San Diego County · Surf school and youth camps
Buenas Olas Surf School
Moonlight Beach, Encinitas
Buenas Olas Surf School combines a clear progression approach with multilingual instruction at Moonlight Beach. Its youth camps introduce surfing and ocean awareness, while separate lessons provide another way to work toward personal goals.
Where they teach
Moonlight Beach, Encinitas, north of the main lifeguard tower. The provider identifies a light-blue tent for camp check-in.
Cruz and the Buenas Olas team
The school’s background page introduces Cruz and an international instructor team. Buenas Olas uses skill levels and benchmarks to help students understand what they are practicing. English and Spanish instruction are offered, with other languages and sign language subject to request and availability.
What the youth camp includes
Camp instruction covers surf technique, ocean safety and etiquette. The published youth groups are ages five to seven and eight to eighteen. Boards, wetsuits and rash guards are included, and the school says prior surfing experience is not required.
Find the Buenas Olas check-in area
The school directs camp families north of Moonlight Beach’s main tower to its light-blue tent. Save those instructions before arrival. Allow enough time to walk from parking and identify your group, particularly when several surf programs are using the beach.
Reading the lineup north of the main tower
Buenas Olas sets up north of Moonlight's main lifeguard tower, where the beach's sandbars shape peaks that change with each swell and season. Winter sand loss can make the shorebreak steeper, while summer usually rebuilds a wider, gentler beach. Our break profile lists rip currents as the main hazard here, which is why camps work inside the lifeguarded zone. On days above about 4 ft, Moonlight can be too strong for beginners; the forecast will show that before you go.
Who it’s best for
An option for families who value a progression framework or want to ask about instruction in a particular language. Confirm the available instructor and the child’s age group before choosing a camp session.
Local tips before you go
Book ahead rather than expecting a walk-up camp place. Bring a packed meal, water, towel and beach essentials. Parents should check sign-in and authorized-pickup arrangements with the supervisor when planning the day.
Check the surf before your session
Check the beach outlook, then follow the school’s instructions about the camp day. Ask how activities change when water conditions do not suit your child’s group; a forecast alone does not determine the camp plan.
Check the surf before your lesson
Live forecasts for the breaks where Buenas Olas Surf School teaches.
FAQs
Is previous surfing experience needed?
The camp page welcomes all skill levels, including first-time surfers.
Is lunch provided?
No. The camp FAQ asks families to supply lunch and snacks.
Can I request another language?
Yes. Ask the school about language or sign-language availability for the desired session.
Ask about your child’s next step
Contact Buenas Olas with your child’s age, surfing experience and language preferences to discuss a suitable Moonlight Beach program.
View lessons and programsNot sure which day to book?
Small, clean 1–3 ft waves are perfect for learning. Ask BODI which day looks mellow, or check the other schools.
More surf schools in San Diego
- Moonlight Beach Surf Camps · Moonlight Beach, Encinitas
- Sea Revelations · Grandview Beach, Encinitas
- Eli Howard Surf School · Moonlight Beach, Encinitas
Breaks near Buenas Olas Surf School
Nearby surf spots with live BODI forecasts, tides and wind.
D Street
Encinitas · Beach break with reef patches · All levels
Best: 2–5 ft, low to mid tide
See forecast →
Beacons
Leucadia, Encinitas · Reef and beach break · Intermediate
Best: 2–6 ft, low to mid tide
See forecast →
Cardiff Reef
Cardiff-by-the-Sea · Reef break · All levels
Best: 2–6 ft, low to mid tide
See forecast →
Sources
Facts checked against the school's website, October 7, 2026. Written by the Surfing Tomorrow Team.
Prices, schedules and booking rules can change. Confirm your reservation details with Buenas Olas Surf School before you go. Surfing Tomorrow isn't affiliated with this school.