Paddleboarding Summer Camp for Kids in Alameda
Top Outdoor Adventure and Environmental Education Camp
Our paddleboarding summer camp in Alameda gives kids a fun, confidence-building way to explore the water while learning balance, coordination, and teamwork. At Gaia Guides, stand-up paddleboarding isn’t about perfection; it’s about trying, laughing, and discovering what your body can do. Families from Alameda and across the Bay Area choose our kids paddleboarding summer camp because it feels safe, supportive, and genuinely joyful.
Our Alameda summer kids camps offer both full-day and half-day options, with each 1-week camp session running Monday–Friday.
Options: Full & Half Day
Our full-day camps run 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, and half-day camps run from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Both options are offered during the same weeks.
Time: 9am-1pm / 9am-4pm
Campers are grouped by age and experience to create a supportive, safe, and challenging environment for skills lessons and paddle adventures.
Ages: 6 - 14 years old
Drive to Ballena Bay Marina, 1138 Ballena Blvd, Alameda. Drive past the flagpole and look for the tennis courts and parking lot on the left.
Location: Alameda, CA
Full-day camps are $699 per week, and half-day camps are $449 per week. Both options are offered during the same weeks.
Price: $449 - $699 Per Week
All campers wear life jackets, with CPR/First Aid certified instructors, small group ratios, and Bay adventures planned around weather conditions.
Safety: Our Top Priority
Spring Break Camps
April 2026
Full-day school break camps.
April 6 - 10
April 13 - 17
April 2026
Leadership Training
CPR/First Aid certification
Dates Coming Soon
June 2026
Summer Camp
Full-day and half-day camps.
June 8 - 12
June 15 - 19
June 22 - 26
June 29 - July 3
July 2026
Summer Camp
Full-day and half-day camps.
July 6 - 10
July 13 - 17
July 20 - 24
July 27 - 31
August 2026
Summer Camp
Full-day and half-day camps.
August 3 - 7
August 10 - 14
A Paddleboarding Camp Made for Kids
Our paddleboarding summer camp welcomes complete beginners and returning paddlers. Kids learn at their own pace with instructors who make every step feel achievable.
Our SUP camp is:
Beginner-friendly and welcoming
Confidence-building and playful
Safety-first and thoughtfully guided
Relaxed, supportive, and adventurous
It feels more like a summer memory than a lesson.
What Kids Learn at Paddleboarding Camp
Each week blends skill-building with fun exploration.
Kids experience:
Basic stand-up paddleboarding technique
Balance, turning, and board control
Falling safely and getting back on the board
Water safety and awareness
Group paddles, games, and challenges
By the end of the week, most kids are amazed by how strong, steady, and confident they feel on their boards.
Camp Options for Paddleboarding Families
Our kids paddleboarding summer camp in Alameda offers:
Full-day and half-day options
Monday through Friday sessions
Small group instruction
Paddleboards, paddles, and wetsuits included
Families join us from Alameda, Oakland, Berkeley, and across the Bay Area for a SUP camp that feels fun, safe, and confidence-boosting.
Explore our full Kids Summer Camp program
Safety & Supervision
Safety is always the foundation. Your child is guided by CPR & First Aid certified instructors who understand how to teach paddleboarding to kids in a calm, encouraging way. Camp takes place in a protected lagoon that’s ideal for beginner stand-up paddleboarders.
We provide:
Calm water conditions
Small camper-to-instructor ratios
Wetsuits and safety equipment
Clear instructions and steady encouragement
Kids feel brave. Parents feel confident.
Perfect Alameda Paddleboarding Location
Our paddleboarding summer camp is held at Ballena Bay Marina in Alameda, California, just minutes from Oakland and San Francisco. The calm lagoon and open water create the perfect place for kids to learn to paddleboard safely.
It’s the kind of place where balance, confidence, and smiles come naturally.
Explore our full Kids Summer Camp program
Why Families Choose Our Paddleboarding Summer Camp
Families choose Gaia Guides because their kids are:
Known by name
Encouraged through new challenges
Supported emotionally and physically
Proud of what they accomplish
Kids leave smiling, stronger, and ready to paddle again.
Parents leave grateful they found a paddleboarding camp that truly cares.
Ready to Try Paddleboarding Summer Camp?
If you’re searching for a paddleboarding summer camp for kids that combines outdoor adventure, safety, and real connection, we’d love to welcome your family.
Quick Kids Camp FAQs
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Start the day with games and a paddling, environmental, or adventure lessons
Adventure time as we head out on the Bay to practice paddling skills and explore
Half-Day Campers return at 1:00 PM after a morning of paddling, games, and eco-learning
Full-Day Campers eat lunch at the beach or marina, then enjoy afternoons of paddling, nature walks, art projects, and eco-lessons
Every day mixes adventure, skill-building, and discovery to keep kids active, safe, and excited
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Sun Protection sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses with a strap
Swim Gear we require a long-sleeve rash guard and swimsuit to wear under our provided wetsuits
Warm Clothes towel, cozy clothes, and a jacket for before/after paddling
Footwear sandals or water shoes for camp
Water & Food large water bottle, plus snacks and lunch
Layer Up! Have campers arrive with swimsuits under warm clothes for easy wetsuit changes. Be sure they bring extra layers, as Bay Area microclimates can shift from cool mornings to warmer afternoons.
