Surfing Lessons in San Diego

Looking for Surfing Lessons in San Diego?

Surfing lessons can be a life changer for anyone yearning for a little soul-searching time in the ocean blue, and whether you’re brand new to surfing or looking to level up, San Diego is a great place to dip your toe in the water.

There are many reasons why I’ve called this great city home for a majority of my life, and the perfect weather, particularly for surfing, is most certainly one of them. Make no mistake, San Diego showcases one of the most ideal climates not just in the USA, but in the world, so it’s an amazing place for surfing, and of course, surfing lessons.

So if you’re ready to start your search for San Diego surfing lessons in earnest, here are a few tips and recommendations to make sure you choose wisely, from Billy Crafton Surfing.

If You’re New to Surfing

If you’re brand new to the surfing world, the number one thing to keep in mind when looking for surfing lessons is to make sure the place providing the tutelage provides the equipment you need. Why? Because until you know for sure that surfing is everything you’re hoping for, spending time and money on equipment is not a smart decision.

Not only can the equipment cost add up, but you also won’t even know exactly what you need until you’ve taken those first lessons and grown a little more accustomed to the waves… to the water temperature… even to the water itself… all the important elements that you’ll want to build a comfort level with before you start investing in the hobby.

San Diego Surf School offers surfing lessons with all equipment included, making them an excellent starting point for beginners. Indeed, any place that provides all needed equipment will likely be beginner-friendly, so not only is this tip essential for saving time and money, it will also help ensure you find the right surfing lessons location. See the short video above for what you’ll need to bring with you, and what to expect, if you choose San Diego Surf School for your lessons.

Another key consideration for new surfers is finding a surf instructor that will focus not only on building your comfort level, but also your core skillset, in tandem. The sooner you set the foundation with these two things, the sooner the waves will feel like home.

San Diego Surf Lessons excels in this area, boasting “professional instructors highly trained in water safety and awareness, wave etiquette, board positioning, and wave knowledge who will encourage and guide you through your surfing progression.”

That’s not an empty promise by any means either, as San Diego Surf Lessons even offers a guarantee – “you will stand up by the end of your 1st lesson or your next lesson is free!” It’s a perfect starting point guarantee for anyone new to surfing.

If the Surfing Lessons Are for a Child

For those of you searching for lessons (and perhaps a more immersive experience) for your child, surfing lessons can land a significantly greater impact when part of a Surf Camp.

Multiple locations in the San Diego area offer surfing camps, ranging from one day for a few hours to a full week, full day option, and pretty much everything in between. This includes 1-day, 2-days, 3-days, and 5-days, depending on the school.

The two main options for surf camps in San Diego are the San Diego Surfing School and the Mission Beach Surfing School. Both schools are highly rated and should provide solid instruction for your youngsters, so the two key differentiators will likely be location and schedule (where San Diego Surfing School does offer a little more flexibility).

Location does Make a Difference in Surfing Lessons

Speaking of location… three different beaches in the San Diego area stake a claim to the best surf lessons, but they’re not all created equally, at least when it comes to matching the beach to the surfer’s skillset. These beaches are Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, and Ocean Beach.

Pacific Beach is oft-considered the most beginner friendly of the three beaches, earning it the title of “Best Place to Learn to Surf in San Diego.” This doesn’t mean the other places are a no-go if you’re a beginner, but it certainly doesn’t hurt to start here if so.

Mission Beach, on the other hand, promises a challenge for almost any level of surfer, and an off-the-charts enjoyment factor to boot. Case in point, the Mission Beach Surfing School has earned nominations for “Travels Choice Award” now 7 years in a row and counting.

Enjoying those final sunset wave rides off gorgeous Ocean Beach

Part of the reason is that the elite pros at Mission Beach offer a full array of lesson options, from Private surf lessons to Semi-Private (2-3 people) to Group surf lessons for 4-5 people.

Mission Beach Surfing School also offers this fun bonus at their main Mission Beach location:

“Let our photographer capture your surfing moments with our photo package deal. All you need to do is bring a big smile and we’ll take care of the rest.”

One other note: Mission Beach Surfing School is the ONLY surfing school at Mission Beach, so make sure that school works for you before setting your heart on this location.

Finally, Ocean Beach presents a very unique San Diego experience that goes beyond surfing and surf lessons, as noted by San Diego Surf School:

“The lifestyle in Ocean Beach is so unique, you have to experience firsthand to fully embrace the ambience and essence of Ocean Beach. From sunbathers, surfers and beachgoers, to live music, breweries, and plenty of eats Ocean Beach offers something for just about everyone.

 

Newport Avenue is lined up with cute coffee shops, surf boutiques, local pubs, and plenty of eateries to enjoy on an afternoon stroll.”

Here’s a video from San Diego Surf School to show you the vibe…

Wherever You Surf, Be Safe and Have Fun!

With plenty of solid options from well-established schools, chances are you can’t go wrong when searching for surf lessons in San Diego, especially if you heed the tips we’ve provided here.

No matter which beach and school combo you select, enjoy your time in the waves! Surf safely and have fun!

Oh and one final note… BIG THANKS to Chocolate Connoisseur Magazine for mentioning us in a Billy Crafton Profile article they did for the magazine. Very much appreciated!

– Billy Crafton