On any given summer morning along Richards Avenue in Ventnor, a line of surfboards rests in the sand as young surfers gather at the water’s edge, waiting with anticipation.
At the center of it all is Shaun Magill, owner of Ventnor Surf School, a longtime summer program that has become a staple for both local families and visitors looking to experience the Jersey Shore. A Ventnor native, Magill has been surfing since he was 6 years old, following in the footsteps of his father, a longtime figure in the local surf community. A graduate of Atlantic City High School and Stockton University, he turned a lifelong passion into a business rooted in community, safety and skill-building.
“It’s not about the money. I love doing it,” Magill said. “I’ve been giving lessons for 20 years.” Magill also serves the community year-round as a Ventnor firefighter and EMT, roles he stepped into in 2017. That background carries directly into the school’s philosophy, where ocean safety is just as important as learning to stand up on a board.
Ventnor Surf School’s youth surf camp for ages 8 to 17 begins June 29 and runs through Aug. 27. Sessions take place Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon, offering families a flexible schedule that still leaves plenty of summer day remaining. According to the Magill, spots for the 2026 season are already filling up quickly.
The program welcomes up to 25 children at a time and maintains a 1-to-3 instructor ratio with a staff of 10 to 12 employees, emphasizing close supervision and individualized instruction.
“All of our instructors are CPR-certified, and we focus heavily on water safety,” Magill said. “We want every child to feel confident in the ocean, not just on a surfboard.”
The school maintains a fleet of about 30 surfboards, allowing instructors to match each participant with equipment suited to their skill level while ensuring consistent access throughout the week.
Helping oversee day-to-day operations is camp director Lou Solomon, who works alongside Magill to coordinate instruction and maintain the program’s structure.
Each week concludes with a friendly surf contest where campers showcase the skills they have learned. The event introduces children to the basics of competitive surfing, complete with judging, prizes, hats and T-shirts. “It’s a great way for them to showcase what they’ve learned and build confidence,” Magill said.
The school attracts a balanced mix of local residents and summer visitors, creating an environment where friendships often form quickly both in and out of the water.
Families also get a firsthand look at their children’s progress. Magill regularly brings a waterproof GoPro camera into the surf, capturing photos and videos of campers riding waves to share with parents afterward.
“Families really love seeing those clips,” he said. “It’s something they can take home with them.”
Affordability remains another important part of the program’s mission. Compared with many summer camps, Ventnor Surf School aims to remain accessible while still maintaining a high standard of instruction and safety.
For Magill, however, the mission remains simple.
“The goal is not only for them to be able to surf on their own,” he said. “If they leave here more confident and safer in the water, that’s what matters most.”
Registration for the 2026 season is underway, and sessions are filling up quickly. Families interested in securing a spot can visit ventnorsurfschool.com for additional information, registration details and pricing, or contact Shaun Magill directly at 609 432-9645.
