Surf Campers brave 'Lake of Mexico'
Part four of a multi-part series

One of the greatest assets this area has is the majestic Gulf of Mexico. As summer temperatures rise, this large body of water tends to lay flat in the Pensacola Bay area. This phenomenon has led some to dub it the "Lake of Mexico." With the latest installment ouf our multi-part series, Gulf Breeze News shares with readers how to take advantage of the subdued gulf.

Innerlight Surf and Skate

Those nay-sayers who claim surf doesn't exist on Pensacola Beach are gravely mistaken. Although most surfers will tell you that the summer is not the best time to catch the biggest waves, it is the best time to learn. In addition to renting surfboards from their Gulf Breeze location, Innerlight also offers surf camp for beginners to earn valuable hands on experience before the next set of giant swells rolls in.

Juvenile surf camp, open to ages 8 through 17, is in session every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday of the upcoming weeks: July 9, July 16, July 30 and August 6.

Adult surf camp (for ages 18 and up) opens July 23.

Surf camp takes place at Pensacola Beach and teaches rookie and novice wave-riders alike the ins and outs of the sport,

Surf Camp, sun by Innerlight Surf and Skate, runs through summer. Innerlight also rents surfboards from their Gulf Breeze location.

ncluding surf etiquette, proper conditions and surf mechanics.

During the hours of 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., campers have the opportunity to ride different sized boards provided by Innerlight. Surf camp is $140 per week for kids and $45 a day for adults. Pre-registration is required.

Innerlight also rents surfboards of various sizes, ranging from just over 5 feet to 9 feet, for $10 an hour, $30 for 5 hours or $50 for 24 hours. Boards are rented on a first come, first served basis.

For more information or to register for camp, call Innerlight at 850-434-6743 (Pensacola), 850-932-5134 (Gulf Breeze) or 850-650-5509 (Destin). Visit them online at www.innerlightsurf.com.