DANA POINT WATER ACTIVITIES FIELD GUIDE
Under the Gulls: Master the Water at Doheny State Park
One-hour, personalized swim lessons — taught year‑round by Cali Surf School at Doheny State Park and in pools — that take students from basic breath and body work to advanced stroke and competition training.
Under the Gulls: Master the Water at Doheny State Park.
Dive in at Doheny State Park and nearby pools with focused, one‑on‑one instruction from expert coaches. Lessons are offered year‑round and tailored to each swimmer — from foundational body position and breath control to advanced stroke mechanics and competitive training — with ocean swim sessions available on request.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Foundations: Body Position & Breath Control
Lessons emphasize the fundamentals: body position, movement and breath control to build a secure, efficient base for every swimmer.
Stroke Work & Endurance
For progressing swimmers there are focused sessions on stroke technique, coordination, timing and building endurance to refine speed and efficiency.
Personalized Coaching & Competition Prep
Coaching and training options support athletes with personal attention, goal setting, competition training and consistency across sessions.
What the day feels like
What a Lesson Feels Like
A typical session begins with assessment and tailored drills, moves into targeted technique or endurance work depending on ability, and finishes with focused feedback from an expert coach — all delivered in a supportive, one‑on‑one format either in pool settings or, on request, in the ocean.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who these lessons suit — and why.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Each lesson lasts 1 hour.
Lessons take place at Doheny State Park (Dana Point) and in private or public pools; ocean swim training is available on request. The operator is Cali Surf School.
Year‑round lessons are tailored to the individual swimmer and cover basics, advanced stroke work and coaching/training for athletes.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is each lesson?
Each lesson is one hour long.
Where are lessons held?
Lessons are offered year‑round at Doheny State Park in Dana Point and in private and public pools; ocean swim training is available on request.
Who provides instruction?
Expert coaches from Cali Surf School provide personalized instruction in a supportive environment.
Are lessons suitable for all ages and levels?
Yes; the program accommodates students of all ages and offers instruction from beginner fundamentals through advanced and competitive training.
What skills are covered?
Instruction covers basics—body position, movement and breath control—advanced stroke technique, coordination, timing and endurance, plus coaching for athletes on goal setting and consistency.
Is ocean swim training available?
Yes; ocean swim training can be requested in addition to pool lessons.