SPI surf clinic for kids this weekend

Saturday's Third Annual Free Children's Surf Clinic at Isla Blanca Park has already reached its capacity - 30 children in the morning and 30 more in the afternoon.

But not to worry, said Christiana Dijkman, associate director of Surfrider Foundation South Texas Chapter. "There are lots of other activities kids can be involved in," she said. "If you're interested in surfing come out anyway."

The children, ages 4-14, who have signed up will get a half day of free surf lessons and a chance to experience riding the waves. Surfboards, T-shirts, drinks, lunch and other great freebies will be provided throughout the day. It's a chance for groms to glom onto some really neat surfing gear.

It's a day of fun for everyone. The youngsters get to frolic in the water under the supervision of people experienced in surfing and the beach experience. Parents can get their feet wet or watch their youngsters have fun. As for the volunteers who work with the kids, watching a child on his first ride brings back memories of their own first experiences on surfboards.

In past years dolphins have joined the surfers. Sea cucumbers and crabs sometimes ride sargassum floats, occasionally providing hands-on learning experiences for youngsters. Last year a nest full of Kemp's Ridley sea turtle eggs hatched and everyone had a chance to watch the babies scrambling for the sea.

The beach is always full of surprises.

Helping with the clinic this year are Island Native Surf House, On the Beach, Psychadeli, Si Creations, Toucon Graphics and the Town of South Padre Island Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The Children's Surf Clinic is held in conjunction with International Surfing Day, so everyone is invited to come out and join the fun and activities.

The morning clinic will run from 8:30-11, and afternoon classes will be held from 12:30-3.

To put a child on the waiting list call event coordinator Rob Nixon at 433-1472 and let him know how to contact you if there are registrants who fail to appear.

"But registered or not, come on out anyway," Dijkman said. "We're a pretty soft-hearted bunch and we'll do anything we can to include you in the fun."