Family trip to San Diego and my cousins and I did some research online and found Surf Education Academy as a solid choice for first-time surf lessons around La Jolla. Our instructor Luca met us at the beach right on time after giving us clear directions at the shop when we picked up our wetsuits. He provided detailed instructions and guidance on the sand before we got in the water, which made everything a lot less intimidating for beginners. We all had a great time during the lesson and highly recommend this business to anyone wanting to try surfing while visiting San Diego. read more

Surf Education Academy - Surf Schools Near Me - San Diego, California

Our 8 year old went to surf camp this summer and had a blast. Really fun and engaged instructors and well organized set up. I also really appreciate that they can accommodate kids of all abilities. Highly recommended! read more

Surf Education Academy - Surf Schools Near Me - San Diego, California

Awesome experience with our instructor Luca. Staff kept the experience fun and stress-free. They had more confidence in us (two adults surfing for the first time) than us! We managed to catch waves much more easily with there help. Would definitely recommend! read more

This was a great experience! The staff at the shop were super helpful, and Griff was an awesome instructor. My daughter was able to catch some waves! I highly recommend the La Jolla Surf Education Academy! read more

Surf Education Academy - This was an excellent experience! The staff was super helpful at the shop, and Griff was a great instructor! - Surf Schools Near Me - San Diego, California

Amazing experience! Josh G was such an awesome instructor. He was knowledgeable, had a positive attitude and helped us both stand up on the board a handful of times. I had been surfing with a friend once before and with my friends guidance I was not able to stand up once. With the guidance of Josh I was able to stand up and ride at least 5 waves. Josh also spent a good amount of time at the end taking pictures of us and did not seem annoyed by it at all. I would definitely recommend this place for lessons and might even return myself to sharpen my surfing skills in the future. Thanks for an amazing experience! read more

My husband and I had a great lesson with Wyatt, our instructor. As two adults surfing for the first time, he was so knowledgeable and taught us exactly what we needed to know to surf our first waves. With Wyatt's help we were both able to catch a few waves leaving us confident that we will continue to enjoy surfing in the future. He and the staff at the shop were very personable and friendly, and we hope to bring our kids back for their own lessons soon. read more

My daughter caught tons of waves and learned a lot. The instructor could not have been nicer. I highly recommend the school and instructor. read more

My daughter had her 1st surf lesson and loved it! Great guidance and encouragement from Surf Education Academy!

Van was a great instructor. I'd done a few lessons prior and really struggled with the pop up. I'd almost given up but decided to try one more time w a new group. Van's patience and professional experience really helped me get out of my own head and make it happen. These guys were top notch from the front desk to the waves. read more

I have always wanted to surf but was a little nervous. Harmony was great. She has great energy, is very knowledgable and met the pace I was comfortable with. read more

Josh was great! Very good teacher that helped my son progress quickly and safely. Highly recommend.

I had a fantastic time surfing. I took a 9am private lesson on an overcast day (which I highly recommend). This was my first time surfing, but I was a competitive swimmer so I was already comfortable in water, which helped. My instructor made sure I was comfortable with the process. He was very knowledgeable, encouraging, and great at dissecting what I should fix in order to stay up longer. I was able to ride a wave several times!! I liked La Jolla for surfing. There were a lot of other surfers in the water but that didn't bother me. We practiced on the sand a couple of times and then went straight into the water. For a first timer, the instructor tells you when a wave is good and exactly when to pop up. Your experience will be better when there are better waves, but I thought the morning time had a good amount of surf. I can't wait to be in San Diego again so I can take another lesson read more

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Our kids (5&7) did morning camp 8:30-12 and they absolutely loved it!! The instructors are all so nice and are really great with kids. We didn't know what to expect with 3.5 hours, and a ... extreme sport for little ones (who aren't strong swimmers) but they have a great system, a great ratio of kids to coaches. I was very impressed with SEA, we will absolutely be coming back next summer and using them again There are other companies that also meet at La Jolla shores - but I felt like this one was much smaller and location was much better (further from the crowds and sea of people, so it was easier to watch the kids/find them) and they have more space to do their thing! read more

