Freedom Surf is honestly such a special group. Gilad, Nick, Oscar, and the whole team are incredible with the kids--they don't just teach surfing, they really connect with each child and help them grow in confidence and ability. They have this amazing way of encouraging the kids while still gently pushing them to do their best, and you can see how much the kids love being there. The communication is always great, and you can tell how much care and thought they put into everything they do. What really stands out is their dedication--they're always working around the weather and swell to create as many opportunities as possible. It's clear they truly love what they do. We feel so lucky to be part of this community. Couldn't recommend Freedom Surf more! read more

Freedom Surf Camps - Summer Camps Near Me - Venice, California

Freedom Surf, Gilad, and the entire coaching staff have made surfing truly accessible for my son. After a fantastic week at summer camp as a 7-year-old, he has spent the last two fall seasons as part of the Freedom "surf team." The transformation has been incredible. He is now completely comfortable in the ocean and has become a much stronger swimmer. As a parent, I have total confidence in Gilad and his team; they strike the perfect balance of keeping the kids safe, pushing them to grow, and ensuring they have a blast. I highly recommend Freedom Surf, whether you are looking for a summer camp or a way for your child to explore surfing more deeply. read more

Incredible program. We've been with Freedom for 2 years now and it's been a true gift. Highly skilled and dedicated instructors, and an amazing group of families. My daughter absolutely loves her wknd surf sessions with her friends, and is always excited to find new surf spots in CA and beyond. She was standing on the board on the 1st day of camp, and has continued to hone her skills through the summer camp program and Fall team. Can't recommend it enough. We love Freedom. read more

Beyond a camp! If you're looking for a something beyond just a babysitting camp, a place to learn about the ocean and how to be on a team, try Freedom Surf Camps. We have enrolled in other camps that just babysit the kids while they play in the sand, and they were okay, but Freedom Surf Camps have been a truly life-changing experience for both our son and daughter. The kids learn about the tides and surf and taking care of our oceans. And they have fun all day catching waves. read more

Freedom Surf Camps - Summer Camps Near Me - Venice, California

See all

I sent my daughter to camp and I feel really comfortable -- she's having a great time. Thank you, Gilad, for everything, and thanks to your staff as well. read more

Gilad and his crew are the BEST!! They have been in incredible with both of my kids not only teaching them to surf but ocean safety and community building. And fun!!! He offers much more than just surf lessons and camp, the kids confidence really grows and everyone who works with him is awesome. Can't recommend Freedom Surf enough!!! read more

My son has been surfing with Freedom Surf since last summer. We love it! the environment is fun, supportive, and most importantly safe! he's done the surf camp as well as the school year surf "team" program where he has learned deep water skills and of course surfing! Gilad is not only thorough in his instruction and making sure kids of every level have a swell suitable to them, but also at cultivating a wonderful community. The progress my son has made just this past year and his love of getting out in the water even in the winter is just a further testament to the wonderful experience we have at Freedom Surf. Looking forward to many more seasons in the water. read more

It is our second summer with Freedom Surf Camp and both of our kids love it. Gilard and his team are super cool and know how to engage the kids with the board. Both kids are good rigth now on the surfboard and enjoyed the days on the beach with surfing and exciting beach games. Will sign the kids up for the next session! Freedom Surf camp rock! read more

Freedom Surf Academy is absolutely amazing! My 11-year-old daughter attended the summer camp, and it was by far her favorite camp she's ever taken. She came home every day super happy and excited to get back. The staff is incredible--so friendly, patient, and truly passionate about teaching kids how to surf while making it fun and safe. You can tell they genuinely care about each child's experience. Gilad is such really great. I can't recommend Freedom Surf enough and really hope more families send their kids here. We'll definitely be back again. Thank you for giving my daughter such an unforgettable experience! read more

Gilad and his team at Freedom surf camp have been amazing. This is our second summer having done the surf camp with our two daughters (10 and 12). Gilad is so invested in the growth of the kids, and challenge them in ways from responsibility (bringing their stuff onto the beach) to nurturing their confidence. My 10yr old daughter went from being too timid to get on the board to flourishing under Gilad's guidance and standing up multiple times a day riding waves to shore. What a wonderful program! read more

