I took my 6 bridesmaids to do a surf camp for my bachelorette party. Surf Diva was the best!!! Easy to book. Made every bridesmaid feel comfortable (most of them were surfing for the very first time). Every girl got up - what?!! Amazing! Patient, friendly instructors. And man, what a fun weekend. Thanks! read more

This trip was beyond any expectation that I could dream up! The environment, accommodations, surf instructors, food and entertainment set memories for life. I'm so very grateful to Surf Diva for providing such an amazing surf experience for us women! Thank you, thank you! read more

They have great instructors especially Maryann! I went for the group lesson and she would coach each person differently depending on our levels. read more

My 8 year old and 15 year old niece from out of the country did half day summer camp last week. I was so impressed with the level of care and attention from the instructors. The student to instructor ratio was low with my daughter and niece having an instructor all to themselves several days. My niece was unfamiliar with and afraid of the water and by the end of the day was standing on her board and by the end of the week was surfing almost every wave she attempted to catch. Both girls developed a love for surfing that was directly a result of the excellent coaching. I am so happy with Surf Divas. I noticed that half day camp was quite tiring for the girls as actual time surfing is very high so full day is not necessary to get the full benefit from camp. read more

Great surf lesson last weekend for my teenage daughter and her friend - they had a fantastic time with their instructor, Patrick. Employees in the store were so helpful and encouraging as well. Highly recommend Surf Diva! read more

Wrote a review about this place when I was working at a kayak shop up the street. I'm still trying to find it to repost it. I had a horrible experience. Myself and a friend had a surf lesson here. I made the mistake of telling the instructor where I worked which is what started this whole fiasco. Instead of attempting to make it right or personally contacting me through yelp, the owner showed up to my work place to talk to my boss. She is absolutely crazy. She wanted to force me to take it down because it was "bad for business". When she came into the shop I happened to be working behind the desk. She then made a bunch of excuses for her employees unprofessional behavior and tried to make me feel bad for writing an honest review. I told her I would not take it down, that it was true to my experience. After she left she called my boss and then contacted the owner of the business in an attempt to get me fired because I wouldn't remove it. I listed pros and cons of her business. Instead of looking to improve her customer service she was more concerned with image and made it a point to harass me in my work place. I deleted it after my boss asked me to, but with full intentions of placing it back on Yelp. After I deleted it, I couldn't find the actual written review ( I thought I had saved it). Anyways I decided to put this back here until I find the real thing. Here's to hoping I find it soon. I do have the emails we exchanged saved and may place them on here if I can't find it. read more

Rented stand-up paddle boards w/ 2 beginners and myself and I was disappointed in the little instruction provided. The waves were rough for beginners, and it was a windy day - yet the only instructions we were provided were: "Be careful, the waves are big today!" First of all, "Be careful" is not helpful without further instruction on HOW to be careful. Second of all, no one was offered a life vest to bring with them. And finally, it is a huge pain for me, a 5'2" 110 lb girl to carry a 10 ft. surfboard through crowded sidewalks and streets on a windy day. They are heavy and awkward to carry 3 blocks to the beach by yourself. Provide a cart, or keep the boards with an employee at the beach and use a ticket system to claim your boards! read more

We had the privilege of joining friends in surf school all the way from land locked Atlanta. My 8 year old daughter did great her first day, but she "didn't like it". Since we had committed to (and paid for) 3 days we had to really urge her back for day 2. My husband talked with her instructor Lauren about her trepidation and Lauren was amazing at working as hard as she could to really address our child's fears. Obviously it is a group lesson and no instructor can give one on one in that setting and Lauren was frank and honest about hat which was so refreshing! Long story short our daughter came out wanting more and surfed several waves! I highly endorse this business. All the folks that we worked with were helpful, relaxed and had all the information one would need read more

