Progress Your Waves: Surf and Skim Board Camp on St. Simons Island

Surf · St. Simons Island

Surf and Skim Board Camp

Learn to surf and skim on St. Simons Island with Kavpar’s progression-focused small-group camps. Expert coaches, tide-smart sessions at Goulds Inlet, and family-friendly instruction make this a practical way to level up on the water.

View experience
Duration3 Hours (approx).
LocationSt. Simons Island, Georgia
OperatorKavpar Customs

Adventure brief

Surf and Skim Board Camp

Learn to surf and skim on St. Simons Island with Kavpar’s progression-focused small-group camps. Expert coaches, tide-smart sessions at Goulds Inlet, and family-friendly instruction make this a practical way to level up on the water.

On the eastern shore of Glynn County, St. Simons Island is where Kavpar’s Surf and Skim Board Camp runs along the Atlantic beach, offering focused coaching and small-group progression for riders of all ages. The program meets at 113 Skylane Ct Suite 100, St.

Simons Island, GA 31522 and stages sessions from the parking lot at Goulds Inlet to take advantage of the island’s broad tidal flats and gentle beach breaks. Whether you’re stepping onto a soft-top for the first time or shaping a cleaner bottom turn, the camp builds skills in a safety-first, upbeat beach environment. A typical three-hour session balances dry-land drills, in-water practice, and personal feedback.

Coaches break complex moves into approachable steps: stance and pop for skim, paddling and wave timing for surf, then link those elements into longer rides. Instructors emphasize hands-on spotting and repeatable progressions, so beginners feel secure and intermediate riders can push into new maneuvers without guessing when to try them. Campers ages 8 to 14 are explicitly welcomed; adults and older teens can usually be accommodated depending on scheduling.

What makes this camp stand out is local specificity. St. Simons’ beaches feature wide, fine-sand flats that form predictable peel lines on an outgoing tide—ideal for skimboarding and forgiving for new surfers.

The nearby salt marsh and shallow inlet create gentle currents, and regular visits from bottlenose dolphins and flocks of willets give sessions an unmistakable coastal character. The island’s history is visible nearby at Fort Frederica National Monument (established 1736), a reminder that this coastline blended recreation with strategic importance centuries ago. Practical notes: bring sun protection, water, a towel, and a small snack.

The organizer asks campers to arrive at the Goulds Inlet parking lot to ease congestion; contact Cristi with any questions. Beginners should expect a patient, detail-oriented coaching style and plenty of repeated attempts; intermediate riders can request video review or focused skill blocks. This camp is community-minded—small groups, local coaches, and an emphasis on safe progression make it a great option for families and solo travelers looking to add skill development to a beach trip.

If your itinerary includes St. Simons Island, carve out a morning for focused coaching here: the setting’s low-angle light, broad sand, and shallow waves create a practical classroom where confidence grows every lap down the line. Book early for summer weeks and sign waivers in advance when possible; classes often fill because of limited coach-to-student ratios.

Expect to work through incoming and outgoing tide windows—coaches schedule sessions around lower incoming swells for skim-friendly flats and gentler beginner surf. Lightweight wetsuits or spring suits are recommended in cooler months; otherwise rashguards and reef-safe sunscreen are essential for full days on the sand. Always.

Adventure tips

Plan your experience.

Curated tips for an optimal adventure.

  1. 01
    Arrive at Goulds Inlet parking

    Meeting in the parking lot at Goulds Inlet reduces congestion and gets you on the sand quickly for warm-ups.

    essential
  2. 02
    Bring reef-safe sunscreen

    Long sessions on shallow flats mean high sun exposure—apply reef-safe SPF and reapply after water time.

    important
  3. 03
    Watch the tide clock

    Coaches schedule around outgoing tides for skim-friendly flats and gentler surf; ask about ideal arrival windows.

    info
  4. 04
    Pack a small snack and water

    Three-hour sessions are active—staying hydrated and fueled keeps focus and performance high on the beach.

    essential
DifficultyModerate
Duration3 Hours (approx).
FitnessModerate; participants should be comfortable in the water, able to swim short distances, and stand repeatedly on shifting sand.
Technical skillsBasic swimming, pop-up/stance fundamentals, wave timing or 'None' if a beginner

Recommended gear

What to bring.

01

Soft-top surfboard or skimboard

Campers often use loaner boards, but bringing a familiar board speeds progression.

Essential
02

Rashguard or spring suit

Protects skin from sun and board chafing during long practice sessions.

summerEssential
03

Reef-safe sunscreen

Reduces skin damage and protects the local marine environment.

Essential
04

Water bottle and small snack

Maintains energy for repeated runs and keeps you hydrated between drills.

Essential

Local insights

Context for the journey.

Hidden gems

Nearby secrets

Early morning walk along Goulds Inlet jetty for tide-pool finds, Short bike ride to the south end for quieter beach runs and local oyster bars

Wildlife

Local fauna

Bottlenose dolphins, Willets and other shorebirds

History

Historic heritage

Fort Frederica National Monument (established 1736) sits nearby and marks the island’s colonial-era strategic role on the Georgia coast.

Conservation

Mindful exploration

Use reef-safe sunscreen, pack out all trash, and follow coaches’ guidance to avoid trampling salt marsh vegetation and disturb wildlife minimally.

Photography tips

Capture the moments

Viewpoints
Low-angle shots on the skim flats to capture riders and peel lines, Up-close beach-level frames near the inlet to include marsh and dolphins
Subjects
Action shots of skim or surf maneuvers, Shallow tidal flats and marsh backdrops, Coaches and group interactions
Best times
Golden hour, Early morning, Late afternoon

Frequently asked questions

Before you go.

What age range does the camp accept?

Campers ages 8 to 14 are explicitly taught in the program; older teens and adults can often join depending on scheduling.

Where do we meet for the session?

The group meets at 113 Skylane Ct Suite 100, St. Simons Island, GA 31522 and typically moves to the parking lot at Goulds Inlet for beach access.

Do I need my own board?

Loaner boards are commonly available, but bringing your own soft-top surfboard or skimboard helps coaches tailor feedback to your equipment.

What should I wear for a three-hour session?

Wear a rashguard or spring suit in warm months; lightweight wetsuits are recommended in cooler weather, plus reef-safe sunscreen.

Is prior swimming experience required?

Basic swimming comfort is recommended—coaches focus on safe progression and keep sessions in shallow, manageable water for learners.

How far in advance should I book?

Book early for summer weeks; sessions are limited by coach-to-student ratios and often fill during peak season.

Kavpar Customs

Progress Your Waves: Surf and Skim Board Camp on St. Simons Island