Courteous and great staff, amazing, smart instructors, fun and safe learning surf experience!

I was really disappointed with our experience at San Diego Surf School. My husband and I booked a beginner surf lesson because we had never surfed before and wanted to learn the fundamentals from a professional instructor. Unfortunately, that isn't what we received. Our instructor told us he was just visiting from out of town, and it felt like he wasn't prepared or invested in teaching. To start he was late, when he did show up we received very little instruction before going into the water and were never taught many of the basic skills that beginners should learn, including proper paddling technique, how to pop up on the board, or even how to safely fall off the board. As beginners, that was especially concerning because safety should be the top priority. Once we were in the water, we were practically left on our own. Instead of receiving coaching, corrections, or guidance throughout the lesson, we were left trying to figure everything out ourselves. We paid for a surf lesson, not just a board rental. After the lesson, I reached out to the owner to explain our experience. To their credit, they responded promptly and admitted that our lesson was not taught according to their beginner curriculum. They explained that beginner lessons are supposed to include ocean safety, surf etiquette, how to safely fall, paddling technique, popping up, and active coaching throughout the lesson, all of the things we expected but didn't receive. However, the resolution they offered was only 50% off another lesson. While I appreciate the acknowledgment that our lesson fell below their standards, I don't think it's reasonable to ask customers to pay again even at a discount to receive the instruction they already paid for the first time. They also mentioned that they couldn't offer a complimentary lesson because they wanted to ensure their instructors were fairly compensated. As a customer, I believe it's just as important that clients receive the quality of service they paid for. We chose this school because of its great reputation, which made this experience even more disappointing. Hopefully this was an isolated incident, but I think future beginners should know that our experience was far from the comprehensive lesson that was advertised. read more

My friend took me to this surfing school as a guest. We had an amazing instructor Isabelle and had a great experience. The second time my friend showed up with a guest the manager gave my friend so much attitude and was so condescending and tried belittling her! My friend left a review because of what he did and then he ended up unprofessionally calling her mom to "tattle" on her for leaving a review!!! The manager of this company is so unprofessional and acts like a child. read more

Worst experience ever. I booked a single day camp for my son from 12:30-3:00pm. Arrived their shop on time and being told by the office staff" just walk down the street to the meet up location" of course i walked 30 minutes down the street getting lost. I called office twice to let them know where I was, they just said keep walking down. With my third call I was being told I was on the wrong way. I should walking back and get redirected. I said we missed one hour of the lesson already, that doesn't make any sense to join one hour later. can they provide any map, coordinates etc. for people out of town? They said no since i am the only one got lost ever. I dnt understand when providing directions how can you say walk down without knowing where I parked. I returned back to the office to return the wet suit. They refuse the refund for the lesson we never took, dnt admit its their fault for not able to provide clear directions assuming everyone knows where the beach is. Rude customer services. Cant trust them to even teach my kids. If the service is for kids and families. I definitely expect clear guidance. I was never got offered complimentary lesson or makeup , all they said was " non refund, you can talk to your credit card company on this on" . read more

the owner was horrrrrrible never have i been treated with such disrespect!! he was rude off the bat and didn't allow to have a conversation and just spoke at me and didn't try to figure anything out. in the contract it says 100% free guest pass, and the purchaser receives 4 passes. so i brought a guest with me twice and was informed that i have no more lessons from the owner and that the wording didn't matter and he doesn't care. and has no interest in changing the wording for any future customers. read more

San Diego Surf School - there is no other way to interpret this email other then how i did. hope he changes it and stops lying to his customers :) - Summer Camps Near Me - San Diego, California

