Conversations with Kyle Sullivan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kyle Sullivan.

Hi Kyle, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In 2018 I asked the former owner of Shredders Surf Camp if he needed help as an instructor. Our sons were in school together. In January of 2019 I sent an Happy New Year text to him and offered to work as an instructor again and he asked if I’d like to take over the ownership of the camp.

I have been operating Shredders Surf Camp since then. We offer 10 weeks of 4 day (M-Th) surf camps for ages 7-17. We also offer private lessons for individuals or small parties ages 7-77+ as well.

For young children that are a little ocean hesitant we offer 3 weeks of boogie board camp with the goal of helping them overcome the fear of pounding ocean waves and progression toward a surf board.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
2019 was a summer of learning. We kept the camp numbers small and only 7 weeks were offered. 2020, the Covid summer, was insane!!! We couldn’t keep people away! We did 10 weeks of camp with 25-35 campers per week! That was a learning curve in the opposite direction. The summers of ‘21-‘22 saw the same volume but we were much better prepared. Summer ‘23 was calmer as students began attending other summer camps & taking vacations elsewhere. ‘24 was chill & the challenge came because so many other surf camps started up during Covid. Competition is not a bad thing it’s just others are better at marketing than I am – lol.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Shredders Surf Camp is set apart from other camps on Wrightsville Beach in that we are relaxed and relational and want to be real with the kids.

We tell the campers on the first day “a surfer is someone that catches their own waves”. This gives them a goal to shoot for. We are very hands on Monday & Tuesday but back off and assist with verbal communication into Wednesday and Thursday.

While most all surf camps focus on surf etiquette and safety but I’ve been told from other campers and their parents that Shredders spends more time in the water than other camps they have attended.

We focus primarily on beginners but have the capability to assist the surf in taking next steps toward being confident in surfing on their own.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Grateful to God for the open door in 2019. A willingness to learn and grow has displaced any luck so far.

Pricing:

• 4 Day Camp $310
• Private Lesson (2 hrs) $85 per person

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shredderssurf.com
• Instagram: @shredderssurfcamp