Taking LA’s Youth to Blue Spaces

Green space, park access, and trees

Central LA East LA South LA

Applying a proven solution to a new issue or sector (using an existing model, tool, resource, strategy, etc. for a new purpose)

In LA, many underserved communities are just miles from the shoreline and access to recreational opportunities that involve nature are often limited by a combination of economic, linguistic, and cultural barriers. Some of the children who arrive to our surf lessons show up in jeans and sneakers—clear signs that they’ve never been invited into or equipped for these kinds of outdoor experiences.
Participation in sports and time spent in nature support critical areas of childhood development including mental health, physical fitness, social-emotional skills, and academic performance. A 2022 UCLA study found that communities of color and low-income neighborhoods have significantly fewer parks, fewer trees, and lower quality outdoor infrastructure compared to wealthier areas. As LA prepares to host the 2028 Summer Olympics, where surfing will be a featured event, we must expand access to outdoor recreation and sports in ways that reflect the city’s true diversity.

LCC offers six free, bilingual, intergenerational surf camps across LA County beaches from June to September. Camps are hosted at beaches between Manhattan and Torrance Beach. Each year, we host 3 surf camps for our LA community and 3 with nonprofits like Homies Unidos, Las Fotos Project, and Latino Outdoors.
Our programming centers systems-impacted youth and families from historically excluded neighborhoods, many of whom are experiencing the ocean for the first time. Each camp includes hands-on surf instruction, community-building, and culturally-rooted healing practices. For community members who have a fear of the ocean, we offer ocean education and admiration programs—like whale watching, tide pool days, fishing, and documentary screenings—to help build comfort and connection before introducing surfing.
A typical day begins with somatic healing exercises, followed by a surf lesson on land, guided instruction with trained surf coaches in the water, ocean play time, a reflection circle, and a shared meal. Most volunteers reflect participants' cultural identity, ignite their passion for the outdoors, and coach them on how to ride the waves. Youth are provided a free lunch and the opportunity to enjoy the beach as a form of connection with the outdoors and appreciation for our city’s natural resources. With transportation ranking as one of the top barriers for accessing the ocean, LCC strives to provide bus transportation, and metro cards to all beach events for participants.

As a result of our work, Los Angeles County will see more young people—especially from historically excluded communities—developing confidence and a sense of belonging in outdoor spaces. In the short term, our free bilingual surf lessons provide safe, joyful access to the beach while promoting mental and physical health and well-being. We partner with groups like Las Fotos Project and Homies Unidos to serve youth engaged in other community-based programs, and we hope to grow these relationships through joint initiatives. Long term, we envision a healthier, more inclusive LA where courage is nurtured, and kids see themselves as surfers, environmental stewards, and leaders. Our goal is to expand to more neighborhoods and develop pathways for youth to return as instructors and advocates—building a lasting culture of connection and care, which continues long after their first wave.