SURF
SKATE SCIENCE

What is Surf Skate Science?

Surf Skate Science is a STEAM education program tailored for non-traditional schoolers, such as homeschoolers and microschoolers. It operates on a semester basis, spanning 14 weeks. The program adopts a hands-on approach to learning, alternating weekly sessions between the beach and the skatepark.

 

Educational Approach

Facilitators transform the local beach or skatepark into dynamic science labs, where students apply scientific principles in real-world settings. Through guided exploration, young participants become scientists while honing their surfing or skateboarding skills.

 

Instructional Support

A team of experienced coaches assists students in mastering the fundamentals of STEAM, surfing and skateboarding, ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment. All abilities are welcome.

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What is a Co-op?

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Surf Skate Science operates as a homeschool cooperative, or "co-op"—a community-driven program built by families, for families. In a co-op, a group of families comes together to share resources, responsibilities, and the joy of learning. Together, we create a rich educational experience that wouldn't be possible alone.

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Our classes are not drop-off programs. Instead, we invite parents to take an active role in their child’s learning journey. Whether you're helping with labs, assisting at the skatepark or beach, or simply being present, your involvement is what makes Surf Skate Science thrive.

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Here’s how it works:

• Shared Cost Model: Tuition covers class materials, coach fees, board rentals, and supplies. Because we are a non-profit, these costs are shared among families—helping us keep the program affordable and sustainable.

• Parent Participation: Parents are encouraged to volunteer, join in the fun, and support one another. You might be asked to:

  • Assist your student during labs or activities (especially younger students)

  • Supervise in the skatepark or water (good swimming skills required)

  • Help with setup, cleanup, or attendance

  • Share your STEAM-related career, organize a field trip, or suggest lab ideas

  • Support fundraising efforts to help lower costs for all

• Inclusive Curriculum: Our curriculum is designed for grades 3 and up, but younger students are welcome with a parent’s active support. Parents will receive guidance from our facilitators on how to best assist their children.

 

Above all, we want every student to feel safe, supported, and excited to learn. Participation is encouraged, but never forced. Our goal is to foster a positive and confidence-building experience—both on the board and in the lab.

 

Through this model, students build friendships, families find community, and everyone learns something new—together.​

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How Do I Record My Student’s Learning?​

Surf Skate Science is designed to not only engage your child in hands-on learning—but also to support you as a homeschool educator in tracking and documenting that learning for transcripts and portfolio reviews.

Many families use Surf Skate Science to fulfill their child’s science and physical education credit, and we make it easy to document that learning in meaningful ways.

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Here’s how we help:

• We provide documentation tools that outline student progress and learning goals for each semester.

• You’ll receive guided prompts and project ideas that can be included in your student’s portfolio.

• Our expanded online curriculum allows students to dive deeper at home through interactive lessons, curated videos, and extension activities.

• We offer optional weekly STEAM + Action Sports challenges that reinforce concepts while keeping learning fun and hands-on.

• Students can take part in real-world field experiences with leading scientists, engineers, artists, and action sports professionals.

• And yes—students who complete and turn in their work get to choose a reward from our epic treasure chest, making accountability a lot more fun!

 

The more you dive in, the more your student will gain—not just academic credit, but real-world skills, creative thinking, and a deeper connection to the world around them. Whether you’re new to homeschooling or a seasoned pro, Surf Skate Science helps you capture the learning and make it count.

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Trial Days & Drop-Ins

Due to current class capacity, we are not offering drop-in or trial sessions at this time. However, you can explore what our program looks like by checking out our social media or contacting us directly with questions.

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Do Students Need Surf or Skate Experience?

Not at all. Whether your student is brand new or already carving bowls and catching waves, they are welcome here.

Our experienced coaches have taught students of all levels and know that just like science, action sports are all about learning from failure, trying again, and celebrating progress. Everyone falls sometimes—and that’s part of the process!

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• All students must be strong swimmers for surf days.

• For students in K–2nd grade, parents are required to help during labs and in the water/skatepark.

• We encourage, but never force, participation. Our goal is to create a safe, supportive space for all students to grow.

 

What Equipment and Supplies Are Needed?

We’ve got you covered, but students are welcome to bring their own gear.

• Surfboards: Foam-top surfboards provided by Island Water Sports will be available to all students. These are ideal for South Florida waves and offer safe, stable rides.

• Skateboards: Thanks to support from Vans, we offer loaner skateboards on a first-come, first-serve basis. If purchasing a board, avoid department store boards (like Target/Walmart). Visit your local skate shop for a better option.

• Custom Boards: Each year, students design and take home a custom, pro-grade deck through our Skate Science program. We also offer low-cost truck packages to build a complete setup.

 

Other items to bring:

• Refillable water bottle

• Rash guard, modest bathing suit, towel, reef-safe sunscreen (for Surf Science)

• Skateboard helmet (not a pointed bike helmet), pads, and closed-toe shoes (for Skate Science)

• We provide all lab materials, pencils, and notebooks

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Weekly Communication

We keep you in the loop with:

• A Monday email sharing what to expect that week (weather, updates, reminders)

• A Friday recap email with optional homework and learning extensions

• Real-time alerts via the Wix Spaces app

  • Download here

  • Use invite code: ST9WHB

 

Neurodivergent Students Welcome

We deeply value neurodiversity and strive to create a space where all students can thrive. We recognize that every child learns differently. Whether your student has ADHD, autism, learning differences, or emotional/behavioral challenges—we’re here to help.

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How we support:

• Limit of 3 neurodivergent learners per class to provide focused support

• Parent or aide presence is required if your student cannot safely be in the water alone

• Facilitators will guide you on how to best support your child in class

• We welcome open communication to ensure your student’s success

• We invoice according to your needs for Florida scholarship reimbursement

 

Important: Students must be respectful and safe. If a student exhibits harmful or destructive behavior, we reserve the right to take action to protect all participants.

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Refunds, Groups & Cancellation Policy

Refunds:

• 90% refund: cancel 4+ weeks before semester starts

• 50% refund: cancel 2–4 weeks before

• 25% refund: cancel 0–2 weeks before

• No refund after the first class has started

 

Note: If you've already submitted the program to Step Up for direct payment, we cannot issue refunds due to funding rules.

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Rain Days & Sick Days:

• We will reschedule rain days when possible

• Sick students may attend an end-of-semester makeup session if space is available

• Sick days are not refunded due to fixed staffing/supply costs

 

Microschools & Group Bookings:

• Group numbers and fees are locked in at booking

• No credit will be given for individual absences unless arrangements are made 2+ weeks in advance

 

Important Note:
Semesters cannot be split. If you want to try both surf and skate, choose the full semester option.