Question 1

What sets us apart from the rest of the summer camps?

Accepted Answer

Salty Grom Surf Camp is a local family owned business that builds positive relationships within the community. We love our local Huntington Beach community and we know it's future rests in the hands of the kids that come through our surf camp. Yes, we love teaching them to surf and we have a ton of fun doing that; but we want to impact their lives beyond that. We want to help raise, shape, and build up our community's future through active education, healthy habits, and being positive role models.

Question 2

Are your instructors CPR and First aid certified?

Accepted Answer

YES! Every single one of our instructors are CPR and First-Aid certified with hands on training through the American Red Cross. We pride ourselves on safety and preparedness in case of emergencies. No matter what camps you choose this summer, please make sure each person is certified.

Question 3

What is your student to instructor ratio?

Accepted Answer

Because your child’s safety is our priority, our student/instructor ratio is 3:1 which is one of the lowest student to instructor ratios offered. This low student to instructor ratio gives the students a personal learning experience. The students are to be grouped into teams of three, and we try to work with the same instructor and group every day.  Sprouts ratio is 1:1 (ages 5-7) while surfing in the water.

Question 4

What equipment is provided?

Accepted Answer

We provide a full Billabong wetsuit, and soft top surfboard.  If you have your own equipment, feel free to bring it (please do not bring a boogie board or skim board)

Question 5

Is Bolsa Chica a good place to learn to surf?

Accepted Answer

Bolsa Chica State Beach has a sandy bottom and gentle breaking waves which makes it the best spot to learn to surf in Huntington Beach. Also, because of the geography of the beach, summer's large south swells lose power as they wrap around to our location. On a side note, low tide is the best tide to learn to surf at our location.

Question 6

What is a good age to start surfing?

Accepted Answer

Although every child is different we have set our age limit at 5 yrs. It is important to remember that being able to swim on their own is a mandatory requirment for this camp. They will not be swimming unsupervised at any time, but they need to be able to get back to the surfboard if they fall off during surf time.

Question 7

What should I bring to camp?

Accepted Answer

Sunscreen, towel, bathing-suit, change of clothes, lunch, and plenty of water.

Question 8

How long does it take to learn to surf?

Accepted Answer

For kids, surfing seems to come pretty easy to them. If they are willing to jump in and try it, we usually have them standing in the first couple hours. But surfing is not always as easy as it seems, it has a very slow learning curve for many... especially adults.

Question 9

Are soft tops better to learn on?

Accepted Answer

Soft surfboard are usually thicker and more buoyant than traditional hard surfboards.  Buoyancy makes it easier to catch and stand up on waves.  New technology has also improved the performance of soft surfboards which are safer for beginning surfers who frequently loose control of their surfboard. Because we have a lot of kids surfing, its nice to have the instructors surrounded by soft boards. We primarily use catchsurf boards.

Question 10

How does the parking pass work?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, Bolsa Chica State Beach will not allow any grace period for drop-off or pick-up. We will supply (1) parking pass per family that is good for the remainder of the week registered for. However, use of the temporary parking pass cannot be used for purposes other than pick up and drop off throughout the week of surf camp.  If you wish to purchase a parking pass, you can do so on the first day of camp for $40. Once purchased, a refund will not be given. This pass is good at Bolsa Chica State Beach for the remainder of the summer and is ultimately governed by the State Park system and its officers. We will not replace lost, stolen, or misused passes due to confiscation of park employees.

Question 11

Where is your camp located?

Accepted Answer

Bolsa Chica State Beach (South of lifeguard tower #21), Just north of the main tower.

Question 12

How do you find your instructors?

Accepted Answer

We love to take people from our community, and whats awesome is that we have been around long enough to hire on some of the groms that once did our surf camp themselves. In addition to that, our day to day staff includes credentialed school teachers, former or current ocean lifeguards, and a nurse. That's not bad, but we think it's still not good enough. That is why every single one of our instructors are current with CPR and First-aid certifications through the American Red Cross hands on training course. This ensures that no matter who is around, we are doing everything we can to ensure the safety of your child.

Question 13

Do you background check your employees?

Accepted Answer

YES... Every single one, and every year that they return.

Frequently asked questions