Sea League

Sea League offers ocean-based activities including surfing, stand-up paddle boarding (SUP), kayaking, sailing, tide pooling, sea cave kayaking, snorkeling at the Channel Islands, boogie boarding, abalone shell scavenging, fishing, and swim lessons. The program includes week-long immersive overnight camps at Dos Pueblos Ranch. Small teams are led by UC Santa Barbara student mentors.

• Ages: 7–18 years old
• Schedule: April–November, with additional summer options June–August

Sea League began in 2020. The program’s mission is to “Make friends with the ocean,” describing itself as “like little league for nature connection,” with an emphasis on connection over competition and on fun, respect, education, and care for the ocean. Sea League is written about by its founder, Chris Ragland. Sea League is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization fiscally sponsored.

The Big Blue Bridge project, in partnership with the YMCA, provides swim lessons that aim to close the diversity gap in ocean sports and make Sea League’s ocean programs more accessible. By donating or volunteering, community members can support Sea League in expanding its ocean-based programs to more kids in coastal communities throughout Southern California, with a stated focus on personal growth, environmental stewardship, and love for the ocean.

Parent feedback includes comments that children “seem happier” and have “a sense of freedom,” and that Sea League is “just what our community needs.” One parent noted appreciation for the “variety of activities included as well as unstructured time for individual interests” and the inclusion of “2 overnights.” Another parent described Sea League as “one of the most empowering programs” for their child, highlighting a shift from fear of the ocean to “love, joy and fun again while also learning respect and appreciate for the ocean,” and contrasted Sea League’s focus on “fun, respect and education” with other camps they viewed as more focused on competition and skills.

Last updated March 26, 2026.