Family Surf Camp – Wrightsville Beach, NC

We are happy to customize your vacation in order to best suit your desires.

DAY 1:

The warm, emerald green waters of Wrightsville Beach are beckoning. We have been preparing for your arrival all year, and we promise this will be a vacation to remember! Your beachside resort awaits you along with the stoked and smiling faces of your professional surf instructors. You’ll have plenty of time to unpack and get settled into your suite at Shell Island before we meet on the beach, toes in sand, for introductions and orientation. After taking a dip in Wrightsville’s warm waters, we’ll freshen up and then escort you to a delicious dinner. You already feel at home in this cozy coastal town, and the excitement you feel for the week to come makes it a little tough to fall asleep. When you finally do drift off, you’ll be dreaming of all the waves you’ll be surfing tomorrow!

DAY 2:

Nothing beats a Carolina sunrise, especially if you’re staying right on the water… which you are! Your instructors will be picking you up early this morning so that we can take advantage of the calm glassy conditions that the mornings bring. Our first surf session will take place on Topsail Island. One of our favorite aspects of this beach is that it’s a bit out of the way. So as you enjoy the scenic 45 min drive, you will further enjoy the fact that we are practically the only ones here during the day. We’ll start off with Ground School, during which your Lifeguard Certified instructors will discuss ocean safety, marine life, and the basics of learning how to surf. We’ll make sure you’re well-prepared before we even enter the water. Now the time has come to start catching waves, which we’ll be doing for the rest of the day! With a maximum 3:1 client to instructor ratio, you’ll receive personalized instruction to help minimize your learning curve and increase your comfort level in the water.

After a solid surf session, you’ll enjoy the best lunch break ever while sitting under the shade of our tent and watching the waves roll in from an emerald green sea. After lunch, we’ll head back out for more water time. You’ll notice your muscles are beginning to feel well-used and back at the hotel you’ll have plenty of time to relax before our team picks you up to head out to one of the area’s best “south of the border” hot spots for dinner.

DAY 3:

Don’t miss the boat this morning! Wrightsville Water Taxi will be awaiting your arrival in the causeway with Captain Joe at the helm. Our Captain will deliver us to the uninhabited island of Masonboro, where we’ll spend the day on our boards, enjoying this quiet slice of paradise. A publicly protected conservation area “Mase” remains intact and unchanged as a natural pristine barrier island. After your relaxing boat ride past the salt marshes and across the inlet, we will pull up on the sound side and set up camp. Once loosened up, we’ll practice pop ups on the beach and then hit the water for several surf sessions, with lunch in between. Riding along the Intracoastal Waterway back to the docks, you’ll be enchanted by the amount of birds, fish, and beauty that naturally exist here.

DAY 4:

After the surfing you’ve been doing over the past several days, your body is feeling stronger and more alive. Surfing utilizes and develops muscles that are often rarely used, so some soreness is perfectly normal. Each day we’ve been discussing a different surfing topic from etiquette and board design to surfboard care and surf “lingo.” It is important to know what type of board is best suited to your level, and we’ll visit Surf City Surf Shop, a Wrightsville Beach landmark since 1978, where you’ll get a firsthand view of the history of surfboards.

Today, we’ll be learning to Stand Up Paddle through the flat water estuaries that exist behind Wrightsville Beach. SUP boarding, as it’s called, provides an amazing low impact, core workout on oversized surfboards that will feel as stable as a boat after riding a standard surfboard. Honing your balance and strength while enjoying a tranquil stroll down the waterway and salt marsh will elevate your spirits. Our dinner destination this evening will be a lovely tapas restaurant in the heart of downtown Wilmington, just a block from the riverfront. Historic downtown Wilmington is a bustling city center with many shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences along the Cape Fear River.

DAY 5:

It’s back to the private beaches of Topsail this morning for another full day of surfing. You can’t believe your week at WB Surf Camp is almost over, and you’re already mapping out where and when your next surf adventure will be! You’ll be coached by your instructors as you begin paddling into your own waves today, getting longer rides and maybe even riding down the line. And you’re continuing to have the time of your life!

After lunch and an afternoon surf, you’ll be treated to something very special. We’ll receive a guided tour of the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hospital in Surf City and meet founder Jean Beasley, as well as some of their magical patients. Each turtle has a story, and you’ll find it difficult to not be affected by the plight of these amazing creatures. We’ll make our way back down the coast where tonight’s dining venue will feature an exquisite fusion of Thai & Vietnamese cooking voted the past 8 years as having the best dining atmosphere in Wilmington. Get dressed up and practice your chopstick skills because tonight is going to awesome!

DAY 6:

It’s your final day of Surf Camp, but it’s not complete without one more surf session out in front of the resort. After a solid final session in the water, we’ll go out for lunch and share our stories, laughs, and memories of the week. Goodbyes will be said, and those clients who are flying out of ILM will be chauffeured to the airport by our staff.

Shell Island Resort

Nestled on the northern tip of Wrightsville Beach, Shell Island Resort is surrounded by a sprawling expanse of sand and unparalleled views of the Atlantic Ocean, Mason’s Inlet, and Figure Eight Island. This family-friendly resort and hotel boasts a front row seat to the beckoning sea and a beach that seems to stretch endlessly, making it feel like it’s yours alone.

