Surf n Service students with surfboards on beach

Surf-n-Science

Flex Programs (Ages 9 - 17) Flex Programs (Ages 9 - 17)

MarineQuest’s surf program is catching some waves this summer and exploring marine science! Get your morning surfing in at Wrightsville Beach and hands-on marine science activities in the afternoon. Groms (ages 10-14) will explore a different area of marine science each day, while older Wave Makers (ages 15-17) will go beyond the break to investigate real coastal issues and explore solutions.

Groms

Combine the excitement of surfing with hands-on exploration of marine science! Each morning, participants head to Wrightsville Beach to learn how to read waves, tides, and ocean conditions while developing safe surfing skills and building confidence in the water. In the afternoons, young scientists explore a different area of marine science each day through hands-on activities, experiments, and coastal exploration.

What will students explore and discover?

Discover how waves form and learn to read a surf report.
Experience 4 surf lessons and a paddleboard adventure.
Investigate how environmental factors have shaped nearshore organisms.
Explore how wind, waves, and currents shape beaches and dunes.
Get hands-on in the lab investigating coastal water quality and ways to keep our waters healthy.

Wave Makers

Take your surf skills to the next level while investigating real issues facing our coast! Each morning, participants head to Wrightsville Beach to read waves, tides, and ocean conditions while building safe surfing skills. In the afternoons, students use scientific tools, data, and hands-on investigation to explore two pressing coastal issues: ocean plastics and coastal resilience. Along the way, they’ll investigate how human activities affect our coast and explore solutions for a more resilient ocean and coastal community.

What will students explore and discover?

Experience 4 surf lessons and a paddleboard adventure.
Identify different types of plastic and investigate the global plastic consumption crisis.
Investigate how plastic moves through coastal systems, from large debris to microplastics.
Investigate coastal flooding and how communities prepare for storms and other hazards.

Program Dates, Tuition & Registration

Surf-n-Science Program Dates, Tuition, & Registration
Ages	Groms: 10 - 14 (must complete 4th grade and turn 10 by the start of the program) Wave Makers: 15 - 17 (must complete 9th grade and turn 15 by the start of the program)
Staff/Student Ratio	1:10 with 1:2 ratio when surfing
SCHEDULE	Commuter: Monday - Friday Overnight: Sunday - Friday
Time	Monday - Thursday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Friday 8:00 AM - 12:45 PM
Overnight Check-in/out	Sunday 3:30 PM Friday 12:45 PM
Summer Sessions	Groms: June 14 - 18, 2027 Wave Makers: June 28 - July 2, 2027 Wave Makers: July 19 - 23, 2027 Groms: July 26 - 30, 2027 commuter only
Academic Fee	$850
Optional Overnight Fee	$855 Total Cost: Academic + Overnight = $1,705
Location	UNCW Campus - TBD
Registration Deadline	You must register two weeks prior to the start of the program.

*Note that prices, content, dates, and times are subject to change without notice.

Frequently Asked Program Questions & Useful Links

How Are Instructors Chosen for MarineQuest?

Most MarineQuest program educators are marine scientists pursuing or have recently completed their undergraduate or graduate degree in a marine science discipline. Also, we hire teachers who have a passion for marine science education. We search through 100+ staff candidates to identify a summer team with experience working with youth, marine science and hold safety certifications including first aid, lifeguard, and more.

We are proud to have a team that is highly trained in both safety and marine science. Each staff member passes a criminal background check before hiring, is First Aid certified, passes a DMV check if they are driving, and is lifeguard certified if required by their position.

What can my student expect during the overnight program?

MarineQuest's optional and for some senior programs required overnight programming provides participants with a full pre-college experience.

After the day's activities, students will have free time before dinner. After dinner, students will have fun, community, and leadership-based activities as well as additional opportunities for free time to read, exercise, and more.

Stay overnight with MarineQuest

My Child Will Need To Fly To Wilmington To Attend The Program. How Do I Make This Happen?

The MarineQuest staff is more than happy to pick up and drop off students at ILM. An airport transportation request form is required. In some instances, there may be an additional charge.

More airport Transportation info