The smooth waters of the Newport Back Bay are perfect for learning to stand-up paddleboard.
And this summer, kids have been taking advantage, learning the basics of SUP during the Kid’s Pirate Paddle Camp at the Newport Dunes.
Kailee Wilson has participated in the camp for the last three summers. At age 12, she’s now at the upper limit of the camp’s range of 8- to 12-year-olds.
“I like that I get to spend some time in the water,” she said, “and time with my friends.”
Campers learn balance, control, steering, water safety and paddle etiquette.
In addition to the paddling, instructors lead the kids in games and water play.
Camps are offered through the first week of August, and can be found at piratecoastpaddle.com.
Camper Sabiha Ersoyln jumps off her SUP in the lagoon at Newport Dunes in Newport Beach, CA on Monday, July 18, 2022. Pirate Coast Paddle Company introduces campers to stand up paddle boarding during the Kid’s Pirate Paddle Camp. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)Campers paddle around the lagoon at Newport Dunes in Newport Beach, CA on Monday, July 18, 2022. Pirate Coast Paddle Company introduces campers to stand up paddle boarding during the Kid’s Pirate Paddle Camp. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)Campers get a paddling lesson during the Kid’s Pirate Paddle Camp at Newport Dunes in Newport Beach, CA on Monday, July 18, 2022. Pirate Coast Paddle Company introduces campers to stand up paddle boarding during the camp. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Kailee Wilson, 12, finds a hidden ball during a game at the Kid’s Pirate Paddle Camp at Newport Dunes in Newport Beach, CA on Monday, July 18, 2022. Pirate Coast Paddle Company introduces campers to stand up paddle boarding, water activities and games during the camp. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)Campers make their way around the lagoon at Newport Dunes in Newport Beach, CA on Monday, July 18, 2022. Pirate Coast Paddle Company introduces campers to stand up paddle boarding during the Kid’s Pirate Paddle Camp. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)Campers play on a lily pad at the lagoon at Newport Dunes in Newport Beach, CA on Monday, July 18, 2022. Pirate Coast Paddle Company introduces campers to stand up paddle boarding, water activities and games during the Kid’s Pirate Paddle Camp. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Campers make their way around the lagoon at Newport Dunes in Newport Beach, CA on Monday, July 18, 2022. Pirate Coast Paddle Company introduces campers to stand up paddle boarding during the Kid’s Pirate Paddle Camp. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)Taisiia Sokolova, 8, paddles around the lagoon at Newport Dunes in Newport Beach, CA on Monday, July 18, 2022. Pirate Coast Paddle Company introduces campers to stand up paddle boarding during the Kid’s Pirate Paddle Camp. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)Campers make their way around the lagoon at Newport Dunes in Newport Beach, CA on Monday, July 18, 2022. Pirate Coast Paddle Company introduces campers to stand up paddle boarding during the Kid’s Pirate Paddle Camp. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)
