Surf Lessons
- Water Safety, First Aid, & CPR Certified
- Surfboard and Wetsuit Provided
4.9
1,100 reviews
Our Surf Lessons are the San Diego Surf School fan favorite because it is the best way to start surfing!
90 minutes is the perfect amount of time to learn the basics of a pop-up, wave timing, and the fundamentals of paddling. The first 10 minutes will focus on water entry, safety, and land instruction to perfect the pop-up and stance before entering the water. The next 80 minutes will include epic surfing and personal surf instruction for the best experience. We guarantee you will stand up on the board and have a great time with our top-of-the-line surf equipment.
We’ve dedicated time and energy to finding the best surf instructors in San Diego, combined with surfing history and style to tailor your surf lesson to achieve your specific surfing goals. Our staff of professional lifeguard and CPR certified instructors will educate you on the proper techniques.
Pricing Information
Offered daily at 9AM, 10:30AM, 12:30PM, 2PM, and 3:30PM
Group Lesson
(4:1)
Single Lesson
$98
$294
- Service fee not included
- Wetsuits and Surfboards Included
- Please bring: Water, Sunscreen, Towel & Swimsuits
Semi-Private
(3:1)
Single Lesson
$108
Package (Buy 3, Get 1 Free)
$324
- Service fee not included
- Wetsuits and Surfboards Included
- Please bring: Water, Sunscreen, Towel & Swimsuits
Private
(1:1)
Single Lesson
$140
Package (Buy 3, Get 1 Free)
$420
- Service fee not included
- Wetsuits and Surfboards Included
- Please bring: Water, Sunscreen, Towel & Swimsuits
Lesson Detail
In the first 10 minutes, you will focus on:
- water entry
- water safety
- land instruction to perfect the pop-up and stance before entering the water
The remainder of the surf lesson will be filled with personalized surf instruction and you will learn
- Standing up
- Paddling
- Wave timing and placement
- Wave selection
- Surfboard and wetsuit education
- Wave physics
- Surf etiquette and safety
In the last 10 minutes, we’ll head back to shore to wrap up and change out of wetsuits and rash guards.
About Our Instructors
We’ve dedicated time and energy to find the best surf instructors in San Diego. Our staff of professional lifeguard and CPR certified instructors will educate you on the proper techniques so you master the basics in your first lesson.
What’s The Difference Between Lessons?
A private lesson features 1-on-1 instruction. Semi-private lessons are somewhere between a private lesson and a group lesson. A group lesson features a 4-to-1 instructor ratio. Semi-private lessons feature a maximum of 3-to-1 student-to-instructor ratio.
Why Take Surf Lessons?
It’s remarkable the accelerated progression a proper surf lesson can give to a beginner compared to someone learning on his own. Semi-private lessons allow students to share the joy of learning to surf with a select group of friends or family while still getting personalized instruction.
**Additional Notes
- For 10 or more surfers, please call to make arrangements.
- Pricing includes a wetsuit and surfboard during the lesson.
- Private Surf Lessons are the only lessons that can use the equipment for an additional hour after the lesson.
Why Surf Lessons ?
Master Skills at Your Own Pace
At San Diego Surfing School, we believe in providing a personalized and pressure-free learning experience. Our surf lessons allow you to learn at your own pace, free from the pressure of comparing yourself to others in a group setting. With the luxury of our instruction, you can focus on mastering every move before progressing, ensuring a more enjoyable and efficient learning experience. Our priority is building confidence and skill in a supportive environment without worrying about judgment.
Customized Lesson Plans
Whether you’re just starting or looking to improve your skills, rest assured that you’re part of the global surfing community. According to the International Surfing Association, over 20 million people regularly surf worldwide. If group lessons aren’t the right fit for you, our private surf lessons San Diego offer personalized guidance to regain control of your learning experience. Our professional lifeguard instructors teach classic techniques, surf etiquette, water safety, wave selection, board maintenance, and more.
