About
Erik Nelsen Surf Camps & Ocean Adventure Programs offers surfing, standup paddle boarding, kayaking, bodyboarding, oceanography, and beach sports. Campers take part in All-Girls Surf Camps, Co-Ed Surf Camps, the Ocean Adventure Program, and 15th Street Beach & Bay Sports, depending on the session they attend.
• Ages: 5–17 years old
• Schedule: One-week camp sessions offered in summer, including All-Girls and Co-Ed Surf Camps, the Ocean Adventure Program, and 15th Street Beach & Bay Sports
Since 1977 and 1986, Ocean Adventure Programs and Erik Nelsen Surf Camps have run as safe, structured, and educational experiences rooted in integrity and fun, and Erik Nelsen Surf Camps has taught over 10,000 students how to surf safely and with confidence. The leadership team includes Founder/Owner/Operator Erik Nelsen for Erik Nelsen Surf Camps, Jeff Nelsen as Founder and Operator of the Ocean Adventure Program, Dan Stafford as Director of 15th Street Beach Sports, and Cami Guild as Managing Director for the All-Girls Program and Super Camp. The Ocean Adventure Program is described as a summer ocean science day camp for children 5 through 10 years of age, where campers are introduced to ocean safety, marine biology, and environmental respect. The program states, “We educate and instruct children to enjoy the beach and ocean responsibly,” and notes a philosophy to engage, nurture, and challenge students to discover, explore, think, and question while mutually respecting each other. Staff are described as professional, First Aid and CPR certified, with excellent instructor-to-student ratios, and the program notes that it is permitted, certified, and insured and is presented as Orange County’s #1 all-day Surf Camp and #1 choice for summer youth programs. The Ocean Adventure Program also has a non-profit foundation, and registration-related questions are handled by the City of Newport Beach.
Last updated July 5, 2026.
• Ages: 5–17 years old
• Schedule: One-week camp sessions offered in summer, including All-Girls and Co-Ed Surf Camps, the Ocean Adventure Program, and 15th Street Beach & Bay Sports
Since 1977 and 1986, Ocean Adventure Programs and Erik Nelsen Surf Camps have run as safe, structured, and educational experiences rooted in integrity and fun, and Erik Nelsen Surf Camps has taught over 10,000 students how to surf safely and with confidence. The leadership team includes Founder/Owner/Operator Erik Nelsen for Erik Nelsen Surf Camps, Jeff Nelsen as Founder and Operator of the Ocean Adventure Program, Dan Stafford as Director of 15th Street Beach Sports, and Cami Guild as Managing Director for the All-Girls Program and Super Camp. The Ocean Adventure Program is described as a summer ocean science day camp for children 5 through 10 years of age, where campers are introduced to ocean safety, marine biology, and environmental respect. The program states, “We educate and instruct children to enjoy the beach and ocean responsibly,” and notes a philosophy to engage, nurture, and challenge students to discover, explore, think, and question while mutually respecting each other. Staff are described as professional, First Aid and CPR certified, with excellent instructor-to-student ratios, and the program notes that it is permitted, certified, and insured and is presented as Orange County’s #1 all-day Surf Camp and #1 choice for summer youth programs. The Ocean Adventure Program also has a non-profit foundation, and registration-related questions are handled by the City of Newport Beach.
Last updated July 5, 2026.
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