Ocean Beach Surf Lessons

What's Special About Surfing at Ocean Beach?

Ocean Beach is a reliable surfing destination with consistent swells year-round, featuring multiple surf breaks suitable for all skill levels. Its picturesque setting includes stunning sunrises and sunsets, ample parking, and easy access via various transportation options. Adjacent to Newport Avenue, the beach offers a vibrant atmosphere with diverse dining and shopping options. The friendly surfer community, rooted in a rich surfing history dating back to the early 1900s, adds to the beach’s allure. Ocean Beach’s challenging waves have influenced surfboard designs, with notable figures like Steve Lis emerging from its waters.

Best Time of the Year to Surf at Ocean Beach

Ocean Beach in San Diego is an excellent spot for surfers of every skill level year-round, providing diverse experiences depending on the time of year. During Spring and Summer, surfers can enjoy gentle and steady waves, perfect for those at the beginner and intermediate levels. In contrast, Fall and Winter bring more demanding and robust waves that demand a greater level of expertise, appealing to daring and seasoned surfers. Winter often brings increased swells, impacting the characteristics and size of the waves.

Ocean Beach's Quiet Tide Times

Tides are the result of the moon’s gravitational pull, causing sea levels to rise and fall. There are two phases: low tide, when the sea level is minimal, and high tide, when it rises and water extends further inland. Each phase lasts 12 hours, and tide charts help determine them. Experienced surfers favor low tide at Ocean Beach for bigger, faster waves due to prominent surf breaks, while high tide offers tranquility with submerged breaks, ideal for relaxation or gentle waves for beginners.

Best Surf Spots in Ocean Beach

Ocean Beach Pier: The iconic Pier is known for good waves, especially during certain swell conditions. It’s a popular spot for surfers of all skill levels.

Sunset Cliffs: The picturesque backdrop of cliffs offers challenging and rewarding waves that are particularly appealing to experienced surfers.

Newport Street: The beach adjacent to Newport Avenue is especially attractive during swells. With the abundance of swells, laid-back surfers, and novices appreciate the more forgiving waves of Newport Street.

Ready to Hit the Waves? Enroll in Our Surf Lessons

We are deeply passionate about surfing; it is not just a sport but a lifestyle. Our team members are enthusiastic advocates of surfing. We offer private and group lessons tailored to all skill levels, providing personalized guidance to every student. Our classes strike a balance between fun and focused learning. Our Ocean Beach surf lessons are led by meticulously chosen professional instructors who are not only champions of the sport but also certified lifeguards trained in first aid. Join us and enjoy our surf lessons.

San Diego Surf School's instructor providing a private surf lesson on the beach
A San Diego Surf School instructor giving a high five in the shoreline to a customer during a private surf lesson in San Diego.
A surf instructor and customer walking to the beach in San Diego, during a private surf lesson.
A private surf lesson customer wearing a yellow jersey and riding a wave on a foamboard.
A private surf lesson customer wearing a yellow jersey cheering after getting off of a wave.
A private surf lesson instructor showing a customer how to pop up on a surfboard
A private surf lesson customer riding a wave in a yellow jersey.
A surf instructor and a surf student walking on the shoreline in San Diego after a private surf lesson.
A child wearing a yellow jersey riding a wave after receiving a private surf lesson.
A small child wearing a yellow jersey and a surf instructor wearing a red jersey walking into the shoreline of a beach in San Diego
A surf student wearing a yellow jersey and holding a surfboard giving the shaka sign.
A surf instructor and a surf student standing in the shoreline throwing the shaka sign.
A surfing student laying down on their board in the shoreline giving the shaka sign
A woman wearing a yellow jersey riding a wave into the shore
A side view of a woman riding a wave riding a wave on a yellow surfboard
San Diego Surf School's instructor providing a private surf lesson on the beach A San Diego Surf School instructor giving a high five in the shoreline to a customer during a private surf lesson in San Diego. A surf instructor and customer walking to the beach in San Diego, during a private surf lesson. A private surf lesson customer wearing a yellow jersey and riding a wave on a foamboard. A private surf lesson customer wearing a yellow jersey cheering after getting off of a wave. A private surf lesson instructor showing a customer how to pop up on a surfboard A private surf lesson customer riding a wave in a yellow jersey. A surf instructor and a surf student walking on the shoreline in San Diego after a private surf lesson. A child wearing a yellow jersey riding a wave after receiving a private surf lesson. A small child wearing a yellow jersey and a surf instructor wearing a red jersey walking into the shoreline of a beach in San Diego A surf student wearing a yellow jersey and holding a surfboard giving the shaka sign. A surf instructor and a surf student standing in the shoreline throwing the shaka sign. A surfing student laying down on their board in the shoreline giving the shaka sign A woman wearing a yellow jersey riding a wave into the shore A side view of a woman riding a wave riding a wave on a yellow surfboard

