
THE BEST PRIVATE SURF LESSONS IN SAN DIEGO
As San Diego’s oldest and most trusted surf school, we offer a safe, fun, and memorable private surf lesson experience for all. We have been in business for more than 60 years and are the only surf school in the San Diego Surfing Hall of Fame! Each year we teach more than 3,500 men, women, boys and girls, how to surf. Our friendly staff and experienced instructors are knowledgeable watermen and women with a talent for teaching. All our instructors maintain the highest safety certifications available.
Learning to surf is so much more than standing up. Surfing requires the knowledge of which wave to ride and how to do it safely. Working one on one with an instructor and receiving undivided attention assures the best experience possible. Available for beginner-intermediate surfers, whether you want to stand up for the first time, catch waves on your own, or learn different maneuvers. Now is the time to cross surfing off your bucket list so sign up today for your San Diego Surf Lesson.
A 16% San Diego Concesionarres fee is added to each lesson
Private Surf Lesson Packages
Private Lesson
Age 5+ and Above
90 Minutes
2 People
Age 5+ and Above
90 Minutes
3 People
Age 5+ and Above
90 Minutes
4+ People
Age 5+ and Above
90 Minutes


Getting Ready For A Surf Lesson
You’ll want to arrive at our shop right on the boardwalk, 10 minutes prior to the start of your surf lesson. We offer parking validation for up to 2 hours when you park at Promenade Mall underground garage, which is located directly behind the shop. We have a safe storage area with cabinets and lockers for you to keep your belongings in, as well as a hot shower so that you can rinse off after your surf lesson.
Equipment is included in your surf lesson, but you will need to bring a few items as well. If you forget, or can’t purchase them ahead of time, our surf shop will also have them for sale. What you should bring:
- Bathing suit or board shorts to wear under your wetsuit
- Towel to dry-off after the surf lesson
- Sunscreen for sun protection
- Bottled water to hydrate after the surf lesson
Additionally, it’s a good idea to take a quick look at our blog post regarding etiquette prior to your lesson, your instructor will cover it too, regardless it’s good info to keep in mind while in the water!
Best Time To Take A Surf Lesson
Generally speaking, mornings are preferred because more often than not the on-shore winds pick up after noon, making the surface of the ocean choppy. Whereas the mornings usually have calm surface conditions. Equally important to the wind is the tide.
For first timers, a low to medium tide is generally preferred. This is allows you to walk out farther on the sandbar and ride the slow rolling white wash all the way into shore. Meanwhile a mid to high tide is best for those looking to advance their skills and surf on the outside. Something to keep in mind though, at very high tides the waves can become shorebreak and there might not be much room to ride the waves. Conversely, very low tides can cause the waves to be steep and closing out into very shallow water.
At Pacific Beach Surf Shop You're in Good Hands!
Our friendly staff and experienced instructors are knowledgeable watermen and women with a talent for teaching San Diego Surf Lessons. If you have any concern about the waves and conditions prior to your lesson give us a call and we’ll be happy to get you set up with the best conditions we can find for you!
All our instructors maintain the highest safety certifications available: they are trained and certified in CPR, First Aid, and Water Safety by American Red Cross and will be beside you at all times. However, you must be older than 5 years old in order to learn to surf. We recommend a private lesson which provides the most flexibility and the best learning environment for you to focus on specific goals, learn proper technique and have fun in the ocean.

FAQs:
How can I prepare for my private surf lesson?
To prepare for your private surf lesson, arrive hydrated and well-rested. Wear appropriate swimwear, apply sunscreen, and bring a towel. Review basic surfing lesson tips beforehand to feel more confident in the water. Our experienced surf instructors will guide you every step of the way.
Can I buy a gift card for the private surf lesson?
Yes, gift cards for private surf lessons are available. They make a perfect gift for anyone looking to learn or enhance their skills. Surprise your loved ones with the opportunity to enjoy the best San Diego surf lessons led by professional instructors.
What should I bring to the private surf lesson?
For your private surf lesson, bring essentials like a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and a change of clothes. Water or some electrolytes are recommended. All necessary equipment, including surfboards and wetsuits, will be provided by our San Diego surf school.
Are private surf lessons suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! Private surf lessons are ideal for beginners. Personalized coaching allows new surfers to learn at their own pace in a supportive environment. Our surf instructors tailor each session to match your skill level, ensuring you feel comfortable and safe in the water.
