Ages 7+Up to 2 Students
Dolphins
Dolphins are at home beyond the breaking waves, and this is where swimmers start getting there too. Instead of just going over and under waves, they learn to make their way through the break and relax in open water away from the sand. Swimmers practice short open-water swims, body surfing, and reading the waves to understand when and how to safely make their way back to shore.
Gear Checklist:
- ✓ Snug-fit goggles
- ✓ Bright-colored swim cap
- ✓ Towel
- ✓ Water bottle
- ✓ Sunscreen applied before arrival
- ✓ Wetsuit (especially during the colder months)
- ✓ Fins
Prerequisites
01
Surf Confidence
Comfortable entering the ocean and moving through small breaking waves without hesitation.
02
Wave Control
Able to confidently go over and under breaking waves while maintaining control and staying calm.
03
Independent Swimming
Able to swim continuously in moving water without assistance and maintain good breathing and body position.
Passing to the Next Level
- ✓Make it through the break and into open water confidently without hesitation
- ✓Remain calm and comfortable beyond the breaking waves away from the sand
- ✓Complete short open water swims while maintaining direction and control
- ✓Read incoming wave sets and recognize the best time to make their way back to shore
- ✓Body surf waves back toward shore with control
- ✓Recognize basic rip currents and lateral currents from the beach and understand how they affect swimmers
- ✓Return through the break safely and confidently