Surf Lessons

  • Water Safety, First Aid, & CPR Certified
  • Surfboard and Wetsuit Provided

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Summer-Surf-Camp-1-Day

Ocean Beach Surf Camps

Our Beach Surf Camps offer kids the chance to fully embrace beach life and the thrill it brings. With professional and licensed instructors, children are guided through a fun learning experience while being supervised by skilled lifeguards certified in first aid and water safety. Camps are flexible, ranging from 1 to 5 days, allowing you to choose the package that suits your needs. You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with like-minded surf enthusiasts, explore new adventures, and enjoy the beach scenery. The camp package includes equipment, snacks, and everything you need for a memorable beach experience.

Ocean Beach Surf Retreats

Our Adult Surf Retreats offer a comprehensive learning experience covering various topics each day, from surfing techniques to ocean ecology. Led by a trained and certified team prioritizing safety, the retreat ensures a secure environment with expertise in water safety, first aid, and CPR. Participants explore Ocean Beach’s beauty and marine life while connecting with like-minded individuals in a passionate surf community, creating lasting memories. Choose from 1 to 5-day retreat packages for a valuable and cherished experience.

adults surf retreat

Ocean Beach Surf Rentals

If you’re in search of high-quality surfing gear for rent, you’ve come to the right place. We offer a range of equipment from top surfboard brands such as Doyle, Wavestorm, and INT, as well as top-notch wetsuits, durable boogie boards, and paddle boards. Additionally, we provide combination rentals to help you save money; for instance, renting a surfboard or boogie board with a wetsuit will cost less than renting each item separately.

After School Program

Surfing is not restricted to vacations, it is a way of life, thus our after-school classes are tailored for students who want to enhance their skills and live the surfing vibes. When school classes are over our lessons begin.

Get mentored by our seasoned instructors who will guide you through mastering the waves. Our instructors are thoroughly trained in first aid and water safety; with an instructor-to-student ratio of 1 to 4.

The equipment from wetsuits to surfboards are included in the After School Program.

Team Building

Surfing promotes coordination, communication, and trust, ideal for team building. It cultivates camaraderie, mutual support, and enduring memories, enhancing teamwork and productivity. Our skilled instructors customize lessons, ensuring an enjoyable experience that enhances communication and morale. San Diego Surf School offers a distinctive approach to team building, perfect for companies, youth groups, or scouts seeking impactful experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you offer transportation to the beach?

We do not offer transportation to the beach; we appreciate your understanding in making your transportation arrangements there.

There are numerous ways to prepare for surfing. It is a very physically demanding sport that requires some upper body strength to excel. Here are some surf exercises to get you ready.

Whether it’s raining or the sun is shining, it makes no difference. We surf in any weather.

A towel, bathing suit, sunscreen (if weather requires), water, sweatshirt, sweatpants when it is overcast or cloudy, lunch or a snack. A hat and sunglasses are optional.

Provide a description about when is the best time of the year to take surf lessons and why.

Please arrive in the area 20 minutes prior to the start of our surf instructions to secure a parking spot and complete the signing of your surf waiver (release form).