I must admit I was weary of Surf Diva's surf school because I thought the name was a little cheesy (and i went with my little brothers who were embarrassed to wear pink "surf diva" rash guards). I also wasn't sure how good the surf would be in Lo Jolla because I've heard mixed reviews (also, someone randomly said the water smelled bad there, which it didn't). Anyhow, I'm glad I took the lesson there because the instructor was really helpful and didn't waste much time going over things on the land. We discussed a few basic "do's and dont's" and then jumped into the water for 2 hrs and what seemed like 100+ attempts to ride a wave. the instructor was also funny and encouraging as I consistently sucked at surfing. in the end, I had learned alot actually improved significantly. the water was warm, the ocean not too crowded and the waves just big enough. definitely good for beginners looking to master the basic technique and get in alot of practice within a short period of time. read more

I just had a private lesson at surf diva after reading all the great reviews here. I too was hesitant with the name and their prices are a little higher than what you can find at other beaches in San Diego. however it was absolutly worth every penny. I've had lessons before in Santa Cruz but my instructor Ashley was through, confident and showed me everything from how the waves form and current, tides, and of course surfing! I was able to stand up my first time! Their rental rates are good, you just have to carry your board out to the waters. Its a bit of a walk. They have definaly made surfing fun and enjoyable. read more

I really liked these guys. They were outgoing and friendly, and very helpful. My buddy and I did the "Party Wave" and it was a lot of fun. Kimberly was helpful and sweet. We didn't have too much success getting up on the board, but surfing is tough and requires practice. Tips: If you are local, go get a 3 mil wet suit (for surfing, not a spring suit). You will use it in San Diego, in general, and for surfing it makes the experience so much better. If you only have a spring suit, get a full arm-length rash guard and put it over the top. Arrive early, so your class can start on time. The class is at La Jolla Shores, so you will ultimately have to go there (after signing in at their store). Parking is tough, drive back up into the La Jolla Hill Side if you are having trouble, and park on the side streets. Finally, have a good attitude, relax, and try your best to have fun. This is a difficult sport, and it will come to you with practice (I tell myself as well). read more

Awesome surf lessons, tons of fun! Great surf coaches!

Took a group surf lesson with my 2 oldest kids. The instructor was great and we all enjoyed surfing for the first time.

My 12 year old son and 9 year old nephew did a private lesson and the instructor was awesome! He took them to a more distant part of La Jolla beach, so that they weren't overwhelmed by all the boogie boarders/swimmers/ surfers that haunt the main strip. The instructor was patient and was able to work with their different experience levels. My one reservation is the shop itself, which books the instructors. You can't book same day--you have to make a reservation at least a day in advance, so make sure you call ahead of time. Earliest lesson is at 9, which is fine because the beach gets really packed starting mid-morning. read more

I just moved to San Diego and have been wanting to learn how to surf. I signed up for two private lessons and could not have been happier! Both my instructors (Mike and Evan) were incredibly helpful and fun to be with. They were out in the water with me the entire time and would give me an extra push into the wave if I needed it. Customized the session for me. Made sure I was trying harder and harder waves. Great experience. read more

It was amazing! I was at Wave Party and we were the instructor, Alana, other girl and me. I had a great experience. She though us how we should surf, first on the sand and afterwards we were practicing at the ocean. Also, we got so kind of fast first aid advices. It was my first time surfing and I got some waves by myself and stood up too. High recommended. read more

Thanks ladies! My daughter had a great camp! Great instructors! Really on top of things. Can't be easy standing in the cold water with 5 or 6 kids all wanting to do their own thing. Saw one of the instructors keeping really good control when one of the kids wants to go and wash off after everyone else was already done and ready to go. I felt safe leaving my daughter with them. read more

Carla was awesome. I've tried surfing a few times and had other lessons, but she really took the time to figure out "why" I kept falling. She taught me a different technique to get up and it made ALL the difference. Will be surfing a lot more now! Thanks Carla! read more

My twins did a week-long session of day camp in June and then two separate days and an individual surf lesson with Kristin in July. It was the highlight of their summer. They were surfing by the second day and thrilled. I am so happy I enrolled them at Surf Diva -- and I am very happy that I signed up for a personal photo session of the kids with Kristin & Luke (www.lifestylesurf.com). Aside from being great surf instructors, they are gifted photographers. They really captured the fun and excitement of the week as the kids learned to surf. They are professional, friendly, and are clearly interested in providing great service to their clients. I was truly impressed. And the feedback from friends and family on the photos of the kids surfing has been tremendous! Overall and A+ experience. We'll definitely be back. read more