Enhanced by a recent $10 million renovation, Shell Island Resort is better than ever with every suite being oceanfront. Each full-service suite sleeps from four to six people and includes one bedroom, one and a half baths and a great room that includes the living area with full size sleeper sofa, dining area and a kitchenette. Every suite is individually owned and distinctively decorated, providing all the amenities you expect. Open the door to your own private balcony to let the sea breeze in and bring the beach just a bit closer.

Features include a refrigerator, microwave, stovetop, coffee maker and blender, color cable on LCD Flat Screen HDTV’s, High-speed Internet access via complimentary wi-fi network, Blu Ray DVD Player in the Living Room, Bath and Body Works amenities in bathrooms, a 100% Smoke Free facility, newly remodeled indoor and outdoor pools, a new oceanfront restaurant and bar complete with outdoor seating, business center with complimentary Internet access, gift and sundries shop, hot tub, fitness room, laundry facilities, beach chair and bicycle rentals, sand volleyball court, and plenty of parking, available under a covered parking deck.

With the sand and surf just steps away, their new restaurant and bar, the North End Bistro, will soon become your favorite place to lounge in the morning. They feature American cuisine with local flair and flavor. The Bistro is open daily for breakfast each morning before your instructors pick you up for a day of surf at our beach of the day.

To keep things fresh we’ll be picking you up from the Shell Island Resort each morning to go to various surf locations around our area. We’ll share the uncrowded beaches of Topsail Island and the completely empty beaches of Masonboro Island. We’ll spend at least one day surfing right out front on the well groomed sandbars of the north end of Wrightsville beach as well.

Katie, Wilmington, NC – “I LOVE WB Surf Camp! I have been surfing off and on for a few years but never took a lesson. Now, I wished I had taken a lesson at the beginning. In just 5 days, I feel so much more comfortable in the ocean and I learned soooo much! The ratio of 1 instructor to 3 students was awesome, as we all got lots of attention in the water. I always felt safe and comfortable in the ocean. The instructors were all super positive and motivating and I was smiling and laughing throughout the whole day. I never felt rushed or stressed. The schedule was all very flexible depending on the waves and the weather. I recommend this to anyone, from beginners to experienced surfers. You will not only improve your surfing, but you will also make great new friends to share some incredible moments with. Om Shanti.”

Chrissy, Columbia, MO – “WB Surf Camp was absolutely amazing, I really wouldn’t change anything except I wish we were there longer!”

Alyssa, Fredericksburg, VA – “Wow, your camp is amazing, one of the best weeks of my life! You have really put together a masterpiece. Your camp contains every element of summer, flexibility, sun, surf, great friends, relaxed atmosphere, and exciting activities all rolled into one great week.”

Elise, Raleigh, NC – “Thank you all for a fabulous time!! it was just what this mom needed – early morning yoga on the beach & the fantastic surf lessons. I have the bug and hope to see you all again soon in the line up. With much thanks, gratitude & appreciation! WB Surf Camp, you guys rock – one stoked mom!”

Karen, New York, NY – “Our instructors were friendly and knowledgeable and very positive. They stressed safety and made us feel at ease with marine life and rip tides. Our family had a great experience and surfing was one of the highlights of our vacation to Topsail Island.”

Kristi, Chesterfield, SC – “The waves were perfect and the instruction was educational. Not only did we have an awesome time surfing and enjoying the waves, but we learned some valuable things about the ocean and furthering our participation in the surfing community.”

Nicole, Charlotte, NC – “Their instructor couldn’t have been better! My boys wanted to keep him. Excellent instruction, patient, and fun. I can’t thank Josh enough for making my boys’ vacation. They were just thrilled! The instruction was age appropriate and tons of fun, Thank you Surf Camp and especially Josh!!! We will be back.”

If I have never surfed before, is this Camp for me?

• About 90% of our participants have never surfed before, let alone held a surfboard. Our program’s dynamic curriculum is tailored to beginners. The only prerequisites are to be ready to have the time of your life and be able to swim.

Where will I be surfing?

• We will enjoy the serene, relaxed beaches of Wrightsville Beach and Topsail Island.

What kind of non-surfing activities do you offer?

• Tour of the Sea Turtle Hospital
• Day trip to the secluded island of Masonboro
• Yoga on the beach
• Guided interactive tour of the North Carolina Aquarium
• Tour of the brand new 10,000 square foot Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hospital
• Salt Marsh exploration: fishing, seine netting, crabbing, clamming and species ID
• Interactive, daily seminars about topics such as wave dynamics, swell prediction, and environmental awareness
• Community service
• Volleyball and other beach games

Will there be pictures of me surfing that I can purchase?

• We will have a photographer taking high quality, high resolution photos throughout the week. You have the option of purchasing a photo DVD with all photos from your week. Please refer to your registration materials for details about this option.

What is the nearest airport and do you have a shuttle service? 

• The Wilmington International Airport (ILM) is only 15 minutes away, and Surf Camp provides shuttle service to and from the hotel.  Our office stays attuned to any delays or cancellations to make sure everything runs as smoothly as possible.  Check in for our overnight surf camps is around 3:00 pm on the first day and check out is around 3:00 pm on the last day, ensuring maximum surf time.

Should we tip our instructors? 

• Our staff works extremely hard, even before your arrival, until you’re safely on your way home, and even after you’re gone as a professional team.  We will be your guides, instructors, entertainers and chauffeurs, providing services for which you would normally tip at home. If at the end of the week you are pleased with the performance of our team, a gratuity is always graciously appreciated.

Do you have insurance?

• We carry a comprehensive insurance package, including general liability.