Paskowitz Surf Camp

You may have been considered a golden surfer boy (or girl) when you were in your supposedly carefree days as a young adult. Or you may have envied those surfer beach bums who seemed to have all the thrills of the wave while you were stuck working at a conference center to make ends meet for college. You may not remember the 60’s because you were part of the 60’s and therefore your surfer days were wild but lost in memory and you wonder if your skills have been lost forever also. Take heart. This is the time to grab that dream of learning or re-learning to surf, this time however with those children you now have, at a surfing camp.

Based on your skill level, there are groups of surfer students heading out two times per day for lessons at the Tourmaline Surfing Park, situated at Pacific Beach on the north end, in San Diego, California. You can be as beginner as can be, and have a great time learning this skill.

Accommodation consists of tents with foam mats and great food. This place has a respectful consideration of the environment, respect for each other, and a chance to gain self-esteem. The camp has been around for 30 years, and have fully qualified instructors all with CPR training and ocean safety. This is the longest operating surf camp in the U.S. and possibly North America.

Everyone learns at their own pace, but they say you can be up on the board on your own after one day. They have one instructor for three people, which is a great ratio.

For 1,250.00 per person, you have five nights and six days of camp for all ages, always co-ed. As if there are family rates, as I’ve seen a quote for much more, and am wondering. For those wanting to go further, there is a camp in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico for seven days and has quality accommodations. The price is up for that one – 2900.00 but the ratio is also better – two students for one instructor. You have to bring your own wet suit, at least to the San Diego camp. Not sure about the Mexico camp. They recommend a 3 mm fullsuit. The autumn 2009 camp in Mexico is up on their website for your interest.

What surprised me the most was the Surfers Healing camp, which was started when they found one of their own autistic children was most at peace in the ocean. Surfing for their son became a catharsis and healing avenue for him, and because of that they opened a camp for autistic children each summer. It is apparently a free camp, so for those – and there are many, who have autistic children, this may be something to look into.  Read up on the camps at paskowitz.com