SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SURF CAMP SPONSORS
OUR HOSTS
Texas Parks & Wildlife Department--GALVESTON ISLAND STATE PARK
OUR AFFILIATES and FAVORITE LINKS
Malibu Makos Surf Club, Malibu, California
Port Aransas Chamber of Commerce
Texas Gulf Surfing Association
Port Aransas Parks & Recreation Department
The Expedition School, Austin, Texas
SurfScience.com Click on this link to learn about surfboard design and how to surf better. After your experience at Texas Surf Camps, visit them and continue to learn more about surfing.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS--
What to look for in a surf camp?
There are many concerns that parents have in sending their children into the ocean in a surf camp format--safety, experience, qualifications, certifications, is it fun for the kids? Older participants have similar concerns, including whether they will be able to learn in a patient, friendly, no pressure environment. There are many out there who will offer to teach you to surf--what should you look for and demand in a surf camp? Here are our suggestions based on our 7 years of actual experience on the beach with surf camps in this area.
--Who is the director and how many years of actual experience in running a surf camp in this area does he or she have? This is the person in charge of selecting and training instructors, ensuring compliance with safety measures, securing a safe and appropriate location, understanding local conditions, assembling a competent staff to handle business matters, and organizing the camp to be safe, informative and fun.
How does Texas Surf Camps comply?
Our Director (and founder of Texas Surf Camps) is Morgan Faulkner, a Quiksilver pro surfer who grew up surfing the waves of Port Aransas and Corpus Christi. He is one of the best known surfers in Texas, a National and State Champion surfer, a master of the longboard, shortboard and paddle board, a certified lifeguard, and a friendly guy who knows the waters of this area as well as anyone and knows how to have fun learning to surf--and he can tell a few stories and sign a Quiksiler poster involving his continuing adventures in world class surf.
--With regard to staff and instructors--what actual experience in operating a surf camp (not just individual lessons) does he or she have? What qualifications and certifications are required and readily available for inspection?
How does Texas Surf Camps comply?
We have assembled a group of surfing instructors, many of whom are Champion competitive surfers, all certified in CPR and First Aid and all senior instructors certified lifeguards as well, most of whom have surfed with our Director in the waves of this area for many years. In our seven years of surf camp experience, we have learned that in addition to the requisite certifications and qualification as a competent surfer and swimmer, there a few things that stand out in our eyes as well as the in the eyes of our surf camp parents and participants--
Repeat instructors--Several of ours have been with us since day 1 and most for several years--our many repeat surfers look forward to continuing the surfing relationship formed with them. There is nothing like experience in dealing with the issues that may confront us. Our instructors are experienced in predicting and handling local conditions such as foul weather and the ocean environment, as well as any first aid issues that may arise. We are proud to say that we have several campers who have been with us for many years at surf camp and are now old enough to train with us as junior instructors.
Our instructors are chosen for their ability to relate to and have fun with the surf camp participants in an appropriate and memorable manner. Our rate of return surfers is substantial. We have had several people who have tried other surfing experiences for convenience and have ended up coming back to us because they report that the kids or instructors just seemed bored. That is not likely to happen at Texas Surf Camps. We pride ourselves on having fun with surf camp participants and getting to know and appreciate them as individuals.
--Is the location of the surf camp appropriate and easy to access?
How does Texas Surf Camps comply?
We have the support of the Nueces County Park Board in supplying an exclusive area for our surf camps in both Port Aransas and at Bob Hall Pier in Corpus Christi, both including free parking and easy access to pier concessions with food, drinks and other amenities. The pier buildings provide a safe haven for us in the event of thunderstorms or other foul weather, which can be critical in the event of a summer rain squall.
In Galveston, we partner with Texas Parks and Wildlife at Galveston Island State Park and have found them to be very accommodating of our surf camps. The park office also provides a safe haven for us in the event of foul weather.
Bottom line--check out the credentials and years of experience with any surfing instructor or surf camp provider--know what you are getting. Then come see us!
How do I get there?'''
In Port Aransas, surf camp is held in the Nueces County IB Magee Beach Park near the Horace Caldwell Pier, the only long pier going out from the beach into the Gulf of Mexico in Port Aransas. The pier is located inside the city limits of Port Aransas at the end of Beach Street. Beach Street connects with Alister Street (main street where IGA grocery is located), with Castaways Restaurant on the corner. The pier can also be reached by driving down the beach. It is very prominent and can be seen from a long distance away on the beach. There is free parking in front of the surf camp, without any permit required. In prior years, we have set up camp on the north side of the pier. This year we have found less seaweed on the south side of the pier--so look for us on both sides--either way we will be within the Nueces County Park and near the pier. Camping and RV sites are located within the park. Call the park office at 361-749-6117 for further information.
In Corpus Christi, surf camp is held in the Nueces County Padre Balli Park, near Bob Hall Pier. It is located on Park Road 22, which is the continuation of South Padre Island Drive. There is free parking without the requirement of a permit inside the bollards at our surf camp site.
In Galveston, surf camp is held at Galveston Island State Park, operated by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The Park is located within the City of Galveston on the west end of the island, near Jamaica Beach. From the seawall in Galveston, head west on Seawall Boulevard about 10 miles and look for the park entrance on your left. From Interstate 45, exit right onto 61st Street, travel south on 61st Street to the intersection with Seawall Boulevard, and then right on Seawall (FM 3005) about 10 miles to the park entrance on the left. In prior years the park allowed parents to drop off and pick up campers without payment of any fee--for parents staying for camp, a modest parking fee was charged. Our tents should be visible from the beach behind the park office. Camping and RV sites are available. Call the park office for further information at 409-737-1222.
Where to stay?
In Port Aransas, there are two places within easy walking distance to our location.
The Dunes Condominiums are located directly across from our location and cooperates with Texas Surf Camps to offer a great discount program for those attending a full week of surf camp--15% off lodging for at least 4 nights and 10% off of a week of surf camp. See www.thedunescondos.com or call 361-749-5155.
Seabreeze Suites is located on Beach Street a short distance away. See www.seabreezeporta.com or phone 361-749-1500. The suites each inclue a full kitchen.
There are many other places to stay in Port Aransas, including motels, cottages and beach houses. See the Chamber of Commerce website, www.portaransas.org, for information regarding accomodations throughout Port A. Our location is just a short drive from anywhere in Port Aransas.
In Galveston, there are many places to stay. See the Chamber of Commerce website at www.galvestonchamber.com. There are also many vacation rentals (many on canals) available in the small town of Jamaica Beach, which is very near our location.
Port Aransas and Galveston are both resort communities with many restaurants, shops and activities. Parents are welcome to stay at camp and enjoy a day on the beach (parents can order lunch to be delivered to camp along with the kids' lunches, if desired), or to drop the kids off and do a little fishing, shopping or relaxing while we teach the kids to surf. Make surf camp part of a great family vacation!