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Drive past the flagpole and look for the parking lot next to the tennis courts on the left. Camps are held at Ballena Bay Marina in Alameda, CA. 1138 Ballena Blvd, Alameda CA 94501
This picturesque paddling location offers:
Calm Lagoon for Practice: A protected area ideal for beginners to learn and play.
Access to San Francisco Bay: Just around the corner, participants can enjoy breathtaking views of the city skyline, adding an adventurous element to their experience.
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Life Jackets every camper wears a Coast Guard approved life jacket whenever they are on or near the water.
Certified Staff all instructors are trained in CPR, First Aid, and water safety, with a focus on youth instruction.
Small Ratios we maintain a low camper-to-instructor ratio (about 1:6) so each child gets close supervision.
Condition Checks instructors assess Bay conditions including wind, tides, and currents before planning the day’s paddle route.
Skill Training campers learn buddy systems, safety signals, and self-rescue techniques to build confidence on the water.
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To keep all campers safe, anyone picking up your child will be asked to provide the 4-digit pick-up code you chose during registration.
For a smooth start and end to each day, a parent or guardian must be present for check-in and check-out. This gives us a chance to review important details and answer any questions.
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Camp is designed to spark curiosity both on and off the water. When we’re not kayaking or paddleboarding, campers might explore the Bay’s ecosystem, learn about marine life and water quality, or dive into art projects and nature crafts. Afternoons often include team games, mindfulness activities, and environmental lessons that connect kids with the outdoors while building friendships and confidence.
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We provide all paddling gear including Coast Guard approved life jackets, wetsuits and gear specially sized for each age and adventure.
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Both! Campers get to try kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, with the option to focus on the one they enjoy most as the week goes on. We keep things flexible and design a daily paddle plan around Bay conditions like wind, tides, and currents. While nothing is guaranteed every day, campers always get safe, fun time on the water.
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Swimming experience we want campers to feel safe and comfortable around water but strong swimming isn’t required. All campers wear Coast Guard approved life jackets.
Paddling experience we love teaching campers with no experience, our instructors teach step by step in a safe, encouraging way. Returning campers get chances to build advanced skills and take on bigger adventures.
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We do not offer refunds or credits for cancellations made within 14 days of the camp start date. If you need to cancel or reschedule more than 14 days before camp begins, please contact us as soon as possible.
We reserve the right to cancel camp due to unhealthy air quality, extreme weather conditions, or low enrollment. In the event of cancellation, a full refund will be issued.
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Local woman owned business rooted in love for our community and built with over a decade of local experience on the Bay
Our unique location at Ballena Bay in Alameda offers calm, protected waters for learning and direct access to the San Francisco Bay for bigger adventures
Equipment we provide for all our campers including wetsuits to keep them warm and comfortable
Our curriculum goes beyond paddling blending kayaking, paddleboarding, eco-education, art, teamwork, and mindfulness to give kids a one-of-a-kind experience they can’t find anywhere else.
Family Paddle Nights
Family Paddle Nights are a chance to get on the water together in Alameda’s Ballena Bay. Parents and kids paddle side-by-side, play games, and enjoy the sunset in a safe, welcoming environment. Best of all, kids paddle free on their first night!
June 2 - August 11
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM / Tuesday
$40 Per Adult / Kids FREE
Coupon Code: KIDSPADDLEFREE
What Parents Are Saying
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My kids literal favorite week ever. He keeps asking if he can sign up for another week!
I actually get tears in my eyes when I write this because he was nervous at first and I worried that I had signed a six-year-old up for something two immense, but literally Victoria and her amazing team of teachers changed his outlook and gave him more confidence than I could ever give him alone. They kayaked, but mostly paddle boarded, which was everybody's favorite and now he's asking me to get him a paddleboard! I really can't say enough good things. I normally don't leave my kids with people that aren't family but immediately the team felt like a little cohort of marine explorers and everyone seemed to really care about everyone else. Victoria is so conscious about safety and is constantly reminding the kids to put on sunscreen so much so that they can guess what she's about to say lol! I am not concerned at all about safety when I know such competent teachers are with my kids and I'm so happy that his introduction to Alameda has been so beautiful.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
— Alexandria
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I don’t write reviews often, but I really want to share this five-star review for the stand-up paddleboard summer camp by Gaia Guides.
It was an absolute delight for my child, and I couldn't be happier with the experience. First and foremost, the camp's staff exceeded all expectations. They were incredibly friendly, professional, and dedicated to ensuring the safety and enjoyment of every camper. Another aspect that stood out was the camp's dedication to providing a fun and educational experience. The instructors not only taught stand-up paddleboarding skills but also instilled a love and appreciation for nature and outdoor activities. It was incredible to witness my child's growth and development in both physical and mental aspects.
I highly recommend this camp to parents looking for a fun, educational, and memorable summer camp experience for their children.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
— Jessica
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This is one of the camps my child wants to attend every summer.
She has a blast every session she goes. I know sometimes the summer is grey and cold but don't worry, they provide wetsuits for the kids. Just be sure to bring some warm clothes to change into after taking the wetsuit off. The staff actively monitor the water and weather and they will plan activities and paddles based on the water conditions. That can be anything from paddling to the Hornet, SUP yoga to SUP Olympics. Last by not least, all the instructors are super nice and wonderful people.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
— Sharon