a lifelong surfer!

Tuesday

After a brief stretch, we’ll spend a few minutes discussing wave dynamics and the different types of surf breaks, illustrating that there’s more to being a surfer than riding a wave. You paddle out while the instructor by your side offers words of encouragement. When the moment’s right, you’ll feel a push and your board gliding smoothly into the wave as your instructor says “Pop Up!” You’ll practice sitting on your board and turning, a necessary maneuver when surfing.

Wednesday

Today’s discussion is about surfboard design, which gives a fascinating glimpse into the history of surfing. We’ll also learn how to properly care for our surfboards, demonstrate how to wax a board, and prepare a board for travel. As you’re paddling into waves today, you feel yourself getting stronger and your paddling improving. Your catching more waves today and getting a better grasp on how to read the waves.

Thursday

Your connection to the ocean has gotten strong, and you’ve seen first hand the importance of protecting our coastal environment. To enforce this, we’ll split into groups for a short beach cleanup followed by an assessment of what we find where some cool prizes are handed out to the winners. You may start paddling into your own waves today as you become more accustomed to timing and positioning. This is one of the more challenging aspects of surfing; the only way to learn is with experience. Your instructor will provide coaching and encouragement as you work on catching your own waves.

Friday

We’ll round out the week with a discussion on surfing etiquette and the specific rules all surfers should follow. Surfing etiquette is a critical part of surfing that WB Surf Camp emphasizes in all our programs. Your final surf session is truly epic, all smiles and waves! You may even be riding down the line today! Bonus points if you’ve surfed so much that your body is sore and your arms feel like jello. Congratulations: you’re now part of the WB Surf Camp Family, and we’ll welcome you back soon for more waves, friends, and fun!

Accomodations

There are many options available. Please contact our office for a list of our favorite places to stay.

Reviews

Anita, New Berlin, IL – “WB Surf Camp was a great experience for myself and my two children ages 16 and 20. Matt was a very good instructor and overflowing in patience with us and the waves. I would highly recommend Surf Camp and Matt to my family and friends.”

Jennifer, Furlong, PA – “It is difficult to engage teenagers but… you did it! From advising them NOT to each shark soup to keeping them energized while paddling through breakers to the final moment of actually standing on the board and “surfing” my kids loved the entire experience. Thank you for a great day!”Sonya, Cary, NC – “Being a 45-year-old who has never surfed before, I was quite apprehensive. However, our instructors were extremely positive & reassuring. They also took great care of our two teenage boys & made sure they were both safe AND having a great time.”

Maranda, North Myrtle Beach, SC – “WB Surf Camp was awesome! Our instructor Matt was extremely personable, it was like a friend was teaching us to surf instead of a stranger. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to learn to surf.”

The Strobins, Chapel Hill, NC – “Our experience with WB Surf Camp was fantastic! Wonderful instructor, great equipment, beautiful location, and nice warm water made the entire experience memorable and what I hope to be the foundation of future surfing experiences. Thanks so much!”

Chris, Tega Cay, SC – “WB Surf Camp made it easy and enjoyable for my family to take the plunge and catch some waves. From the registration process, through the onsite instruction, and right through the follow-up process they exceeded all of my expectations. The WB Surf Camp apprach to managing their business and educating not only my family, but the greater surfing community, is a testament to an organization that takes the time to do things right. I would highly recommend WB Surf Camp to anyone looking to learn about surfing, surf culture, and/or how to treat their customers right – great job. Thanks for a great day Catching Some Waves!”

Kristi, Chesterfield, SC – “The waves were perfect and the instruction was educational. Not only did we have an awesome time surfing and enjoying the waves, but we learned some valuable things about the ocean and furthering our participation in the surfing community.”

The Beldings, Hillsborough, NC – “ I am 59 years old, just had my first WB Surf Camp lesson, and I loved it! My two daughters also participated in the lesson, and are now very enthusiastic about surfing. Instructors Ben and Meg were fantastic, very positive and encouraging. My youngest daughter had a little difficulty with standing up on the surfboard initially. As the lesson ended, Ben had her try once more, saying he knew she could do it. On that final try, she stood and rode the wave all the way in! I have a picture of both my daughters riding that final wave. Great way to end the lesson! I’ll definitely be back for more.”

Karen, New York, NY – “Our instructors were friendly and knowledgeable and very positive. They stressed safety and made us feel at ease with marine life and rip tides. Our family had a great experience and surfing was one of the highlights of our vacation to Topsail Island.”

FAQs

If I have never surfed before, is this camp for me?

  • About 90% of our students have never surfed before, let alone held a surfboard. Our program is tailored to beginners. The only prerequisites are that you are able to swim and ready to have the time of your life!

What age range are your students?

  • Everyone ages 11 and up are invited to participate in this exciting learn-to-surf camp!

Do campers ever participate in more than one camp session a summer?

  • They sure do. They not only participate for several weeks during a summer, they usually return for several years. Our small student to instructor ratio of 3:1 allows personalized coaching and continued skill development, plus it’s just so much fun!

Where does the camp take place?

  • Surf City Surf Camp meets at the public beach access located at the intersection of North Shore Drive and New Bern Avenue, which is 4 blocks north of the Surf City Pier on Topsail Island.

What time does the camp run?

  • Each session runs from 7:45 am to 10:00 am, Tuesday through Thursday. The only exception is the week of July 4th, when camp will run on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.

What will the water temperature be?

  • The water temperature in southeastern North Carolina during the summer months will hover around 80 degrees. These perfect temperatures mean wetsuits are not necessary. We will supply you with a rash guard (equivalent to 50 SPF protection) to prevent sunburn and rashes during camp.

How long do your daily seminars last?

  • They last approximately 15 minutes, depending on how many questions are asked.

Do I need to have my own surfboard to come to camp?

  • No! All equipment is provided. The soft-top surfboards that we use are of the highest quality and are most conducive to safe learning and productive surfing. Equipment type does matter: the Surftech Soft Top surf boards we use are by far the highest quality on the market.

What do I need to bring?

  • The only items you need to bring are a bathing suit, sunscreen, towel, and water bottle. We recommend female clients wear board shorts to protect sensitive skin.

Is there a lifeguard at the beach you use? I’m worried about some of the safety aspects of a surf camp.

  • All our camp instructors hold current American Red Cross Certifications including CPR for the Professional Rescuer and First Aid.  We’re very proud of our impeccable safety record!

We’re traveling to North Carolina from out of town just to come to your camp.  Are there hotels, rental properties, or campsites nearby that you can recommend?

  • We maintain a list of recommended campsites, hotels, and real estate companies in the area. Please email us at info@wbsurfcamp.com and we’ll be happy to provide it!

Do you have insurance?

  • We carry a comprehensive insurance package, including general liability.
RENTALS
LESSON
CAMPS
ABOUT
SHOP