MTC Surf wave and sunrise markRise With the Tide 2026

San Diego · Santa Barbara · Ventura

New Volunteers

Make someone’s surf day.

Help families enjoy a day at the beach. You don’t need to surf to make a difference.

Start application

Create an account or sign in to get started.

MTC Surf volunteers gathering on the beach for the Tunnel of Honor

Before your first event

  1. Application

    Tell us about yourself and choose the regions and roles that interest you. You can select more than one.

  2. Training packet

    Read the packet on your status page, then confirm you’ve read it.

  3. Live Scan

    Go to a fingerprinting appointment, then return to record the date.

  4. MTC review

    MTC reviews your application and confirms your clearance.

After approval

Apply for an event in your Volunteer Hub. MTC reviews each event request before confirming your place. Your confirmed date, role, and arrival details appear in your Hub. Staff can also assign you to an event.

Find your role

On the beach

No surfing experience needed.

Beach SupervisorKeep the beach organized and help families find their way.

What you’ll doCoordinate your assigned area, keep the event lead informed, and direct questions to the right person.

Experience and availabilityOrganized, clear communication.

Check-In DeskWelcome families and volunteers when they arrive.

What you’ll doConfirm arrivals and help people find their group, equipment, or event lead.

Experience and availabilityPatience, a friendly welcome, and comfort using a roster.

Event SetupGet the beach ready before families arrive.

What you’ll doPut up tents and signs, arrange tables, and prepare boards and wetsuits.

Experience and availabilityHands-on work and availability before the event starts.

Event BreakdownPack equipment and leave the beach clean.

What you’ll doTake down tents and tables, load supplies, and check the area for anything left behind.

Experience and availabilityHands-on work and availability through the end of the event.

In the water

MTC reviews your water experience before assigning a role.

Surf InstructorSupport one participant from the shore to the waves.

What you’ll doStay with your participant, explain the board and water, and adapt to their comfort level.

Experience and availabilityExperienced surfers who are calm and comfortable supporting beginners.

Shallow Water CatcherHelp participants and boards return safely to shore.

What you’ll doMeet participants in shallow water, steady their equipment, and help them reset for another turn.

Experience and availabilityConfident swimmers comfortable in moving shallow water.

Lifeguard/Safety PersonnelWatch conditions and support the water team.

What you’ll doMonitor the surf area and help the event lead respond to changing conditions.

Experience and availabilityRelevant lifeguarding, ocean-rescue, medical, or water-safety experience.

Red-shirt MTC Surf volunteers celebrating together in the water

A day at the beach

Check in with the event lead, confirm your role, and help families enjoy the surf. Join the Tunnel of Honor sendoff, then help pack the MTC Surf Van and leave the beach clean.

View event dates

Common questions

How old do I need to be?

Age and supervision requirements vary by role and event. Your birthday is required on the application so MTC can review a suitable role. Contact your regional lead if you’re unsure.

Can I save my application and come back?

Yes. Use Save and finish later on the application. Sign in to the same account and choose Continue my application to pick up where you left off.

Ready to help?

Start application

Need help?

Ask your regional lead about applying or finding the right role.

Ventura / Santa Barbara: Contact ElleSan Diego: Contact Gaia

Sponsor Snacks or Lunch

Help provide food for families and volunteers.

Contact Elle about meal sponsorship