About Us
Shaka Surf School was born in May 2004. The idea was to do the work that we love and use our worldwide experience from a full life dedicated to this sport and life style. We thought that Folly Beach was missing a fun and responsible surf school, that dedicates full time to teaching the Soul of Surfing. Incorporating generations of experience with intuition and passion for surfing.
We are a family owned small business and you can experience that in every aspect of our classes and how we operate our business. The surf camps in particular are very special to us as being around a group of kids learning in nature is a refreshing and rejoicing experience. We look forward to having you join our extended family!
“Shaka” is a Hawaiian greeting that means good vibes, aloha, good surf, surf’s up, or hola! :)
What our clients have to say on TripAdvisor!
What We offer:
Shaka Surf School offers private and group surf lessons, kids summer surf camps, and Wemoons Weekends on Folly Beach, SC in addition to surf and yoga adventures for women to exotic surf destinations. Since 2004, we have provided Folly Beach, SC with a fun and responsible surf school that dedicates full time to teaching the Soul of Surfing. This comes from our worldwide experience of a full life dedicated to this sport and life style.
Our instructors bring years of knowledge combined with a sense of positive energy and a genuine love for sharing the surfing experience.
Advanced coaching & competition ready training available:
Looking for a little more? With over 20 years of competitive surfing experience, we can train you to be physically and mentally ready for upcoming events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are surf camps & classes held?
Both are located at 6 block East on Folly Beach. Take Folly Road to the red light at the end (in front of Tides Hotel). Take a left, drive 6 blocks & turn right onto 6th St. East. Yoga class locations change depending on weather.
What equipment is provided?
All equipment is provided (soft surfboard, wax & when avail or needed wetsuits) + snacks & drinks (surf camps only).
What should I bring?
Natural+reef safe sunscreen (here are some suggestions), a reusable water bottle & a t-shirt or surf shirt.
Can I do one day of surf camp?
Of course! Campers can come for one day 9 am to noon, for $120. Warning: They will love it and will want to join the whole week though, just a warning! Call us for more details.
What is the weather/cancellation policy?
We do our best to work around the best possible weather and surf conditions. We want you to enjoy surfing! Kids surf camp cancellations: No Refunds ( due to an overwhelming amount of people cancelling for no legitimate reason and crushing a small business has forced us to make this policy) Group and Private 36hrs from scheduled time full refund, day of no refund.
Tropical Storm/hurricane In the event of an issued warning in our local area, it is most likely that conditions will be unsafe for surfing or beach going. No refunds are issued in these types of events due to the uncertainty of the storm.
Where can I download my waiver form?
You can download that form here.
Where can I find more information on current surf conditions?
Swellinfo.com - Folly Beach, SC - Complete surf report
Surfline.com - Folly Beach | Surfline.com - Folly Beach - The Washout | Surfline.com - Folly Beach - The Pier | Surfchex.com - Folly Beach, SC - Web Cam
What payment methods are available?
We accept credit cards online via our sign up calendar, Peek, (look for the sign up buttons on our various class pages) and cash or check.
Do you offer gift certificates or custom packages?
Yes! Give the unique gift of a surfing experience or surprise your loved one with a yoga retreat. We'll even mail you a physical card. Various packages and prices available. Please contact us to plan what's best.
How can I prepare for my first time surfing?
We encourage you to visit the web site of the Surfrider Foundation. They have been protecting oceans, waves and beaches since 1984. Learn about rip currents, how to spot and to escape them.
Can't find your answer?
Call us at (843) 607-9911 or send us an email follybeach@shakasurfschool.com
Is there a fee for switching my campers week?
There will be a $25 additional fee if you register your camper and then request to switch weeks.
Our Instructors
Jenny Brown
Jenny is an All -Star Surfer in the ESA, Eastern Surfing Association and has more than 27 years of surfing experience in different parts of the globe. She has been teaching Yoga and breathing techniques for more than 14 years to surfers, adults and kids. She is a true water person who knows well what she teaches. She is a sailor and an artist. When she is not teaching you can find her with the lights of her life her daughters, Grace and Georgia. They are her true teachers. Her whole family embodies the surfing lifestyle . The ocean is her passion and she knew this as a small child. She is grateful everyday for this life! Check out her Yoga classes on Folly Beach , every Wednesday at 6:00 pm...Right on the beach.Call us for other class details.
