Really not a great experience trying to work with Jake Halstead and his Beyond Surf company. I bought a pack of lessons last year and haven't been able to get through them because of the number of cancellations from his side, almost all the morning of--when we're supposed to be meeting up around 6 or 7am. Many of the excuses don't feel real, especially because most sicknesses or hospital visits would be known the night before. I feel bad about writing a negative review on here, but it looks like he recently took down his own Google business page, and I don't want other people getting into the same mistakes. Photos listed are from texts back and forth. Morning of cancellations: August 4th - kid in urgent care - told morning of August 20th - kid kept him up all night - told morning of December 1st - slept poorly - told morning of March 3 - kid kept him up all night - told morning of May 17 - told that the coach was looking for me, then told that the coach was actually not looking for me and was away at the hospital Swell based cancellations: July 25th - canceled for no swell - happens August 16th - canceled for no swell - happens August 18th - canceled for no swell - happens Sept 21 - cancelled for no swell - happens Sept 23 - cancelled for no swell - happens October 30th - cancelled for no swell - happens December 19 - cancelled for fog - happens May 16th - asked to move to the 17th for better swell - happens Jake has told me that they do not offer refunds. So given that policy, I'm hoping to help other people see that it could be tough to get the lessons you paid for. read more

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Had a great time learning from and surfing with Sebastian. Even though the surf conditions weren't perfect, he did a great job of getting me in a great spot to catch a couple waves! Jake was very responsive and proactive in all communications as well. Would recommend! read more

Here's what Jake helped me accomplish: 1st session: got up and and went down the line on my wavestorm 2nd session: Got up on my shortboard 3rd session: Got a solid bottom turn on shortboard 4 th session: I sucked but Jake helped me keep a positive attitude and persist 5th session: Sucked again but Jake helped me time my pop up better Yesterday: Linked multiple top and bottom turns Stoked to see what we'll accomplish in our next sessions. Honestly I would have given up on surfing long ago if it wasn't for Jake. He helped me not only with technique, but also with support when I feel like giving up. Thank you Jake! Here's a picture of my third session after Jake's gave me some great and very precise feedback: read more

Beyond Surf - Went from getting stuck in the white water to this thanks to Jake's feedback! - Surf Schools Near Me

Jake is a great coach! He helps with ocean knowledge, wave reading as well as technique. I felt like I was at a plateau forever, and within a few coaching sessions, Jake has helped me progress with better bottom turns, connecting maneuvers, and bogging less rail haha. He breaks things down in a way that is simple to implement, without feeling overwhelming. He also coaches in an encouraging way that keeps you motivated! Which is great for us self critical folks. I'm excited to keep working with him and improving! read more

Beyond Surf - The video clips from Jake help a lot! - Surf Schools Near Me

Coach Carlos met me at Tourmaline Surf Park. What a sweetheart! The waves were pretty small but it worked for me because there was time to talk about selection and how they break. It was a chilled out session and left me confident and ready for more. P.S. my third time ever surfing and my first time on the "Ocean Pacific". read more

Beyond Surf - Surf Schools Near Me

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Best surf school I've ever been to!!! Loved every minute. Jake is a professional and really knowledgeable about surfing in general. Highly recommended!!! read more

