Summer Camp Week: Wakesurf Tampa
Summer Camp Week: Wakesurf Tampa
A summer camp that offers an action packed week on the water for kids as young as six years old is open for registration. FOX 13's Mariah Harrison visits Wakesurf Tampa, where all activites are safe and supervised.
TAMPA, Fla. - A unique summer camp in the Tampa Bay area is giving kids the chance to learn how to surf, without ever stepping foot in the ocean.
Riding an "Endless Wave" in Tampa Bay
Wakesurf Tampa uses specially designed boats to create a continuous wave, allowing riders to surf behind the boat.
"We actually produce it using our boats by filling them up with water, sinking them down a little bit and using tabs off the back to create a perfect endless wave so you get to ride it forever and ever," co-owner Spence Trick said.
For families looking for an active, outdoor summer option, Wakesurf camp offers a mix of recreation, skill-building and water safety education — all in a supervised environment.
It also provides an alternative to traditional camps, especially for kids who enjoy being on the water.
Registration is open now, and organizers say spots fill quickly each summer. Camps run from May through August.
Wakesurfing: A More Forgiving Sport
While wakesurfing may look like wakeboarding, instructors say it’s often easier for beginners to pick up.
"Over the last 10 to 15 years, wakesurfing has become far more popular," Trick said. "The reason being is because it’s actually super forgiving on your body."
He added that riders travel at slower speeds than wakeboarding, which can make falls less intimidating.
"The other thing is, it’s actually a lot easier to learn," Trick said.
What they're saying:
The camp is designed for a wide range of skill levels, including first-time riders.
"We teach typically kids ages 6 to 15 in our summer camps all summer long," Trick said.
In addition to wakesurfing, campers also get time to try other water activities.
"We get kids out on the water, we teach them how to wake surf, we do some wakeboarding and we typically finish off with some tubing because the kiddos love to tube," Trick said.
Organizers emphasize that safety is a top priority throughout the week.
Camp sessions are limited to about six kids, allowing for more individualized instruction and supervision.
"We have six kids in the session, and so that’s a half-day camp from either 8 a.m. to noon or from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.," Trick said.
Campers also learn basic boating and water safety skills as part of the experience.
Building Confidence on the Water
Beyond learning a new sport, instructors say the camp is about building confidence.
"We get to just be encouraging to these kids and just kind of speak life into them," Trick said. "It’s really powerful, and it’s so rewarding for us."
By the numbers:
Ages, costs and session information can be found here:
- Ages 6-years-old to 15-years-old
- $725 per camper
- 4-day sessions
- 6 campers per session
The cost includes all necessary equipment, including life jackets, as well as boat time, instruction and snacks like water and sports drinks.
"You don’t need to bring anything. You just bring your child, a swimsuit," Trick said.
To register, click here.
The Source: Information comes from interviews with Wakesurf Tampa co-owner Spence Trick, along with onsite video of camp activities and instruction on local waterways in the Tampa Bay area.