Surfing: Paskowitz Surf Camp, San Diego

What you'll do: Experience the rush of riding the crest and zipping across the face of a wave. In 1972, "Doc" Dorian Paskowitz, a physician now in his late 80s, started a surf camp at a beach just south of Richard Nixon's former residence in San Clemente. Doc's son Izzy, a professional longboard champion for more than 20 years, took over the business 11 years ago, and the whole family is still involved-including Doc, who entertains guests with his tales, both true and tall. Participants include men, women, and children ranging in age from 2-to-90.

The Setting: Tourmaline Surfing Park, on the north end of San Diego's Pacific Beach, features gentle waves and a breathtaking backdrop of dramatic coastal cliffs. You'll sleep in tents at Mission Bay's Campland within walking distance of Kendall Frost Wildlife Preserve, where you can watch egrets, black-crowned night herons, least terns, and perhaps, the endangered clapper rail. The camp is also close enough to Sea World that its nightly fireworks display can be viewed through the front flap of your tent.

Details: A week of surfing, including tend camping, all meals, surfing equipment, and instruction, is $1,250. For more information visit, www.paskowitz.com