Third Coast Beach Camps

Third Coast Beach Camps runs summer surf and beach camps for kids on the shore of Lake Michigan, at St. Joseph (Jean Klock Beach) and New Buffalo (City Beach), in southwest Michigan. Created in 2005 by Great Lakes surfers, the camp says it has welcomed more than 6,000 kids.

Each session lasts five days, Monday to Friday. Kids learn water safety and surfing basics and also try stand up paddleboarding, skimboarding, bodyboarding and beach games; sandboarding and sledding are offered at New Buffalo only. Campers should be comfortable in the water.

Founders Ryan and Erin have surfed Lake Michigan for more than twenty-five years; Ryan opened his first retail surf shop there in 2005. They also rent kayaks and paddleboards under the Third Coast Paddling name.

Five-day sessions, Monday to Friday, in the morning (until noon) or the afternoon (until 4 pm). Camp is cancelled in case of continuous heavy rain or thunderstorms. 2026 sessions are full; bookings are open for 2027.