Grace Brown
Surfing has always been a part of Grace's life since she was little and she couldn’t be more thankful. Grace loves surfing for the thrill of it and because it’s great exercise with her family and friends. There’s no place Grace feels better than in the water and surfing. She's surfed in the British Virgin Islands, Nicaragua, California and all along the East Coast. Surfing is something Grace hopes she can share with everyone.
Daniel McFee
Daniel was born in Charleston South Carolina, where he grew a love for being on the water. He loves to enjoy spending time with friends and being on the boat or at the beach. His passion for surfing started when he attended camp about 6 years ago. Ever since, surfing has been a major part of his life. And he enjoys vacationing down to Florida to catch the big swells. He’s surfed in California before., but his dream is to travel to Costa Rica or Australia to surf.
Zola Ruckers
Zola has worked at Shaka Surf School for 3 years.She loves to be in the ocean and on the beach as it always lifts her spirits. In her free time, she likes to skate, surf, sail, cook and skurf! And also to paint and run.
Harris Ayers
Harris has spent his whole life living on James Island and going to Folly Beach. He loves spending his time around the water because of all the activities he can enjoy such as surfing, kneeboarding, fishing, and swimming. He’s been surfing since the age of 7 and has attended Shaka as a camper for 4 years. Surfing is a major part of his life and he enjoys surfing the swells with his friend and coworker, Daniel. Harris dreams of one day traveling to Baja California or Australia to surf.
Liv Sotka
Liv! has worked at Shaka for two years and nothing makes her more happy than seeing the smiles on kids' faces after they surf a wave! She learned to surf at Shaka at 7 years old and hasn’t stopped since. Her favorite places to be are the ocean and the mountains. Her favorite things to do are surfing and rock climbing. She loves working with kids, the ocean, and being a part of such an amazing community!
Georgia Brown
Georgia Brown is 16 years old and grew up surfing on Folly Beach. She has been surfing her whole life and enjoys competing in surf contest . Georgia loves working with kids and loves the thought of sharing her love of surfing with others. Her favorite part of surf camp is laughing, surfing and getting to know the kids she has each week. Georgia is a smart, good working teen and is a great instructor.
Lilly Sturms
Lilly Sturm is 17 years old. She has always had a passion for the ocean and surfing and loves to show the next generation what surfing is all about! One day she hope to travel and surf on every continent, maybe not Antarctica though. Her favorite part about working at Shaka is teaching kids how to respect our planet and seeing them grow their surf skills and confidence throughout the week.
Hunter Griffin
Hunter Griffin is 15 years old and born and raised on James Island, SC. Growing up with Folly Beach just minutes away, he’s spent countless days surfing with friends and family, skating at skateparks, and playing soccer. Hunter would rather be in the ocean than anywhere else in the world. He’s been working with Shaka for the past two years, where he’s loved sharing his passion for surfing and spreading the love for surfing to as many kids as possible.
Lukas Petrillo
Lukas Petrillo is 17 years old. He grew up in Charleston South Carolina and grew up swimming at Folly Beach. He found his love for surfing at Shaka when he was 7 years old and hasn’t turned back since. He likes to surf, travel, and hike wherever he can. He loves to teach kids how to surf hoping to spread the love for the sport as he once learned.
Brooks Wetmore
Growing up on Folly, Brooks started surfing right after she could swim. She loves traveling and being anywhere near the ocean! Working as a camp counselor for Shaka has led her to a love of teaching. Watching the kids pop-up on a wave for the first time or the 100th time always makes her smile. When she’s not instructing at Shaka, she is a volunteer surf instructor for a surf therapy nonprofit, Waves for Women.
Wells Griffin
Wells was born on James Island. In her free time she likes to skateboard and play soccer. She likes surfing because she enjoys being in the ocean and it’s super fun to surf with friends. She loves working at Shaka because she gets to teach kids about the ocean and help them catch lots of waves.
Thank you to all our friends!
Tideline Tours: salt marsh adventures with Captain Weatherly Meadors
Woody's Pizza: pizza, subs & cold beer on Folly Beach
City of Folly Beach: the guide to Folly Beach, SC, rentals, info & more
Absolute Reel Screamer Charters: dolphin watching & lighthouse tours with Captain Gresh
Folly Beach Adventures: one stop shop for fun on Folly
Surf Rider Foundation: a community of everyday people who passionately protect our playground - the ocean, waves, and beaches
Charleston Sup Safaris: eco-friendly stand up paddle in Folly