Aqualand Home School Enrichment - The Way Of The Waterman 2025/2026
Aqualand Home School Enrichment Program 2025/2026
The Way Of The Waterman
Wednesday and/or Friday | 9 A – 1 P | 30 Weeks | September 10, 2025 - May 22, 2026
Join us for an unforgettable year of ocean & bay adventures and all around life-skill-building with Matty & Aqualand! Designed for young water enthusiasts ages 5 & up, this 30-week program is perfect for those looking to enhance their surfing skills, build confidence in and out of the ocean, and embrace the ultimate waterman lifestyle. This is a drop off class but we have an open door policy for parents.
Our ratio is 4:1 depending on students’ ability in the water and we will adjust as needed while maintaining safety and quality. Matty will be the primary instructor for the year.
Location:
Our primary surf location will be Surfside (Anderson Street), but we will also surf Bolsa Chica and Alamitos Bay. Exact locations will be condition-dependent and we will always work with the group to ensure your family’s routine is working.
We operate in all weather—so when surf conditions aren’t ideal, we’ll shift focus to alternative activities that contribute to ocean independence and confidence. We will always be active and working towards the way of the waterman!
What to Expect:
Led both days by Matty Mitchell (decorated lifeguard, D1 swimmer, and all-around waterman), students will develop their ocean & surfing skills through play, games, and a well-rounded approach to ocean independence. Our additional staff are trained in ocean safety and lifesaving and share a passion for children having FUN.
Building onto Aqualand’s three successful summer camps—Surf, Bay, and JG Prep—this program takes a deeper dive into:
✅ Surfing – Improve technique, ocean awareness, and confidence
✅ All-Around Waterman Lifestyle – Gain confidence in all ocean conditions and build an appreciation for environment in order to be a better surfer, becoming resourceful and aware
✅ Prone Paddling – Strengthen endurance and efficiency getting to the lineup
✅ Body Surfing – Understand waves without a board, improve body awareness, and master fins and ocean swimming
✅ SUP, Outriggers, Kayaking & Canoeing – Learn correct paddling techniques in flat water and waves
Beyond the Water:
Not every morning is great for surfing—but that doesn’t mean we’ll be waiting on the sand. On days when conditions don’t allow for surf, we’ll expand our exploration with activities such as:
🎣 Fishing & Cleaning
🏕️ Camping skills
🔥 Fire building and campfire cooking
🍞 Ancestral food basics, including fermented grain & meat preparation and baking over a fire
🛠️ Paddle making/woodworking
🌊 Environmental education and ocean safety
⛺ Survival basics, CPR, tire changing, oil changing, how to strap your surfboard to your roof!
Tuition & Payment Options:
First child: $2,100 ($17.50/hour) for one day, $1400 ($11.50/hr) for additional day
Second child: $1,500 for one day, $1,200 for additional day
Third child & beyond:$1,100, $1000 for additional day
Please email for discount code if registering siblings and Lesley will help.
Payment Options:
💳 Out of pocket
🏫 Charter funds (please email info@aqualandofthefree.com)
📅 Payment plan available – please email info@aqualandofthefree.com if interested
This is a full-year commitment.
Refunds are not given for missed classes unless we cancel.
Charter School Funds Accepted:
We accept Blue Ridge and are just about ready to go with Granite Mountain and Cabrillo funds but will be ready to accept these by the start of class in September. POs are due Sept 1st, 2025. Please email if you plan to use funds and secure your place with a $100 registration fee (non-refundable).
Please continue to scroll down for additional class information and our policies.
For any and all questions, please contact Lesley at info@aqualandofthefree.com.
Aqualand Home School Enrichment Program 2025/2026
The Way Of The Waterman
Wednesday and/or Friday | 9 A – 1 P | 30 Weeks | September 10, 2025 - May 22, 2026
Join us for an unforgettable year of ocean & bay adventures and all around life-skill-building with Matty & Aqualand! Designed for young water enthusiasts ages 5 & up, this 30-week program is perfect for those looking to enhance their surfing skills, build confidence in and out of the ocean, and embrace the ultimate waterman lifestyle. This is a drop off class but we have an open door policy for parents.