Surf Education Academy - My kids got up the first day and are sad we're only doing 1 week not 2 - Surf Schools Near Me - San Diego, California

Gavin was an amazing instructor. Super easy to chat with and helpful. He took my 3 girls out on the water and they were popping up on their boards in no time. Highly recommend. read more

Surf Education Academy - Practicing basics on land. - Surf Schools Near Me - San Diego, California

Coach Andrew was awesome! We had a semi-private session with my daughters and their friend and they were up and surfing in the first 20-minutes of the lesson! The way he related surfing to softball, which all the girls play, definitely worked. The girls were hoping for a female coach but after the lesson they want to come back and request to have Andrew again. Great experience from the check in process, friendly and helpful staff at the shop, the shop was clean and inviting with that surf flare, and then an epic lesson made for an experience we were hoping for. Thank you SEA, see you again soon for additional lessons and/or rentals. Thank you Coach Andrew! read more

Surf Education Academy - They were stoked to grab so many waves! - Surf Schools Near Me - San Diego, California

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So good! My family of four, two adults and an 11-year-old and 8-year-old, had a great time! Coach Andrew was great and thankfully focused on my 8-year-old with some appropriate time for the 11-year-old. Friendly and helpful all around. Would highly recommend! Thanks SEA and Andrew read more

My boyfriend and I took a 1.5 hour lesson with Julian and it was an incredible experience. My first time surfing and my boyfriend's 3rd time (we're both 31 years old). Julian was able to fully cater to our different experience levels like a true pro. With zero experience, I got up on the board no less than ten times. If there were a few times in a row where I couldn't get up on the board (like any novice), Julian would quickly take me back to the sand, demonstrate the specific movement that was holding me back, and work with me on a new strategy to successfully pop up on the surfboard. Booking my appointment with Sean (owner) was completely seamless. When I emailed Sean the night before our initial appointment, politely asking if we could reschedule to a few days later, he responded within an hour! Keep in mind, this is during San Diego's June gloom so their schedule's were (thankfully) much more flexible. When we arrived to our appointment with Julian on Sunday morning, Sean was also there to say a quick "Happy Birthday". Icing on the cake. read more

The coach was late, which delayed the class by nearly 20 minutes. The 90-minute class was only 75 minutes long. The coach had little experience. read more

SEA was fantastic. Great lesson for my son (23) and myself (60). Scott was great worked with both us equally. Very positive experience. Will definitely sign up again. read more

We had such a great experience!! Shawn, Andrew and Riley were all amazing to deal with. So encouraging (to my 7 y/o daughter) and the most amazing customer service. Due to things outside their control, my kiddo didn't last her whole lesson. I spoke to shawn about it and he immediately offered me a comp session to make up for it. She had a BLAST & did so well. We saw the kids at their weeklong summer camp having so much fun, and now my kiddo wants to do that next. The prices are super competitive and fair. All around great experience , guys - thanks!! read more

Surf Education Academy - Surf Schools Near Me - San Diego, California

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I called and made reservations for my first surf lessons ever at 44 years old. It was easy to book and locating my coach, Julian, at the beach was very easy. I thoroughly enjoyed learning the basics and he made it very easy and I had a lot of fun. The wetsuit and surfboard worked great. I would definitely use Julian for more lessons next time we are in town. Be sure to bring some cash to tip because these guys are working hard to make it fun and safe. read more

Surf Education Academy - Walking out with Coach Julian for purr first waves - Surf Schools Near Me - San Diego, California

Gavin, our instructor was great! Got my grandkids up on their boards, they had fun and liked "Coach" Gavin. I would book with him again without hesitation. read more

