Jason Cross is a world-class coach who has run training camps across the globe, specializing in surf lifesaving ocean events. He has coached training camps in Nova Scotia, Ontario, Washington State, Barbados, France, Japan, Belgium, New Zealand, and Australia. Jason has coached age group athletes, masters, world champions and olympians. Originally a club swim coach (having reached NCCP Level 4 certification), Jason since specialized in sprint kayaking. He also learned from his father, Peter Garnet Cross, a well renowned and respected athletics coach from Trininidad. Therefore having expertise in swimming, board paddling, surf ski paddling, and sprint running, Jason is a true Oceanman coach of all disciplines.

Coach Cross is dedicated to helping every athlete achieve their full potential. He believes in long-term athletic development, whole person-development, total health, and the importance of a strong club culture. Overall, he values life-long fitness over early burnout. He embodies this philosophy by still competing in his 50's.

Jason has always preached that some sports are more difficult to learn than others. Swimming, kayaking, and board paddling require not only fitness but more importantly technique; minimizing resistance is as important as maximizing propulsion. Racing in the surf adds an extra element of complexity; the ability to read the waves, the currents, the conditionsn and choose the best path throughout the race are critical for success. Having spent a lifetime in the water, and coaching others, Jason is uniquely positioned to help pass on this knowledge to others.

Two simultaneous training camps are being offered this summer on Nova Scotia's Eastern Shore beaches: Rainbow Haven, Lawrencetown, Martinique, Clam Harbour. One camp is for intermediate athletes (those who are already strong swimmers and can easily paddle a board and surf ski in flat water). The other camp is for national team level athletes, who are already proficient in the surf, and need to refine their techniques and strategy to be competitive internationally.

The dates for these camps are August 3rd to August 21, 2026. Senior athletes will train early mornings and afternoons. Intermediate athletes will train mid-mornings. Accomodations are booked a 10-minute drive from the beach. This is a remote community, so camp participants will have an opportunity to unplug. Bring books, frisbees, cards, board games, and other activities to keep you entertained when you're not on the beach. The main beach we will use for training is Clam Harbour. But depending upon conditions, we may use other beaches in the area -- Martinique, Lawrencetown, Rainbow Haven. The weather changes quickly in Nova Scotia. Athletes should be prepared for hot sun, cold rain, bitter wind, and freezing water all in the same day. A good wetsuit is mandatory. A large parka and several towels will be very welcomed.

For both camps, we are pleased to partner with the Pacific Lifesaving Club .

Both camps will run daily, mostly from Clam Harbour beach. We may occasionally travel to other nearby beaches in the area, such as Martinique, Lawrencetown, and Rainbow Haven. We will have a canopy set up for the camp, to use as a base of operations and shelter from the elements.

Introductory Camp

This camp is for athletes 12 years of age and older, who have some open water lifesaving experience, but little surf experience. The camp runs seven days a week, from roughly 10am-12pm daily, August 3rd to August 20th.

The cost of the camp is $3,800 for three weeks of training. This includes accommodation, ground transit, meals, use of equipment, and coaching. Participants are responsible for paying for their own flights but if under the age of 18 must book to arrive in Halifax the same time as other athletes. If you can't arrive with everyone else, you'll have to cover your own taxi to the motel which may be $150. Note that the camp ends the day before the Canadian Surf Lifesaving Championships. It is expected (but not required) that athletes will attend the championships. Athletes *may* wish to stay with their parents and family for the final weekend. Otherwise a separate all-inclusing package will be offered for August 22, 23, 24th (hotel, meals, and ground transit for these 3 days).

High Performance Camp

This camp is for athletes 15 years of age and older, who are experienced in surf lifesaving and have competed at the national and international levels. The camp runs seven days a week, from roughly 8am-9:30am, and 2pm-3:30pm daily, August 3rd to August 9th. Registration is on a weekly basis; athletes may choose any or all of the 3 weeks.

As high performance athletes, campers are expected to supply their own craft. For those who do not yet own craft and are from Nova Scotia, it is advised to work with NSLS to borrow craft. For those from PSA or other provinces, PSA may have a limited number of craft available for rental.

The senior campers are also responsible for their own accomodations meals, and transportation.

Registration form coming soon!

This camp is aimed at people who want to become more confident swimming in waves. The ideal camp participant is a triathlete preparing for Kona. Or a lifesaving athelte with a pool background that needs more time in the ocean. Any masters competitive swimmer will find great enjoyment getting away from the Canadian winter and basking in the warm tropical climate of the Carribean. You will learn how to swim in a straight line without lane lines, how to see and round buoys, how to draft, how not to swallow water, and how to be strong and powerful in choppy or wavy water. You'll learn how to get out through breaking waves without losing ground, and how to body surf back to the beach.

The camp will be held on the north shore of Tobago, a popular tourism destination. We will stay in a resort that has excellent security, a pool, a gym, a spa, tennis courts, and several excellent restaurants. The beach is about 20 meters from the resort. The instant you walk across the hot sand and dive in to the perfect temperature water, you'll see tropical fish darting along the shallows. The waves are big enough to body surf but not big enough to be dangerous.

The planned dates are late February 2026. Registration form coming soon!