Surf Retreats
5.0
1,300 reviews
San Diego Surf School: Adult Surf Retreats (3:1 Instructor:Student Ratio)
- Pacific Beach Location: Open all year around
- Ocean Beach Location: Open from March-October
- Permitted and Licensed by the City of San Diego
- Water Safety, First Aid, & CPR Certified Instructors
- Surfboard and Wetsuit Included
Discover the excitement and adventure of the ocean with San Diego Surf School’s Adult Surf Retreats! Our retreats are designed for adults looking to learn or improve their surfing skills in a small group setting, with personalized attention and expert guidance. With programs available as 5-day, 3-day, or weekend camps, you’ll experience the thrill of riding waves while developing the essential skills and knowledge to surf confidently.
Each retreat is led by professional instructors, with a 3:1 instructor-to-student ratio, ensuring you get personalized feedback and attention throughout your experience. Whether you’re a first-time surfer or looking to refine your technique, our retreats are perfect for all skill levels.
What You’ll Learn:
- Surfing Basics & Fundamentals: From safety to paddling, our program covers everything you need to know to start surfing or improve your skills.
- Surf Etiquette: Learn the unspoken rules of the surf to respect others and ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone.
- Wave Selection & Timing: Understand how to read the waves, position yourself, and time your rides.
- Ocean Safety & Awareness: Learn the critical aspects of ocean conditions, tides, rip currents, and how to stay safe in the water.
- Surfboard Types: Explore the different types of surfboards and find the one that suits your surfing style and goals.
- Individual Surf Goals: Progress to catching waves independently, while receiving formative feedback from your instructors.
Program Overview:
Monday – The Fundamentals of Surfing
- Topics Covered: Analyze surf conditions, understand safety practices, practice stretching for surfing, focus on timing, and stance.
- Surf Focus: Basic surfing techniques, including the pop-up and wave riding fundamentals.
- Safety: Emphasis on ocean awareness and surf safety.
Tuesday – Surfboard Components & Wave Selection
- Topics Covered: Learn the basic components of a surfboard and how to evaluate surf conditions.
- Surf Focus: Wave selection and positioning, ensuring you catch the right waves at the right time.
- Safety: Ensuring safety in the lineup and while paddling.
Wednesday – Surfboard Types & Surfing Styles
- Topics Covered: Introduction to various surfboard types and styles of surfing. Learn the different designs for your individual goals and style.
- Surf Focus: Techniques for turning and catching face waves.
- Safety: Ongoing focus on surf safety and ocean conditions.
Thursday – San Diego Surfing History & Personal Style
- Topics Covered: A brief history of surfing in San Diego and the culture of the sport.
- Surf Focus: Emphasis on developing your individual surfing style, focusing on smoother and more controlled wave rides.
- Safety: Constant reinforcement of safety practices during your sessions.
Friday – Surf Etiquette & Independent Surfing
- Topics Covered: Review of surf etiquette, as well as techniques for evaluating surf conditions.
- Surf Focus: Focus on catching waves independently and receiving feedback from instructors to refine your skills.
- Safety: Final safety review and end-of-retreat celebration of your progress!
Perfect for All Skill Levels:
- Beginner Surfers: Start with the fundamentals, including surf safety, paddling techniques, and the pop-up. Our experienced instructors will provide clear, encouraging guidance to get you on the board and riding waves safely and confidently.
- Intermediate Surfers: Refine your technique, improve your wave selection, and develop your personal surfing style with targeted coaching and individualized feedback.
What’s Included:
- Professional surf instructors with 3:1 instructor-to-student ratio
- All necessary surfing equipment, including wetsuits, rashguards, and soft-top surfboards
- Surf stretching programs to improve flexibility and prevent injury
- Ocean safety training and personalized feedback on your technique
- Access to professional lifeguard and CPR certified instructors who are passionate about surfing
By the end of the retreat, you will have gained the confidence to assess surf conditions, select the best waves, and enjoy the experience of catching waves on your own. Plus, you’ll have a deeper connection to the ocean and the surf culture of San Diego!
Join us for an unforgettable surf retreat experience that blends adventure, relaxation, and skill-building. Whether you are looking to try surfing for the first time or refine your technique, our retreats are designed to meet your personal surfing goals in a supportive, fun, and safe environment.
Book Your Retreat Today!
Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you provide transportation to the beach?
At San Diego Surf School, we do not currently offer transportation to the beach. (Our surf spot is a walking distance from our offices at Pacific Beach or Ocean Beach to the beach). We recommend making your own travel arrangements to get to the surf location. Both Pacific Beach and Ocean Beach are easily accessible by car, and there are plenty of parking options nearby. Plan to arrive early to secure a spot, especially on weekends. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to having you with us for your surf lesson!
What beach will we be surfing at?
When you choose to learn to surf with San Diego Surf School, you’ll typically be hitting the waves at either Pacific Beach Surf School or Ocean Beach Surf School. These two locations are perfect for surfers of all skill levels, offering excellent surfing conditions and beautiful views. Pacific Beach Surf Lessons is known for its long stretches of sand and consistent waves, while Ocean Beach surf lessons has a laid-back vibe and a variety of surf breaks. Rest assured, both surf spots provide ideal settings for your surfing experience in San Diego!
