City Offers Camps for Ocean Sports

Surfing, sailing, kayaking and boogie boarding are some of the activities that will be offered in three Spring Ocean Activities camps sponsored by the city Department of Beaches and Harbors.

Part of the department’s water awareness, training, education and recreation program, the activities will run in two five-day sessions, March 29-April 2 and April 5-9.

Surf Camp, for ages 11 through 17, will hold the first session at Will Rogers State Beach and the second in Manhattan Beach. Each class will run from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The fee is $120 each session.

Sailing Camp, for ages 11 through 17, will be offered both sessions from noon to 4 p.m. at Marina del Rey Beach. The fee is $100 each session.

Ocean Sports Camp, which includes activities such as boogie boarding and kayaking for ages 7 through 14, will be offered the first session only, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Marina del Rey Beach. The fee is $135.

Scholarships are available for youngsters who qualify, said program coordinator Stacy Smith. Wetsuits and special equipment will be provided, as well as free transportation from designated pickup sites in Agoura and the San Fernando Valley.

Classes will be divided into small groups for more individual attention, Smith said, but to qualify for the program, applicants must pass a timed swimming test that demonstrates their proficiency.

“Be prepared to have a lot of fun,” Smith said. “And bring your own lunch.”

All instructors are qualified Los Angeles County ocean lifeguards.

For applications, call (310) 305-9587.