Catch This Class, Then Go Catch That Wave

In the city’s first such offering, the summer recreation program will include a class on how to make surfboards.

The instructor will be Rick Walker, a Laguna Beach Unified School District teacher who began making his own surfboards as a teenager. He taught a course in the craft at Thurston Middle School during the school year that just ended.

Teens aren’t the only people intrigued by the offering, said Pat Barry, city recreation director. “I took a registration over the counter from an adult who wanted to do it,” he said.

The city’s year-round recreation program offers a wide range of classes, from martial arts and puppy training to ballet and African drumming.

The summer session also includes sailing, windsurfing and beach volleyball as well as the Junior Lifeguard Program.

The surfboard class, which may be extended to the fall, costs $200 for 16 sessions. Students must also purchase tools and materials, which could cost as much as $100 more.

Walker’s classes will be at Thurston school on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. The sessions will begin Tuesday and continue through Aug. 28.

Information: (714) 497-0716, Ext. 6.