Surf Camps in Wrightsville Beach, NC - Crystal South Surf Camp

Crystal South Surf Camp – Wrightsville Beach

SHARING THE ANCIENT SPORT OF KINGS WITH THE CAROLINAS FOR 23 YEARS! CALL 910 465 9638 to schedule lessons

The original surf camp in Wrightsville Beach, Crystal South Surf Camp has been helping people from all over the world take their surfing abilities to the next level since 1996. Whether you have never surfed before and have always dreamed of learning or if you want to improve your already existing skills, we offer all of the coaching and instruction you will need in order to reach your fullest potential while staying safe and having the most fun possible!

Through our programs, we will teach you how to surf and how to enjoy every aspect of the ocean. From surf etiquette and ocean safety to coastal ecology and marine life, you will develop a vast understanding of the ocean and how to enjoy every minute of your time spent in the ocean. Please join the fun this summer and let us share our love of the ocean with you!

The History of Crystal South Surf Camp

Crystal South Surf Camp was established at the south end of Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, in 1996.Founded by East Coast female surfing legend Jo Pickett, the camp began as a way for residents to provide their children and loved ones with the skills and knowledge that Jo’s children were quickly acquiring through her coaching. Since then, new and returning students have sought out Jo and her family to help advance their abilities and their stoke in and out of the ocean. Many students who learn their skills here become instructors for Crystal South Surf Camp and other surf schools. Crystal South Surf Camp builds a world view into the experience of surfing at Wrightsville Beach, while learning to surf in a safe and structured environment with certified instructors.

What Makes Our Surf Camp Different?

As Surfing schools, instruction, and coaching have become more mainstream, surfers that show commitment and dedication to the contest circuits (ESA, NSSA, O’Neill Grom Search, Gnarly Charley events, and Wahine events in Wrightsville Beach NC and Folly Beach SC) realize the benefit of coaching. Jo has coached many surfers in many events, traveling to events and surf training destinations. With multiple regional and national titles accomplished by Jo, her daughters, and many of our students, Crystal South Surf Camp is prepared to develop next level surfers.

For our returning students, who surf with us during their summer vacation here at Wrightsville Beach, we continue to offer progressive surf training, and are always ready to assist with choosing new equipment! Picking the right board for a surfer in transition is critical to surfing skill development. Using the many resources available locally ( and occasionally online), Jo will provide guidance for choosing and enjoying the right surfboard for every type of surfer!

The Future of Crystal South Surf Camp

During this winter of 2024, I am coaching again in Costa Rica, and hosting clients. Surfing a variety of waves, we are building skills and wave knowledge, and using video analysis to measure progress and target specific maneuvers for improvement.

Planning ahead for summer 2024, in addition to the beginning surf camp, the coaching / mentoring program that has always been an integral part of Crystal South Surf Camp will continue, and is designed to improve rotational motion and leg strength, develop compression / extension and shoulder / hip mobility / stability, and improve maneuvers, stance, and positioning on waves or above them! Also, competitive surfing skills and strategy are key components of this intermediate program.

A very successful program in its eleventh year, www.wahineclassic.com, encourages female surfers from entry level to intermediate and advanced contest surfing. Jo brings 45 years of personal contest experience, with a long list of students who have advanced to regional and national amateur titles.