Surf’s up on Texas beaches, where warm water, gently sloping sand free of rocks, and easy beach access make things simple. Surfers can find classes for all ages and abilities all along the coast.
Individual, Small-group Surfing Lessons
Island Surf Camp in Galveston offers hourly and daily lessons year-round, with small classes of one instructor to every two or three students, says co-owner Mylinda Carter. South Coast Surf offers group and private lessons for all ages in both Galveston and Surfside. At 43rd and Seawall Boulevard in Galveston, C-Sick Surfin offers two- to three-hour lessons for up to four people, taught by long-time surfer Brian Jarvis.
Summer Surf Camps
Texas Surf Camp in Port Aransas serves up surf instruction and fun for kids of all ages by the day or week. Instructors group youngsters by age and start with stretching and basic instruction, including how to lie on the board. The class then learns how to watch for and catch a wave, followed by actual practice on forgiving foam surfboards.
Learning to judge waves is important, as mere swells will lift but not carry the board. Another trick is picking the right moment to start paddling and picking up speed quickly enough. Most people are able to stand on the board and ride a wave after a day or two of instruction.
Week-long surf camp provides youngsters ample time for instruction and practice as well as the usual camp camaraderie with other kids and fun activities, which often include building sand castles and playing games.
Week-long camps are also available at South Padre Surf Company at Isla Blanca Beach Park. Co-owner Gene Gore claims this area has the best surf in the Gulf of Mexico. South Padre Surf Company also has holiday camps, and one-day camps and lessons year-round for all ages. “Our goal is for you to surf on your own by the end of class,” Gore says. “We have a one hundred percent success rate.”
Surfboards and Surfing Supplies, Preparation
Once surfers are ready to hit the waves on their own, they need a board that matches surf conditions and their experience, says avid surfer Kimery Duda, executive director of The Expedition School in Austin. Foam boards are more forgiving in wipeouts, but their disadvantage is board rash, irritated skin caused by constant rubbing of wet skin against the foam. Rash-guard shirts and shorts help avoid board rash, as does covering with Vaseline any skin that touches the board. If board rash happens anyway, diaper rash cream provides relief.
Boards made of epoxy or fiberglass are easier on skin, but tough on shins. Duda suggests renting different types of boards to try them out before purchasing one. Wet suits are almost never needed in Texas waters.
Sunscreen is a must for surfers, and it is important to remember the back of the legs and arms, which get more sun exposure than usual given that surfing can involve a lot of time face-down on the board.
While it is true that just about anyone can surf, those who are in reasonable shape will have more fun and success. Swimming, yoga, stand-up paddle boarding, or core strength conditioning help get the body in shape for surfing.
Local surf shops are great sources for tips on surf spots and wave conditions. Good Texas surf spots, from north to south, include Galveston, Freeport/Surfside, San Jose Island, Port Aransas jetties, Packery Channel jetties, Bob Hall Pier in Corpus Christi, Port Mansfield Channel jetties, and South Padre Island jetties.
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