We love freedom surf camp ! Our son has gone to surf camp for the last 3 years in a row . come summer time it is the first thing he asks , Am I going to surf camp this year ?!? Gilad and the team are all super awesome and my son's surf skills and confidence in the ocean improve more and more every year ! read more

Our kids have done Freedom Surf Camp for several years now and we love it! Not only is it fun for the kids it has also made them so much more comfortable and safe in the ocean. Gilad and his team are great. They really get to know each individual child and find a way to connect with them. Highly recommend! read more

My kids have been at Freedom Surf for a few years now and have had the absolute best experience here. Gilad, the owner, is 100 percent invested in the kids growth. He is there every day pushing for them to be their best. My son has ADD and his love of surfing has raised his confidence levels and helped him learn how to focus all his energy and attention. He sees Gilad and the lead instructor Nick as his mentors. It definitely takes a village to raise kids, and this camp has given the kids so much with their year round Surf Team (which includes weekend surf instruction) and Snow Boarding and Ski instruction in the winter. Some weekends this winter the kids have been able to surf one day and then snow board the next! I can't thank Gilad and Nick enough for helping teach my kids the joys of nature and getting them off the couch and away from screens! read more

See all

I can't recommend Gilad and his team at Freedom enough!! This is our second summer with Freedom - several weeks of surf camp for both girls ages 7 and 10 and my older daughter has surfed weekly with Gilad's after school program in between. Gilad is an exceptional human being. He obviously has a very good understanding of the ocean, he gives clear direction and honest feedback and he's incredible with kids (both warm and direct). His #1 priority is their safety, #2 is for them to have fun but he's always very motivated to see their improvement. It's clear that he loves what he does and he believes in each and every surfer that he coaches. read more

It's been now a year since we enrolled our daughters in the different programs and camps Freedom offers of year-round surfing and also a couple of snow trips, and we are thrilled with all the experiences so far! Gilad, Nick, and all the instructors at Freedom are passionate about nature and adventure and they have done a good job of instilling this love in our girls. We have seen noticeable improvement in our daughters' surfing abilities since joining the program, and they seem to enjoy every minute of their time with the Freedom Team. We appreciate the care and attention that the instructors (specially Gilad and Nick) have shown towards our daughters, and we believe that they genuinely care about the well-being and growth of each child. Overall, we believe that Freedom is a very good choice for parents looking to give their children a positive and adventurous experience. The instructors are passionate and skilled, and they strive to create a safe and supportive environment for all the kids in the group. read more

We love surfing with Gilad and Nick and Freedom Surf! Finn has made such big leaps ahead in his confidence and skill sine first finding this epic organization in 2019! Even through COVID and even when we were not allowed to do surf camp Nick kept the learning going. We are forever devotees!!! read more

Freedom is so much more than just a surf school. It's one of those rare places where kids (and their parents) get to experience a sense of community around a shared love for the ocean.  Gilad is a gifted teacher and mentor who sees surfing as a tool in learning wider life skills. It's amazing to watch children of all ages as they strengthen their determination muscle, and sense of responsibility with so much enjoyment and growing appreciation for the ocean.  Also, being the only program in the area that offers year round, and multiple day a week classes and training- in a team setting, freedom is the only consistent program where our kids can train and advance year after year with the same coaches and team mates.  I can't say enough about how influential this program has been for my daughter's building of character and sense of competence. Thankful for Gilad, Nick and the rest of the crew that cultivate and pass along their love and playfulness in this beautiful playground we get to enjoy read more

Freedom Surf Camp is awesome! This summer camp is much much more than your typical beach camp. The owner, Gilad and his instructors are alert, smart, skilled surfers and also have fun with kids. They pay attention to each and every kid. They understand how to encourage the kids just the right amount to get them to try new things in the water all while teaching them about the ocean. On these camp days I have seen even the smallest camper get on a surf board. I have seen kids joyfully screaming while boogie boarding. And I have seen kids of all ages play together to build elaborate sand castles. It is the ultimate summer beach week. We've been lucky to be part of this camp for years now and my daughter has developed a lifelong connection to the ocean thanks for Freedom. read more

My daughter thrived at this camp. She is 8 and very shy! The staff helped her feel welcome and part of! I'm so grateful to them and they have her a lovely complement as it was her third time ever they said she is a strong surfer and she was delighted! Thank you for making this mom proud and helping my daughter ! read more

