This is by far the best surfing instruction and coaching I've ever received. Cory, you're the best! Cory was so supportive, timely, responsive and kind! I felt so comfortable and safe in the water and could ask any question about techniques. Our main focus was to get back into enhancing basic surfing techniques (it's been a year since I've boarded) and I can't wait for more lessons - I learned so much in the two and a half hours with Cory!! I highly, highly recommend Cory's coaching if you're at any surfing level and want to get better, enhance your skills or just generally learn how to surf! Mahalo, Next Level Surf School! read more

Cory is amazing! If you're thinking about taking lessons, take them from him! I've taken 4 private lessons so far and Cory had me standing up riding waves on the very first lesson!! It's only been 8 hours of surfing and I'm already standing up and riding every wave. How awesome!! He's encouraging, funny, and has great energy! The very first lesson was at a quite beach in OB. Cory taught me proper pop-up technique, weight distribution, watching the tides, water safety, and so much more! He was in the water (without his board, just me on a board) with me the entire time and helped me to get the proper technique and form good habits. He starts off teaching on a foam longboard, which is more buoyant and softer. He offers his knowledge in buying wetsuits, surfboards, leashes, wax, and everything else! He also sells lessons in packages (multiple lessons at a discounted rate) which I highly recommend! read more

I recently had a surf lesson with Cory and it was definitely worth it! Not only did he help me see my 'bad habits' but he helped me master my pop up! My first lesson with him, I stood up a couple times and slowly am getting rid of my mental block. He is not only patient but honest on what boards/leashes to use as a beginner. Going to get more lessons with Cory in the long run, great mentor! read more

My 10-year-old daughter started taking a few lessons with Cory to get away from online school learning. More than a month later, she still surfs with Cory! She loves it. As a parent, I am so grateful for Cory. He is an amazing experienced instructor and my daughter feels safe with him and fully trusts him. Cory is a former pro surfer and a former coast guard. He knows how to gauge the situation and my daughter's skills such that she can progress and always be safe. It has been - and still is - a wonderful experience. I can't recommend NLSS enough for learning and have fun. Don't look further - if you want to learn and get away from it all, contact Cory. read more

Cory was an excellent instructor. Neither my girlfriend nor I had ever tried surfing before. By the end of the lesson, we both had gotten up and ridden waves (albeit briefly). That was pretty cool. Cory was also very prompt and professional in all our communications, and he kept things fun while encouraging you to push yourself. Would love to return for another lesson next time I'm in San Diego. read more

I recently visited San Diego and found Cory online to help my surfing progress to the next level. Cory was absolutely top notch and I can not recommend him any more highly then I am now. He took me out to a great spot In San Diego based on his knowledge of the current swell. He then directed me to which waves I should paddle for and which way I should paddle. He took the time to educate me about surfing in general, San Diego surf, and overall surf etiquette. In addition, he was prompt when he said he would meet and always answered my emails and text very quickly. I had a small rental at the time, but he was more than happy to direct me where to rent a surfboard and help me transport it to the surf spot. He is as laid back as can be and has a perfect balance of motivation to help you but is not demanding like a drill sergeant. I am so happy I decided to go with Cory. If you are looking for a great instructor who is patient and will surely show you everything you need to know about surfing, no matter what your current skill level; Cory is your man! Enough reading this review and give him a call already! read more

Excellent teacher. I'm a total newbie to surfing, and Cory is very patient with me while I build my 'muscle memory' and master the pop up. He's great at explaining all the surf terms that I don't understand (low tide, high tide, rip currents, etc) He tailors the lesson to suit my abilities and needs, which helps build my confidence. He answers all my questions about wetsuits, rash guards, etc. and I love that he wants to teach me to surf properly so I don't develop any bad habits. Overall a really pleasant and instructive teacher. read more

Total newbie, always wanted learn but was super intimidated by all the "real" surfers plus I'm old as dirt. But put on my big girl panties and called Corey anyways. Wicked glad I did. He's totally cool and patient and knows his stuff! Did I mention cool? After some beach time trying to get comfortable with "me on a surf board" and you expect me to do WHAT?! We finally hit the water knowing FULLY what to expect (though I swear the waves were more into my nose than necessary) I actually did what I set out to do and a little more. Got to my knees most times and even got a foot up there AND a great wipeout to make the experience complete. Corey made sure my last ride in was calm and fun and ended on a high note. Two thumbs up. My fiend and I had a great time and totally recommend!! read more

