Kids Billabong

Kids Billabong

How to Choose a Surf Camp

Where "general" or "traditional" camp programs have historically been the norm, specialty summer camp programs for kids and teens -- which focus on one just one activity or a few related ones -- are growing in popularity year after year. Nowhere is this more evident than along the southern California coastline, where surf camps are one of the fastest growing segments in the specialty camp sector. The increased interest in the sport, especially among children, has led to the proliferation of surf camps up and down the coast. Just take a stroll along the beaches of San Diego or Los Angeles and you'll see group after group of happy campers learning to surf from their caring camp counselors and surfing instructors.

If your child has expressed an interest in learning to surf, sign him or her up for a summer surf camp experience!

But how can you tell you're picking the right one?

When you choose a surf camp, it's always wise to narrow your search down to one that's earned accreditation by the American Camp Association. If a surf camp has achieved this status, it means the camp meets or exceeds up to 300 best-practice industry standards running the gamut from program and activity quality to camper safety to staffing and supervision and more.

If the surf camp you're considering is not accredited by the American Camp Association, then you should ask the camp director why that's the case. If you are not satisfied with the answer, it's time to move on to the next surf camp.

Surf camp accreditation status is certainly not the only criteria to rely on when choosing a surf camp. You must also be sure the counselors and surfing instructors are experienced, qualified and have basic safety certifications in CPR, First Aid and lifeguarding. (While the ocean environment is tremendously fun, it demands respect, too. So you want to be certain your child is being instructed by capable and qualified staff who are equipped to handle any potential scenario that might come up, particularly with respect to your child's safety at the beach.)

Concerning the individuals who will be supervising and teaching your child to surf, you want to choose a surf camp with experienced instructors who are caring, nurturing, and capable of teaching children of all ages, temperaments, and ability levels whether they are beginning, intermediate or advanced surfers.

You also want to make sure the surf camp incorporates a heavy dose of beach, water, and sun safety learning components into its program so your child gets them most well-rounded surf camp experience possible.

In addition, the surf camp should provide new equipment (including surfboards and wetsuits), and the camp program should take place only in ideal learning environments such as oceans with soft sandy bottoms and consistent wave activity.

In addition, there should be a public lifeguard supervising the surf camp program at all times.

Often overlooked in a parents' search for a surf camp is to confirm whether the camp has a high profile sponsor connected to it. For example, if you choose a surf camp that is sponsored by Billabong or Quicksilver (which are huge companies and very well-respected in the surfing industry), you can be fairly certain you're on the right track because these organizations will generally only attach their names to trusted surf camps with respectable camp programs.

We hope this article has helped you learn how to choose a surf camp.

Copyright Eric Naftulin and Aloha Beach Camp. All rights reserved.

About the Author

Eric D. Naftulin is the owner/operator of Aloha Beach Camp, an aquatic sports summer day camp for kids and teens ages 4 to 15 in Los Angeles, California. Try Aloha Beach Camp and learn to surf, boogie board, wakeboard, jet ski and more.

Billabong Osmosis T'shirt (Kids) (Royal) $12 Billabong Osmosis T'shirt for kids is 100* preshrunk cotton, has short sleeves, and features a multicolored Billabong screened on the front.

Billabong Bermuda T'shirt (Kids) (Black) $12 Billabong Bermuda T'shirt for kids is 90% cotton 10% polyester, has short sleeves, and Billabong wave logo printed on the front with palm trees detail within.

Billabong Knockout Boardshorts (Kids) (Green) $40 Billabong Knockout Boardshorts for Kids are 100% polyester, tie and velcro fly, one right side pocket with velcro flap closure, and Billabong embroidery on the left side with large wave logo.

Billabong Bazooka Shorts (Kids) (Military) $30 Billabong Bazooka Shorts for kids are 100% cotton, button and zipper fly, two front pockets, two back button flap pockets, two side cargo pockets with button flap closure, and Billabong embroidery on the left side.

