Surf School Coronavirus Protocols
View our plans for safe surfing during COVID-19
Last Update: Tuesday, June 23, 2020
First and foremost, we hope you and your family are safe and healthy. Secondly, we hope you’re ready to surf!
We have been working hard to ensure we can all enjoy the beach and ocean as safely as possible. Our main focus has been updating our operation to best serve surfers, their families, and our staff while adhering to local, state, and CDC guidelines. This page outlines how we will implement these safe practices for surf lessons and camps. Our protection plan revolves around training staff to limit the spread of coronavirus, implementing disinfectant strategies, and practicing physical distancing.
If you want to receive additional updates and be notified when surf camp sessions open, sign up to receive emails (if you haven’t already).
Staying Safe on the Beach
Our surf spot was made for social distancing! Our school is located on a very large area of Bolsa Chica State Beach. Being the only ones in that section of the beach, there is ample room provided to spread out for those partaking in camps and lessons and those who wish to watch.
Disinfected Wetsuits
All wetsuits are cleaned with a special wetsuit disinfectant after each use.
Small Group Sizes
Camp groups will be limited to four kids or less, with each camper kept safely apart.
Staff Distancing
Land instruction will be conducted with instructors at least 6 feet from students.
Sanitization Spots
Showers and sinks (with soap) are at our site for easy hand washing and disenfecting.
Solo Sunscreen
No shared sunscreen provided. Surfers are encouraged to bring their own sunscreen and self-apply throughout the day.
Shakas All Around
Shakas are proven to be the safest and funnest way to interact. We encourage them in place of shaking hands, hugging or fist bumping.
Staying Safe in the Water
We’ve been practicing social distancing in the water before it was cool! Surfers should never get too close. That’s why for the last 25 years we’ve made it a priority to keep students a minimum of 6 feet apart while surfing. We will continue to do so, in addition to maintaining extra precautionary measures.
Surfer Distancing
When paddling, surfing, and hanging ten, we strive to ensure surfers stay separated so everyone can enjoy the waves safely.
Instructor Distancing
Instructors safely maintain at least a 6 foot distance by staying at the back of the board and remaining mostly underwater.
Additional Safety Precautions
If you or your children feel ill at anytime, please notify a staff member and the necessary next steps will be taken. For everyone else, please:
- Refrain from touching your eyes, mouth or nose
- Cover your nose or mouth when coughing or sneezing
- Dispose of tissues after single-use
- Wash hands regularly with soap or hand sanitizer
We ask everyone self-screen at home prior to participating in our surf school activities. Please ensure everyone has a temperature below 100.4, no signs of illness such as runny nose, sore throat or cough, and no known exposures to COVID-19. For more information refer to the CDC symptom checker.
STAY SAFE AND STOKED
AT CORKY CARROLL’S SURF SCHOOL
Check-In Process
How to Arrive Safely
To ensure everyone remains as safe as possible while still enjoying a friendly, laid-back easy check-in, we are splitting up the arrival process for our surf camp and surf lessons between two separate areas. Camp arrivals will be greeted on the beach at our red tent while lesson guests should meet us at our container in the parking lot.
Surf Camp Check-In
Meet Us at the Red Tent
When checking in to our surf camp, families should head to our red tent on the beach.
Depending on the number present, we may have separate check-in stations set up and spread out from one another. There will always be a minimum of 6 feet between our staff and customers, with cones laid out to facilitate safe social distancing between customers.
While parents check-in, our Camp Activity Director will individually bring groms to a designated spot in our tent area to start the day. Each camper will receive their own wetsuit to keep and take home for the rest of the week.
Surf Lesson Check-In
Meet Us at the Container
All private surf lesson check ins will occur at our surf container in the parking lot.
We will mark off areas so individuals, and or groups will each have their own safely separated area. A staff member (wearing a mask) will greet each attendee, get them signed in, and equip them with wetsuits and boards.
Once surfers are ready, their instructor will lead them to the beach to start their lesson, maintaining at least 6 feet distance the entire time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to surf during COVID-19?
As with anything it is important to practice precaution, but the city of Huntington Beach has opened beaches for recreational activity, specifically citing surfing as acceptable. According to Surfrider Foundation, there is still no information on the ability of the COVID-19 virus to remain viable in saltwater. Experts also agree the risk of COVID-19 transmission through water is very low. Everyone agrees that the best way to stay safe is to maintain proper physical distancing in and out of the water. Under normal circumstances our spot at Bolsa Chica is ideal for beginner surfers (see why) but it is especially well suited for adhering to Coronavirus safety protocols as it provides ample room to spread out and surf at safe distances from one another.
Are you open during COVID-19?
YES! Our surf lessons and surf camps will take place this summer. Bolsa Chica State Beach (where we are located in Huntington Beach) is currently open for beach activities, with parking available. Visit our surf lesson and surf camp pages to signup.
What safety measures are you taking?
We are taking every possible precaution to ensure our customers stay safe and have fun. This page outlines these safety measures, which include training staff to limit the spread of Coronavirus, implementing disinfectant strategies, and practicing physical distancing. Instructors will maintain a minimum 6 foot distance from students, both in and out of the water. All our surfboards, equipment, and facilities are regularly disinfected. We will also provide access to hand washing stations and safely separate our check-in process so families are never too close together.
For more answers to common questions about our surf lessons and camps check out our full FAQ page.
Putting Your Health First
Staying Safe and Having Fun During COVID-19
We are firm believers that surfing has the power to heal and bring us closer together, even when we need to stay six feet apart. In the best of times and the worst, it comforts, rejuvenates, and invigorates. The world is facing a lot right now, but surfing can be a sanctuary and we want to share in it together with you.
Safety first is the motto of our surf school, both in and out of the water. We want to ensure you can enjoy the beach and ocean without concern. So our goal during these crazy times is two things: to stay safe and have fun. We’ll do our hardest to take care of the first and we’ll let the waves provide the second.
Coronavirus Questions?
Call us at 714-969-3959 or shoot over a message.
