I really thought surfing was going to just be picking up a board and catching waves. But it is so much more than that. My instructor, Kenan, had an insane amount of knowledge of the ocean that made the experience incredible. Kenan taught all about sandbars, swells, ripcurrents, tides, set waves, and how all of those little details come together to make a surf session more fun and less frustrating. He taught me how to read waves to know when to paddle out. He showed me how to read a shoulder and know which wave is good to take off on and which wave I'm better off passing up. He showed me when the best time to paddle out would be so I'm not stuck wearing myself out in the white wash. In addition to having a blast catching waves, I developed such an appreciation for the sport and the athletes who have mastered it. There is so much more to this than I thought! Kenan was an awesome teacher. I really thought surfing was going to just be picking up a board and catching waves. But it is so much more than that. My instructor, Kenan, had an insane amount of knowledge of the ocean that made the experience incredible. read more

I drove from LA for the day to surf with a friend and she recommended Kai. I had an amazing time that I stayed another day to surf in the AM. I've learned under a handful of surf instructors and this is this first time I've felt empowered, safe, and very well-cared for. Kai and his team truly give you the tools to safely catch a wave while teaching you the lessons of the ocean, many of which can be applied to a healthy lifestyle. My first weekend spent with Kai, Ethan, and Andrea was a weekend of endless smiles and laughter that continued on throughout my week. Ethan instructed me with proper safety guidelines and when I was being hard on myself, he would continuously boost my moral by offering positive feedback. Andrea guided me and cheered me on as I caught the biggest waves of my life (2-3ft hehe). Her excitement pushed me to overcome a lot of my fears! Kai is an incredible man full of compassion, understanding, and passion to share the miracles of the ocean. The first weekend with Learn To Surf change my life, so I drove down the following weekend for more! I'll definitely be back with friends (: read more

Worked with Matt for 2 months learning to surf. And what an epic instructor!! He knows exactly what you're doing wrong, what's happening in your head, every morsel of advice is gold from Matt. His quality shines even more when you're having a bad day on the water, gentle words of advice, providing more support and being your 'wave spotter', you really feel like you're in great hands! He's also super knowledgeable about waves, currents etc etc, basically a surfing encyclopedia. Ask him questions and you'll learn so much. And not to mention his surfing skill. Seen him catch waves where you wouldn't think it's possible to catch them!! No wave is too small or too big. Absolutely fabulous instructor, surfer and such a super friendly chill guy! Had a blast every time. read more

I took my three kids surfing for the first time last weekend. My youngest, who is 9, was just not having any of it. About 10 minutes in and she was done. Kai, after giving me some pointers, convinced her to give it another go. He has a great understanding of the line between encouraging and forcing. We spent a few minutes talking and his passion for teaching and creating quality time and unforgettable family experiences became apparent through that brief conversation. And, while she was not able to stand up, she is now totally at ease riding the ocean wave on my board with me. His crew, Aaron and Ethan on that day, were equally as encouraging with my older kids and our family had a day we will always remember. If you have kids, of any age, give Kai a call. read more

I had an awesome experience with Nick and Nick. I have never surfed nor swam in ocean and I had a small window of opportunity while in San Diego on business so I signed up. The experience itself was incredible and I had a great time learning to paddle out, catch the wave on my knees and get up a little but not fully. It didn't matter, it was all great! I had not known that I had dropped my phone while getting into wetsuit in changing area and thought it was gone for good, nick and nick put the word out to their surfing community and someone had found it and kept it safe while I was surfing and got it back to them and eventually me! They are awesome people! Highlight of my trip!!! I would do it again if I ever get back there! read more

After putting off a dream WAY too long, today I surfed for the first time! As a fat guy, I was a little unsure of myself but I just decided to go for it. So glad I did! And I'm especially glad I chose to work with Kai's awesome team at Learn To Surf. They had all the gear ready to go. They even helped me get my fat self into my wetsuit. Down on the sand we had a dry land dress rehearsal. Practiced paddling and popping up. Time for the water! My instructor helped me set up and cued me when to paddle and stand up. I stood up on my second wave! One of the greatest feelings in life! The lesson was just a total blast and I'll definitely come back! Thanks so much to Kai and the rest of the team at Learn To Surf! read more

My entire family took a private lesson with Learn To Surf, and we had so much fun! Originally, my 3 kids convinced me to find surf lessons for them. In speaking with Kai over the phone, my husband and I decided we would join in on the fun. So glad we did! It was an awesome family experience that we will never forget. Kai's knowledge and enthusiasm over the phone was even more apparent in the water, and our additional instructor Ethan was also great! With their professional and private instruction, all 5 of us (3 kids + husband + myself) were all able to quickly and successfully start surfing, and... we WILL be back for more lessons with Ethan and Kai! Thank you again Learn To Surf! read more