I took my granddaughter, who is 15 years old, to California for a vacation. She wanted to learn to surf so I signed her up for the morning class for 5 days. I told them she had no experience and they assured me that is what the class is for. Well the first day, they did not have a long wetsuit to fit her so they gave her a short one. The water is much colder in California than in Virginia. (funny how they suddenly came up with one the second day after we voiced our dis-content). They had 3 newbies to surfing and the rest were pretty good already. The children picked out their boards while we were dealing with the wetsuit and my granddaughter, who is 80 pounds sopping wet, got stuck with the largest, heaviest board. The instructors did nothing. She struggled to get the board to the water and once at the water had very little instruction. The instructors pretty much ignored the newbies and focused on the others. After the second day, watching her mostly just standing there trying to control the board or setting on the shore being ignored I did not blame her when she did not want to go back. This class cost around $300 and was a waste of my money. This company single handedly made her now hate surfing. DO NOT USE THEM!!! read more

Surf Diva is the best! Our daughter loved her first surfing lesson! She had so much fun! Sienna was fabulous with her. I highly recommend this surf school. read more

Sean was an amazing instructor and booking was a breeze. We loved it so much we booked for a second day. Three girls happy and standing within 1 hour...100% success! Incredible time for a 16th bday! Thanks Sean!!! read more

My friend and I did the party wave last weekend and we loved it! Our instructor, Sean, was so friendly, helpful and fun! We will definitely be coming back to Surf Diva. read more

Dave O is a surf zen Buddha master. He has taught the best and sadly for him had to also work with someone of my skill level. But Dave O crushed it. He has forgotten more about surfing than you and I will ever know. I would recommend him to anyone. I was catching waves the whole second half of the hour lesson. Going to come back and see him soon. read more

Have always wanted to learn how to surf (yes, I know I'm from OC and I never tried, a complete tragedy) had heard good things about Surf Diva and wanted to plan a bachelorette party awhile ago but alas not enough gals wanted to try. So when I saw Circle Buzz had a deal for a party wave, I jumped at the opportunity. I went on a Wednesday so I parked near the neighborhood near their shop and I was able to find parking fairly easily, I suppose since it was weekday I was lucky so if you schedule on a weekend I would assume to come even earlier to find a spot. Go to the shop, then do expect to walk a bit from there to the spot where you will be learning your lesson. There are restrooms along the way. My instructor was Jennifer and she was great and there were 2 other gals with me on the lessons. Got at least an hour in the water. The wetsuit really kept me warm and it was overcast and in October. I think I was able to stand 5 secs on the board before falling oh so ungracefully. Apparently there were seals and dolphins nearby, sadly I didn't see them. I would suggest having a friend or someone kick back at the beach to take of pictures of your glory, the other gals had their parents and since I went solo, no photos. 8( read more

Highly recommended!!! I had private lessons two days in a roll. My instructor was very patient and knowledgeable. Awesome experience!

I enrolled my 11 yr old son in the full day camp for the week. He had a great time and wants to come back and take the camp again. The instructors are awesome and spend a lot of one-on-one time with the students. read more

We have had many excellent surf and paddle board instructors from Surf Diva for our family when they visit SD. But I especially want to give a shout out for Carlee who provided private lessons for my 6-year old daughter. I can't imagine anyone able to make it a more fun and positive experience. Thanks! Steve read more

Awesome!! Surf Diva made 50th birthday so fun! Online booking was easy- staff follow up and communication was great!! Justin was the best instructor and I can't wait to surf with him again! read more

Stand up paddle board lesson with Instructor Mary Ann was fantastic! I forgot to post my review from a couple years ago-- this was my first SUP lesson that launched me into a new hobby. I only wished I lived in the La Jolla area. It's hard to match the ocean's beauty and wildlife there! read more

