Wish you could find a surf instructor who actually lives here? Like, really lives here — surfs out front most mornings and knows Venice like the back of their hand?
You can! Meet Conor McCain of Sunrise Surf Academy.
Conor and his co-founder met as teenagers working at an LA surf school and bonded over a shared mission: make the ocean more inclusive, more confidence-building, and way, way safer for everyone getting in the water.
Sunrise Surf Academy grew naturally out of Conor's connection to this place and the people in it. The main event is their Venice Youth Summer Surf Camp, which runs from June through August. This is the full immersion experience, kids spend their days learning how to surf, read the ocean, take care of one another, and build confidence both in and out of the water.
Here's what makes it different:
Sure, your kid will learn how to pop up and ride waves. But they'll also learn how to read the lineup, respect other surfers, and understand ocean safety. Conor and his instructors are big on teaching the why behind the sport, not just the how.
Many of the campers return year after year. Some kids have been coming since they were six and are now teenagers helping out as junior instructors. It's really special to watch them grow up alongside the program, and each other.
This isn't a competitive training ground (unless your kid wants it to be!). It's about building a relationship with the ocean, having fun, and leaving every session with a little more confidence than you came in with.
Beyond summer
Once school starts back up they run Fall and Spring Shred Camps, consistent surf sessions that give kids an outlet during the school year and keep them connected to the ocean and their peers. The perfect kind of challenge that comes from wiping out in front of their friends and getting right back on the board anyway? Our kids need this!
Community contests
One of our favorite things about Sunrise? Their local surf contests and beach events are intentionally designed to bring families together. Low-pressure, inclusive gatherings where kids of all skill levels can participate, cheer each other on, and celebrate just being out there.
That's Conor’s magic. He's built a culture where progression matters, but so does having fun. Where skill development is important, but so is kindness. Where winning is cool, but so is just showing up.
Details:
❋ Where: South side of the Venice Pier / Washington Square
❋ When: Summer camps run June–August; Shred Camps happen during fall and spring
❋ Who: Kids of all skill levels, from total beginners to intermediate shredders
❋ Cost: Check website for current pricing - competitive with other local programs, (plus you're getting way more than just a lesson)
How to Sign Up:
Head to sunrisesurfacademy.com to see the full schedule and register. Spots fill up fast, especially for summer camp, so don't sleep on it if you're interested.
You can also follow them on Instagram to stay in the loop on contests, special events, and last-minute openings.
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