About Waterman Camp

Starting in 2001 Waterman Camp has become Los Angeles’ premier water/surf camp provider offering athletic camps, clinics, and a wide variety of surf camp activities.

Mission Statement

Waterman Camp is built on the philosophy that all children should have a phenomenal camp experience regardless of their gender, age or athletic ability.

Waterman Camp focuses on building character and emphasizes playing with pride, playing with honor and playing for fun. Our goal is to ensure that each camper has an unforgettable experience participating in various water sports, games and activities in a safe environment. When a camper leaves Waterman Camp, he or she will possess an enhanced value of sportsmanship, character and self-confidence.

Waterman Camp History

Waterman Camp was founded 17 years ago by Coach Rio. Since it began, Waterman Camp has been one of LA’s premier surf and beach camps, catering to campers ages 6-16, where water sports, games, and exciting activities fulfill each day. Waterman is a Waterman is one of the most comprehensive and inclusive surf programs in the city where core values such as honesty, respect, teamwork, self-esteem, confidence and excellent sportsmanship are promoted daily. You do not have to be a “great athlete” to love Waterman Camp.

Coach Rio

As the director of Waterman, Coach Rio believes in a “hands on approach,” and is involved in all aspects of the program, greeting and working with children daily to insure their positive experience. His commitment to your child’s happiness is unparalleled in the coaching and camp communities.

A Los Angeles native, Coach RIo has been teaching and coaching at the elementary and middle school levels for over 25 years. Coach Rio has led his teams – football, baseball, basketball, volleyball, track, swimming and soccer to over 20 championship titles in the San Fernando Valley Private School League, however, he will tell you his favorite aspect of coaching is not winning championships but helping to build character in athletes through teaching them respect, compassion, kindness, and honesty towards their teammates as well as their opponents. Coach Saken is thrilled to have so many of his former students come back to camp to be counselors and coaches.

Staff

The staff at Waterman are respected, well-trained and experienced teachers, coaches, athletes and college students in the community who have a passion for teaching children.

Summer Awards at Waterman include:

1. Camper of the year
2. Sportsperson of the year
3. Camper of the Week
4. Camper of the Day
5. Sportsmanship Award
6. Special Recognition Award

Waterman Camps/ Clinics Philosophy

Waterman Camp is committed to providing each athlete with an enjoyable camp and learning experience. We understand that the primary reason young athletes participate in sports is to have fun while competing with each other. We believe every athlete matters and should be given the opportunity to learn and improve her/his knowledge and skills, and we will provide that opportunity. And we believe that while competing to win is important, the greater value lies in competing with honor, practicing good sportsmanship and being gracious in victory and defeat.