Sadly, we didn't get to experience the lesson. :( My son was super excited, but the Coach was a no-show. We called the number they provided in the confirmation email, and they didn't seem to know exactly what happened. They tried to locate/call her, but couldn't seem to. Ultimately, my son did not get a lesson that day. They did say they would refund us, and waiting for that to come through. We have done summer camps before with them, and those were well coordinated and my son enjoyed them. So, perhaps this challenge is specific to the private lessons. read more

Fabulous surf session!! No matter what the conditions Sean assists Rusty and has gradually met the goals set and modified week by week since the beginning of the Summer. The patience and expertise to set weekly goals as Rusty gets back into surfing after 5 years of rehabilitation. The confidence building over every step and in every weather condition, small or large waves closing out there is always something learned every week. Wonderful experience that I recommend S.E.A. to adults, children, private, group starting at any level to get in the water with them. read more

Surf Education Academy - Rusty and Sean starting surf session prior to storm. - Surf Schools Near Me - San Diego, California

I had my very first surf lesson with Julian. Could not have asked for a more calm, reassuring teacher. I was up on my board in no time, and Julian was there by my side, correcting and teaching throughout my session. Will definitely recommend to my family and friends visiting La Jolla. read more

Surf Education Academy - Teacher Julian - Surf Schools Near Me - San Diego, California

We had a fabulous private lesson with our three kiddos- they worked great with young ones. 4,6&7.

Wow! What a wonderful lesson! My 11 year old niece had only waded in the ocean a few times before and she now she is a surfer! Thank you for a great experience! read more

Excellent summer camp, coaches are very nice, take good care of the kids, engaged, and really push kids progress. My daughter had a great time for 2 weeks. read more

My two daughters ages 6 and 9 had a great time at surf camp this summer with SEA at La Jolla Shores. This is their second year at this camp. They surfed, played beach games, and learned about ocean safety. Coach Courtney did an outstanding job working with my 6 year old to help her catch some great waves and have a lot of fun. We will definitely be back. I highly recommend this surf school. read more

Surf Education Academy - Surf Schools Near Me - San Diego, California

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My kiddo and his friends every single day of the week long camp came out super excited for the next day and so happy that they know how to surf! Thank you SEA ! We will see you next summer camp ! read more

This is not your average "surf camp." Any surf school can push you into a whitewash wave on a 10ft board from Costco. Sean and his team at S.E.A. go far beyond this and teach you how to surf and how to be a waterman. My kids are 8 and 10yrs old. They have done week-long camps in the past where they spend half the time on the beach playing. But this is the first time I have seen both of them actually "stoked" to run into the water and jump on a board. My kids are learning about the actual sport and culture of surfing as well as water/ocean safety. This truly is an "education academy" and not a cookie-cutter surf school for tourists. My son spent two weeks in camp with Harry who was a former professional surfer... not a 19yr old kid home for summer break. Harry looked like he was having more fun than anyone out there and he sincerely took an interest in every kid. Each day my kids were in a group for the whole session with the same instructor and only 3-4 students. I am a surfer and have lived in San Diego for 20 years. Of all the camps/schools that I have seen line our beaches, this is the only one where I have seen a real emphasis on teaching the students how to become surfers. Sean has built a curriculum to help students advance their skills in each lesson. My son started the first day focusing on popping up so he could enjoy the feeling of catching a wave. But after a week of camp, he was understanding how to turn the board using his body, how to read waves, surf etiquette, etc. I was so impressed with his progress. I can't say enough good things about this program. read more

My kid has attended camp here two years in a row. Once they get to the water he has fun, but there is A LOT of wasted time waiting for latecomers. There should be a 10 minute time period before they go down without the late kids. Instead they waiting up top for about 20-35 minutes each day of camp. There are no activities while they wait, so the kids were bored. I also feel that the teacher to child ratio should be 1:3. My kid was basically on his own for long periods of time and drifted way north of the group without anyone noticing. The little ones had difficulty dragging the boards through the waves and it would be nice if there were more teachers to help them out instead of just getting pummeled over and over again by waves. The teachers are very nice and the location is great. read more

