Believe it or not, a handful of accredited universities are incorporating surfing into their curriculum. Forget History of India or Psych 120A, if you do your research before selecting a college or planning your class schedule, you might just be able to land surfing on your transcript. Although still uncommon, programs integrating surfing are out there, and they’re growing. Below, I’ve listed a few of surfing programs that have been receiving attention lately. If your university offers courses or programs incorporating surfing, feel free to share your experience in the comments section!
Panama AND college credit? Yes, please. Photo: Groundswell Educational Travel
1. Groundswell Educational Travel: Sustainable Surf Tourism in Panama
This program offers a 3-unit college course, and it operates as a 9-day immersion lecture series. The program is based at the Surfer’s Garden surf lodge at Playa Reina in Panama. With plenty of world-class waves a short distance from the lodge, you study at one of the most idyllic campuses on earth. The program is open to students from any university, and the itinerary looks more like a dream than a syllabus. Students attend lectures and guest speakers each morning and afternoon, but enjoy surfing, hiking, snorkeling, and other excursions throughout the middle of the day. The total trip cost is $2,600, which includes tuition, board, breakfast and dinner, and tours and excursions. However, it does not include airfare, surfboard rentals, or other meals. While the trip isn’t cheap, it might be the best 3 units you ever earn.
You could earn credit for this. Duster Rhodes, Nicaragua. Photo: Brian Scott/Nica Surf Shots
2. SDSU Study Abroad: Surf Tourism in Nicaragua
San Diego State University is one of the only public schools to offer a surfing course for college credit. The university sponsors a study abroad program in San Juan del Sur in Nicaragua. The course is titled RTM 404 Cross-Cultural Interactions in Tourism- Nicaragua Sustainable Surf Tourism, and the 9-day course is worth 3 units. The course seeks to help students understand the impact surf travel has on the region’s traditional culture. The course also strives to help students foster a deep appreciation of diverse Nicaraguan cultures and social practices. Although the itinerary varies slightly day-to-day, one day the schedule actually reads “Surf | Lecture | Surf.” Not a bad schedule, even for a college student. In total the program costs $2,500 (not including airfare), but the cost is well worth it when your homework consists of surfing perfect Playa Hermosa.
Not a bad campus at Pepperdine. Photo: Shutterstock
3. Pepperdine University: Intro to Surfing
Surfing Malibu for course credit? Only at Pepperdine. The scenic school overlooks the Malibu coastline, and with the many surf breaks of North County at its finger tips, it was only a matter of time before Pepperdine created some sort of surf class. Intro to Surfing or PE 157.01, was created in 2003, and works closely with the Malibu Makos Surf Club. The one unit class meets once a week for 15 weeks, but the course fills almost instantly when registration opens. Each week, the class meets at Zuma Beach, County Line, Leo Carrillo, or breaks in Ventura County. Students must pass a swim test to participate, and the class includes both an examination and assignment. It is graded on a pass no pass system.
Living here and surf for college credit ain’t half bad. Photo: CSU
4. CSU Monterey: KIN 149: Surfing
Located in scenic, seaside Monterey, Cal State University Monterey offers a 1-unit surf elective. The course is designed for beginners and first-time surfers. In addition to teaching surfing mechanics, the course instructs students on etiquette, right-of-way rules, equipment, and safety. While surfboards are provided, students must provide some of their own equipment. The course also provides an opportunity for advanced surfers to earn credit by working as aids helping to instruct the course.
The Queen of the Coast. Rincon in all her glory. Photo: Matt Allen
5. UCSB
Ah, UCSB, one of the most well known surf schools in the nation. Located in beautiful Santa Barbara, California, UCSB is a stone’s throw from a right hand point break known as “Campus Point,” and it’s only a short drive away from Rincon, Sandspit, and a variety of other incredible waves. However, the school also allows students to incorporate surfing into their education. UCSB offers a handful of surf related classes including History 103 History of Surfing (4 units), Geography 20 Geography of Surfing (4 units), and Geography 20H Field Studies in Surfing (1 unit). These courses can be used for major credit.
