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The Home School Waterman program

The Home School Waterman program

Long Beach, CA, USA

Overview

The Home School Waterman program is an immersive, outdoor-focused camp designed to develop confident, capable, and environmentally aware young people through direct experience in and around the ocean. Rooted in the “waterman” philosophy, the program blends surfing, paddling, and ocean sports with practical life skills and environmental education. Campers are encouraged to build independence, problem-solving abilities, and respect for nature while staying physically active and engaged.

This program is well-suited for school-aged children and teens who are comfortable in outdoor settings and eager to challenge themselves physically and mentally. Instruction emphasizes ocean awareness, safety, and adaptability, helping campers understand how changing conditions affect decision-making. When ocean conditions are ideal, participants spend extended time in the water developing technique and confidence. When conditions shift, learning continues on land through hands-on workshops and exploration.

What makes this program special is its holistic approach. Campers don’t just learn how to surf — they learn how to read the ocean, care for equipment, work as a team, and apply practical skills that translate beyond camp. The atmosphere is active, adventurous, and grounded in real-world learning, making it an excellent fit for kids who enjoy physical challenges, curiosity-driven exploration, and meaningful outdoor experiences.

Why We Love It

  • Real-world ocean education beyond traditional surf camps
  • Strong focus on adaptability, resilience, and life skills
  • Learning continues regardless of weather or surf conditions

Best for

  • Kids who love the ocean and outdoor challenges
  • Campers eager to build confidence through hands-on learning
  • Young people interested in adventure, nature, and self-reliance

Camp Info

Ages:
5–16
Type:
Day
Month:
Summer
Gender:
Co-Ed
Setting:
Coast
Water:
Water, Boating, Canoeing, Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Surfing
Adventure:
Adventure, Exploration, Fishing

Contact details

Address: Anderson Street, Surfside
Long Beach
USA

Reserve a Spot

Specific session dates aren’t available right now.

You can still submit a quick request to let the camp know you’re interested.

You won’t be charged yet. The camp will contact you to confirm all terms first.

How It Works

  • Step 1: Fill out a quick form to let the camp know you're interested. No commitment — just an inquiry.
  • Step 2: The camp team will reach out to answer questions, confirm availability, and walk you through the next steps.
  • Step 3: Work directly with the camp to finalize dates, handle payment, and take care of any details.

Got Questions?

Not sure yet?

  • Email us anytime at [email protected] — we’ll gladly share any details we’ve got.
  • Want to talk with the camp directly? Submit an application, and the camp team will reach out with details.

Need to Cancel? No Problem

  • Just send us a quick email, and we’ll take care of it for you.

Paying for Camp

  • All payments are handled directly with the camp after you apply. They’ll guide you through their process.

Who Do I Pay?

  • You’ll pay The Home School Waterman program directly. After you apply, their team will walk you through the payment steps.

Payment Confirmation

  • The camp will provide any receipts or documents you need once registration is finalized. Just ask!

Other summer camps with available session dates

Age

0-5
years
6-11
years
12-14
years
15-18
years

Accommodation and Meals

Accommodation

This program operates as a day camp only. Campers arrive for scheduled daily sessions and return home at the end of each day. Overnight accommodations, residential housing, and evening supervision are not part of the program.

Facilities and services

    • Beach and ocean access for water activities
    • Designated land-based activity areas
    • Surfboards and water equipment
    • Paddle craft (SUPs, kayaks, outriggers)
    • Safety gear for ocean activities
    • Shaded rest areas
    • Equipment storage areas
    • Instructional and gathering spaces
    • Natural outdoor learning environments

Activities Program

The Home School Waterman program centers on building strong ocean skills while developing independence, resilience, and environmental responsibility. Campers spend their days rotating between water-based training and land-based learning, adapting to real ocean conditions rather than following a rigid schedule. This flexible approach ensures meaningful experiences every day, whether in the surf or exploring practical skills on land.

Water sessions focus on technique, endurance, and awareness, helping campers become more confident and capable in a variety of ocean environments. When surf conditions are not suitable, the program expands into hands-on workshops that teach survival skills, craftsmanship, and environmental knowledge. The result is a well-rounded experience that blends physical training with life skills and critical thinking.

    • Surfing fundamentals and technique development
    • Ocean awareness and environmental respect
    • All-around waterman lifestyle training
    • Prone paddling for endurance and efficiency
    • Body surfing and wave reading
    • Fin swimming and ocean mobility
    • Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP)
    • Outrigger canoeing
    • Kayaking and canoeing
    • Fishing and fish cleaning
    • Camping skills and outdoor preparedness
    • Fire building and campfire cooking
    • Ancestral food basics and fire-based cooking
    • Paddle making and woodworking
    • Environmental education and ocean safety
    • Survival basics and practical life skills
    • CPR awareness and emergency readiness
    • Everyday skills such as tire changing and equipment transport

Terms and Payments

Price includes

    • Surf gear, including boards, wetsuits, and leashes
    • Zinc and sunscreen provided on-site
    • Snacks during camp hours
    • Shaded areas under camp tents
    • Use of ocean and water-based equipment for program activities
    • Instruction and supervision during all scheduled activities

For an additional charge

    • Meals or full lunches (not stated on the official website)
    • Transportation to and from camp
    • Personal water bottles
    • Personal towels or a change of clothes
    • Optional personal equipment beyond the provided surf gear
    • Medical insurance coverage

What Parents Are Saying

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