Unfortunately, we didn't get the chance to experience this camp. I had high hopes given the ratings here and splashy happy camp photos. They earn a measly one star (or less) given their horrible lack of communication and organization. I registered and paid online and waited and waited for a confirmation/welcome email. Most camps send information regarding what to bring, what to wear, daily schedule, etc. We got zilch, nada, nothing until I finally called and e-mailed a few days before the camp. I didn't receive a reply until ONE DAY before camp that the camp would not be operating until the next week. I had a minor heart attack and scrambled to figure out another daycare/camp option. This camp really left us in a lurch so I cannot recommend it. read more

My 13-year-old wanted to learn how to surf. He was a little afraid of the water. After a few days at Freedom, he was riding a foam board. After a few months, he was riding a short board! He is completely obsessed with surfing. Any opportunity he has to get out in the water with Freedom, he is there! Gilad is extremely cautious. There are always counselors with the kids, and they monitor the water conditions throughout the day. My little 8-year-old daughter had her first surf camp day yesterday, and she was riding waves and she had a blast. Your kids will learn to surf, but they also feel empowered and connected to the ocean. Priceless. read more

My 8y old son took one week of surfing lessons bad he learns how to surf and had amazing experience. I highly recommend.

Highly recommended! We've chosen Freedom Surf for summer camps two years in a row and will keep coming back!

We couldn't love Freedom more! Being part of the surf team has transformed our kids into proper little surfers. They are now obsessed and it's all they want to do, every day of the week! Gilad and his team have a wonderful way with the kids-encouraging, supportive, and empowering read more

My twin boys did the surf camp a few years back and had a great experience. We just did our first snowboarding trip and they had the time of their lives and can't wait for the next one. Gilad and his team are great with the kids and super organized and response. If you want to surf, ski or snowboard in So-cal Freedom is number one! read more

What a great camp. Thank you for offering this camp for the kids. My kids had a great experience. Thank you Giliad. My kids learned how to surf and had a great time. read more

Last summer was the best summer for our 8 and 9 years old, they attended the Freedom surf camp in Venice for 2 weeks they loved it!! They learned how to surf and be in the ocean. This summer we doing it again and the girls are super excited . We feel very comfortable with the committed team and the leadership of the owner Gillad, safety for him is number one, and they teaching with lot of passion and it's great. Hope to see you in the water this summer.. read more

Freedom Surf Camps - Summer Camps Near Me - Venice, California

My 9 yr old is a cautious child and apprehensive to try new things. I sent him here on the recommendation of a friend whose children have attended this camp. I was worried momma because he isnt a strong swimmer. I spoke to Gilad, the owner, and he eased my mind. There is a good counselor to kid ratio. Well my son excitedly has boogie boarded and surfed a few waves. He felt safe. I needed him to gain some confidence in the water. Its happening. I look forward to sending him im the future. read more

My kids had a blast! My usually fearful 10 year old stood up on a surf board and can't wait to do camp this summer. My very grumpy and stubborn 7 year old who whines every time I drag him to the beach had such a good time that when I went to pick him up, after an entire day on the beach, he asked if we could stay longer. Freedom camp helped my kids enjoy the ocean and the beach the way I do. Something I was never able to do on my own. I couldn't be happier. I also learned a lot about sunscreen. And my kids will only wear SPF 50 or higher with zinc. read more

Freedom surf camp started out as a way to get my kids some basic surf skills. It turned out to be one of the most significant confidence building experiences my kids ever had. Gilad and his crew are experts at teaching kids of all ages. They are kind and sensitive to all kids needs. Safety is the first priority, fun and skill building is a close second. I have never worried about my kids, I always know they're in the best possible hands. Because my kids had such a positive experience I decided to conquer my own fear of the ocean and learn to surf as well. The past couple of years learning to surf with Gilad and a group of wonderful women has changed my life. There is nothing better than being in the ocean, learning to surf while feeling totally safe and confident. read more

By far the best surf school and camp operation in Southern CA. The best quality all around. Instructors are world class....only place to go! read more