Flexibility
With surf lessons, you have the advantage of flexibility in both scheduling and location. You have the freedom to choose the time and the spot that suits you best, tailored to your preferences. Unlike group lessons, where you must adhere to the school’s predetermined schedule, private lessons allow you to create a personalized experience that fits your needs. Surf lessons offer convenience and customization, whether early morning or sunset, at your favorite beach or a secluded spot.
Equipment Provided
When you book a surf lesson with us, we’ve got you covered with all the necessary gear. Our Surf School provides quality surfboards and wetsuits to ensure your comfort and safety in the water. Our collection includes reliable brands like O’Neill, INT, Doyle, Wavestorm, and Clear Blue Hawaii. We have a range of sizes available to accommodate everyone. If you happen to have your own board or wetsuit, feel free to bring it along and our experienced instructors can assess if it’s suitable for your lesson
Meet Your Instructors
Lily - “Raz”
Bio: Lily brings electric energy to the beach. She can swim faster than a dolphin and can read waves unbelievably well. A dedicated waterwoman, Lily swims the buoy each morning and does so in what seems like record time. Catch her cross-stepping her longboard through and around the crowd at Law St. Beach, she has some incredible style! She is also a former competitive surfer, participating in our own San Diego Surf School youth competitions. Lily is certified through Water Safety Specialists to instruct surfing lessons.
Favourite Surfboard: 9’0 Noserider
Favourite San Diego Restaurant: Oscar’s Mexican Seafood – Pacific Beach
Cyrus - “The Grom Prince”
Bio: Old school style, with new age flare. This SoCal native paddles out every day, no matter the conditions. Cyrus has a keen eye in the surf, identifying waves for his lessons before other surfers can pick them out themselves. He may be soft spoken, but listen up to what he has to say because his surfing knowledge and wisdom extends years beyond his age. Cyrus coaches beginner and intermediate surfers, and loves to spread stoke to the up and coming groms in our surf camps!
Favourite Surfboard: 6’10 Pin-tail
Favourite San Diego Restaurant: Madre’s Kitchen – Del Mar
Tate - “Brudda”
Bio: A Goofy footed waterman from NorCal, Tate developed his affinity for surfing in a Texas wave pool. Bringing his abilities on a skateboard to the water, Tate Brudda’s smooth surfing style is easy to recognize in the lineup. If he isn’t surfing, he is working on his boat or sailing through the Pacific Ocean. Tate has been coaching beginner and intermediate surf lessons for almost a decade and is certified through Water Safety Specialists.
Favourite Surfboard: 5’10 Twin-fin.
Favourite San Diego Restaurant: Turf Club – Downtown.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you provide lockers and changing rooms?
We don’t provide lockers and we recommend changing in the restrooms near the beach! If you are planning to use the equipment at or around Law St Beach, you can leave your belongings with our tent set up on the beach! There, our beach manager will be under the tent along with all of the other lessons’ and instructors’ belongings
How can I prepare for my surf lesson?
You must prepare your body correctly to ensure a successful surf lesson. Surfing engages muscles that may not be commonly used in your daily routine. We highly recommend stretching before arriving for your lesson to prevent any potential injuries. In addition to stretching, activities such as swimming, pushups, rowing, and even incorporating yoga into your routine are excellent ways to warm up your body for surfing.
Can I buy a gift card for the surf lesson?
Yes, gift cards for surf lessons are available. We offer various denominations as well as options for adult surf retreats, summer surf camps, and personalized gift amounts. Give the gift of an unforgettable surfing experience in San Diego.
What should I bring to the surf lesson?
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
Are there any sharks in Pacific Beach?
While sharks can be found in the waters of San Diego, like many beach locations worldwide, it’s worth noting that winter surfing or swimming may be considered safer. However, we shouldn’t intend to create fear but rather raise awareness about one of the ocean’s creatures. For more information, click this link to learn about these magnificent creatures and their presence in the sea
What time should I arrive?
To have a smooth and timely start to our surf lessons, we kindly request that you arrive at the designated area at least 20 minutes before the scheduled lesson time. This will allow you ample time to find a parking spot and complete the necessary paperwork, such as signing the surf waiver.