Ocean Pines kids interested in surfing and bodyboarding this summer will have the opportunity to learn the necessary skills, tips, and tricks from professional instructor Brian Stoehr.
By Tara Fischer, Staff Writer
Ocean Pines kids interested in surfing and bodyboarding this summer will have the opportunity to learn the necessary skills, tips, and tricks from professional instructor Brian Stoehr.
Stoehr and his team of coaches are slated to oversee both the Big Wave Beginner’s Surf Camp and the Beach Body Boarding Camp. The Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks Department sponsors the programs.
The Big Wave Surf Camp is a single-day lesson with four Friday dates throughout the summer. Interested individuals can attend on July 12, July 26, August 9 or August 23. Each session begins at 6 p.m. and ends at 7 p.m.
“Brian and coaches have perfected a system of beginner surf instruction by combining the correct equipment and wave knowledge to make the experience second to none for the participant and guarantee that students will ride a wave on a surfboard as long as they give it a try,” the Ocean Pines website reads.
The lessons will occur on 36th Street in Ocean City, at the K-Coast Beach. The camp costs $90 for Ocean Pines residents and $95 for non-residents.
Participants do not need prior surfing experience, but they must be able to swim. The organizers will provide surfboards. The camp is open to boys and girls ages six to 15.
Stoehr and his instructors are also expected to coach the Beach Body Boarding Camp. Sessions are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on four Tuesdays throughout the summer. Participants can attend on July 16, July 30, August 13, or August 27.
According to the Ocean Pines website, the professionals will teach the beginners basic and advanced bodyboarding skills. They will also share information on surf awareness, water safety, wet suits, and wave reading.
The camp is open to boys and girls ages seven to 15. No experience is required, but participants must be able to swim and provide their own bodyboards. Attendance costs $75 for Ocean Pines residents and $80 for non-residents.
Stoehr bodyboarded professionally for over two decades, winning two U.S. National Pro Tour Bodyboard titles and an East Coast Pro Tour title.
“A cool thing about surfing and bodyboarding being individual sports is that you can do whatever you want. I’m very competitive, and I loved that I haven’t had anyone to hold me back through the years,” the athlete told Coastal Style Magazine.
In addition to the Ocean Pines camps, Stoehr is the head instructor at K-Coast Surf Shop’s Wave Riding School. Lessons are available every day of the week, all year long. Anyone of any age and skill level is welcome to sign up.
According to the website, the school teaches surf etiquette, ocean conditions, wave selection, how to position yourself on the board, and the importance of keeping oceans and beaches clean. Soft foam surfboards are included.
Those interested in the year-round lessons can sign up on the K-Coast Surf Shop’s Wave Riding School’s website, while Ocean Pines campers can register by calling 410-641-7052.