07/01/2004 | Surf Camp for Teen’s

Surf Camp for Teen’s

After fifteen years as director of the Conejo Recreation and Park District’s Alex Fiore Teen Center, Brenda Coleman knows a quality recreation program when she sees it.

            It was last summer when WaterWorks/Surf Laws Co. co-owner, Mara Cranic came into the Teen Center lobby.  Mara wanted to seek approval to use the Teen Center parking lot as a pick-up/drop off location for their surf camp.  Immediately Coleman saw an opportunity for the Teen Center to be involved in a sport that has never been more popular than it is today, especially with teens.  WaterWorks did use the Teen Center parking lot, and by summer of 2004, two cooperative camps were planned.  The Teen Center staff had worked out a contractual agreement with WaterWorks/Surf Laws Co. and began actively promoting the program to teens at all secondary school sites in the Conejo Valley.

            “This was a first time program so you never know how the community will respond,” said Coleman.  “We were monitoring the Conejo Recreation and Park District’s internet registration pretty closely, anxious to see what we’d get.”  As it turned out, just under 20 teens participated in the first session and 30 teens are currently enjoying session two.

            “I am extremely happy with the results of this program.  The participant evaluation forms from the first session were outstanding.  The teens loved the camp.  The only thing they wanted different was to have even more time in the water.  They gave the instructors the highest marks possible,” said Coleman.  She attributes the success of the program to the owners and staff of WaterWorks/Surf Laws.  Alf Laws was a Los Angeles County lifeguard for 25 years, including 12 years running the Jr. Guard Program before starting his own surf business 10 years ago.  Alf is also a competitive surfer and world class paddler. “He’s the type of guy that looks more comfortable in the water than on land.  Both Alf and Mara impressed me upon our first meeting.  They projected professionalism, as well as dedication.  I’ve really enjoyed working with them,” Coleman said.

            “We shared similar objectives, such as safety of the participant.  Safety is always #1.  All instructors are ocean-lifeguard trained with both CRP and First Aid certifications.  Both the Teen Center and WaterWorks/Surf Laws focus on the quality of the experience for the individual participant.  We create lifetime memories.  A week of surfing at the beach in a relatively small group produces all kinds of results beyond surfing skills.”

            “The teens bond with one another; a lot of new friendships are made.  One day last session, I observed the surfers from the shore.  On this day they were at Hollywood Beach in Oxnard.  The Channel Islands were beautiful as a backdrop, there were dolphins frolicking beyond the surf, and the teens were having a blast.”