San Diego County · Surf school and youth camps
Wavehuggers
Southern California; camps in Encinitas and Huntington Beach
Wavehuggers combines Southern California surf instruction with an ocean-conservation focus. Its lesson footprint spans three counties, while its camp page identifies Encinitas and Huntington Beach as distinct youth-program locations.
Where they teach
Lessons are listed across Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties. Youth camps are published for Encinitas and Huntington Beach; exact check-in details depend on the booking.
Founded by Helina Beck
Helina Beck founded Wavehuggers in 2013. Her account connects teaching surfing with encouraging students to care for the ocean. The school’s broader program menu includes lessons, camps, community activities and beach cleanups.
Choose a camp or lesson format
The standard kids camp lists ages five to fourteen and welcomes different skill levels, with surfing gear provided. The Encinitas Little Dolphins program is separately described for neurodiverse children and their siblings or friends, ages three to eighteen. Ask about its next schedule and individual support arrangements.
Lesson locations and camp locations differ
Wavehuggers lists a wide Southern California teaching area, but that does not mean every beach hosts its camps. Start with the program and city, then obtain the confirmed address and parking details. Its lesson-location page describes those details being sent after confirmation.
Encinitas and Huntington Beach camps compared
Wavehuggers' two published camp towns sit on very different coasts. Encinitas faces west with reefs and small sandy coves, and Moonlight is its most forgiving beach. Huntington Beach is a long, straight sandbar beach that catches south swells strongly in summer, often running bigger than North San Diego. Both have lifeguards and summer crowds. If your child is new to the ocean, a smaller-forecast day at either camp gives the easiest start.
Who it’s best for
A useful option for families who want conservation woven into a surf program. Families considering Little Dolphins should discuss the child’s needs directly so support and session expectations are clear before booking.
Local tips before you go
Check the age range for the specific program, not just the school overall. Confirm whether a half-day, full-day or individual lesson fits your plans, and ask which equipment is supplied. Past summer schedules should not be used as a future reservation calendar.
Check the surf before your session
Check conditions for the beach confirmed by Wavehuggers, then follow the team’s updates about time and location. For camp, ask how the activity plan responds to surf conditions and each group’s abilities.
Check the surf before your lesson
Live forecasts for the breaks where Wavehuggers teaches.
FAQs
Who founded Wavehuggers?
Helina Beck founded the school in 2013.
Where are the camps listed?
The camp page names Encinitas and Huntington Beach.
Is Little Dolphins the standard kids camp?
No. It is a separately described Encinitas program with its own age range and support options.
Find your Wavehuggers program
Choose your city and contact Wavehuggers to compare a lesson or camp, including age eligibility and any individual support questions.
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
- Surf Ride Surf School · North Jetty, Oceanside Harbor Beach
- Luna Surf Experiences · San Diego, Orange County and Los Angeles
- Oceanside Surf School · Tyson Street Park, Oceanside
Breaks near Wavehuggers
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 →
Huntington St.
Huntington Beach · Beach break · All levels
Best: 2–5 ft, low to mid tide
See forecast →
Oceanside Pier Northside
Oceanside · Beach break beside a pier · Intermediate
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 Wavehuggers before you go. Surfing Tomorrow isn't affiliated with this school.