Our ratio is 4:1 depending on students’ ability in the water and we will adjust as needed while maintaining safety and quality. Matty will be the primary instructor for the year.
Location:
Our primary surf location will be Surfside (Anderson Street), but we will also surf Bolsa Chica and Alamitos Bay. Exact locations will be condition-dependent and we will always work with the group to ensure your family’s routine is working.
We operate in all weather—so when surf conditions aren’t ideal, we’ll shift focus to alternative activities that contribute to ocean independence and confidence. We will always be active and working towards the way of the waterman!
What to Expect:
Led both days by Matty Mitchell (decorated lifeguard, D1 swimmer, and all-around waterman), students will develop their ocean & surfing skills through play, games, and a well-rounded approach to ocean independence. Our additional staff are trained in ocean safety and lifesaving and share a passion for children having FUN.
Building onto Aqualand’s three successful summer camps—Surf, Bay, and JG Prep—this program takes a deeper dive into:
✅ Surfing – Improve technique, ocean awareness, and confidence
✅ All-Around Waterman Lifestyle – Gain confidence in all ocean conditions and build an appreciation for environment in order to be a better surfer, becoming resourceful and aware
✅ Prone Paddling – Strengthen endurance and efficiency getting to the lineup
✅ Body Surfing – Understand waves without a board, improve body awareness, and master fins and ocean swimming
✅ SUP, Outriggers, Kayaking & Canoeing – Learn correct paddling techniques in flat water and waves
Beyond the Water:
Not every morning is great for surfing—but that doesn’t mean we’ll be waiting on the sand. On days when conditions don’t allow for surf, we’ll expand our exploration with activities such as:
🎣 Fishing & Cleaning
🏕️ Camping skills
🔥 Fire building and campfire cooking
🍞 Ancestral food basics, including fermented grain & meat preparation and baking over a fire
🛠️ Paddle making/woodworking
🌊 Environmental education and ocean safety
⛺ Survival basics, CPR, tire changing, oil changing, how to strap your surfboard to your roof!
Tuition & Payment Options:
First child: $2,100 ($17.50/hour) for one day, $1400 ($11.50/hr) for additional day
Second child: $1,500 for one day, $1,200 for additional day
Third child & beyond:$1,100, $1000 for additional day
Please email for discount code if registering siblings and Lesley will help.
Payment Options:
💳 Out of pocket
🏫 Charter funds (please email info@aqualandofthefree.com)
📅 Payment plan available – please email info@aqualandofthefree.com if interested
This is a full-year commitment.
Refunds are not given for missed classes unless we cancel.
Charter School Funds Accepted:
We accept Blue Ridge and are just about ready to go with Granite Mountain and Cabrillo funds but will be ready to accept these by the start of class in September. POs are due Sept 1st, 2025. Please email if you plan to use funds and secure your place with a $100 registration fee (non-refundable).
Please continue to scroll down for additional class information and our policies.
For any and all questions, please contact Lesley at info@aqualandofthefree.com.
Aqualand Home School Enrichment Program 2025/2026
The Way Of The Waterman
Wednesday and/or Friday | 9 A – 1 P | 30 Weeks | September 10, 2025 - May 22, 2026
Join us for an unforgettable year of ocean & bay adventures and all around life-skill-building with Matty & Aqualand! Designed for young water enthusiasts ages 5 & up, this 30-week program is perfect for those looking to enhance their surfing skills, build confidence in and out of the ocean, and embrace the ultimate waterman lifestyle. This is a drop off class but we have an open door policy for parents.
Our ratio is 4:1 depending on students’ ability in the water and we will adjust as needed while maintaining safety and quality. Matty will be the primary instructor for the year.