I am so impressed with S.E.A. My granddaughters enjoyed a fabulous week learning to surf and enjoying new friends. They were standing on their boards the first day. This group is extremely organized, professional and wonderfully friendly. Their groups were small and individualized. Their instructors were very attentive every day. I can't recommend this camp more highly. A great big thank you to all involved. read more

Sean is an awesome instructor , surf coach and surfer . I recommend SEA's courses and services to all level of surfers and/or people who want to collaborate because Sean is also a very reliable person who is organized , clear and gets the job done . Great experience . Thanks S.E.A read more

My kids were in the surf camp, they had a great time. My 6yo daughter was standing on the board on the 2nd day without having any surf experience! By the end of the week, they were confident, surfing waves and were able to tell me how to surf. My kids wanted to continue taking classes! I would highly recommend these surf camps. read more

Thank you SEA Academy for giving my son fundamental surfing skills he will never forget. It was his first time on a surfboard and SEA Academy provided a safe family environment which removed his initial hesitation. We ended up signing up for four weeks of camp because we loved it so much. Special shout out to Shayne who is an awesome teacher- so patient and knowledgeable. It has been a truly special summer and we are so grateful to have been a part of this piece of paradise at La Jolla Shores. We will be back! read more

We just finished our first week of SEA Camp. My two boys, ages 6 and 8, absolutely loved it. On the way home from the last day of camp, my eight year old expressed that he wants to do the camp again next year. If we weren't traveling so much this summer, I'd put him back in for more SEA Camp. Communication with SEA was seamless. I was apprehensive when I signed them up, since my six year old is not a strong swimmer. So I emailed my question regarding swim level and the founder, Sean got back to me quickly, reassuring me of their safety in the water. Then again, the night before surf camp I grew nervous, because my six year old told me he didn't want to go. I was wondering if I should pull him out. Coach Shayne replied quickly, letting me know that apprehension was common at this young age. So we steered the course. My eight year old had Coach Shayne all week and loved him. My six year old got cold quickly. On the last day, my husband and I came back to watch the second half of class and I witnessed Sean, the Founder, putting his beanie on my son's head. That was very kind of him. My eight year old went from never boogie boarding, to standing up on the surfboard and riding the waves! Tremendous progress in one week. (I had low expectations since I have tried surfing and know how hard it is.) I never got to see my six year old in the water, because he reached his limit of being in the water earlier in the day, but he reported to me that he loved just laying on his belly on the board and paddling in the water. That's a win in my book! read more

I spent a day with Surf Education Academy volunteering for a Challenged Athletes Event in Encinitas. SEA was helping kids with a variety of physical challenges learn about and improve their surfing skills. The level of stoke from these kids was off the charts! Sean, the owner of SEA, and his instructors did an amazing job of giving really clear, easy to understand instructions to help everybody progress at their own pace. More importantly, they always kept the vibe fun and positive for everyone in the water. If you are looking for surf instruction at any level I can't recommend SEA enough. Sean and his team know how to provide quality surf instruction, in a safe, fun and positive environment. read more

My two teenagers wanted to surf while in La Jolla. We learned of this place by asking for a recommendation in a surf shop, booked online at 11 a.m. for a session at 3 p.m. the same afternoon, and spent 90 minutes on a 2 for 1 lesson. My kids essentially had their own instructor. They loved it, they caught waves, they learned a ton, and they agreed it was the highlight of their vacation. The instructor was focused on making them successful and was engaged with them. Overall high quality of teaching and fun. The other instructor was with two pre-teens. They seemed to be having the time of their lives also and they caught a bunch of waves. I highly recommended this. read more

My daughter attended the summer camp and absolutely loved it - she has already asked if she can go back next year. The instructors were great and there was lots of time for surfing. Groups were no larger than 5 students per teacher so the kids received lots of individual attention. Highly recommend this camp! read more