NEXT WAVE
In Partnership with Adidas and VIRGINIA
Redefining Virginia Swim and Surf Culture.
Next Wave offers free swim and surf lessons for Virginia Beach Youth, including Virginia Beach Public Schools students, YELLOWHAB students, and Atlantis Apartment residents at Virginia Beach’s premier surf destination, Atlantic Park Surf.
Atlantic Park Surf welcomes all beginner-level swimmers and surfers from the above groups for instruction and water education from Atlantic Park’s expert coaches.
Next Wave kicked-off in October 2025 with over 100 participants and guest instructors from LA-based Ebony Beach Club. We look forward to welcoming more swimmers and surfers in 2026.
Additional details coming soon!
Programming.
Swim Lessons
Led by Shaun Anderson, Professor at Norfolk State University and Senior Advisor of Community Outreach and Engagement with USA Swimming, swim lessons consist of an on-land instructional session, educating participants with best in class practices for safety, followed by in-water swim lesson in our four-foot-deep wading pool.
Surf Lessons
Led by Jason Borte, Atlantic Park Surf’s Director of Surf Coaching, our surf lessons consist of a 30-minute on-land surf lesson, followed by a 55-minute session in the Atlantic Park Surf Lagoon. During the land lesson instructional, our staff educates participants on the essentials of surfing, including surfboard education, surfboard stance and standing up on a surfboard, and how to paddle. We will also educate participants on Surf Lagoon best practices and safety before getting in the water. Once in the water, our coaching staff guides participants onto small rolling waves and provide water tips on surfing best practices.
Visit the page here to learn more about our beginner wave.
What this provides for our community.
Atlantic Park Surf and partners are looking to build strong, resilient leaders through access to swimming and surfing. We want to ensure Virginia Beach youth equitable opportunity for instruction and progression within our surf lagoon. We are able to use surfing as a vehicle to improve health and well being and to promote a sense of stewardship and community.
We envision a world where youth from all backgrounds have an appreciation for nature, identify with surf culture, and have the necessary resiliency and skills to be happy and healthy adults. Surfing and swimming provides participants with confidence, physical and mental wellness, and a sense of environmental stewardship. Plus, there is nothing more fun than riding waves with friends and the feeling of being part of a larger community.