Summer camps brim with board-riders

It’s another busy summer for surf schools in Laguna.

Thalia Street beach, with its gentler waves, is the traditional hotspot for those wanting to catch their first waves.

Instructor Rod Greenup, who owns the Costa Azul surf shop, teaches lessons year-round, but says his services are in highest demand over the summer.

With 20 years of experience, Greenup feels the numbers of those seeking lessons has been continually increasing.

“Movies like ‘Blue Crush’ and an influx of tourism have brought a lot of people here,” Greenup said. “They come from all over the world.”

Clients, who range in age from 6 to 50, have spent time and money with Greenup in hopes of catching their first wave.

For kids looking for a summer activity, the city-run Billabong Camp also operates on Thalia Street beach.

Taking surfers through week-long sessions, the camp has an instructor-to-student ratio of one-to-four. Kids are busy learning the basics of surfing from 9 in the morning to 2 in the afternoon.

Instructor Paul Carolan said he is always amazed by how quickly his campers soak up the information he gives them.

Throughout the course, safety and proper technique are emphasized.

“Ocean awareness in knowing what the tides are doing and where the other surfers are is always pressed,” Carolan said. “It gives them a good foundation.”

By day two of Carolan’s course, all four of his kids were up and surfing.

Coached on stance and paddling techniques, the kids continue to improve.

Balance has been the biggest struggle for 10-year-old Quentin Smith.

“I fall down a lot, but I’m getting better,” Quentin said. “I’m still afraid of big waves.”

For 12-year-old Melia Murphine, timing was the hardest part.

“It’s hard to time it right with my paddling, but I’m getting better,” Melia said.

Greenup’s specialty is private lessons.

Canadian tourists Chris Ovelson and Rhonda Dunsmuir had just two things on their agenda for Southern California.

“We came here to see Disneyland and try surfing,” Ovelson, 32, said.

Though Disneyland may be packed with entertaining rides, the two found surfing to be a unique pleasure.

Dunsmuir, 36, was ecstatic after triumphing over her first wave, with Greenup’s instruction backing her up.

“I was really surprised it happened so fast,” Dunsmuir said. “It was the first one I ever tried.”

Despite both successfully surfing in their first hour, the two also found the sport is not as easy as it looks.

“I didn’t realize it would be so tiring,” Dunsmuir said.

“A lot of it is understanding the waves,” Ovelson added.

Greenup said the first thing he teaches his clients is ocean awareness.

“I want them to be safe,” he said. “Instead of going out and getting clobbered, I want them to have a good experience.”

With many repeat customers, Greenup said his clients are continuously improving their skills.

“A lot of my clients are adults who moved to the area and want to surf,” he said.