Paid for my 11 year old daughter to do 1/2 day surf camp I'm paying $200 per day So much for creative curriculum you will not find here. they are starting the morning off with DUCK DUCK GOOSE! Are you kidding me??? There could be orange cone relay racing or pool ring toss to cones .... Truly so many better beach games. They could make lanes with sea weed $200 for a HALF DAY you get bottom of the barrel in planning. When you arrive you get a wet suit those are in good shape but your rash guard is tattered and faded and gross and hopefully you end up on one of their " good boards" and not one of the " old crappy boards you can see the foam and cracks" We live near by and hoped that this could be a summer tradition especially a teen camp as she is in meddle school but I am an hour in and not impressed at all. SAN DIEGO SURF DO BETTER This is not an instructional issue they are kind and when I asked why my middle schooler was playing duck duck goose they shrugged. " I don't know" This is a management issue, a training issue, and starts from the head of company. Get better equipment, care more, pay attention to details, have better cooler curriculum for your surf students. read more

Andrew was my instructor and taught me a LOT about how to read the waves and ride the line. Was tons of fun, would recommend highly!

Absolutely amazing! We had over 20 Girl Scouts taking surf lessons. Girls were 6-13 years old. The instructors were awesome with the girls! Every girl had multiple opportunities for 1:1 attention from an instructor while in the water. They were kind and patient with the kids and encouraged them to keep trying. Most girls were able to stand up on the board by the end of the class. I would highly recommend!!! read more

San Diego Surf School - Summer Camps Near Me - San Diego, California

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Just an update to say we got the professional pictures and they're amazing! I didn't add it initially but after seeing his gear I knew his shots would be really great and added it in when they started. The pictures are beautiful, well worth the cost of a memory. read more

San Diego Surf School - The lesson in progress. - Summer Camps Near Me - San Diego, California

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Plans changed, lessons needed cancelled, blah blah blah .... In the end the owner called to make it right. Big Kudos, much appreciated!!!!!! read more

Hubby and I have taken over a dozen surf lessons over the last 5 years between Oahu, Maui, Santa Monica, Venice Beach, and San Diego. At least 3 lessons were with San Diego Surf School. The experience as been consistently great. All the instructors were very friendly and helpful. We booked private lessons for 2 and expected to just have 1 instructor but actually had 2 instructors, so it was wonderful that I get to ask all the questions I wanted to learn how to read the waves, where to put my weight, and when to plan to come out on our own next time. For complete beginners, I will say that nothing beats the waves and warm temperature in Hawaii, and it was a lot easier to learn there with the 12ft boards. I mean, I popped up on my very first try, and nearly every try after that. However, Pacific Beach is also quite beginner friendly. Less tiring because you don't have to paddle out much and can actually walk out to waist deep water to catch the waves. If I recall correctly, they provided 8ft surf boards mostly, though the most recent time we brought our own brand new 8'8" boards for the lesson. The worst location was probably Venice Beach where I spent the entire 2 hours falling. I like that SD Surf School instructors were able to judge the wave conditions and adjust accordingly so that we still have a good time each and every time. We did try to catch green waves one time when the conditions were right, but the last time we stuck with just white water and focused on popping up. I also prefer Pacific Beach over La Jolla because there are just less people overall, and SD Surf School is the only company providing lessons in this stretch of the beach, whereas La Jolla was packed with multiple groups of surf learners every single time we went. read more

Had an amazing semi-private lesson today with my friend and it was awesome!! Tanner was our instructor and he was amazing! So patient, so kind, and on our very first time surfing we stood up on the board many times!! So much fun!!! read more

Had an amazing beginner surf lesson with Luke. I highly recommend getting a private lesson because the water is chaotic, but they will be with you the whole time pushing you into waves. I was able to stand up on my first try- woohoo! In addition, by booking a private lesson, if you get the hang of it quick-- the instructor can start teaching you more advanced stuff since you aren't in a group. I feel confident to try surfing on my own now! And, if I want to get better again at a later date, I can come back for another private lesson and tell them what I want to work on. Highly recommend! read more

San Diego Surf School - PB - Summer Camps Near Me - San Diego, California

My 16 year old son enjoyed a private lesson with Cyrus. All the staff were warm and welcoming . Highly recommend.

