My family and I took several lessons with Brian last summer. It was the absolute highlight of our OC experience. The ocean can be intimidating, especially for kids. Brian has a way of making any and all of that disappear and providing nothing but fun and joy, which was particularly important for my 9 and 13 year-old daughters. First off, Brian is an extremely warm and caring human being. He's the kind of guy who makes you feel like there truly is no such thing as a stupid question. He is one of the most patient and understanding people I've ever encountered. He is extremely concerned with safety. He spends some time explaining the basics of how the ocean works - currents and winds and how to stay safe. That knowledge alone was worth the entire price of the lessons. I feel like our new found info will keep us safe in the ocean from here on out. And it was very fun stuff to learn about. As far as surfing - what can I say? Surfing seems like a pretty hard sport. Like one of those things that looks easy but is very difficult to do. All I can tell you is that he had all three of us standing up and riding waves within an hour. It was amazing. My 13 year-old now dreams of going pro and can't wait to get back to OC next summer for another lesson with Brian. My 9 year-old was all smiles all week after riding a few waves. Brian explained this is all I need to know to understand the true meaning of the word "stoked." In our second lesson we worked with some of the other instructors who were all fantastic as well. It's great the way they take you out in the water - you on the board and the instructor out there swimming n floating - hanging on to your board and talking you through things every step of the way and then gently guiding you into/onto the waves. So if you have even the slightest inkling to try out surfing I'd say you absolutely must go for it and take a lesson with these guys. Even if you don't fall in love with surfing the way my family and I did you will absolutely have a fantastic time that's well worth every penny. I suggest you bring a friend or loved one to stand on the beach with a camera because you absolutely want to get some pics of those first rides. The expressions on our faces on those first rides are priceless! read more

This is THE BEST place for surf lessons! Our 12 year old beginner surfer had two lessons and was up and riding some pretty choppy waves. The instructors were very well informed on how to teach surfing to people all of ages. We watched kids from 7- and adults in their 70s all get great instruction, coaching and encouragement from their instructors. We've been to other surf lessons and none compare. Top three reasons why. 1. Brian, the owner, is highly responsive to his website and coordinates via text when there are last minute changes. 2. The instructors are trained by Brian to teach surfing. They aren't just surfers out helping you learn, they are taught how to guide your process to improve. Even on a choppy, white-water day- they had newbies up on boards catching waves. It was great to see 3. Ocean City has great waves to learn on- the spot Brian has picked is perfect. We drove about 30 minutes from our vacation house to meet up with this crew, and loved it so much we asked if we could come back again the next day. DEFINTELY book with WRS for your next trip. PS- I rarely ever take the time to write reviews, our experience was that great, I had to do it this time. read more

My husband and I took a lesson with Brian a few weeks ago. I had been "surfing" in California and have taken lessons in Hawaii twice and have never got it down. As a Maryland native who has been visiting Ocean City since birth, I never considered our waves surfable. During our lesson with Brian I spent more time actually riding waves (in Ocean City!) and having fun than I did in either Hawaii or California, two places renown for their surfing. Brian's instruction was superb. I could tell from the beginning he was simply passionate for wave riding and showing others just how fun it is. He really breaks it down, makes you feel comfortable, and he taught us in a way that we could continue to improve and enjoy surfing even after the lesson was over. My Hawaiian surf lesson experiences can't even come close to being this good! I will definitely recommend the Wave Riding School to anyone I know who wants to give surfing in OC a try, I know they will not be disappointed! read more

I couldn't be more impressed with this company! My daughters (age 8 & 14) and myself (44) wanted to try out surfing. The instructors were very polite, very knowledgeable and very fun! From the very beginning I was confident they would keep my girls (and me!) safe. We had an "intro" to surfing on the beach before getting into the water. Once we were ready, the instructors took us out. Because of their expertise, we caught wave after wave!!! And every time giving us more guidance and confidence on how to catch the next wave even better. The owner, Brian, paddled out while we were out there and even walked the shoreline to check in on everyone. It's been an experience that my girls and I will never forget! I will definitely be back for a couple more lessons. And I am already in the process of planning a "girls surf trip"! I cannot say enough positive things about all of them! This is an A class surf riding company, for sure!!!!!! read more

Back to OC for another great beach vacation, and the kids (all teenagers) wanted to give surf lessons a try this year. This lesson was their favorite part of the trip! Brian is very organized, responsive, and super nice. Cost ($85 pp for 90 mins) included the surf board and wetsuit for the lesson. We had four kids and our group had at least three awesome instructors at all times. Every instructor was knowledgeable and patient while teaching the kids. Instruction also included lots of encouragement and compliments, and every kid was surfing within minutes. They even saved the kids' energy by chasing down boards and getting them back in the water quickly, maximizing the experience for everyone. Couldn't ask for better surfing instructors! Thanks so much for our favorite memories of this trip! If you've ever considered a surf lesson, this is the place to go. read more

