Planning a trip to Seaside this summer? Why not give surfing a try? Instead of standing on the beach and watching the surfers shredding the waves, you can join them — and you don’t have to do it alone.

No matter if you’re a first-time surfer or if you want to level up your existing surfing skills, Seaside has a surf camp, a group class or a private coaching session that will help you gear up, psych up and, eventually, pop up. 

Surf Camps for Women and Groups of All Kinds

Learning to surf on your own can be difficult and also a little risky, according to NW Women’s Surf Camps founder Lexie Hallahan. She has been surfing at the Seaside Cove and nearby Oswald West State Park’s Short Sands Beach — or “Shorty’s”— for 40 years, and as a certified surf instructor, her goal is to get more people riding Oregon’s waves while staying safe. “If you’re a beginner and you just rent a board and wetsuit and go out, you won’t have knowledge of the current ocean dynamics and other basics, like how to control your surfboard in the water,” she says. “Having the right surf instructor will help you have fun and be safe.”

Hallahan and her team of women surf instructors teach people the foundations of the sport on the beach first, like how to survey the waves and pop up into a proper board stance, before paddling out with students to a place in the water that’s suitable for their ages and skill levels. The surf camp offers three-hour group lessons, which are ideal for families, as well as semi-private sessions for couples and fully private lessons. 

If you’re looking for an immersive all-women surfing experience, Surf Weekenders camps are a great way to dial in your skills and meet other women surfers. The women’s surf camps take place in July and include in-depth surfing instruction, yoga on the beach, organic lunches, gear rental — and good times. If you or someone in your family wants to learn to surf but is intimidated by the ocean, a three-hour bodyboarding clinic is another great entry point. You can just go out into the whitewater with your bodyboard and instructor and start catching waves right away. “It’s family-friendly and a great way to gain confidence in the water,” Hallahan says. 

Other Great Options for Lessons and Camps 

Oregon Surf Adventures has been offering surf lessons on the Oregon Coast for over 15 years and is another way to get the whole family shredding. You’ll find the friendly surf instructors are trained in ocean safety and have years of local surfing experience, so you’re sure to get that gnarly, salty-faced surf session you’re looking for. 

A three-hour beginner group lesson includes an introduction to ocean awareness, equipment use, surf techniques and surf etiquette before paddling out as a group. If you’ve surfed before and are looking to up-level your skills, a semi-private or private lesson will allow you more one-on-one time with an expert instructor. There’s also a surf camp for kids in August. Sign up your young shredders now for two or three days, and they’ll get expert instruction, learn about ocean stewardship and make loads of friends.

Seaside surfer Tony Gardner — who served as Seaside’s head lifeguard for over 20 years and surfed competitively all over the world — has also been teaching surfing on the Oregon Coast for over 40 years. He offers a lineup of group, semi-private and private lessons. 

Tips and Etiquette for Solo Surfers

Need to rent or buy gear? Choose rental packages from either Cleanline or Seaside Surf Shop — they bundle a wetsuit, boots and surfboard — or buy your own set. Gloves, hoods and helmets are also available to rent, as are soft racks for your vehicle. While you’re in the shop, ask for a recommendation of where to surf, as they’ll know current conditions. 

Also, remember that advanced-beginner swimming skills are a must; surf with a buddy; and it’s a good idea to stay in the whitewash (shallow areas where the surf is white foam) at first, where your feet can touch bottom. 

If you paddle out past the whitewash, do so where the waves aren’t breaking and people aren’t surfing — if a surfer is already riding a wave, let it go. Lastly, always hang on to your board, as most injuries are the result of a flying surfboard. Have a blast!