Advanced Surf Coaching Camp for Teens on Topsail Island, North Carolina

Days start early. Campers check the surf from the balconies of the Surf Shack, then paddle out at the private beach access directly in front of the accommodation. Water temperatures sit between 78 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit, so no wetsuits are needed. When the waves are up, the group surfs from sun up to sun down, breaking for meals, rest and hydration. Coaching happens in the water and on the beach, with the photographer and videographer recording sessions and Solo Shot technology used to capture footage for technique analysis.

The programme is aimed at surfers who can already turn and ride down the face of a wave while generating their own speed and flow. From there, coaches work on timing, manoeuvres and the technical side of advanced surfing, as well as surf fitness, training, nutrition and competitive psychology. Trial heats give campers a feel for competition strategy, and coaches cover how to build a sponsorship resume.

What separates this from a standard surf camp is the amount of individual attention. The student-to-instructor ratio is 3:1, and guest pro coaches are present for the entire session rather than dropping in for a single clinic. Campers can combine multiple sessions for an extended supervised stay, and the camp recommends a minimum of two weeks for real progress. Between sessions, supervision and coaching continue at the ocean-view campus.

Accommodation is on Topsail Island, a 26-mile barrier island with a history of pirates, fishermen and surfers. The Surf Shack is air-conditioned with ocean views, gender-specific rooms and comfortable shared common areas. Each participant has their own bed, and roommates are grouped by age and gender. Staff are housed on-site and provide 24-hour, same-gender adult supervision. Campers eat together in the camp's own dining hall.

Cell phones are not allowed during camp. Phones brought to camp are collected on arrival and returned at departure. Campers check in with parents on arrival, but parental contact is otherwise limited, with updates sent by email and photos posted on Facebook. An after-hours number is provided for emergencies. Shuttle transport to and from Wilmington International Airport (ILM) is included, along with a t-shirt and an 8" x 10" group photo.

What's included

- Lodging in the ocean-view Surf Shack on Topsail Island - All meals in the camp dining hall - 24-hour same-gender adult supervision - Shuttle to and from Wilmington International Airport (ILM) - Professional surfing instruction at a 3:1 student-to-instructor ratio - Guest pro coach presence throughout the session - Trial heats and competition strategy coaching - Surf fitness, training, nutrition and competitive psychology sessions - Photography and videography of sessions, including Solo Shot technology - Unlimited photos taken by the professional staff photographer - T-shirt - 8" x 10" group photo

What's not included

- Travel to and from Wilmington International Airport (ILM) before and after the included shuttle - Travel insurance - Personal expenses - Surfboards and equipment (not stated as included) - Cell phone use during camp (phones are collected on arrival)