Surf camps, private and group lessons, and custom-shaped boards on Folly Beach. For more than 25 years, Sol Surfers has helped kids, teens, and adults catch their first wave — and fall in love with the ocean.

Sol Surfers

Enjoy Life, One Wave at a Time

Our Story

Sol Surfers started in 2000 with a simple idea: teach people to surf safely, teach them well, and make sure they have fun doing it. Founder Kai Dilling is a Charleston native with more than 35 years in the water. He spent a decade teaching middle school science and now teaches surfing at the College of Charleston. Today, Sol Surfers is an official Billabong Camp — still built on the same things it started with: confidence, humility, and respect for each other and the ocean.

Get in the Water

Ways to Surf

Whether it's your child's first summer on a board or your first lesson at 40, there's a place for you at Sol Surfers. Every program is taught on Folly Beach by certified lifeguard instructors.

Ages 6–17

Summer Surf Camp

Five mornings on Folly Beach, Monday–Friday, 9:00–12:30. Small groups (5 surfers per instructor), all gear included, and a shuttle from Mt. Pleasant. Parents are welcome to join in.

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All ages · Year-round

Private & Group Lessons

One-on-one coaching or a session with your family or friends, scheduled when it works for you. Perfect for first-timers and surfers ready to level up.

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Custom boards

Sol Shapes

Boards shaped to your height, skill, and the way you surf, made right here in Charleston.

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Why Families Choose Sol Surfers

Unmatched Travel Expertise

Safety Comes First

Every instructor is a certified lifeguard trained in CPR and first aid. With 5 surfers per instructor, no one gets lost in the crowd. We're fully licensed and insured.

Taught by a Teacher

Kai spent 10 years teaching middle school science and now teaches surfing at the College of Charleston. Each day builds on the last, covering technique, ocean safety, etiquette, and how to read wind, weather, and waves.

More Than a Week at the Beach

Since 2000, we've watched shy beginners leave camp standing taller. Surfing builds confidence and humility. Our partnerships with Billabong and Block the Blaze mean your surfer also learns to protect their skin and care for the ocean.

- Skip the Stuff -

Give a Day on the Water

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Stories from the Lineup

This is our third year with sol surfers and it just keeps getting better and better! The level of care and attentiveness with which Kai runs his camps is truly amazing. It’s not just a place where kids learn how to surf, they learn and follow the surfers code of conduct while also respecting our beaches and environment. We love it!

Samantha

We had a fantastic experience with Sol Surf Camp! Kai and the team sparked a whole new love for the outdoors in my son. You just can’t beat that kind of impact from a summer camp. We’re already looking forward to next year!

Stephanie