San Diego · Santa Barbara · Ventura
New Volunteers
Make someone’s surf day.
There’s a place for you on the beach or in the water. Start with four registration steps, then apply for an event.
No surfing experience needed for beach roles.
First, get ready to volunteer
Four steps before your first event
Your application status keeps these steps together. Finish your part, then MTC confirms your approval and clearance.
Submit your application
Create an account or sign in. Tell us about yourself and choose your regions and roles—you can select more than one.
Not ready to submit? Save and finish later.
Read the training packet
Open the packet on your application status page. When you finish, check the acknowledgment and select Save and continue.
Your progress stays with your account.
Complete Live Scan
Download MTC’s form and take it, with photo ID, to a Live Scan provider. Return to your status page to record the completion date.
Ask the provider about fees. Keep your receipt and ask MTC about current reimbursement.
MTC reviews your registration
MTC reviews your application and confirms your Live Scan clearance. Your status page shows any next steps or follow-up requests.
Reporting fingerprinting completion does not confirm clearance.
Then, join a surf day
After approval
- Apply for an event
In your Volunteer Hub, choose a date and preferred role.
- Check your confirmed assignment
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.
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.
Check your Hub for arrival instructions and what to bring. Plan to stay for your confirmed assignment and let your event lead know if your availability changes.
View event datesCommon 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.
Does submitting an application reserve an event spot?
No. Once MTC approves you to volunteer, apply for an event in your Volunteer Hub. Your place and role are confirmed only after MTC reviews that event request.
Where do I check my progress?
Sign in to the same account and open your application status. It shows your saved preparation, MTC’s decisions, and anything you need to do next.
Ready to help?
Start applicationNeed help?
Ask your regional lead about applying or finding the right role.
Ventura / Santa Barbara: Contact ElleSan Diego: Contact GaiaSponsor Snacks or Lunch
Help provide food for families and volunteers.
Food sponsorship is arranged separately. Contact Elle to help with a meal; you don’t need to select a volunteer role.
Contact Elle about meal sponsorship