Contact Us

Call Us: 910-515-7005

Please contact us for any reason by phone or with the contact form below. We will respond as soon as possible, usually within 24 hours.

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F.A.Q.

Q. What should I bring to class?
A. We provide rash guards and surfboards for beginner camp, but you'll need to bring your own gear for advanced sessions. We also provide water refills for all offered classes.
For all classes, you'll need to bring your own beach towel, dry clothing, water bottle (preferably reusable to reduce plastic waste!), sunscreen (pre-applied & waterproof SPF 30+), and extra snacks.

Q. What age are your camps suited for?
A. Both camps are for ages 6-17, but advanced sessions are specifically for surfers at an advanced level or participating in competitions. Private lessons are for all ages.

Q. Where are classes located?
A. We hold private lessons and camp on beautiful Wrightsville Beach. Our meet-up and pick-up spot is on the beach at the end of Stone Street, at Public Beach Access 29.

Q. What if I've never surfed before or don't have strong swimming skills?
A. Try the beginner/intermediate camp or private lessons! We maintain a two-to-one student-instructor ratio in beginner camp to maximize safety, and private lessons are one-on-one. Our instructors are CPR-certified so you can feel secure while learning to surf for the first time.

Q. What happens if there is unfavorable or unsafe weather?
A. While surfing in the rain is safe and fun, we will reschedule if lightning, thunder, strong winds, or other unsafe conditions are present. If there aren't any decent waves, we will not reschedule but will instead practice techniques and play games on the beach.

Q. Do you offer group discounts?
A. Yes! We do offer group rates. Please contact us for pricing.

Q. What is your cancellation or rescheduling policy?
A. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please give us 7 days notice. If canceling, you will be issued a full refund, minus a 15% administrative fee. If you do not give us 7 days notice, no refund will be issued.

Meet Our Instructors

Justin Barber (owner & instructor) brings a wealth of coaching experience to Sweetwater Surf School. After graduating from UNCW, he traveled the world living in Asia for two years and the Southwest coast of Spain for the better of ten years along the way. He was stoked to move his family back to the NC coast and has enjoyed coaching the Sweetwater Surf Shop soccer team for the last few years. With a long term vision and desire to start a surf school, teaming up with the Sweetwater crew was a no-brainer.

Ben Bourgeois (senior instructor) entered his first surfing contest at six years old. He held the World Junior Champion title in 1995, became the ISA World Amateur Champion in 1996, and began his professional career in 1998. He has since won numerous contests and accolades, including a place in the 2001, 2002 and 2008 World Championship Tour, a gold medal in the 2003 X Games in Huntington Beach, and won first and second in the notable Nike Lowers Pro in 2008 and 2009, respectively.
Ben has been featured on the cover of over ten major surfing magazines, including, Surfing Magazine, Surfer Magazine, Stab, Eastern Surf and Transworld Surf. Ben has spent years traveling the world searching for new waves and is a successful surf guide and coach to many up and coming surfers from the USA and beyond. Ben has been inducted into the Wilmington Sports Hall of Fame and the East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame.

Jo Pickett has joined Sweetwater Surf School to build a comprehensive surfing program which consists of 3 phases: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced. She is coaching the Intermediate level, a program designed to develop fundamental surfing skills and prepare surfers for the Advanced coaching sessions with Benny B. Surfers who are interested in competing will find this format useful for contest surfing. Our program also benefits all surfers who want to improve their surfing. Jo's competitive surfing statistics and coaching background include: Eastern Surfing Association (ESA) competitor since 1976, several ESA Easterns titles, shortboard and longboard, one national amateur title, created Crystal South Surf Camp in 1996, and has coached surfing since 2003, including numerous ESA and National Scholastic Surfing Association (NSSA) champions and finalists.

Camden Hoover began competing in surfing at 4 years old. She is currently an ESA All-Star and also competes on the WSL Women's Junior Team. Camden has traveled and trained on the North Shore as well as in Puerto Rico. She has certified water safety experience and has began big wave safety training as well. When not in the water, Camden enjoys competing in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and performing on stage, having opened for artists such as Donavon Frankenreiter. Camden loves teaching people how to surf and her infectious stoke is passed on to each student!

Tristen Harbowy (senior instructor) was born and raised on the North Shore of Oahu where he began surfing at 8 years old. After moving to North Carolina in 2012 to attend college, he began his exploration of the Carolina coast, which fueled his passion for both surfing and the stewardship of the natural environment. He has always lived near the ocean, learning safety and comfort in the water. His passion for surfing has brought many lifelong friendships, opportunities, and cherished memories.

Savannah Holland (lead instructor) is a UNCW alum with an Athletic Training Degree. She started to really get interested with surfing during her time in college. Ever since she first paddled out she spends most of her free time in the water, catching waves improving her craft. Make or miss, her goal is to always have fun and encourage others, much like the Wrightsville Beach community did when she first started out! Out of the water you can usually find her in Sundays with her nose in a book or watching the surf cam, waiting for the smallest hint of swell.