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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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

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

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

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

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

My 3 kids had a blast! My 12yo and 10yo already knew how to surf so I was worried that they would be bored but Sean took my boys and taught them new stuff like how to speed up, slow down and how to use their shoulder to change directions. My 8yo was surfing by the end of our lesson and she gained so much confidence! I would highly recommend Surf Education Academy because they taught my boys new stuff even though they already knew how to get up on the board. read more

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our school coordinated a surfing lesson with surf education academy and we are so glad they did! I thought my four-year-old might be left behind or left out but Sean was a great coach, very helpful and knowledgeable. He taught the kiddos in a way they would understand and efficiently managed the small group so they all got surfing time and assistance. My daughter had an amazing time and we would definitely go back. read more

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

Had two amazing lessons with SEA. Based on a locals recommendation we booked Sean for a private for my two boys, and then had so much success we booked another lesson the next day with Julian. Both boys got up multiple times, rode a ton of waves and now have a new love for surfing. I jumped into the lesson the next day and got up my first try. They were absolutely perfect to help us learn a new sport! read more

Great surfing camp for my 12-year old daughter at La Jolla shores. We weren't able to get into the age group at the other La Jolla shores alternative surf camp that we had been going to for years so tried and SEA and we were pleased with the quality instructors and well run camp. Highly recommended! read more

Signed my 11 year old daughter for surf camp with SEA and am I glad I chose them. My daughter had a blast and went from popping up on the board 3-5 times the first day to 25+ the last day and actually riding the waves. The instructors were great! They were friendly and always helping out the kids and cheering them on. I would definitely recommend them to anyone wanting a surf camp for the kids. Gabby the Great White loves surfing now. Thanks guys! read more

I was making slow progress with surfing and booked a lesson with SEA. Spencer, our instructor, was very professional and helpful. We will be returning. read more

My big teens, ages 17 & 19, enjoyed their first private lesson together with Sean and was able to stand up on their boards. We have a 2nd lesson scheduled for next week, after they get a little practice in on their own. read more

Great instructors. Playful and engaging with kids and focused on safety. My 5 year old was kind of scared of waves and ended up surfing like a champ. They don't push them, just encourage. Highly recommend! read more

Great!! Will definitely use them again. Very professional and it was so convenient having the wetsuits and surfboards provided onsite. Courtney was a super nice teacher and very effective. My kids learned a ton in a short amount of time. This was a wonderful experience! read more