I would highly recommend Cory for surf lessons/coaching. I did a lesson with a friend this morning, and he helped her get up multiple times, despite it being her first trip. He's a nice guy, clearly knowledgable, and stayed out with us until we were both too tired to keep surfing. read more

The surf lesson with Cory Pierce was just a great experience all around. He's very positive and upbeat and makes you feel like you'll be competing soon - even if you're struggling to stand up! But he seriously is a really professional and knowledgable guy who works really hard to help everyone at their own level. I'd recommend him to anyone. read more

My first experience surfing was amazing! Cory was so nice, patient, and a great teacher all around. It took about 3 tries before I finally got up on a wave. I never thought I'd do it! I'm totally hooked and can't wait to get back out and try again now that I know the basics. I'm even thinking of getting a follow up lesson in a few months. I would absolutely recommend Cory and NLSS to anyone who wants to try something different! Surfing was on my bucket list when I moved to San Diego and I'm really glad I had this great first experience with him. I highly recommend him! read more

I went surfing for the first time under Cory's instruction on Monday, June 6th, at 4:30p, and it was one of the best experiences I had in the ocean in a very long time. You can ask anybody I know and they'll tell you I very rarely do any watersports, let alone go out into the ocean, but after visiting San Diego for the past few days, and seeing everyone flock towards the beach with their wetsuits and boards, I just knew I had to give surfing a try. Like me, If you have never surfed before and want to get the most out of learning how to surf, I would recommend a 1-on-1 private surf lesson for as long as possible. Compared to other 1-on-1 lessons at different surf schools, Next Level Surf School with Cory offered the longest 1-on-1 private lesson, which was 2-hrs. At first, I was not sure what to expect. I was a little worried because I am not the best swimmer, I didn't know how far into the ocean we would be going, and I was not sure how Cory's lesson plan was going to be taught. As it turned out, he showed up with only one surfboard which was for me to use the entire time I was in the ocean. We went about shoulder-to-neck height water level in the ocean which meant I was still able to stand in the water if I fell. Cory was alongside me the entire time I was out in the ocean, provided useful feedback and advice on how I can do better, helped me balance on the board as I paddled out, assisted in helping me gain enough momentum while I was on the board to attempt to ride a few waves, and answered any questions or concerns I had. This greatly reduced any worry I initially had, and allowed me to focus more on what really mattered, which were the important aspects and fundamentals of surfing, such as learning how to transition from laying flat to standing on the board, how to rotate the board 180 degrees when preparing to surf, understand and predict the behavior of oncoming waves, and balancing as soon as I stood on the board. At the end of the lesson, I actually managed to surf a few waves with the help of Cory, and it. felt. awesome. Cory is an awesome instructor, very supportive and understanding, and listens to whatever comments, worries, or concerns you may have throughout the entire lesson. Overall, it was a wonderful experience, and I hope to continue surfing in the near future. I now understand the joy of surfing thanks to Cory and Next Level Surf School. read more

One of my best friends and I had a two hour awesome surf lesson with Cory on Saturday. He is really responsive to your needs and can adjust the lesson to your level. He is also just a nice, laid-back dude who was fun to be around. I am always intimidated the first time I meet a coach, but Cory put me at ease right away. I have had lessons with several other groups in this area, and I think my lesson with Cory has been my favorite. I am already planning my next lesson! Do it! You won't regret it. read more

Cory was great. He's easy going and makes it easy to try surfing for the first time. I definitely would recommend him to anyone interested in learning to surf. read more

I highly recommend Next Level Surf School. My family of 4 had a lesson with Cory. He was so friendly and seemed to enjoy teaching us. He was reliable and on time and even provided us wet suits. He taught us some basics on the beach, then we each went into the water. Before the end of the lesson we had all got up on our boards. It was amazing and unbelievable. We all had so much fun! read more

CORY IS THE BEST!!! My fiancé and I tried surfing for the first time and Cory was SO patient and genuinely kind. We were a little nervous and skeptical that we wouldn't have fun because it would be so difficult, but Cory made it all enjoyable and really helped us feel like our efforts paid off! It was such a great time and we are already planning another lesson. We definitely recommend Cory and Next Level Surf School to any and everyone!!! read more