Carpinteria Surf Camp Sells Out as Demand Reaches Record Levels

CARPINTERIA, Calif. (KEYT) - One of Santa Barbara County’s longest-running surf camps is seeing its busiest start in 27 years as families sign up earlier than ever for summer sessions.

Surf Happens, based at Santa Claus Lane in Carpinteria, opened its 27th summer season with a sold-out first week.

Founder and owner Chris Keet believes the camp’s popularity comes from the connection it gives children to the ocean, nature and one another.

The program is also drawing young surfers from across the country.

“I’m coming all the way from Florida to kill some waves,” said Logan Lovergine, who traveled from Florida to attend the camp.

Sam Hale made the trip from San Francisco and said the experience has been worth it.

“I came here to surf and it’s going great,” Hale said.

Beyond learning how to ride waves, campers spend time developing water safety skills, ocean awareness and confidence in the water.

“I’m learning how to catch a wave by myself and paddle into the wave,” camper Harrison Bobek said.

Another camper, Bodhi Raymond, said surfing has become part of his daily life.

“I like surfing. I surf mostly every day,” he said.

Camp leaders encourage families interested in the remaining summer sessions to register early as space continues to fill.

As for the young surfers, they'll keep building skills that reach far beyond the shoreline.