I have taken many surf lessons before (Hawaii, Australia, California) so I have experiences to compare, and I went with Beyond Surf based on the reviews. I don't want to write negative reviews, however after my disappointing surfing experience and interactions with the owner, I felt the need to share my observations, which I hope will improve the company and the experiences that others may have. Instructor: 2/5 Jake does not actually instruct group lessons, so that's something to note if you were specifically seeking him. Our assigned instructor mentioned that Jake recently hired him after being fired from a "corporate" job. While I acknowledge his surfing abilities, I do doubt his teaching skills. We were a group of 4 people for my bachelor's, a 1:4 ratio, which I felt was an average group size from my past surf lesson experiences. Despite the size, he only engaged with the two nearest to him, neglecting myself and another group member. Usually the instructor would at bare minimum go down the line and ask everybody to pop up on the board and critique each person, but even that wasn't done. It took verbally asking to help show my friend how to pop up that he went to our side and essentially redid the entire lesson while we wasted time waiting around. There just wasn't a teaching structure for a group it seems. Another point to make is that he did not go into how to look for waves, their patterns, surf etiquette (i.e. what a line is, who has right of way, etc.), how to paddle into a wave, the proper paddling techniques, etc. like a proper surf lesson should. I know this because I had to teach it to my friends after the lesson. Case in point, other than me who had lessons before, nobody in the group was able to stand up on the board during the lesson. Of course this is instructor dependent, but our experience wasn't great and you don't know who you're going to get. Equipment: 3/5 Boards and wetsuits were of average quality (well worn, but usable). My 6'5 friend had to use a wetsuit that was 1-2 sizes too small because it was the largest they had. IMO, this is a generous 3/5 rating and if you are tall or thicker, this may be an impediment. Professionalism: 0/5 After the lesson, the instructor mentioned a photographer had taken photos and we can ask Jake for them. Though unaware of this initially, we were grateful for the option and eager to preserve the memories. One guy did ask but reconsidered due to the cost. On the other hand, I didn't mind paying for mine and another friend's photos because he was going through a rough time and I wanted to cheer him up. Jake agreed to check on the photos, but the situation turned unprofessional when he ignored my next 4 texts for a month (I didn't spam and assumed best intentions that he was busy). He finally remarked with "when your friend was very rude to me, I took it that you guys did not want your photos as they were not paid for". This was after we were informed about the option post-lesson and I said that I was prepared to pay for them. It was unprofessional and immature to respond in that fashion. I responded at the end with "Yes, it was an atypical situation and I appreciated having your photographer there, however when the offer was made after the session, I decided to take you up on it, which I appreciated the opportunity for". Disappointingly, Jake decided to ignore my inquiries for the next several weeks (still haven't responded to this day). There was no need to drag out an interaction for an additional 1.5 months like that. A simple responsive approach, even to confirm if the photos were available would have saved both parties time and a negative review. Summary: Based off the 3 things that matter most, this would be a total rating of 5/15, or 1.67/5. I rated this experience 1/5 stars because objectively the highest rated category isn't weighted as much as the other two, so I simply rounded down. I can only speak for my own experience and hope others that follow will have a better experience, and that this company will learn from its shortcomings. read more

Fantastic guys to learn from. I've been looking forward to every session. It's the highlight of the week. I'm 47 and had been surfing for the past 5 years here and there. The coaches made me feel very comfortable in the water right away. Super knowledgeable and helpful with their tips. I highly recommend Beyond Surf for any beginner and people who want to get better at surfing. read more

Beyond Surf is the BEST! Jake is a very encouraging and patient instructor. Highly recommend for any level of surfer.

Amazing surf school and amazing teachers. Very good feeling knowing I can take lessons from actual professionals that have 15 years plus of surfing experience each. Definitely recommended for all experience levels and for all ages. Thanks guys!!!!!!! read more

Definitely recommend Jake at Beyond Surf. As a pro-surfer himself, he's always able to find aspects of my surfing that need improvement. I recommend 1:1 coaching with Jake and he will get you feeling much more confident in your surfing! read more

all around great experience! Great instructor and very fun and professional. definitely recommend beyond surf!

My boyfriend and I have taken lessons from Jake & done his video review sessions. He is an amazing coach and really takes the time to make sure we know exactly what to do to step up out surfing. He's a great coach for all skill levels. We highly recommend him! read more

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Hands down the best surf school in San Diego

Although I haven't used Jake for his standard surf school program, I have worked with Jake in coaching over the years as a competitive surfer. Jake always brings value to his clients no matter your level of surfing and you'll notice a positive change with him with even a single session. I highly recommend working with Jake if you are looking to improve or start surfing! read more

Great school, great teachers. My kids loved it and want to go back ASAP. Teachers make it so my kids feel safe and get taught by real pro surfers. read more

Had one session with Jake and aside from being a really cool and down to earth person he really knows what he is doing. The tips he gave me really helped progress my surfing, will definitely be going back to him for coaching! read more

Wow, blown away with my experience with Beyond Surf! I have taken surf lessons elsewhere in San Diego, but nowhere competes with Jake's training and professionalism. I was able to stand up and catch a curl for my first time ever in 1 session. Sign up today, Jake will not let you down!!!! read more

I first started with Jake last summer and by then end of our first session I was able to stand up on my first wave! This was something I had been working on by my self and was at the verge of giving up for good until I heard about Beyond Surf SD! I can't thank Jake enough for his guidance and positive attitude when working with me. I am looking forward to another great summer working with him! read more

Beyond Surf is the best place in San Diego for surf coaching. If your a beginner or already an experienced surfer Jake can help you improve your surfing abilities. All around great experience and definitely recommend! read more

Had a blast. Coach was amazing, had me riding waves right away! would recommend anyone to sign up and have a blast!