San Diego County · Youth surf camps and lessons
Moonlight Beach Surf Camps
Moonlight Beach, Encinitas
Moonlight Beach Surf Camps brings together the Little Groms and Big Groms programs associated with Concept Surf Shop. Age-specific camps, school-break sessions and individual lessons offer several entry points into surfing at the same Encinitas beach.
Where they teach
Moonlight Beach, Encinitas. Concept Surf Shop is the information and reservation contact, not automatically the camp drop-off point.
215 West D Street, Encinitas, CA (Concept Surf Shop; camp meets at Moonlight Beach)
Concept Surf Shop’s Moonlight Beach programs
Concept Surf Shop says it has operated the City of Encinitas surf camps and classes since 2007. Its camp overview directs younger children to Little Groms and older children to Big Groms, with both programs based at Moonlight Beach.
What the camp programs cover
Little Groms combines ocean understanding with surfing, boogie boarding and swimming. Big Groms offers surf camps and additional instruction, including private lessons and after-school sessions. Choose the age-appropriate program, then check its current session schedule and registration requirements.
One beach, different age-group programs
Both camp names lead back to Moonlight Beach. The important distinction for booking is the child’s age and the program selected. Confirm the check-in location with the shop so you arrive at the correct group rather than another school operating nearby.
Summer swells at Moonlight Beach
Summer camp season at Moonlight coincides with southern hemisphere swells, which our data shows reaching this beach from the south and southwest window. Long-period south swells can show up as bigger sets with lulls in between, so a day that looks small at first can bring a few larger waves. Summer water around Encinitas usually warms into the high 60s to low 70s °F, which makes a spring suit or thin full suit comfortable for kids spending hours in the water.
Who it’s best for
Useful for families comparing camps for siblings in different age bands. The separate programs help parents identify the relevant registration information, while private lessons offer another route for students needing a different schedule.
Local tips before you go
Little Groms is listed for ages five to eight and Big Groms for nine to fifteen. Check the correct program site before reserving. Ask about equipment, swim expectations and drop-off procedures rather than assuming the two programs share every requirement.
Check the surf before your session
Look at Moonlight Beach conditions ahead of camp and follow the program’s updates. Ask how changing surf affects the balance between surfing and other activities for your child’s group.
Check the surf before your lesson
Live forecasts for the breaks where Moonlight Beach Surf Camps teaches.
FAQs
What ages are Little Groms for?
The program lists ages five to eight.
What ages are Big Groms for?
The program lists ages nine to fifteen.
Are individual lessons available?
Moonlight Beach Surf Camps lists private one-to-one and private-group lessons year-round.
Pick the program for your grom
Start with your child’s age, then contact Concept Surf Shop to confirm the right camp or lesson and its current registration details.
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
- Eli Howard Surf School · Moonlight Beach, Encinitas
- Buenas Olas Surf School · Moonlight Beach, Encinitas
- Leucadia Surf School · Moonlight Beach, Encinitas
Breaks near Moonlight Beach Surf Camps
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 →
Swami's
Encinitas · Point / reef break (right) · Advanced
Best: 3–10 ft, low to mid tide
See forecast →
Grandview
Leucadia, Encinitas · Reef and beach break · All levels
Best: 2–5 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 Moonlight Beach Surf Camps before you go. Surfing Tomorrow isn't affiliated with this school.