Leadership Development Programs
City Surf Project offers leadership development programs for both high school and transitional-aged youth. These programs offer job skills, career exploration, personal growth, and mentorship. By investing in the leadership skills of youth participants, CSP is building a pipeline of young surfers who will continue to lead and grow the surf community and our organization.
SILT
SILT (Surf Instructors in Leadership Training) is an internship program available to high school students who have previously participated in a CSP Youth Surfing program. Students are trained to be successful surf instructors and mentors, including First Aid/CPR and lifeguard training. Students assist CSP core staff and Alumni Surf Coaches as junior surf instructors during our summer camps. At the end of the six-week program, SILTs receive a stipend for their summer work.
Alumni
CSP’s Alumni program uses two approaches to provide transitional aged youth (ages 18-24) access to surfing after high school. Alumni Surf Days are offered on a regular basis and are open to any former CSP Youth Surfing participants. CSP provides equipment, transportation, and snacks to facilitate surfing and connecting with peers.
The Alumni Coach program offers up to two years of paid employment, professional development, and mentorship to former CSP Youth Surfing participants. Alumni Coaches provide surf instruction during Youth Surfing Programs, and gain skills for working in an office and on a team. Scheduling is flexible, allowing for Alumni Coaches to attend school at the same time. Alumni Coaches have gone on to pursue education and careers related to the ocean, including as full-time staffers at CSP.