Gilad and his team are extraordinary! My son has attended camp the past 3 summers as well as the Freedom year round surf club and has found a passion for the ocean and surfing. My typically timid daughter agreed to try Freedom Surf Camp last summer and fell in love. It was her first experience with any organized camp or sport and it was all so positive! Gilad is an ocean expert, and very attentive to conditions and safety. He connects with the kids, and encourages them to improve while having fun, both in and out of the water. Our family completely trusts Gilad and his team with our young children in the sea. Not only does Freedom instill a respect of the ocean but also, inspires the kids to work hard, have fun and be their best selves. Freedom is an integral part of our family's life. read more

For the past 3 summers, my son has attended Freedom Surf Camp in Venice, and to say it has been a highlight of his summer is an understatement. Gilad and team provide a fun and most importantly safe environment for kids to discover themselves through the ocean. One of my son's proudest moments was when he first stood up by himself on a board, and no matter how many times he has done so since, or how far he has come, he always remembers how he got there, and looks forward to going back every year. That is the reason that my wife and I continue to send our kids here. read more

Gilad and his team are fantastic. My son has attended camp the past 3 summers and has been taught to surf in a safe and fun environment. Gilad is an ocean expert, and very attentive to conditions and safety. He gets to know the kids, and encourages them to improve while having fun, both in and out of the water. We will definitely be going back! read more

My very cautious and pensive boy started Freedom Camps three years ago at age 7. It took a while to persuade him, but after the first day, he was hooked. He will go at any chances he gets now. I love how they teach the kids to read the waves and the ocean. It is great fun, also the kids learn how to respect each other on water, as well as the ocean. I do not think I could have gotten my boy to feel so at ease in the ocean without Freedom Camps' help. Gilad has a way to connect with the kids that builds a strong faith when they are out in the water together. He pays attention to each kid to know when they are ready to get on the board, striking the balance between keeping it fun and pushing further. My son brought 5 friends the first summer, 7 the next, three more the following. And EVERYONE of them LOVED the camps, and went back for more. read more

When I first wanted to learn how to surf as a kid, my dad sent me to Freedom surf camps. I loved it so much that I spent multiple weeks of multiple summers there. Looking back at it, those were some of my best memories of my childhood. Not only are Gilad and his team absolute experts at teaching surfing, but they create an incredibly warm and welcoming environment for all who attend. Gilad also does a great job of teaching the kids to respect the ocean, each other and themselves. Most importantly, the camps are incredibly safe. The kids will always be covered in sunscreen and carefully watched by highly trained instructors. Another great thing about Freedom is the community it built. With year round programs, (surfing, snowboarding, etc..) the kids will have many opportunities to reconnect with their summer friends and create a lifelong bond with a community of awesome people. I highly recommend Freedom camps to all who want their children to learn to surf, get some physical activity, make new friends and have an absolutely incredible summer. P.S. The snowboard trips in the winter are awesome too, highly recommended! read more

I started surfing with Gilad over a year ago and he has made me a completely confident surfer. I was always afraid of the water and surfing was only a dream I had and Gilad showed me that it's really not as hard as it seems. I'm not a super athletic person, I practice yoga and swimming has always been a weak point of mine but I've never been afraid in the water with Gilad. I've been able to ride every wave he's sent me on because I feel safe with him and because we are all having so much fun in the water ! I highly recommend Gilad as a teacher to all of my friends or to anyone who's just a beginner or looking for some pointers to improve on. read more

I've been surfing with Gilad and Freedom Surf for almost 2 years and think they're fantastic. I started with no surfing experience and I now catch my own waves. Gilad has been a strong instructor - he instills confidence via his guidance in the water - paddling out, reading the oncoming waves, surf etiquette, etc. Additionally he challenges your ability when you're ready so you progress at the pace right for you. I absolutely love surfing and I know part of the reason is because of the awesome instruction I've received from Freedom Surf. read more

Four years ago, while visiting California, my two boys participated in Freedom Surf Camp (see my first review). Gilad and his amazing team instilled a deep love for surfing that continues to this day. Last week, on their first trip back since 2015, my boys had a very specific request -- to surf with Gilad again. Gilad accommodated our travel schedule and gave them his undivided attention. They were on cloud nine. We will continue to return to Gilad whenever we are in town. He's as good as it gets! read more

We had a private lesson for our family and had an amazing experience! We all got up on the boards quickly and loved learning from Troy & David. Thanks for a great time! read more