News & Events

On the beaches of Virginia Beach, between 1st and 5th Street, Norfolk Academy summer campers catch their first waves; by the end of the week, many have developed a passion for surfing, as well as a healthy respect for the power of the ocean. The surf camp, one of many offerings of NA’s Summer at the Academy, offers an amazing opportunity for campers to learn how to surf in a fun and safe environment. Campers who are proficient swimmers work with the director and experienced counselors throughout the week, learning the etiquette and technique to become independent surfers.

Camp director Rich Ingram, a Virginia Beach Public School teacher and coach, brings 21 years of surfing experience around the globe to his work of helping aspiring surfers gain confidence. Norfolk Academy partners with Billabong Surf Camp VB, the longest-running and most respected surf camp in Virginia.

Surf camp counselors share Ingram’s passion for the sport. This summer’s counselors, James Hood ’19 and Sarah Yue ’19, rarely left the water throughout the day. They pushed kids into waves, helped them paddle, cheered them on, and remained vigilant all the time. Mr. Ingram said that his counselors were incredibly responsible and enthusiastic.

The week of camp culminated with a Friday morning full of surfing, followed by a pizza party and slide show. A professional photographer shot throughout the week, and each kid got to cheer as a picture popped up of him or her catching a wave.