I've always wanted to learn to surf but was always nervous to try, that's when I was introduced to Matt, and it's the best decision I've ever made! He is someone who knows the sport down to a science and will guide you and be patient with you every step of the way! Not only that but Matt is a very genuine and happy person, which counts for when you're in situations you're not totally comfortable with. When you decide you want to learn or just get better there is no better person to go to, he is someone who understands the sport and the ocean inside and out, and will always guide you to be a better, stronger, and safer surfer! read more

Learning the basics of surfing has been on my bucket list for a long time. Thank you for providing the opportunity to finally be able to say "Yes I will and I can!". Your personalized one-on-one approach, along with patience, professionalism, and flexibility are what convinced me to take the plunge. Kai is such a great teacher. His enthusiasm, encouraging attitude, and knowledge are without equal. Imagine private surfing lessons from a surfer who is also an oceanographer! What a bonus! Thank you for providing this amazing opportunity to fulfill my dream! read more

Growing up I wanted to learn how to surf. My parents enrolled me into Malibu makos with my sister for many years, but I missed many important basic building blocks. My Career in surfing changed once I had my first private lesson with Matt. I showed up at broad beach early in the morning, and Matt showed me how to surf. After a few lessons I continued surfing every day for a week straight. By the time a big swell came into our bay I was shredding on 4-5ft waves. Overall learning to surf with Matt is excellent. read more

Matt Markman is the best instructor. Matt and I worked together as snowboarding instructors in Big Bear and he greatly contributed to my training and overall improvement in my snowboarding ability. Matt is very patient, understands the importance of safety, and instills confidence in his clients. He is very knowledgeable, highly qualified, and very fun to be around. He goes above and beyond for his clients; he makes sure everyone is set up for success by creating a safe and fun learning environment. read more

My experience with Learn To Surf was incredible!! After 10 years of being terrified by the ocean, I decided to take the dive in conquering my fears. L2S made me feel exceedingly safe, by teaching me all the best techniques! I can now say I've not only conquered my fear of waves, but I'm well on my way to regularly shredding the gnar and incorporating surfing into my lifestyle! Surf's up! 15/10 stars!! read more

Matt is an experienced surfer and an excellent teacher. He emphasises ocean safety and I was always comfortable leaving my son in his care even far from shore and in big waves. I saw my son progress in his skills while having a lot of fun. Other people I spoke to also complimented Matt as one of the best surf teachers in our area. I wish he didn't move away because I can not find anyone comparable! read more

As a Student and Co-worker of Matt over the past 10 years, Matt has helped me grow in all areas of surfing. The knowledge that you gain from spending time surfing with Matt would make any surfer more aware of what it takes to grow into a respectable surfer. Thanks Matt can't wait to share some waves soon! *AREAS MATT HELPED MY SURFING* -Condition Monitoring -Equipment Choice -Maneuver Technique read more

I highly recommend learn to surf for lessons! Great service, really break down all of the safety knowledge and step by step instructions on how to catch waves quickly. First time surfing and I was able to pick it up quickly with the help of these guys. Experienced, well-spoken, and good teachers for a quality surfing lesson to get you headed in the right direction. 10/10 read more

My 3 grandkids came to visit me from Utah and I decided to set them up with some surfing lessons at Learn To Surf. The instructor, Nick, was so nice and made the experience very enjoyable. It was a lot of fun to watch them surf for the first time. I recommend Learn to Surf for any grandparents or parents who want their kids to learn how to surf fast and make memories. read more

Had a great day and surf experience with Learn to Surf. There are a number of options as far as surfboard rentals are concerned, but I'm happy my family went with this one. They are timely, have great personalities, and most importantly patience. I thought my kids were going to fear surfing and the water for that matter, but they took to it and had a great time. read more

Nick and Nick were our instructors for a PHENOMENAL day of surfing in Mission Beach. My little brother has been coming to visit me for the last 4 summers and has always wanted to go out surfing. This was the year he got his wish and within one hour was riding some incredible waves. We had such a great time and would HIGHLY recommend Learn to Surf to everyone! read more

What a perfect introduction to the sport of surfing! Kai and Cody were so friendly and encouraging to my 3 kids (ages 10, 12, and 13). All of them were able to catch a wave on their own by the end of the lesson. I better start saving up for wetsuits and boards because my kids are hooked! Thank you Learn to Surf for an amazing experience. read more