Hey Mermaid!

Congratulations on confirming your spot in a Mermaid Surf Camp! You are one step closer to experiencing the freedom, joy, and fun of riding waves with the Mermaids. Take a moment to celebrate your commitment to learn how to surf this year. You are capable, supported, and you deserve this!

It’s time to dive-in… here is everything you need to know to get ready for your surf camp series:

 

When is my camp series?

Camp #1: May 11- 14 (Mon- Thurs @ 10 AM- 12 PM)

Camp #2: May 18- 21 (Mon- Thurs @ 6:15- 8:15 PM)

Camp #3: June 8- 11 (Mon- Thurs @ 10 AM- 12 PM)

Camp #4: June 22- 25 (Mon- Thurs @ 8:15- 10:15 AM)

Camp #5: July 6- 9 (Mon- Thurs @ 6:15- 8:15 AM)

Block-off your calendar and get excited to learn how to surf during this empowering and fun women’s surf camp program! 

What if I need to miss a session?

• If you can not attend ALL 4-days of your camp series then please select another camp series that works for your schedule. 
• We will cover a lot of new information during each session of your 4-day camp series. Each session will build on the previous day’s skills so it is important to attend ALL 4-days!
• If you miss a day of camp due to unforeseen circumstances, I will do my best to help you make-up any information and skills that you miss!  

 

 Where do we meet?

• Wrightsville Beach- Public Access #40 (at the intersection of S. Lumina Ave & Albright St.)
• Here is a helpful map: WB Public Beach Access Map
• Please meet on the beach 5-minutes before the start of each session so we can start right on time. 
• NOTE: The closest public showers and bathrooms are at Access #36. Please plan accordingly.

 

Where should I park? And do I need to pay for parking?

Park in any of the designated public parking spaces along S. Lumina Ave as close to public access #40 as possible. Parking requirements change every season. I will send parking updates as needed. As of January 2026:

• Paid parking is required from March 1st - October 31st
• Paid parking daily hours: 9 AM- 7 PM

 

What do I need to pack for surf camp?

Grab your favorite beach bag and fill it with the following: 

• Sunscreen: zinc is best for your face.
• Polarized sunglasses: Very helpful for checking the waves!

• Water: the sun & saltwater will dehydrate you quickly!)

• Snacks: surfing requires a lot of energy. I recommend having a light, energizing snack on standby.

• Two towels: one to sit & stretch on. One for drying off after your surf session.

• Beach shoes: The sand can get very hot! 

 

What do I need to wear during surf camp?

I will always message your camp group the evening before each session to provide suggestions on what to wear and what to expect for the next day based on the weather and surf forecast. 

Here are the ideal wetsuits and surfsuits to have for your camp series:

Camp series #1-2: (MAY)

• 2mm long jane

• 1-2mm jacket

• 1-2mm shorty

 Camp series #3-4: (JUNE)

• 1-2 mm jacket

• 1-2 mm shorty

• Surfsuit (comfortable/tight bathing suit)

Camp series #5: (JULY)

• Surfsuit (comfortable/tight bathing suit)

You’re probably wondering what the heck a 1-2mm shorty means? No worries! 

Here is our helpful Mermaid Surf: Wetsuit Guide for detailed information about surf suits and wetsuits. Dive-in for a full explanation on what to wear, when to wear it, and why! Feel free to reach out to me with any questions.

 

Do I need to bring my own surfboard?!

Nope! We provide soft-top surfboards designed for beginner surfers. 

If you plan to use your own board, please respond to this email with a description of your board so I can confirm that it is a good option for you:

• What is the length?
• Is it a soft-top (foamboard) or a hard-top?
• How many fins does it have? 

 

What should I expect during my Mermaid Surf Camp series?

• You can expect to learn everything you need to know to safely start surfing! 
• You will learn how to surf with a small, supportive group of women that will be led by me, Coach Kelly :)
• You will build the skills and confidence needed to start surfing without an instructor. 
• You will have access to the Mermaid Surf Start online course. This is a supplemental online course to help guide you through your first steps of becoming a surfer.
• You will also receive one FREE month to our Mermaid Surf Club membership so you can stay connected, supported, and stoked after your camp series is complete.

 

What should I do to get ready for my surf camp?

• Make sure you have the essentials from the packing list in section #5 and order the appropriate wetsuits and surf-suits explained in section #6. 

• You will also receive an optional 4-week “surf-ready” workout program about 5-weeks before your surf camp series begins. This program is totally optional, but it is a helpful way to start building the strength & mobility required to surf! 

• That’s it! Just look out for an email from Mermaid Surf about 5-weeks before your camp starts and you will be one step closer to catching waves with the Mermaids! 

 

When is the remainder of my payment due?

Your remaining balance is due by the start of your camp series. See your original confirmation email for details or email me with questions. 

 

What if I have questions or concerns? 

Please feel free to send me an email, call, or text and I will get back to you as quickly as possible!

Email: MermaidSurfCo@gmail.com

Phone: (910) 707-4789

 

Welcome to the Mermaid Surf sisterhood and thank you for choosing Mermaid Surf to begin your surf journey. I look forward to guiding you into your first waves with the Mermaids soon! 

 

With Love & Stoke,

Kelly Donovan

Mermaid Surf Owner/Coach