General Information
Camp Description
The Watersports Camp is an exciting day camp offering kids ages 6 to 17 camps in wakeboarding, sailing, surfing, paddling, marine science and much more. The camp is held at the Mission Bay Aquatic Center, which is owned and operated by Associated Students of SDSU and UCSD Recreation, and the camp is sponsored by the YMCA.
As one of the biggest watetsports camps in the world, thousands of kids have jumped their first wake or caught their first wave at The Watersports Camp. Camps run daily, Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Full-day and half-day camp options are available.
Where we meet
The Watersports Camp meets at the Mission Bay Aquatic Center at 1001 Santa Clara Place, San Diego, CA 92109. Check in at the blue tent on the lawn adjacent to MBAC at the South end of Santa Clara Point. Please see our Directions page for a downloadable map and our Parking page for parking tips and procedures.
Waiver and Medical History
Every camper will need a medical history/check-out permission form and release agreement form signed by a parent BEFORE your child will be allowed to participate in camp. Campers who will be bringing medication to camp will need to have a signed Authorization to Administer Medication form on file. Only a parent can sign the waiver and medical history form, and medical history, so if you will not be with your camper on the first day of camp, it is important to be sure to send the properly completed forms in advance, or along with the camper on their first day of camp. Verbal authorization or signatures from anyone other than a parent or legal guardian are not acceptable alternatives. Legal guardians, other than parents, must provide a certified copy of their power of attorney. To take advantage of express check-in, submit your completed forms in advance by fax at (858) 488-9625, or by email at info@watersportscamp.com.
Physical Requirements
The activities at The Watersports Camp require swimming, walking or running over rough or uneven surfaces, involve exposure to salt water, cold water, sun, wind, sand, seaweed, sea grass, ocean currents, sea creatures, breaking waves, and other outdoor elements.
We encourage all children to participate. If campers have needs that require special consideration, parents must contact the Camp Director at least 7 days in advance of attendance so we can ensure the availability of necessary staff and equipment.
For the safety and enjoyment of all campers, participants at The Watersports Camp must be comfortable in the water. All campers must complete a swim assessment on their first day of camp consisting of a 40-meter swim (20 meters down the dock and 20 meters back) followed by treading water comfortably. The assessment is designed solely to evaluate comfort in the water; there is no required stroke or time limit. Once a camper completes the assessment, they do not need to repeat it for future camp weeks.
If you have concerns about your camper’s ability to complete the assessment, you can schedule an early evaluation during the summer camp season. These are on Thursdays from 3:30–4:00 p.m. To schedule one prior to your camp week, please fill out our Advance Swim Assessment Form.
If your camper is uncomfortable in the water, requires a lifejacket at all times, or becomes anxious swimming without one, your camper should gain more swimming experience before attending camp.
For local swim instruction, we suggest contacting the Ryan Family YMCA at (619) 226-8888 or the Aztec Aquaplex at SDSU at (619) 594-7946.
The Watersports Camp Refund Policy aims to maintain quality programs while allowing flexibility for camp families.
Cancellations or transfers initiated with:
- Greater than 7 days notice: Full refund minus 3% processing fee -or- full credit towards a future camp.
- 3-7 days notice: 50% refund minus 3% processing fee -or- 50% credit towards a future camp.
- Less than 3 days notice: No refunds or credits.
Illness/Injury Cancellations: We understand last-minute injuries and illnesses occur. We will do our best to accommodate a full credit towards a future camp with a doctor’s note.
Our camps are designed to operate outside. In the event of adverse weather, regularly scheduled activities may be cancelled or modified. In the case of rain or other conditions that may prevent the ability to hold outdoor programming, you will be notified of the cancellation of activities. Please have a back up plan ready in the case of cancellation.
If a spot becomes available at least 7 days before the session begins, we will email the first person on the waitlist and give them 24 hours to accept and register for the available spot. If we don’t hear back, we will reach out to the next person on the waitlist until 7 days before the start of the camp session.
If a spot becomes, or is still available, less than 7 days before the session begins, we will email everyone waitlisted and the spot will be available first-come, first-serve. If the spot is taken and you are still interested, you will need to re-waitlist, and we will notify you again if an additional spot becomes available.
If your plans change and you are no longer available or interested in a waitlisted spot, please let us know, and we can remove you from the waitlist notifications.
Financial Assistance
Camperships are available for families in need of financial assistance. Please see the Camperships page for more information.
Can't find what you're looking for? Contact us at (858) 539-2003 or by email at info@watersportscamp.com.