The girl in the store rushed us and gave us a shirt I could use as a rag. The sleeve was barely hanging there. The surf wetsuit was also disgusting and full of holes. Then at the beach they assigned us to an instructor with little training. The lessons happen in a spot very crowed with kids and people. I don't recommend this surf school. read more

So I paid $180 for my niece's 13th bday to have a private lesson + 1-friend, they said it would be a "semi-private" with "maybe one other person.' I'm just now getting the pictures back as my boyfriend took her and her friend and they're in a massive group of 8+ people all having a lesson together/ all smashing into each other in the ocean. Is there a reason I was told it would be "just them," or "maybe just one other person?" I mean this price is insanely expensive for a group lesson and to not have one on one attention. Total came to $211 (included shirt.) One guy talking to a group of 8 people.. this is a 3:1 ratio?? smashed between a giant group of people is really not my idea of a "private (or semi-private) lesson." I also was told that all the "private lessons," all got consolidated together once in the ocean and just ended up in 2x large groups.  They need to separate groups from each other. The ocean is a big place, why are they all on top of each other? I was looking for an intimate, personal lesson for that price, not hearded out like tourist- cattle... I DO NOT RECOMMEND PAYING FOR PRIVATE LESSONS. what's the point of it looks like this??? Go look at their website at the semi private lessons, looks NOTHING like my pictures! False advertising. Over priced. Go to a smaller company, it will be less expensive and more of a personal experience, etc was what I was looking for.. read more

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Hey I'm just leaving a review because Thaddeus left such a remarkable imprint on me and opened my eyes to the world of surfing and its culture. He had such an amazing attitude and enthusiastic approach to surfing and I will be coming back to learn more from him! Such a great surf school in San Diego a must do if visiting! read more

They hire untrained instructors and charge for incompetence. Do not attend these classes unless you can select someone with competant skills read more

Woah! Crazy fun. We went during a time where the waves were lovely for more experienced surfers and they still accommodated for us. Cody was an awesome leader and instructor. He worked his booty off to make sure we had a great experience. Keep in mind you will be exhausted after. A good exhausted. read more

Did my first ever surf lesson here last Thursday as I was visiting for the US Open .Enjoyed it so much I sold my weekend tickets for the golf to come back and try and practice the techniques I was shown. I can't snowboard, skateboard so I was nervous. Ate it so many times as its hard to remember all the stuff you've just learned on how to pop up and stabilize within 2 split seconds when that wave comes in. I stuck with it and towards the end was popping up and actually surfing. Loved it ...Highly recommend read more

San Diego Surf School - Summer Camps Near Me - San Diego, California

Late review but better late than never. Finally got a surf lesson after living in pb for over 20 years. These guys were great. Super knowledgeable and friendly instructor. I'll be back for more lessons and highly recommend. read more

San Diego Surf School - Surf lessons! - Summer Camps Near Me - San Diego, California

This surf class, (we signed up for the week camp), was a huge hit for our son! He loved the waves, got up on the first day, and remarked on how cool everyone was. This combo had my son feeling on top of the world after each session. I highly recommend this school with caring instructors, interested students and a stunning location at Law Street in Pacific Beach. 5 STARS. read more

If you're looking for surf lessons, SD Surf School is your place to start! Not only are their prices some of the best that I've seen compared to other local surf schools, but their staff is so awesome! I bought two private lessons for my boyfriend & I, we each had our own instructor but got to learn side by side. Both our instructions were such a pleasure to work with! Reed & Brenden made us feel so comfortable & safe out in the water, and made the learning process so much fun. read more

Amazing instructors and staff. This is our second time using San Diego Surf school and already planning next summers trip! read more

San Diego Surf School - Summer Camps Near Me - San Diego, California

Our instructor Ken was great! You can tell he is passionate about surfing and cares about helping people learn. My partner and I had a great time learning from him, he was patient and communicative and we really improved during our session together! Brogan helped us in the office get set up, he was also very kind and courteous and really helped make the overall experience a great one! We are excited for our next lesson! read more

I searched to find a good surf school for my 6 year old, and I'm so glad I found this place. He had a blast and learned a lot. Most importantly he learned a love for the sport. Things I've heard from him this week are "my coach says you have to wipeout to learn to surf, so don't be scared to wipeout" (excellent advice in life too) and "I love my teacher. We make a great team." We will definitely be back next summer! read more

