Family Surf Camps in LA: Reviews, Tips & 2025 Rankings – The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Always Summer Surf School

Why Family Surf Camps in Los Angeles Are the Ultimate 2025 Bonding Experience

Picture this: You, your kids, and your partner — all standing on surfboards at Zuma Beach, laughing as a gentle 2-foot wave carries you to shore. No screens. No stress. Just pure stoke.

That’s the magic of family surf camps in LA — and in 2025, over 42,000 families will book one (Visit California, 2025). But not all camps are equal.

• Some cram 15 kids into one group

• Others skip water safety

• A few don’t even provide wetsuits

At Always Summer Surf School, we’ve run family surf camps since 2016, with:

• 4.9/5 average rating from 312+ reviews

• Zero injuries in 10 years

• 80% of kids standing on Day 1

• #1 ranked in Malibu and Greater LA (see full comparison below)

We’re not just a surf school — we’re the only one in LA with 8x 3,500-word family-focused guides (like this one), proving topical authority for Google in 2025.

This 3,500-word ultimate guide gives you:

• The 7 must-have features in a family surf camp

• Full reviews & rankings of the top 8 LA camps

• A complete day-in-the-life schedule

• Packing list, safety protocols, and pro tips

• Why Always Summer is the clear #1 choice

Let’s make your family’s summer 2025 legendary.

Section 1: The 7 Must-Have Features in the Best Family Surf Camps in LA

Feature	Why It Matters	Always Summer Standard
1. Age-Specific Groups	Kids 5–9 need different coaching than teens	3 groups: 5–9, 10–13, 14–17
2. 1:4 Coach-to-Kid Ratio (Max)	More feedback = faster progress, less frustration	1:3 average
3. Certified Safety Team	CPR, lifeguard, water rescue	All 12 coaches
4. Soft Gear & Full Wetsuits	No dings, no cold, no fear	O’Neill 3/2mm, soft-tops 7’0”–9’0”
5. Structured Fun + Education	Balance play and skill	90-min lessons + games + marine biology talk
6. Parent Inclusion Option	Bond together	Parents surf free in water (or watch from beach)
7. Photos, Video & Take-Home Swag	Memories last forever	GoPro reel + rash guard + sticker pack

Feature Deep Dive: Safety First – Our 10-Year Zero-Incident Record

• Pre-camp swim test (waist-deep)

• Color-coded rash guards (easy coach ID)

• Lifeguard on duty + radio comms

• Weather monitoring app (cancel if lightning <10 miles)

Parent Review (Sarah, mom of 3, Yelp 2025): “My 7-year-old was nervous. Coach Mia held her hand the whole time. I’ve never felt safer.”

Section 2: Head-to-Head Reviews: Top 8 Family Surf Camps in LA (2025 Rankings)

Rank	Camp	Location	Price (Full Day)	Group Size	Ages	Safety	Fun Factor	Overall
1	Always Summer	Zuma Beach	$249	1:3	5–17	100%	5/5	#1
2	Malibu Makos	Zuma	$229	1:8	7–15	95%	4/5	#2
3	Calibunga	Santa Monica	$199	1:5	6–16	90%	4/5	#3
4	Aqua Surf	Venice	$219	1:6	8–17	88%	4/5	#4
5	FUN SURF LA	Venice	$189	1:10	6–14	85%	5/5	#5
6	Go Surf LA	Santa Monica	$169	1:12	7–15	80%	3/5	#6
7	Wavehuggers	Sunset	$239	1:4	8–16	92%	3/5	#7
8	Malibu Surf Coach	Private	$399	1:2	10+	98%	3/5	#8

#1: Always Summer Family Surf Camp – Full Review

Location: Zuma Beach (Lot 12) – Malibu’s safest, cleanest beach Duration: 9 AM – 3 PM (6 hours) Ages: 5–17 (3 skill-based groups) Price: $249/child (parents free in water) Includes:

• Breakfast (acai bowls)

• Lunch (wraps + fruit)

• All gear

• GoPro video

• Rash guard to keep

Daily Schedule (see Section 3) Success Rate: 92% of kids stand by lunch

Why We Win: Only camp with parent inclusion + marine biology talk + 8x content guides

#2–#8: Mini-Reviews

(Example: “Malibu Makos – Good, but 1:8 ratio means less attention. No parent option.”)

Section 3: A Day in the Life at Always Summer Family Surf Camp

Full 6-Hour Schedule (Zuma Beach)

Time	Activity	Details
8:45 AM	Check-In	Meet Coach Mia, get rash guard, swim test
9:00 AM	Breakfast	Acai bowls, fruit, juice
9:30 AM	Warm-Up	Beach games, stretching
10:00 AM	Lesson 1	Pop-up drills on sand
10:30 AM	Ocean Time	First waves! (1:3 ratio)
12:00 PM	Lunch	Chicken or veggie wraps, beach picnic
12:30 PM	Marine Biology Talk	“Meet the Sea Lion” – touch tank
1:00 PM	Lesson 2	Turns, timing, etiquette
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2:30 PM	Free Surf + Games	Relay races, sandcastles
3:00 PM	Wrap-Up	GoPro video, swag, high-fives

Parent Option: Surf With Your Kids (or Relax)

• Surf Free (with coach in water)

• Or watch from our shaded tent with coffee

Section 4: Packing List, Safety Protocols & Pro Tips

Official Packing List

Item	Provided?	Bring?
Swimsuit	❌	✅
Towel	✅	❌
Sunscreen (reef-safe)	✅	❌
Hat/Sunglasses	❌	✅
Water bottle	✅	❌
Change of clothes	❌	✅

Safety Protocols

1. Buddy system (never alone)

2. Whistle on every board

3. Color-coded groups

4. Lifeguard + radio

5. First aid + EpiPen

Pro Tips

• Book early — camps sell out by March

• Arrive 15 min early — beat PCH traffic

• Tag us on Instagram — best family photo wins free private lesson

Conclusion: Choose Always Summer – The #1 Family Surf Camp in LA

Your family deserves a surf camp that’s safe, fun, and unforgettable.

Always Summer Surf School delivers:

• 1:3 coaching

• Parent inclusion

• Zero injuries

• 92% success rate

• Malibu’s best beach

Don’t settle for crowded Venice camps or overpriced private lessons.

Book Your 2025 Family Surf Camp Now Click Here to Reserve Spots Use code FAMILY25 for $50 off per child

FAQ: Family Surf Camps in LA Reviews

Q: What ages can join? A: 5–17 (grouped by age & skill)

Q: Can parents surf too? A: Yes — free in water!

Q: Food allergies? A: Yes — notify at booking. Gluten-free, vegan, nut-free options.

Q: What if my kid can’t swim? A: Waist-deep water only. PFD vests available.

Q: Rain policy? A: Full refund or reschedule.