Riding Waves at Indo Jax Surf Camp in Pismo Beach 🌊

Three days. Countless wipeouts. Determination, grit, and so much joy.

This summer, Avery and her friends spent three mornings riding the waves at Indo Jax Surf Charities in Pismo Beach — an adaptive surf camp designed especially for individuals with special needs. What started with a little apprehension quickly turned into one of the most empowering, confidence-building experiences we’ve ever had.

What is Indo Jax Surf Camp?

Indo Jax® Surf Charities is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a simple but powerful mission: to empower kids with medical challenges, disabilities, or special needs through the healing power of the ocean. Their belief is that the sea can transform lives, and after three days in the water, we can say without a doubt — it truly does.

The camp runs as a $250 tax-deductible donation when you register. That covers three days of surf camp, typically 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at Pismo State Beach. It’s accessible, affordable, and life-changing.

Our Experience

The first morning, the kids showed up a little nervous. The waves looked big, the boards felt heavy, and “surfing” seemed like a stretch. But the instructors changed everything. They were patient, engaging, and encouraging from the very first moment.

By the end of the first session, every single child had gotten out there. Some stood up right away, some took a few tries, and some were just happy to lie on the board and feel the waves carry them. Each attempt was celebrated with cheers from the volunteers and parents on the beach.

By the second day, the kids were hooked. They paddled out a little farther, tried again after each wipeout, and grinned ear to ear when they caught a wave. Avery’s confidence grew with every run back into the surf.

By the third day, they weren’t just trying — they were surfing. Stronger. Braver. Excited to come back and do it all again.

Why This Camp Stands Out

The magic of Indo Jax isn’t just the ocean or the surfboards — it’s the people. Every instructor and volunteer brought energy, patience, and heart to the beach. They treated every child like a surfer, not just a participant, and made sure each one experienced the thrill of riding a wave.

The adaptive approach means no one is left behind. Kids are matched with boards, helpers, and strategies that work for them, whether they’re neurodivergent, medically fragile, or just hesitant to try something new.

Autism & Sensory Notes

• Structure: The camp runs on a clear, consistent schedule each day, which helps reduce anxiety.

• Safety: Life vests and close supervision make the water feel safe and manageable.

• Encouragement: The instructors never pushed too hard — they encouraged, supported, and let each child go at their own pace.

• Sensory Joy: For kids who love water, riding the waves is a sensory experience like no other — exhilarating and calming all at once.

Final Thoughts

Watching Avery and her friends grow stronger and braver with each wave was one of those core memory moments. Indo Jax Surf Camp is about more than surfing. It’s about empowerment, confidence, and the joy of doing something you never thought possible.

For any family looking for adaptive, inclusive, and unforgettable experiences, this camp is absolutely Avery Approved ✅.