San Diego Surf School - Very patient and fun instructors! - Summer Camps Near Me - San Diego, California

We took lessons this morning at Ocean Beach and had so much fun learning to surf! The lesson progressed in difficulty at just the right times for each of us. The instructor was very patient and gave us some great tips to help us feel confident surfing on our own. read more

If you're looking for a fun, new experience while your on vacation, or even just feeling adventurous, look no further than San Diego Surf School. They are super friendly, educational, and the instructors are so supportive. I am not athletic at all and was able to stand 4 times! Each time I tried to stand they all cheered me, even if I fell. They provided all the necessary equipment and clothing needed for the chilly pacific. The time flew by when we were out in the water read more

San Diego Surf School - Summer Camps Near Me - San Diego, California

We had our son in this program for his spring break. Program was great. My son has a new hobby. The Instructors were awesome, especially Carle and Trevor. They are great with the kids. Thanks again. read more

Surfing with Matt and Brooks was such a great experience. We took a private morning lesson when the waves weren't too high and there was no direct sun. Our instructors were very knowledgeable and helpful. It was amazing to stand in the board for the first time, thanks a lot! read more

San Diego Surf School - Matt and Brooks teaching surfing - Summer Camps Near Me - San Diego, California

Rented wet suits and a board on a late Sunday afternoon. Shop staff were super chill. We had a great time and the gear was good quality.

Today we took three generations to the San Diego Surf School for our very first lessons - Grandma (56), Son-In-Law (40), and Granddaughter (8). We all had an amazing time and Instructors, Adam and Justin were excellent! They tailored their instruction to each of our varying skill levels and made each of us feel like we rocked it! Everyone at San Diego Surf School is professional, thorough, encouraging and fun! We learned a lot and definitely will be back again! read more

Incredible, life altering experience !! Thank you so much Conner and Tate for being such great instructors. I never thought I would be able to stand up on that board and actually ride a wave! Thank for helping me fulfill a life long dream! I'm hooked ! read more

San Diego Surf School - Thanks again Conner and Tate for an incredible day!! - Summer Camps Near Me - San Diego, California

My grandson has a great time learning to surf here. Plan on taking another grandson this summer for surf lessons as well.

This was a great experience. These guys are very nice and pretty helpful. I went there through a company event and was very pleased. read more

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Kylie was so sweet and helpful! Made everything a very smooth and easy process Jacob the surf instructor was also very kind and fun to talk to! Great employees made an even better experience read more

Wow! My 6 year old took a full day 5 day surf camp here. He is an excellent swimmer and very comfortable in the pool, but was always a little skittish about waves and had never surfed. After 5 days at camp he's now totally comfy in the ocean and catching waves with Daddy on the weekend. I can't recommend this camp enough! read more

San Diego Surf School - My little dude catching a wave with Daddy having completed camp last month. - Summer Camps Near Me - San Diego, California

Had a great time doing a group lesson with San Diego Surf School for my fiance's birthday! We had 6 people in the group lesson, and the two instructors definitely care about the experiences of their students. They made sure to give everyone attention and that everyone was able to ride enough waves. Our instructor, Matthew, was great and more than happy to keep talking surfing and further tips and education beyond the basic level if you're interested! There are several classes going on at the same area of the beach at once, so you do have to be aware and keep your eyes open to make sure you don't collide with students in other classes, but the instructors do a good job helping to keep an eye out and take care of their group. Overall great experience and would do again! read more

My kids have done summer camps with San Diego surf school and they absolutely loved it. They have great instructors and are always friendly at check-in and checkout. They bring the board and the wetsuits if you don't have your own. They are great with small children as well as more advanced kids. The kids really enjoyed their camp! read more

San Diego Surf School - Summer Camps Near Me - San Diego, California

Great for beginners! We had Kale as our instructor and he was super friendly and great at getting us up and on the board, rooting for us, building confidence. Certified surf instructors so you know everything is safe and the instructors are experienced. read more