Billabong Lunar Shorts (Kids) (Black) $36 Billabong Lunar Shorts for kids are 100% cotton, button and zipper fly, two front pockets, two back pockets, Billabong patch on the back upper right side, Billabong embroidery on the left side, and an all-over plaid print.

Billabong Lunar Shorts (Kids) (White) $36 Billabong Lunar Shorts for kids are 100% cotton, button and zipper fly, two front pockets, two back pockets, Billabong patch on the back upper right side, Billabong embroidery on the left side, and an all-over plaid print.

Billabong Noble Shorts (Kids) (Brown) $34 Billabong Noble Shorts for kids are the classic cargo style with 100% cotton material, button and zipper fly, two front pockets, two back button flap pockets, two side cargo pockets with button flap closure. a small metal Billabong plate on the back right side, and Billabong embroidery on the left side.

Billabong Noble Shorts (Kids) (Stone) $34 Billabong Noble Shorts for kids are the classic cargo style with 100% cotton material, button and zipper fly, two front pockets, two back button flap pockets, two side cargo pockets with button flap closure. a small metal Billabong plate on the back right side, and Billabong embroidery on the left side.

Billabong Pure Polo (Kids) (Heather Grey) $30 Billabong Pure Polo for kids is 100% mercerised cotton, has short sleeves, Billabong embroidered at the right shoulder, and stripe detail throughout.

Billabong Majestic Shorts (kids) (Khaki) $34 Kids Billabong Majestic shorts...100% cotton...Zipper fly with button up waist...Front off seam pockets with small coin pocket in right side pocket...Back pockets have button flap closure with billabong screen/ embroidered design above back right pocket corner...Side cargo pockets have button flap closure with billabong screen/ embroidered design on left side pocket flap...Elastic back of waist for room to grow.

Billabong Kids AhoyTee (Aqua) $15 Cool kids clothing and accessories from Up & Riding.

Billabong Kids AhoyTee (Navy) $15 Cool kids clothing and accessories from Up & Riding.

Billabong Samantha Volley (kids) (Black) $36 The Samantha Volley Shorts by Billabong. Your little girl is going to love playing in the sun with a pair of these shorts. Made from 100% Polyester they feature a snap button closure, elastic waistband, and a super cute Billabong print.

Billabong Bazooka Shorts (Kids) (Dark Grey) $30 Billabong Bazooka Shorts for kids are 100% cotton, button and zipper fly, two front pockets, two back button flap pockets, two side cargo pockets with button flap closure, and Billabong embroidery on the left side.

Billabong Pelly Boardshort (kids) (Blue) $49.5 The kids Billabong Pelly boardshort is made with 100% recycled polyester. It features artwork by famed Artist Andy Davis, and is part of Billabong's collaboration with the retro surf inspired artist. Drawstring waist closure with elastic band in the back for a better fit on your little man, back pocket with button flap closure, all-over pelican print art, collaboration woven label details.

Billabong Change Up T'shirt (Kids) (White) $12 Billabong Change Up T'shirt for kids is 94% cotton 6% organic cotton, short sleeves, with a large wave logo printed at the chest.

Billabong Infinite T'shirt (Kids) (WHT) $14 He's so young and wants to know about everything, so start him off right by getting him into the Billabong Infinite T'shirt. This short sleeve tee is made with 100% cotton, and has Billabong with a wave logo printed on the front.

Billabong Scribbles Sweatshirt (Kids) (MARINE) $36 You're too creative to stay inside the lines so show your true colors in the Billabong Scribbles Sweatshirt. This lightweight hoodie is made with 60% cotton 40% polyester, has a zipper closure, dual front pockets, stripe print, washed out look, and a Billabong label at the left pocket.

Billabong Chiller Tee (Kids) (Black) $24 The Billabong Chiller Tee is a regular fit short sleeve t-shirt made from 100% Cotton. It features a crew neck with an all over stripe print, and a small Billabong logo printed near the lower left hem. (Boys 4-7)

Billabong Scheme Short (kids) (Fatigue) $40 The Scheme Cargo Shorts by Billabong. This shorts are perfect for your little one. They look awesome and have tons of pockets for him to hide his stash of bugs, boogers, and frogs. Made from 100% Cotton they feature a zip fly, multiple pockets, a Billabong logo on the lower hem, and a rad camo print.

