surf trip with my 11 yr old son

[Wipersnaper]

I'm 44 years old, and have been surfing since I was 8 yrs old. I've surfed mostly short borads, starting in the 70s from all over california, Oregon, some in Mexico, and in Taiwan during typhoons. I have my sebatacle next summer, and looking to take my 11 yr old son with me for a low budget 2 month surf safari that would be fun and somewhat safe from locals, and waves. He is still a beginner in my books, and is small built.
Surf camps are expensive, so I am looking to do this on my own.
Recommendations?

[Guest]

If you want to travel - I recomend Costa Rica. It is not too expensive flying from the states (check America West) and there is a multitude of beach breaks - mostly in the mellow to medium difficulty range. Mal Pais has a nice beach break. There is a surf camp there with board rentals. Accomodations are also cheap, ranging from free or almost free camping to $30 - $40 nite cabinas. In addition, it's a beautiful country with lots of jungle and wildlife. The poeple are very friendly and localism is minimal.

When I was his age (I'm 40 now) I had been surfing 2 years and my uncle took me and my cousin on a surfari from San Diego up through Orange County. It was a memorable experience but the are has changed so much now it wouldn't be the same. Camping requires reservations a year in advance at places like San Elijo and San Onofre. But it can be done and he would probably still be stoked.

Another option if you are So. California is Baja. There are still lots of beaches south of Ensenda that are great for camping and have easy beach breaks. One of may favorites I visited as a kid and have gone back to as an adult is the beach south of San Quintin. It is many miels long with unreal sand dunes at the south end. There is camping and lots of sealife. The waves are usually pretty mellow and can get quite fun.

I can't wait until my 8 year old starts surfing - kind of a challenge in Santa Fe, NM though. Have fun!

[babyboarder89]

your 11 yr old son is increddibly lucky.