A Unique Surf Camp Experience!
Warm Winds Surf Camp is designed to help young surfers build confidence in the water, develop ocean awareness, and learn how to surf safely in a fun, supportive environment.
Our program combines expert surf instruction with an emphasis on safety, respect for the ocean, and the kind of memorable experience that keeps kids coming back year after year. Campers not only improve their surfing, but also make friendships and memories that can last a lifetime.
At the heart of it all is surfing. Whether it’s a camper’s very first wave or they’re looking to improve their skills, our instructors tailor coaching to each individual’s age, experience level, and comfort in the water.
Surf Camp "Tracks"
This year, registration will be offered in two camp formats: AM Track and PM Track.
While age is a factor, the best track also depends on the kind of camp e`xperience your surfer is looking for. Some campers thrive in our full-day, immersive camp format, while others prefer a shorter, more surf-focused session with peers in a similar age group.
AM Track: Ages 6-15, 9am - 2pm
PM Track: Ages 12-17, 2:30pm - 4:30pm
What Both Tracks Include:
- Experienced surf instructors
- Maximum 5:1 camper-to-instructor ratio
- Lifeguard supervision
- Surf instruction tailored to ability level
- Strong focus on safety, confidence and fun in the ocean
AM Track: The Full Surf Camp Experience
Our AM Track is the complete Warm Winds Surf Camp experience. Campers enjoy two surf sessions, along with beach games, group activities, and educational elements built around daily themes.
This format is ideal for surfers who want the full camp experience: time in the water, time connecting on the beach, and a fun, memorable day that blends skill-building with everything that makes surf camp special. It’s a great fit for both first-timers and returning campers, and for families looking for a longer, more immersive camp day.
PM Track: A Shorter, Surf-Focused Session
Our PM Track is designed for older, or more experienced, campers looking for a shorter, more concentrated surf experience.
This track keeps the focus on water time, in-surf coaching, and progression. With less time dedicated to games and off-beach activities, participants get a format that feels more age-appropriate and surf-driven, while still maintaining the same level of instruction, supervision, and fun.
Our goal is to have instructors surfing alongside participants by day two, allowing for more real-time coaching on positioning, wave selection, timing, and lineup awareness.
The PM Track is a great fit for teens who want to improve their surfing, spend more time focused on progression, and meet other surfers in their age group.
Note: PM track participants will be permitted to escort themselves to and from the lineup to the Surf Truck to reapply sunscreen, get a drink of water or bite of food, or simply take a break. Should the participant need to use the restroom or purchase food from the South Pavilion, they will be accompanied by a Warm Winds staff member.
Choosing the Right Track
In general, AM Track is best for campers looking for a longer, more complete surf camp day, while PM Track is best for older surfers who want a shorter, more focused session centered primarily around surfing.
Because every camper is different, the age ranges do overlap slightly to help accommodate maturity level, siblings, and prior surf experience.
Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions!
During the week of surf camp, we will go over in depth:
Introduction to surfing equipment and maintenance
Creating a safe surfing environment
How to paddle and stand up properly on a board
How to control the surfboard both in and out of the water
How to paddle in and catch waves
Proper surfing etiquette
Positioning in the lineup to catch the most waves
How to select the right wave
How to fall properly and protect oneself in the ocean
How to turn the surfboard
How to surf down the line
Daily Topics + Typical Awesome Day at Camp
On top of surfing fundamentals, we have a group of daily topics that we base much of our activities and beach games around:
Monday: Sun and Surf Safety
Tuesday: Oceanography + Coastal Preservation
Wednesday: Surfboard Science and Design
Thursday: Surf Etiquette + Becoming a Lifelong Surfer
Some activities that our campers love the most:
- Trip to the north end of the beach to visit Narrow River, learning about coastal processes and identifying the species that call RI’s coast their home
- Trip to Warm Winds boardroom to learn about surfboards, the materials used to build them, and how different boards and fins affect the way we ride waves.
- We occasionally take short trips to local shops when surf conditions aren’t ideal. These outings are not typically pre-planned and are left to the discretion of our instructors as they assess conditions before each session.
- Occasional guest speakers from the Surfrider Foundation, Raw Elements, ORCA, and other organizations that protect the coastal environment
- End of the week surf contest
- Plenty of beach games including soccer, beach flags, sand castle contests, relay races, the log run, and more!
- End of the week camp celebration + certificates of radness!
Commitment to the Environment
We believe that kids’ first experiences with the ocean will forever shape their attitudes towards it.
As surfer’s we rely on a healthy ocean environment to do what we love, and we strive for engrain that philosophy into each surf camper that comes through the program.
Throughout the week, we teach them about the do’s and don’ts of the coastal environment. We learn about rip currents, assessing wind and wave conditions, species native to Rhode Island coastal waters, sustainability and more.
We encourage surf campers to bring reusable water bottles, rather than one time use plastic bottles. There is also a trash and recycling receptacle by the surf truck for disposal of lunch waste.
Disclaimer
Warm Winds reserves the right to combine, reschedule, or cancel surf camp sessions due to unsafe weather or ocean conditions, low enrollment, staffing limitations, or other circumstances beyond our control. If a session does not have enough participants to run as scheduled, families may be asked to transfer into another available week. Our goal is always to provide a safe, enjoyable, and high-quality experience for every camper.