Location:
Our primary surf location will be Surfside (Anderson Street), but we will also surf Bolsa Chica and Alamitos Bay. Exact locations will be condition-dependent and we will always work with the group to ensure your family’s routine is working.
We operate in all weather—so when surf conditions aren’t ideal, we’ll shift focus to alternative activities that contribute to ocean independence and confidence. We will always be active and working towards the way of the waterman!
What to Expect:
Led both days by Matty Mitchell (decorated lifeguard, D1 swimmer, and all-around waterman), students will develop their ocean & surfing skills through play, games, and a well-rounded approach to ocean independence. Our additional staff are trained in ocean safety and lifesaving and share a passion for children having FUN.
Building onto Aqualand’s three successful summer camps—Surf, Bay, and JG Prep—this program takes a deeper dive into:
✅ Surfing – Improve technique, ocean awareness, and confidence
✅ All-Around Waterman Lifestyle – Gain confidence in all ocean conditions and build an appreciation for environment in order to be a better surfer, becoming resourceful and aware
✅ Prone Paddling – Strengthen endurance and efficiency getting to the lineup
✅ Body Surfing – Understand waves without a board, improve body awareness, and master fins and ocean swimming
✅ SUP, Outriggers, Kayaking & Canoeing – Learn correct paddling techniques in flat water and waves
Beyond the Water:
Not every morning is great for surfing—but that doesn’t mean we’ll be waiting on the sand. On days when conditions don’t allow for surf, we’ll expand our exploration with activities such as:
🎣 Fishing & Cleaning
🏕️ Camping skills
🔥 Fire building and campfire cooking
🍞 Ancestral food basics, including fermented grain & meat preparation and baking over a fire
🛠️ Paddle making/woodworking
🌊 Environmental education and ocean safety
⛺ Survival basics, CPR, tire changing, oil changing, how to strap your surfboard to your roof!
Tuition & Payment Options:
First child: $2,100 ($17.50/hour) for one day, $1400 ($11.50/hr) for additional day
Second child: $1,500 for one day, $1,200 for additional day
Third child & beyond:$1,100, $1000 for additional day
Please email for discount code if registering siblings and Lesley will help.
Payment Options:
💳 Out of pocket
🏫 Charter funds (please email info@aqualandofthefree.com)
📅 Payment plan available – please email info@aqualandofthefree.com if interested
This is a full-year commitment.
Refunds are not given for missed classes unless we cancel.
Charter School Funds Accepted:
We accept Blue Ridge and are just about ready to go with Granite Mountain and Cabrillo funds but will be ready to accept these by the start of class in September. POs are due Sept 1st, 2025. Please email if you plan to use funds and secure your place with a $100 registration fee (non-refundable).
Please continue to scroll down for additional class information and our policies.
For any and all questions, please contact Lesley at info@aqualandofthefree.com.
We provide all surf boards and rash guard.
Students may bring their own board but no hard boards please.
Ages 5 & Up
MUST BE ABLE TO SWIM!
WHERE
Please confirm class location each week as it will vary based on conditions
WHAT TO BRING:
Snack/Lunch
Water
Towel
Hat for sun
Sunscreen
Hoodie/Sweatshirt
Wetsuit
REQUIREMENTS
YOUR CHILD MUST BE WATER-SAFE/ABLE TO SWIM WITHOUT A LIFE VEST.
CANCELLATION POLICY
We do not offer makeup classes unless we cancel class. Our year-long commitment includes a 30-day notice requirement. Families are financially responsible for the entire academic year, regardless of their student's attendance.
If you need to remove your child from our home school enrichment program, a prorated amount of the remaining balance will be refunded, minus a 20% cancellation fee.
To process a cancellation, please notify us in writing as soon as possible. Refunds will be issued based on the remaining portion of the class at the time of cancellation.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we create a well staffed environment that enhances your child’s safety and experience.