What can I expect to learn during a private surf lesson?
During a private surfing lesson, you’ll learn techniques such as paddling, positioning, wave catching, wave selection, and proper pop-up technique. Our experienced instructors emphasize San Diego water safety while teaching essential surfing skills to boost your confidence and abilities.
What’s included in the private surf lesson package?
Our private surf lesson packages include one-on-one coaching, use of top-quality surfboards, and wetsuits. You’ll receive personalized guidance from skilled surf instructors who focus on your individual needs, ensuring an exceptional learning experience.
How experienced are the instructors for private lessons?
All of our surf lessons are led by skilled instructors who have been surf instructor and CPR certified by Water Safety Specialists, the top program for San Diego surf instructor certification. In addition to being certified we require all our instructors to have at least 5 years of surf experience and to demonstrate their abilities to our management team prior to taking clients out on their own. Many of our instructors have years of experience teaching surf lessons in San Diego and Pacific Beach, and surf daily.
How do private surf lessons differ from group lessons?
Private lessons offer personalized attention, allowing instructors to tailor the session to your unique needs. You’ll receive the instructor’s undivided attention resulting in a more hands-on experience. You’ll receive personalized feedback after every single wave in order to ensure the best learning experience.
The 1pm public group surf lesson is just that, open to the public. We cap the group lesson at 5 participants, but that doesn’t always mean there will be 5 people signed up. Often times in the slower seasons only 1 or 2 people sign up for it, it’s just a roll of the dice. The content of the group surf lessons is generally the same as the private lessons, however if there are multiple participants you will not be guaranteed to receive as much attention from the instructor as they will have to divide their attention amongst multiple students. For more information on the public group lessons follow this link!
For people who have prior surfing experience and are looking to work on more advanced skills, such as turns and catching waves on the outside, private lessons are recommended. The group will cater mostly to the students with the least amount of surfing experience. The students are usually first timers and complete beginners.
We also advise that the children under the age of 12 take private lessons rather than the group lesson. It makes it easier for the instructor to ensure a fun and safe environment for all participants.
Is there an age limit for private surf lessons?
Our San Diego private surf lessons are designed for all ages. We’ve taught people aged from 5 years old up to 75 years old! Whether you’re a child or an experienced surfer looking to refine your skills, our lessons are flexible to accommodate everyone in a safe and fun environment. However we do require children to be at least 5 years old.
Can I book a private lesson for more than one person?
Yes, you can book a semi-private lesson for multiple participants. These sessions provide personalized instruction while allowing you to enjoy the experience with friends or family. Our San Diego surf school ensures all participants receive tailored coaching.
What is the best time of day for a private surf lesson?
The best time for private surf lessons is typically during the morning when the waves are calmer, and the beach is less crowded. Our instructors also schedule sessions based on optimal surfing conditions in Pacific Beach, San Diego. We generally recommend for beginners to go on low to mid tides while mid to high tides are usually better for novice to intermediates. Feel free to give us a call or email and we will set you up for the optimal conditions for your skill level!
What is the cancellation policy for private surf lessons?
Cancellations require notice at least 24 hours before your scheduled private surf lesson to receive a full refund or reschedule. For cancellations within 24 hours we will charge a $50 fee. Please contact us directly for details. Our goal is to ensure a seamless experience for all our participants.
What is your cancellation policy in regards to adverse weather conditions?
In the event that we determine conditions are unsafe or detrimental to the learning process we may contact students to cancel. As a result you may reschedule at no cost. If rescheduling is not a possibility a refund may be issued.
Will there be photos taken during the lesson?
We do have a professional staff photographer who takes photos of nearly all of our San Diego surf lessons. However if you know you’d like to add a photo package let us know prior to the lesson and we will guaranteed have a photographer take photos! The photo package is an additional charge. For more information about photo and video packages follow this link.
Is there special pricing if I want to take multiple lessons?
Yes there is! We offer series’ of lessons where the more lessons you take the cheaper it gets. For additional information on the series’ of lessons follow this link.
Do you do large group lessons or special events?
Yes we do! Previously we have worked with numerous businesses, bachelor/bachelorette parties, birthday parties, wedding parties, sports teams, and all sorts of other groups. We offer discounted pricing for groups of 10 or more, give us a call for a quote!