Frequently Asked Questions

No, MBLG accepts all participants regardless of swim ability or ocean experience. Our program is scaffolded so that  participants only have to do what they feel comfortable doing, while still developing self-efficacy. We have many participants that start the summer off not knowing how to swim or ever going in the ocean and still find success at MBLG!

Participants must be age 6, 7, 8, or 9 to participate in MBLG. However, depending on availability and the proximity of a child's birthday to the start of a session we can make exceptions for kids ages 5 or 9. Please send us a message and we will let you know if this is option is availablefor you.

A more detailed answer can be found in our parent handbook. Here is a quick summary:

1. MBLG Uniform -  MBLG shirts are included with your registration and  are handed out on the first day of the program. Complete uniforms consist of blue MBLG shirt, bathing suit, and flip flops or shoes. MBLG sweatshirts and hats are also available and can be purchased at the beach any day of the program.
2. Wetsuit. we recommend a full length 3/2 back zip with no hood. These can be purchased at any surf shop. Be wary of buying online because it is best to try on in the shop before purchasing.
3. Sunscreen - put on before arriving at the beach
4. Healthy lunch/snack
5. Water
6. Hat
7. Shoes or Flip Flops- some days we walk to the ocean side and footwear is required so that we don't stub any toes. Please bring shoes every day.

1.  Get a good quality wetsuit that fits correctly. We cannot reiterate this enough.

2. Read our parent handbook with you child so they know what to expect. Especially go over the program rules and the MBLG Code of Conduct.

3. Spend a day at Widdle Walls with you kids prior to the start of the program so they can get used to the beach. If they feel nervous about starting the program, a day spent at this friendly and inviting beach will do wonders to calm their nerves!

4. Put your child's name on everything they are bringing to the beach, especially their wetsuit. Take a white paint pen and write their name on the inside arm of the wetsuit in very large lettering. The more obvious the better. Wetsuits get left on the beach or accidentally picked up by the wrong participant every year, don't let that be you!

Wetsuits can be a challenge for kids. We teach the participants to put on their wetsuits with very little assistance, but before they get to the beach, there are few tips that parents can utilize to make their first experience in a wetsuit as easy as it can be. 

1. Get the right wetsuit - kids do best in a back-zip, 3/2 thickness wetsuit with no hood. If your child is worried about his head getting cold, get them a separate hood. Booties are also an option, but opt for ones with a big zipper on the side so they are easy to get on and off.
2. When you go to the surfshop to try a wetsuit on, bring two produce bags (thin plastic bags). Have your child put these on either feet before sliding them into the legs of the wetsuit. The bags allow the feet to slip right through the legs without causing the westuit to bunch-up.
3. Make sure you are putting the wetsuit on correctly. The easiest land marks are the knee pads, which should be on the exterior and front of the suit.

No. We teach the kids to put their own wetsuits on with as little adult assistance as possible. It is critical that we develop the child's ability to be as self-sufficient as possible in this matter. We have seen hundreds of kids do it and with a little coaching it is easy!

Summer 2023 registration will open at 9:00 AM on 2/4/2023. We fill up fast so please mark this date on your calendar and set a reminder in your phone. Registration happens online and can be accessed on the homepage of this website. Session dates and times can be found on our 2023 Summer Schedule page.