Toyota and USA Surfing are pleased to announce the launch of the inaugural surf schools that will be part of a nationwide network of Toyota/USA Surfing certified surf schools focused on providing beginning surfers a safe, smart, and stoke-filled start in an extraordinary lifelong sport and lifestyle.
Photo courtesy USA Surfing
The surf schools listed below from Maryland to Malibu are participating in the first season of the Toyota/USA Surfing surf camp programs, which helps aspiring surfers develop their surfing and ocean awareness skills.
They are the first in what will become a network of schools nationwide.
Watch USA Surfing’s website for more schools being added throughout the year.
In order to qualify, surf schools must be:
Fully insured and permitted
Operate with a one-to-five or less Instructor to student ratio
Have ISA or NSSIA-certified instructors or extensive documented experience
Donate instruction for underrepresented youth
“Surfing’s Olympic debut inspired a whole new group of aspiring surfers to give the best sport a try,” said USA Surfing CEO Brandon Lowery. “These inaugural schools represent the start of a nationwide network designed to give new surfers a high-quality start in what we hope will become a lifelong sport and lifestyle.”
Photo courtesy USA Surfing
“Toyota is proud to partner with USA Surfing in providing opportunities for the next generation of surfers to learn this exciting sport” said Danielle DelVecchio, Sponsorship Strategy, Integration and Activation. “These schools are just the beginning of an exciting new program that will allow those who are new to surfing the best possible start in an extraordinary lifelong sport and lifestyle.”
Black Girls Surf, global
Black Girls Surf is a performance training camp for girls 7 – 17 years old, operating around the world.
Executive director and trainer Rhonda Harper has trained more than 400 girls worldwide and mentored instructors to teach performance techniques and contest structure.
“It is imperative that we focus on developing young girls who wish to compete,” Harper said. “Surfing gives girls a sense of autonomy. It’s our job to provide the empowerment needed to navigate their surfing careers.”
Wave Riding School, Ocean City, Md.
“Whether you are young or old, whether you have never touched the ocean (beginner surfing lessons), trying to figure out those tricks of the trade (novice surfing lessons) or you are an advanced rider looking to further your career (advanced surfing lessons / coaching), our team is here to help,” said school director Brian Stoehr.
“Our approach to teaching makes the experience easier than you ever imagined and more memorable than you can believe.”
Wave Riding School’s team instructors consist of some the best known and best skilled wave riders on the East Coast. They have traveled the globe competing on a world level and are now focusing their expertise on helping the next generation of wave riders.
Surf Education Academy, San Diego, Calif.
Surf Education Academy (SEA) provides a systematic approach to learning to surf the right way, leveling up your skills and gaining confidence through surfing.
Owner Sean Brody has a Master’s Degree in Hospitality Tourism Management with an emphasis in Sustainable Surf Tourism and he has taught thousands of people to surf from across the globe and from all walks of life.
"Surf Education Academy (SEA) is honored to be selected as one of the leading surf schools in the United States for the Toyota USA Surfing Schools program and we look forward to an amazing summer season ahead,” Brody said. “At SEA, we take a lot of pride in helping people develop their surfing and their confidence in the ocean and want to thank Toyota and USA Surfing for their trust and support. Limited space is still available for our Summer Surf Camps, enroll today at: www.surfeducationacademy.com"
Whitlock Surf Experience, Oceanside, Calif.
Whitlock Surf Experience has more than 25 years of specializing in surf lessons, surf camps, and surf clubs. It is a grass roots, family owned and operated business located in Oceanside, California, encouraging all ages and skill levels to come out and enjoy the ocean.
“Whitlock Surf Experience is stoked to be recognized by USA Surfing as an Official Surf School,” said owner Cory Whitlock. “Since 2000, we’ve been teaching the next generation of surfers and are grateful to continue cultivating lifelong communities with the support of this rad organization.”
Aspects Surf Academy, Malibu, Calif.
Aspects was founded in the 90s by Rich Lawson and has been continuously dedicated to preparing students for a lifetime of surfing on their own.
“From understanding the story of our beaches, fundamentals of ocean safety, and style, our purpose is to create surfers who lead the way for those in the future,” said school director Skylar Lawson.
Endless Summer Surf Camp, San Onofre State Park, Calif.
Endless Summer Surf Camp is one of the longest-running surf camps in Southern California.
Located within the San Onofre State Park, Endless Summer has the ideal surf conditions for both first-time surfers and surfers looking to improve their skills.
For 30 years former USA Surfing junior team member and professional Surfer, Jason Senn and his team of surf coaches have been sharing their passion for surfing with others.
The camp offers weeklong overnight surf camp experiences for ages 11 and older.
Three of the summer sessions are dedicated to adults wanting to learn or improve their skills.
Coaches and programs specialize in a range of skills from first-time surfers to high-performance coaches working with surfers who want to take their surfing to the next level.
JP’s Surf Camp, San Clemente, Calif.
Established in 2001 through the San Clemente Recreation Division JP’s Surf Camp is located at the San Clemente Pier.
The school serves ages six to adult in two sessions per day, 9am - 12pm and 1-4 pm. The small group environment of a 3-to-1 surfer to teacher ratio helps personalize instruction.
Shawn Private Swim and Surf School, Santa Monica, Calif.
In business for more than 15 years, safety is Shawn’s number one priority. The school’s mission is to provide lessons by exceptional and experienced instructors, so all students will be safe, learn to surf, and have fun. Shawn Private Swim and Surf School teaches all levels from beginners to advanced, adults and youth, and is accredited by the National Surf Schools & Instructors Association (NSSIA).
Photo courtesy USA Surfing
ABOUT USA SURFING
USA Surfing’s mission is to progress the sport of surfing, empower future generations of champions, and advance the many benefits of the surfing lifestyle in the United States.