WATSONVILLE SURF FIELD GUIDE
Dawn Lines and Campfire Nights: A Week Surfing the Quiet Breaks at Manresa Uplands
A 5-night, 6-day surf-and-camp program run by Club Ed International at Manresa Uplands State Park, pairing daily coached sessions with meals, evening camp life and mementos.
Dawn Lines and Campfire Nights: A Week Surfing the Quiet Breaks at Manresa Uplands.
Adventure brief
Dawn Lines and Campfire Nights: A Week Surfing the Quiet Breaks at Manresa Uplands
Set on the beach at Manresa Uplands State Park, this weeklong surf camp from Club Ed International centers on consistent, uncrowded waves and hands-on coaching from Ed and his team of Master Surfing Instructors. Campers live at the campground for five days, move through two primary surf windows each day, eat together, and fill afternoons and evenings with games, art projects and campfire time.
Join Club Ed International’s Summer Surf Camp for an exhilarating week of surfing and camping at Manresa Uplands State Park in Watsonville, California. This private experience is perfect for anyone eager to ride the waves, learn new skills, and enjoy the great outdoors in a supportive and fun environment. Each day starts with professional surf lessons led by Ed and his skilled instructors, who provide personalized coaching to help surfers of all levels improve. Between surf sessions, participants can relax with beach volleyball, get creative with art projects, and savor delicious, freshly prepared meals at the campsite. Evenings are spent around the campfire sharing stories, roasting marshmallows, and watching the sunset over the Pacific. As a bonus, campers receive professional photos of their surfing progress along with a commemorative t-shirt to remember their adventure. This is more than just a surf camp—it’s a full outdoor experience blending physical activity, natural beauty, and community, all set against the stunning backdrop of California’s central coast. Whether you’re a beginner catching your first wave or an intermediate looking to refine your technique, this camp offers a perfect balance of challenge and relaxation.
Route Schematic
A Week at a Glance
Key stops and routines you can expect from arrival through departure.
Arrival — Manresa Uplands Campground Kiosk
Drop-off is at the Manresa Uplands Campground Kiosk on Sunday at 4:00 p.m.; campers check in and settle into the beachfront campsite.
Morning Surf Sessions
Days typically begin with coached surf sessions around 7–8 a.m., focusing on technique while the waves are most consistent.
Midday Meals and Activities
Lunch and downtime follow morning surf; afternoons feature activities such as volleyball, soccer, ping-pong and art projects alongside rest and equipment care.
Late-afternoon Surf & Campfire Evenings
A second surf window opens in the last hours before sunset, with evenings spent around the campfire sharing food, music and stories.
Departure — Campground Kiosk
Pick up is the following Friday between 10:30 and 11:00 a.m. at the Campground Kiosk.
The schedule includes early-morning sessions and frequent active beach time—plan for physical days in and out of the water and for fluctuating ocean conditions that structure session timing.
Highlights
Camp Highlights
Consistent, out-of-the-way breaks
Manresa Uplands offers dependable surf that keeps campers away from the larger summer crowds, with the program built around morning sessions when the waves are at their best and a second window late in the day.
Coach-led sessions with gear provided
Instruction is led by Ed and his staff of Master Surfing Instructors; the camp supplies surfboards and wetsuits and offers private instruction, along with professional surf photos and a commemorative t-shirt.
Meals, games and evening gatherings
Days are framed by three catered meals plus snacks and spring water; afternoons include activities like volleyball, ping-pong, art projects and Indo board practice, and evenings are spent relaxing around the campfire.
What the day feels like
What the Week Feels Like
Expect early mornings—typically launching into the water around 7–8 a.m.—followed by instructional surf sessions that run until midday, with a late-afternoon/evening window as the day cools. Between sessions the rhythm is casual: shared meals, equipment tuning, games and art projects on the sand, and evenings gathered around the campfire. The program combines concentrated coaching, consistent waves and a communal campsite atmosphere.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this camp suits — and what the provided information does and does not state about limits.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The program runs 5 nights and 6 days with drop-off at Manresa Uplands Campground Kiosk at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday and pick-up the following Friday between 10:30 and 11:00 a.m.
Surfboards and wetsuits are provided; campers may bring their own wetsuits or boards if preferred. Pack layered clothing for cool mornings and evenings, sunscreen and any personal items you need at camp.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided; the kitchen can accommodate allergies and special diets. Fresh fruit, snacks and spring water are available throughout the day.
The program includes surfboard, wetsuit, private instruction, and all meals; campers also receive professional surf photos and a special edition t-shirt.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the surf camp?
The camp is 5 nights and 6 days, running from Sunday afternoon through Friday morning.
Where and when is drop-off and pick-up?
Drop-off is at 4:00 p.m. Sunday at the Manresa Uplands Campground Kiosk; pick-up is the following Friday between 10:30 and 11:00 a.m. at the same kiosk.
What instruction and equipment are provided?
Instruction is provided by Ed and his staff of Master Surfing Instructors; the camp supplies surfboards and wetsuits and offers private instruction.
Are meals included and can dietary needs be accommodated?
Yes — breakfast, lunch and dinner are included and the camp can accommodate allergies and special diets; snacks and spring water are available throughout the day.
What other activities are offered besides surfing?
Other camp activities include ping-pong, Indo board, volleyball, soccer, clay hand-building and other art projects; evenings feature campfire time with music and stories.
Will I receive photos or a memento from the week?
Yes — surf campers receive professional photos of themselves surfing and a special edition "Shred with Club Ed" t-shirt.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-10T12:54:15.643Z
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Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.