Un Mar de Colores · Del Mar, CA
Pathways to Ocean Stewards and year-round surf lessons — therapy opens doors, not closes them after one cohort.
Un Mar de Colores ofrece surf therapy gratuitas para jóvenes de Del Mar de 6–17 años, directamente en la costa de Del Mar. Sirviendo a una comunidad del 20% BIPOC (4,161 residentes), nuestra instrucción se lleva a cabo en 15th Street Beach, con entrenadores bilingües certificados y todo el equipo proporcionado. La inscripción prioritaria es para estudiantes de Del Mar Heights Elementary, Ashley Falls Elementary.
Monthly cohorts, year-round · Completamente gratis
Del Mar's 2.5-mile coastline produces some of the cleanest water and most consistent small waves in the region, protected by the San Dieguito River mouth eddies. Our 15th Street Beach lessons sit in front of Powerhouse Park, which doubles as our outdoor classroom. We partner with Del Mar Union's Del Mar Heights and Ashley Falls Elementary — serving primarily inland Del Mar Mesa and Carmel Valley neighborhoods.
How much does surf therapy cost in California? Commercial wellness and equine-adjacent ocean programs often charge premium rates. Un Mar de Colores charges $0 — including gear, transport, licensed professionals, and caregiver support for Del Mar families.
Somatic therapy through surf integrates paddle, breath, and wave rhythm — movement-based healing for youth who shut down in traditional talk therapy offices in Del Mar.
Parents in Del Mar often ask how a nonprofit can offer everything free. Answer: San Diego Foundation grants, community donors, and partners who believe Del Mar youth belong in the lineup — same as any other kid in San Diego.
The ocean off Del Mar belongs to everyone. Un Mar de Colores exists because San Diego has spent decades telling BIPOC youth otherwise — and we're changing that story one cohort at a time.
Un Mar's primary Del Mar location, directly in front of Powerhouse Park — which doubles as our outdoor classroom space.
15th Street sits in the heart of Del Mar Village, adjacent to Powerhouse Park, the historic 1928 beach concession building that gives the park its name.
En asociación con el Del Mar Union School District y organizaciones comunitarias locales, reclutamos jóvenes de 2+ escuelas Título I.
Surf therapy at Un Mar de Colores is more than recreational — it's a structured, trauma-informed mental health program that uses the ocean as a therapeutic setting. Licensed mental health professionals partner with trauma-informed surf coaches to deliver small-group sessions (8 youth maximum) combining ocean-based mindfulness, somatic movement, and culturally grounded healing modules developed with Kumeyaay elders. The program is especially effective for youth navigating anxiety, grief, immigration-related stress, and family instability. All programming is free and open to youth referred through partner schools, mental health agencies, and community organizations.
Un Mar is a member of the surf equity ecosystem across California — connected to Surf Justice Collective, Native Like Water, and cross-border watershed coalitions.
“"He used to approach new activities with extreme anxiety — to the point where sometimes we couldn't even get out of the car. Now he goes much deeper into the water."”
No swimming test is required. We begin in chest-deep whitewater under direct coach and clinical supervision, building water comfort progressively. Many Del Mar participants start with limited pool experience.
Yes — a licensed mental health professional is on-site every session. This isn't a volunteer beach day marketed as therapy. Clinical staff work alongside trauma-informed surf coaches for Del Mar cohorts.
BIPOC youth ages 6–17, especially those navigating anxiety, grief, immigration-related stress, and family instability. Referrals welcome from Del Mar Union School District counselors, mental health agencies, and community organizations in Del Mar.
Sí. Todos los programas de Un Mar de Colores en Del Mar son 100% gratuitos. Proporcionamos trajes de neopreno 3/2mm, tablas de surf, transporte desde escuelas asociadas como Del Mar Heights Elementary, Ashley Falls Elementary, e instrucción bilingüe certificada. El financiamiento proviene de la San Diego Foundation, subvenciones comunitarias y donantes individuales.
Las lecciones principales se realizan en 15th Street Beach. Todas las sesiones de agua ocurren dentro de las zonas salvavidas de la bandera.
Servimos a jóvenes de 6–17 años. Nuestra Beca One Ocean cubre las edades 6-12, Ocean Stewards After-School sirve a 13-17, y las Becas Atléticas de Surf están disponibles para jóvenes competitivos a través de nuestras asociaciones con Del Mar Union School District.
Contáctenos a través de nuestra página de contacto. La inscripción prioritaria se otorga a estudiantes de Del Mar Heights Elementary, Ashley Falls Elementary y otras escuelas de Título I en Del Mar Union School District. Los grupos de verano suelen llenarse con 3-4 semanas de anticipación.
Volunteer, donate, or enroll — however you join, you're helping Del Mar youth access the coast.
Todos los programas de Un Mar de Colores son gratuitos para jóvenes de Del Mar. Contáctanos para inscribirte, hacer voluntariado, o apoyar el movimiento.
Un Mar de Colores es una organización sin fines de lucro 501(c)(3) liderada por personas BIPOC, basada en Oceanside, California. Ofrecemos programación gratuita de surf, océano y educación ambiental para jóvenes en San Diego y Tijuana — conectando culturas, costas y comunidades desde 2018.
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