What happens if it rains on the day of my lesson?
we surf in all weather conditions, so whether it’s sunny, cloudy, or even raining, we will still go ahead with the lesson. The surf conditions often remain ideal even on rainy days, and your surf instructor will ensure that the surf lesson is just as enjoyable. Please check the weather forecast and come prepared to get wet, no matter what the skies look like!
What should I bring to my surf lesson?
When you come to San Diego Surf School to learn to surf, we recommend bringing a few essential items to ensure you’re comfortable and prepared for your surf lesson. You’ll need a towel, a bathing suit, and sunscreen (especially if it’s sunny). Hydration is key, so don’t forget to bring water. If the weather is cool or overcast, bring a sweatshirt and sweatpants to stay warm. You may also want to pack a snack or lunch for after your lesson. Optional items include a hat and sunglasses for extra sun protection, but we advise leaving valuable items in your car. Be ready to embrace the surf experience!
Can I wear glasses or contact lenses while surfing?
For safety reasons, we recommend not wearing glasses or contact lenses during your surf lesson at San Diego Surf School. Glasses can easily fall off in the water and may get lost, while contacts can be a hazard if exposed to saltwater. If you rely on glasses or contacts for vision, consider wearing prescription goggles or using a contact lens solution for extra protection. Your safety is our top priority, and we want to ensure you have the best experience possible while learning to surf!
How early should I arrive for my surf lesson?
We encourage you to arrive at least 20 minutes before the start of your surf lesson to ensure a smooth and stress-free surf experience. This allows you time to find parking, which can be limited near the surf spots, and to sign the required waiver (release form) before hitting the water. Arriving early also gives you a chance to get acquainted with your surf instructor and ask any last-minute questions before your surf lesson begins. Being punctual helps you make the most out of your time learning to surf with San Diego’s top surf school!
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.
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 our Pacific Beach or Ocean Beach location, you can leave your belongings with our tent set up on the beach or our office! There, our beach manager will be under the tent along with all of the other lessons’ and surf 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.
Discover the excitement and adventure of the ocean as you learn to surf with San Diego Surf School! Offered as 5 day, 3 day and weekend camps, surfers will learn:
- Surfing basics
- Surf etiquette
- Wave selection
- Ocean safety and awareness
We guarantee safety and personalized instruction with small class sizes, and 3:1 surfer to instructor ratios (the best in the industry). The results will be amazing, as you cheer on your surfer riding the waves of San Diego.
Session Dates
Offered Year-Round
Session Times
AM/Morning Schedule
9:00AM – 12:00PM Surfing
Days
Monday-Friday
Ages
18 & up (beginner, intermediate, advanced)
Ratio
3:1 Student to instructor ratio
Includes
- Surfboard
- Wetsuit
- Water
Camper Iterinary
The surf retreat program is a proven program to provide a subtle, yet exhilaration surfing progression leading to confidence in water and wave selection.
By the end of the week, participants will be able to analyze surf conditions and currents, identify the basic components of a surfboard, differentiate basic types of surfboards for individual goals and styles of surfing, and progress to selecting and catching waves independently. The surf retreat program includes professional surf instructors and educators to individualize the experience for personal surfing goals and outcomes. The program includes, however not limited to, the following:
Monday
- The fundamentals of surfing
- Learn to analyze the surf conditions
- Stretches specific to surfing
- Surfing: emphasis on timing and stance
- Safety
Tuesday
- The basic components of a surfboard
- Evaluate surf conditions to determine entry point
- Surf stretching
- Surfing; emphasis on wave selection and positioning
- Safety
Wednesday
- Introduction to surfboard types and styles of surfing
- Surf stretching program
- Evaluation of surfing conditions
- Surfing style demons by the surf instructors
- Surfing: emphasis on turns and catching face waves
- Safety
Thursday
- Overview of San Diego’s surfing history
- Surf stretching program
- Evaluate surf conditions
- Surfing: emphasis on individual surfing style
- Safety
Friday
- Surfing etiquette
- Surf stretching program
- Evaluate the surf conditions
- Surfing: emphasis on catching waves independently followed by formative feedback from surfing instructors
- Safety
- End of retreat celebration
Pricing Information
Offered all year around
1 Day(Mon-Sun)
AM (9 – 12)
$165
- Service fee not included
- Wetsuits and Surfboards Included
- Please bring: Water, Sunscreen, Towel & Swimsuits
2 Days
AM (9 – 12)
$275
- Service fee not included
- Wetsuits and Surfboards Included
- Please bring: Water, Sunscreen, Towel & Swimsuits
3 days(mon-wed)
AM (9 – 12)
$355
- Service fee not included
- Wetsuits and Surfboards Included
- Please bring: Water, Sunscreen, Towel & Swimsuits
5 Days(Mon-Fri)
AM (9 – 12)
$485
- Service fee not included
- Wetsuits and Surfboards Included
- Please bring: Water, Sunscreen, Towel & Swimsuits