Los Angeles Surf Camp for Kids & Teens: Learn to Surf at Zuma Beach
At Aloha Beach Camp's Malibu surf camp, kids and teens ages 4–14 learn to surf the gentle waves of Zuma Beach with patient, experienced instructors. Most campers ride their first wave faster than they (or their parents) ever expected. No experience needed.
$198/day includes surf instruction, all equipment & free transportation • No sessions, come any days you want
One-on-one guidance in the water. Instructors stay right beside new surfers on every wave.
How Kids Learn to Surf at Aloha
Surf instruction at Aloha is progressive: every camper moves at their own pace, and nobody is ever pushed past their comfort level. Here's the path from total beginner to riding waves:
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Sand first
Campers learn paddling position, the pop-up, and balance on the beach before ever entering the water. Ocean-safety basics like waves, currents, and signals come first.
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Whitewater waves
New surfers start in the shallow, already-broken whitewater where waves are gentle and predictable, with an instructor alongside steadying the board and timing the push.
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Standing up
With the instructor launching them into the right waves, most kids get to their feet within their first few days of camp, and the cheering from the beach is half the fun.
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Riding on their own
As confidence grows, campers paddle into waves themselves, with instructors nearby in the water and lifeguard-trained staff watching from shore.
Surfboards & Instruction Included
No need to buy a surfboard. Campers surf on soft-top foam boards, the safe, stable, forgiving boards every surf school in the world starts beginners on, and we provide them as part of camp, along with all surf instruction. Just send your child with a swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen (many families also send a wetsuit or rash guard for extra warmth and sun protection in the water).
Surfing happens under instructor supervision in the water with additional staff watching from the sand, at Zuma Beach's Lifeguard Tower 7. Conditions are evaluated every morning before anyone paddles out.
Surf Camp Questions Parents Ask
Does my child need surf experience?
Not at all. Most of our campers have never touched a surfboard before. The progression is built for total beginners, and kids who already surf get coaching to improve.
What if my child is nervous about the ocean?
That's common and completely fine. Surfing is never forced; nervous campers can boogie board, play in the shallows, or watch until they're ready, and they usually get there on their own.
How young can kids start surfing?
Our youngest campers (ages 4–6) focus on ocean comfort and boogie boarding, with tandem and assisted surf experiences as they're ready. Dedicated surf instruction picks up in the older programs.
Does my child surf every day?
Surfing is on the schedule multiple times each week, alongside boogie boarding, ocean swimming, and beach activities, so kids get consistent reps without burning out.
Free Rides to the Beach, Boards Included
Getting to Malibu is our job, not yours. Free transportation from pickup spots across Los Angeles is included with enrollment, counselors ride along with the campers, and the surfboards are waiting at the beach. Your child just shows up ready for a beach day.
Surfboards loaded, campers ready. Free rides to the beach every camp day.
Give Your Child the Surfer Summer
There's nothing like watching your kid stand up on their first wave. Surf days are filling fast, so pick yours and we'll handle the rest.
Aloha Beach Camp's Los Angeles surf camp teaches kids and teens ages 4–14 to surf at Zuma Beach in Malibu, with soft-top surfboards provided, progressive beginner instruction, ocean safety training, and free transportation from pickup locations across L.A. It's all part of L.A.'s only ACA-accredited beach day camp.
