April 5, 2008 (Miramar Beach, Florida) - Ride On Surf School, located behind Pompano Joe’s in Miramar Beach, announces it has teamed up with Billabong USA to offer Billabong Surf Camps for the 2008 season for children ages 8-18. Offering 2-day, 3-day and weekend camps, the surf camps kick off in May and will run throughout the summer each day from 9 am-noon.

“We are really pleased to be working with Ride On Surf School,” said Jim Kempton, Director of Camps for Billabong USA. “Billabong's Camps Program only partners with the best surf camps and Ride On Surf School’s program is top notch. They are great to work with and there is no one we are more confident of than Ride On Surf School.”

The Billabong Surf Camps feature surfing instruction and lessons on ocean awareness, wave breaks, ocean conditions, water safety, wave etiquette, paddling, push up and pop up techniques and balancing.

“Billabong is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of surf wear and accessories and I’m so excited to have their support. This enables us to offer the best surf camp in Northwest Florida if not the Southeast,” said Matt Cassidy, founder of Ride On Surf School.

After proper instruction and practice lessons, the camps conclude with a surf contest and beach relay race. Each child will receive a Billabong grab bag complete with fun goodies including a t-shirt, DVD and stickers. The surf camps include a surfboard rental, leash, rash guard and/or wetsuit. Students are encouraged to bring a light snack, water, towel and sunscreen.

Founded in 2004 by local resident Matt Cassidy, Ride On Surf School has quickly gained the reputation as the Emerald Coast’s premier surf school among local residents and vacationers alike. “I couldn't be more thrilled that Matt and his team will be bringing the Billabong surf camps to the Emerald Coast. I look forward to offering this fun and exciting opportunity to our Billabong customers,” said Frank Sims, owner of Billabong Destin and Aloha Surf Company.

In addition to surf camps, Ride On Surf School also offers group, adult and private lessons, as well as surf parties which are popular for birthdays and corporate retreats.

As a safe environment and individual attention are the number one priority for Ride On Surf School, all surf instructors are CPR and First Aid certified and the student-to-instructor ratio is 4-1.

“Since a very young age I have always had a huge love for surfing and I feel so fortunate to be able to share my passion and enthusiasm with others. The excitement on children’s faces after spending a day learning to surf is priceless and the parent’s couldn’t be more pleased,” added Cassidy.

For more information on surf rates and camp schedules, please call 850.582.2593 or visit www.RideOnSurf.com.

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anything for younger kids? my 2.5 year old loves to tandem surf with dad. he would love a surf camp.

Wow, 2.5 years old- that is awesome he is getting out there that young! We mostly deal with 8 and up however we do offer private lessons for the younger ones that want a shot at it. As long as they can swim and your comfortable with it we can do it. Obviously a little one that age will need small, almost flat conditions to do it on there own. I would suggest a summer lesson as we don't have a wetsuit that small for the current water temps. Hope to see you out there!!!
-Matt

Thanks Kurt! Things are ramping up pretty fast, summer isn't even here for over a month and folks are already signing up!

We just got in out shipment of new boards for the season which also includes a couple of Stand Up Paddle Boards. For anyone that's not sure of what these are check it out. Its basically like kayaking but your standing (rather than sitting) on an oversize, very stable surfboard and paddling. The big difference over kayaking is the VIEW! Since your not sitting down so you really get to see everything around you. And you can catch waves with ease, even if its SUPER small- like it usually is here. Not to mention that its excellent low impact exercise. Anyone can do this and if you have doubts come on down- I'll give you a lesson or you can rent one and see for yourself.

-Matt