Volunteer with MTC Surf
New Volunteers
Help on the beach or in the water. You don’t need to surf to volunteer.
Start applicationCreate an account or sign in to get started.
Before your first event
Application
Choose your regions and roles. You can save and finish later.
Training packet
Read the packet on your status page, then confirm you’ve read it.
Live Scan
Go to a fingerprinting appointment, then return to record the date.
MTC review
MTC reviews your application and confirms your clearance.
Once approved, choose an event and confirm your place.
Find your role
Choose the roles that interest you on your application.
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 doHelp set up tents, tables, signs, boards, wetsuits, and other equipment.
Experience and availabilityHands-on work and availability before the event starts.
Event BreakdownPack equipment and leave the beach clean.
What you’ll doPack tents, tables, boards, and supplies, then check the event area before leaving.
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.
A day at the beach
Meet the event lead
Confirm your role and help set up.
Support and celebrate
Help families throughout the surf session, then join the Tunnel of Honor sendoff.
Pack up together
Help break down the event, pack the MTC Surf Van, and leave the beach clean.
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 choose more than one region or role?
Yes. Select any of San Diego, Santa Barbara, and Ventura, and every role that interests you, on one application.
What happens after I apply?
Your application opens your status page. Read the training packet there, complete Live Scan, and return to follow your progress through MTC review.
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.
Does applying reserve a place at an event?
No. Once approved, choose an available event and confirm your place. Your date, role, and event details will appear in your Volunteer Hub. MTC staff can also assign you to an event.
Need help?
Ask your regional lead about your application, age requirements, or time commitment.
Ventura / Santa Barbara: elle@mtcsurf.orgSan Diego: gaia@mtcsurf.orgReady to help?
Start with your application. Your status page will guide you through the rest.
Sponsor Snacks or Lunch
Help provide food for families and volunteers.
Contact Elle about meal sponsorship