frequently asked questions

frequently asked questions - Blog Archives

January 23rd, 2009

Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is it to learn to Surf?

Over nearly a decade of teaching kids and adults of all ages, shapes, and sizes how to surf, we’ve learned something about surfing: anyone can learn to surf! Usually we have most kids standing up and riding waves by the end of their first day, and by the end of the week everyone is riding waves on their own!

Just like any sport, surfing takes practice! Unlike many other sports though, surfing is something that an individual can carry with them throughout their entire life. In surfing, everyone is always learning. The ocean is a constantly changing phenomenon which means surfers are always adapting to ever-changing conditions.

Do people really surf in Maine?!

Yes! Can you believe it? Maine has a large and dynamic surf community composed of dedicated surfers who surf not just in the summer, but throughout the fall and winter seasons.

Scarborough Beach, located on scenic Prouts Neck in Scarborough, Maine is a perfect place to learn to surf in the summer. Despite the fact that on TV and in the movies surfing is all about big waves and crazy tricks, the reality is that learning to surf is much easier in the friendly environment that Scarborough Beach provides.

In an average week we have a great variety of waves to help our campers learn in all conditions. Smaller waves to learn the basics of paddling and the “pop-up,” and as the week goes on our campers get the opportunity to practice their new surf skills in bigger waves.

The other great thing about learning to surf in Maine is the weather… A Maine beach really is the best place to spend time in the summer! Even though we encourage our campers to use wetsuits, they usually love the chance to take them off and head into the warm water in just their board shorts. With miles of soft sandy beach, there is lots of room for the whole camp to spread out and catch waves!

I’ve taken a lesson before or have prior surf experience… what will I learn at Surf Camp?

Surfing is a sport that many people carry with them until the day they die. There is always more to learn! Our staff of surf instructors are some of the most experienced and talented surfers in the region. With expertise from exotic surf destinations all over the world, we can provide advanced surf instruction, including working on maneuvers such as airs, cutbacks, nose rides, and snaps, to surfers of all experience levels.

It is also not uncommon for us to get some pretty great surf during a typical week! We’re often in the water with surfers getting the rides of their life in clean and beautiful surf conditions.

What should I bring to Surf Camp?

You should plan to bring the following every day to camp:

  • Beach towel
  • Warm sweatshirt
  • Sunscreen
  • Good Lunch!
  • Sandals
  • Sunglasses
  • Backpack/bag
  • Long pants & Socks for rainy days

You may also bring a rash guard or your own wetsuit (if you have either), an extra t-shirt/shorts, or other beach toys/games/equipment that you might want to use. You may bring your own surfboard, but generally if it does not have soft fins (such as the rubber Pro-Teck fins we use) we won’t let you use it with camp. Some campers also like to bring their Skim Boards!

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