San Diego · SAN DIEGO SURF LESSONS
Mission Beach and La Jolla Shores are both forgiving places to stand up for the first time. These 10 compare group sizes, lesson lengths and prices, with board and wetsuit hire flagged where it is included.
Meet Everyday California at 2261 Avenida De La Playa for a 90-minute La Jolla Shores surf lesson. You’ll learn ocean safety on land, practice in a group of no more than five, and receive a board, wetsuit, and rash guard. After class, keep the board for one more hour.
“Great experience! Wonderful instructors! All 3 kids were able to successful stand up on their surf boards!”
Launch from Liberty Station for a one to four-hour stand-up paddleboard rental on calm marina water. Your package includes a board, paddle, lifejacket, and leash. Expect a quick shore briefing, downtown skyline views, and easy access to nearby restaurants and public transit.
“We had a great time SUPing it up with our 9 year old daughter. It was a mellow spot for beginners but still was a great workout and a fun way to spend an afternoon on a sunny day. Highly recommended!”
Meet Everyday California at La Jolla Shores for a 90-minute beginner or intermediate surf lesson. Your English-speaking instructor covers ocean safety and surfing basics on land, then helps you catch waves with provided equipment. Public and private options are available.
“Best experience ever! Josh was such an amazing instructor. I had so much fun 😄”
Meet Michael, Sean, or another Chula Vista Water Sports instructor at Bayside Park for a beginner-friendly San Diego Bay lesson. You receive a paddleboard or kayak, life vest, and dry bag, then have about 90 minutes to paddle, rest, picnic, or practice at your own pace.
“Michael and crew were very professional and accommodating . My 3 kids went paddle boarding n enjoyed it so much. Will be back !!”
Meet the San Diego Surf School at 4850 Cass St for a 90-minute private lesson with your own group. Instructors such as Tanner, Brooks, Cody, Ken, and Tom teach paddling, wave timing, and the pop-up, with board and wetsuit included.
“Amazing experience! My son and his best friend loved this outing and their instructor, Cody, was patient and encouraging!”
Meet the San Diego Surf School at 4850 Cass Street for a 90-minute beginner lesson with boards, gear, beach instruction, and water practice included. Instructors such as Lilly, Ben, Dash, and Josh have helped students build confidence, including children and first-time adults.
“My 19, 16 and 15 year old learned a lot. This was their first time surfing. The boys are hooked. My daughter thought it was fun, but could not get up. They told me the instructor was very knowledgeable and helpful.”
Meet San Diego Surf School on Cass Street for a private 90-minute lesson built around your goals. You’ll learn water safety, paddling, wave timing, and the pop-up with a lifeguard and CPR-certified instructor. Wetsuit, rash guard, and board rental are included.
“My son first time in the ocean had a blast and the instructor had him on the board and catching a wave in no time.”
Meet your English-speaking Wavehuggers instructor at a San Diego beach for a private two-hour surf lesson. You’ll learn wetsuit use, beach footwork, paddling, ocean conditions, etiquette, and wave technique with a board and wetsuit supplied. Choose from beaches in San Diego, La Jolla, Cardiff, Encinitas, Carlsbad, or Oceanside.
“Cady was a great teacher we all had Lots of fun”
Learn to ride a LIFT5 or LIFTX electric foil board during a private two-hour session in San Diego. Tom With Aqua Foils teaches balance, controls, safety, and basic foiling while filming your time on the water with a GoPro. Raw video arrives within 48 hours.
“This was such an amazing activity. My boys and I had a great time. Tom was a wonderful and attentive instructor. He really explained everything really well and would work with each of us to improve our experience all while taking amazing videos of us. He was easy to work with and communicated very well. We highly recommend this activity and would 100% try again!”
Meet your CPR-certified Wavehuggers instructor at Tourmaline Surf Park for two hours of private surf coaching. You’ll get a wetsuit, board, bottled water, beach footwork practice, and one-on-one help catching waves. Instructors such as Cady and Jake tailor the lesson to your comfort and ability.
“We had such a fun time learning to surf! Our instructor Cady was so great. Both my fiancé and I have never surfed before and Cady got us both up in the water during our lesson! We will definitely book again next time we’re in the area!”
Water, streets, neighborhoods, or a run out of town.
