“You have to show the counselor that you can push up before you can go out in the water,” says Xochitl. “Pushing up” is a surfer’s ability to go from a prone position to standing on the board, probably the trickiest thing a beginner has to master.

Xochitl and her friend Miguel (not their real names, to protect their privacy), recently took part in a La Jolla youth camp devoted to gaining or improving their board skills. Meanwhile, they both say that the week on the sand was “fun” and a great opportunity to “make new friends”— all under the guidance of camp counselors who take anywhere from three to six young surfers out in a pod and concentrate on catching the proverbial seventh wave.

Miguel, in his interview, asked, “Did you know I’ve never been to surf camp before?” He is impressed and pleased with himself that in his first time out in the “soup,” he was not only able to master the technique of “pushing up” but he also enjoyed several good basic runs standing on the board and negotiating rideable waves as the week went on.

An injury last year curbed his chance to attend a surf camp. Despite the COVID pandemic, camp organizers were still able to host scores of local youth in 2021 with safeguards and restrictions in place to protect individuals from getting or spreading the virus.

But this summer, the improved situation from a COVID standpoint enabled the two elementary school students to enjoy the freedom of physical exercise and work on their surfing skills in a group.

Asked what a favorite part of the camp was, Xochitl quickly answered, “Pizza and making new friends.” Both kids are pretty social and relished the activity at the beach.

“You can keep surfing with your friends,” continued Xochitl, whose tanned features and flowing locks betrayed her time in the sun and surf, “as long as you stay near your counselor.” Camp attendees have to show they have sufficient swimming skills to be out in the water for surfing. How many land-locked youth wish they could enjoy a similar experience riding the waves?

On Monday of surf camp, Miguel says he had three, including himself, in his group or pod. That went up to four the next two days, then six on Thursday.

“I learned how to do the ‘switch,’” he proudly reported. The “switch,” or “switchfoot,” is a maneuver in which the rider changes which foot is placed farther forward on the board.

Another technique is the “mummy.” “Instead of standing up, you lay down on your back and cross your arms.” Wouldn’t The Beach Boys and other minstrels of surf be pleased?

Snack was a big topic of discussion in the interviews. “They (the camp) provide it on different days,” the two surfers said. “Yesterday it was a protein bar. Today it was pizza, cheese, or pepperoni.”

And don’t forget your rash guard. The camp supplies wetsuits if needed.