Billabong Camilla Top (kids) (Opal) $26 The kid's Billabong Camilla top is made of 100%cotton. It features a heart patter, a solid upper, a button chest closure, and raw trim along the top.

Billabong Braidy Sandal (kids) (Mocha) $22 The Billabong Braidy Sandal can be weaved into any outfit this season. Made with vegan leather, this sandal features an embossed logo at the foot bed, and braided straps.

Billabong Divided T'shirt (Kids) (ROYAL) $14 Make your little surfer kid stick out from the rest of the wannabes in the Billabong Divided T'shirt. This short sleeve tee is made with 100% cotton, and has a wave logo printed on the front.

Billabong Divided T'shirt (Kids) (BLK) $14 Be different than the rest of the wannabes and let them know you're the real in the Billabong Divided T'shirt. This short sleeve tee is made with 100% cotton and has a wave logo printed on the front.

Billabong Prehistoric T'shirt (Kids) (RED) $14 No kid will even think about trying to take your little guy's snack when they see he's got the Billabong Prehistoric T'shirt on. This cotton tee has short sleeves and a dinosaur printed on the front.

Billabong Jillian Rashguard (Kids) (WHT) $29 Your little girl can't wait to get out in the surf like the big kids so make sure her skin is protected with the Billabong Jillian Rashguard. Made with 91% nylon 9% spandex, this long sleeve rashguard has a wave logo printed at the chest, another logo at the back, and will help protect her from the sun's harmful rays because it is UPF 50.

Billabong Kristy Rashguard (Kids) (BLK) $25 Your little girl can't wait to get out in the surf like the big kids so make sure her skin is protected with the Billabong Kristy Rashguard. Made with 91% nylon 9% spandex, this short sleeve rashguard has a pink wave logo printed at the chest, another logo at the back, and will help protect her from the sun's harmful rays because it is UPF 50.

Billabong Erika Boardshort (kids) (White) $34.5 The Erika Trunks by Billie Girls Billabong. Perfect little boardies for your perfect little girl. Made from 100% Polyester they feature a Velcro and lace fly, a back pocket with Velcro closure, and a Billabong logo on the front and back. Your daughter(s) deserve to dress as cute as they are so let the Erika Trunks help them express themselves.

Billabong Lola Bikini (Kids) (PASSION) $49.5 The Billabong Lola Bikini will have your little surfer girl looking even more adorable on the beach then she already is This two piece bikini is 80% nylon 20% lycra, the top has adjustable ties at the neck and back, frill detail, and a small logo embroidered at the left. The bottoms feature cinch ties at the sides, frill detail around the waist, and Billabong embroidered at the back center.

Billabong Kids Turn Short (Ash) $39.5 Cool kids clothing and accessories from Up & Riding.

Billabong Kids Influence Boardshort (Red) $49.5 Cool kids clothing and accessories from Up & Riding.

Billabong Kids Arroyo Windbreaker (Phantom) $54.5 Cool kids clothing and accessories from Up & Riding.

Billabong Kids Woodland Woven (Royal) $44.5 Cool kids clothing and accessories from Up & Riding.

Billabong Kids Crossover Boardshort (Aqua) $40 Cool kids clothing and accessories from Up & Riding.

Billabong Kids Swallows Hoodie (Marine) $35 Cool kids clothing and accessories from Up & Riding.

Billabong Kids Chosen Short (Black) $39.5 Cool kids clothing and accessories from Up & Riding.

Billabong Kids Lunar Tee (Aqua) $15 Cool kids clothing and accessories from Up & Riding.

Billabong Kids Jumpstart Tee (BKH) $15 Cool kids clothing and accessories from Up & Riding.

Billabong Kids Progress Tank (Bleach) $26 Cool kids clothing and accessories from Up & Riding.

Billabong Kids Stiller Short (Black) $42 Cool kids clothing and accessories from Up & Riding.