Just took a group surf lesson here and had a great experience! I've lived in San Diego for 3 years and was always too chicken to try a surf lesson before now. The instructors, Robin and Daniel, were very knowledgable and helped give feedback to help me get up on the board. There was one other person in the lesson and we were both getting up on the board early in the session thanks to the attentive instructors. Highly recommended, especially if you're like me and a little intimidated by surfing. The prices are very reasonable and rash guards are included. read more

My sister and I who live in Phoenix took a 1 hour Standup Paddleboarding class with Arthur. She and I went in with zero expectations except we illogically thought we wouldn't get wet! We thought that we'd be on the bay and stay dry. The water was colder than usual and pretty choppy. We rented wetsuits as recommended ($5 for the short one) and we were grateful we did. The first wetsuit I tried smelled like someone's rotten body odor. When I was told that "it was probably just from the ocean water" I made the girl smell it herself. She agreed that it was not supposed to smell like that and got me a new one. Then we took a 10-15 walk to the beach where our instructor was waiting for us. We had a lengthy lecture about safety and what to do and then headed out to the ocean. It was hard but exhilarating and fun. I felt very comfortable with Arthur who said we were probably the toughest students he's ever had (not sure what that meant but when we told him we were lawyers, I think he added some additional warnings). I was pretty reluctant to take the lesson and only did so because my sister signed me up. I had a lot of trepidation about going in the water - and believe me, if you are not a water baby, it's scary. You have to go PAST the surfers so it's far. He stayed with me and made sure I didn't die and for that I will always be grateful. Arthur gave us a lot more time than the lesson was supposed to be because he wanted to make sure we were able to go in the water. He made sure we had fun and by the end we were smiling and laughing about it. Overall, I would recommend Surf Divas. Obviously the teachers are not all women but I don't think that matters. I think the blond girl at the front end behind the cash register could have been nicer however. When we asked questions, she initially tried her best to ignore us and then finally answered with a fair amount of disdain. One warning is that they do not have bathrooms to use. There are scary public bathrooms on the way to the beach. Use the facilities before you leave the house and get ready to get tossed around in the ocean. Coming back in to shore was tough and no one can really help you at that point! Otherwise, have fun! read more

Outstanding job by Bill on making my son and I feel great about our first surf experience. My son has never been big on getting in the water even though he has grown up in San Diego. That all changed with his Surf Diva experience. He is excited and is interested in getting his own board now! Its all about the confidence, kindness and relaxed atmosphere that these instructors bring. Thanks Surf Diva, I created this yelp account just because of how awesome your service was! read more

Great instructors. Friendly staff. If you take the surf lessons don't try to be cute in little bikini bottoms....unless you want a major wedgie. read more

If you're surfing here, ask for David. He was super helpful and had good conversation too. I had never surfed before and he made it feel a lot less scary. read more

We had a group lesson with Grant and it was awesome. Our boys were able to stand on the board in the first hour.

The Surf Diva shop, is a cool friendly shop on the Main Street of La Jolla... The owner Izzy and her staff are all friendly and extremely helpful. Bobby Suitcase!!!! What can I say! Mr Suitcase is amazing. Our two 15 year old daughters took a private surf lesson with Bobby! He was super cool, super friendly and fun to hang out with! Our girls learned a lot in short period of time and had a ton of fun in the process.... My family and I are from Colorado, come to find out that Bobby lived not too far from where we currently live. We are considering a Costa Rica trip soon to put our new skills to the test. We may include Bobby with us on our trip.... Surf Diva's will help coordinate everything... read more

Took semi private lesson with instructor Dan. Highly recommend. Booked lesson same day on holiday. Dan was friendly and helpful; with his pointers we were up on the waves in no time. Great spot for beginners looking to surf for the first time. read more

We had a great instruction by Davo today. So fun. My daughter and I loved it. Thanks Surf Diva

Never thought I'd have this much fun surfing, especially while being pretty bad! Jake was awesome for me and three others...great coach and motivator while the waves were getting the best of us. Next time we would opt for an hour rental after the lesson...after a break! Also, great shop staff - Kayla was super friendly. read more