Best California Surf Lessons For Beginners

Best California Surf Lessons for Beginners

Surfing in California is a bucket list activity you don’t want to miss out on. Whether you call California home or you’re here on vacation, make sure you take a look at this list of the best surfing lessons in California. With lessons in San Diego, Santa Barbara, and Laguna Beach, you are sure to find the perfect surf lesson and surf location for you as you try out the official sport of California.


San Diego & Oceanside Surf Lessons

Experience San Diego Surfing Lessons

#1 – San Diego Surf

Beach: Oceanside Harbor Beach

Grab your friends and come out for your 2.5 hour Surf Lesson at Oceanside Harbor Beach. You’ll learn the most important surf terms and practice the proper technique. With group sizes of 6 surfers to 1 instructor, you’ll get lots of attention and feedback so you can improve your skills and start catching waves like a pro. Your lesson includes photos and videos so you can show off your new skills to everyone.

2.5 Hours | 6 Students to 1 Instructor

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Surf Lessons San Diego
#2 – Surfari Surf School

Beach: Mission Beach

Surfari Surf School offers private, semi-private, and group options so you can get a one-on-one lesson or learn to surf with your friends. You’ll start with a lesson on land to learn the basics. Then when you’ve got that down, you’ll head out into the water to start putting your new skills to the test. Your professional lifeguard instructor will give you all the best tips to get you standing up and surfing the California waves. After your hour lesson is up, you get another hour with your board so you can keep practicing your new moves!

1 Hour | Private, Semi-Private, & Group Lessons

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Santa Barbara Surf Lessons

iSurf Santa Barbara Surf Lessons
#1 – iSurf

Beach: Mondos Beach, Solimar Beach, or Campus Point

If you’re looking to try out surfing with a large group of friends or family, this is the Surf Lesson for you. You can bring up to 20 people of all ages and skill levels for a surf lesson. You’ll have a blast as you put your surfing skills to the test with your friends around. iSurf is the only surf school in the area that is endorsed by the World Surf League, meaning you will be learning from the best surfing experts in the area.

1.5 Hours | Group Lessons

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Laguna Beach Surf Lessons

Surf Lessons Laguna Ethos
#1 – Laguna Ethos

Beach: Thalia Street Beach

Come out for your 1.5 hour Surf Lessons at Thalia Street Beach – one of the most coveted beaches in the area for beginners. Your group consists of only 3 surfers to 1 instructor, ensuring your instructor can give you personal attention to help you improve. After you grab your equipment, you’ll head towards the water to learn the basics. You’ll be under the guidance of instructors that are experienced professionals who pride themselves on getting you standing up on waves and keeping you safe.

1.5 Hours | 3 Students to 1 Instructor

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Surf Lessons La Vida Laguna
#2 – La Vida Laguna

Beach: Thalia Street Beach

For a 2 hour lesson at Thalia Street Beach in Laguna Beach, check out the Surfing Lessons at La Vida Laguna. You’ll start at their beachside shop where you’ll be outfitted with all the necessary equipment. Then your group of up to 3 students will head with your experienced instructor to the water for your lesson. Thalia Street Beach is the perfect beach for beginners to learn how to paddle out, judge the waves, and how to pop up on your board to start riding the waves.

2 Hours | 3 Students to 1 Instructor

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Looking for other great experiences in California?

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