A Drop-In Day at Stinson Beach: 5.5 Hours of Surfing Basics and Wave Time for Kids

MILL VALLEY SURF FIELD GUIDE

A Drop-In Day at Stinson Beach: 5.5 Hours of Surfing Basics and Wave Time for Kids

A single-day surf camp for ages 6–17 that teaches Surfing 101, provides wetsuits and beginner soft boards, and focuses on coached time in the water.

A Drop-In Day at Stinson Beach: 5.5 Hours of Surfing Basics and Wave Time for Kids.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Mill Valley
Operator
Stinson Beach Surf Camp
Category
Surf
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

This drop-in day at Stinson Beach is built to teach kids the essentials—Surfing 101 and water-safety fundamentals—before moving into coached time in the surf to practice catching waves. It’s a concentrated, half-day alternative to a full-week program that puts beginners and developing surfers straight into the ocean under instructor supervision.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE PARTICIPANTS

Designed for ages 6–17

This single-day option is tailored specifically for children and teens within the 6–17 age range, offering an accessible entry point to surf instruction without a week-long commitment.

THE TIMING

A focused 5.5-hour session

The camp condenses core instruction and coached water time into a 5.5-hour drop-in day so campers can learn basics and get wave experience in a single outing.

THE FORMAT

Drop-in alternative to a full week

This option exists for families and young surfers who cannot attend the full-week camp but still want professional coaching, beginner boards, and wetsuits for a single-day immersion.

What the day feels like

What a Day Feels Like

The day opens on the sand with Surfing 101—basic stance, paddling, and water-safety skills—then shifts to guided sessions in the water where instructors coach campers as they catch waves on beginner soft boards. The rhythm of the day is a steady alternation between on-shore instruction and supervised ocean time, all aimed at giving kids practical, hands-on experience.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this day camp suits—and who it doesn’t.

1
Young Beginners (Ages 6–10)An ideal introduction to surfing fundamentals and water safety for children within the camp’s 6–17 age window.
2
Older Kids & Teens (Ages 11–17)Well matched for tweens and teens who want focused coaching without committing to a full week of camp.
3
Families Seeking a Single-Day OptionDesigned as a drop-in alternative for families who cannot attend an extended program but still want professional instruction for children in the allowed age range.
4
Not a Fit: Under 6 or Older than 17The program is restricted to ages 6–17, so younger children and adults fall outside the camp’s eligibility.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What's Included

Wetsuits, beginner soft surfboards, and surf coaching are provided as part of the day camp.

What to Bring

Bring typical beach items: towel, sunscreen, water, and lunch or lunch money.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

What ages can attend the Kids Single Day Surf Camp?

The drop-in day is for ages 6–17.

How long is the single-day camp?

The program runs for 5.5 hours.

Are wetsuits and boards provided?

Yes — wetsuits and beginner soft surfboards are included, along with surf coaching.

What should my child bring to camp?

Campers should bring a towel, sunscreen, water, and lunch or lunch money, just as they would for a typical beach day.

What happens if the surf or weather changes?

Weather and surf conditions can change at any time; the schedule may vary slightly due to low tides or cold weather, but staff will remain on the beach and in the water as much as possible.

Is this day camp a substitute for the full-week program?

This single-day option is designed for those who cannot attend the full-week camp and provides a condensed instruction experience in place of a week-long session.