Phenomenal! Like a lot of the reviewers, I wasn't sure what to expect and I was a little nervous signing up for wave riding school. Six of our family members participated - 1 adult and kids ages 11, 12, 14, 14, and 17. We arrived at their shop and were greeted by the very friendly owner who explained exactly what to expect. We soon walked across the street where they quickly got us into the water. Each of our family members had their own instructor! The instructors were fabulous! They gave each person exactly what they needed - our daughter needed some encouragement, our son was a natural and they progressively took him out farther. Everyone was successful surfing and had a great time. We were so impressed with the entire operation - very organized and great instructors. We will definitely be back next time we are in Ocean City, MD. read more

Met Brian and right off the bat anyone can tell this dude knows his stuff. Took my very first lesson and it was the very first time I tried surfing and Brian's gameplan was on point. I got placed with a hotdogger named, Luke, who was fantastic. Had me out in the waves and with the pointers and reminders Luke kept giving me I was up on the board nearly every time and even rode the wave till I hit the shore about three times. For an old guy in his 50's, this was no small task. Thanks again to Brian and Luke for making my lesson not only productive but a lot of fun too. I strongly recommend taking his lessons. Brian had a 3 yr old up on the board showing up all the teenagers! Righteous!! read more

If you are interested in having fun learning to surf from friendly, knowledgeable professionals, this is where to go. I've taken numerous lessons from Brian and his instructors and made substantial progress each time. Safety is priority number one with them - they encouraged me to challenge myself, but looked out for me in postponing lessons when the waves were too big. It's clear to me that they have been both surfing and teaching surfing for a very long time. I'm confident that I will benefit greatly from their instruction as I continue to advance into intermediate surfing. I highly recommend the Wave Riding School. read more

At first I wasn't sure what surfing in ocean city MD would be like, but I quickly learned from Brian, one of the owners, that it can be pretty thrilling. The surfing was great and the surf instruction was even more amazing. Brian was completely chill with my family and allowed us to make last minute changes without any hassle. The other instructors of Eric, Stewart and Simon were complete professionals, encouraging, and got myself and my two young children up and solo right away. If surfing is something you're interested in and you happen to be in ocean city MD, look these guys up. They won't let you down. read more

I signed up my grandchildren for a series of morning lessons during low tide. Their surfing coach, Randy, was awesome. He not only helped them learn to surf he also taught them how to be safe in the ocean, read the break, and about rip currents. They now love the ocean and feel comfortable swimming in and through the waves. Their ages 8, 6 and 4. They all want to come back next summer. A big high-five to Randy and Bryan for making "surf camp" so memorable and fun! read more

My 3 sons (16,14 and 11) took lessons last summer and all rode waves immediately! From never surfing to catching wave after wave!! Should have posted this 6 months ago. Posting on a snowy Sunday morning in DC because our daughter (8) just asked if she could take a lesson this summer. Yes! You will catch waves during your lesson. Don't let another summer go by saying 'someday I want to try surfing', or 'I tried it (rented a board on my own) and never caught a wave'. read more

AWESOME!!! FREAKING AWESOME!!! My 20-year-old son and I took surf lessons for the first time and we had the best time ever!!! Of all the things we did in O.C., and we did A LOT, THIS WAS THE BEST EXPERIENCE!!! The owner was chill and made sure he assigned two of the best instructors out there...Ryan and Adam...two awesome young men. Assuming old age doesn't say otherwise, we will definitely be going to the Wave Riding School again after my son gets back from deployment. read more

My son took a surf lesson here at the Waveriding school out of K-Coast. A very enjoyable experience for him. They were great teachers, providing encouragement and were extremely patient! We had Luke who was amazing w my son. The kids all got up on boards and rode waves! Brian the owner ensures that all are satisfied. This is well worth the cost. And as my son said .."they also give you surf merch". We will be using them each year we visit the beach now! read more

My 12 year old son had the best experience! He had 5 lessons during the week we were vacationing, communication was top notch ensuring we were fully informed about availability, instructors, water conditions and safety. It was amazing to watch the progress he made each day. Our instructor was enthusiastic and made sure my son had the confidence to succeed. Really cannot say enough good things about our experience! Highly recommend! read more

I loved my surf lesson (Aug 13; instructor Luke; Owner Brian). It was one of the coolest things I've ever done and I will definitely go back for more lessons with these guys. Great communication - They call the day before and update you on the weather and surf advisories. They were very professional, nice and personable. They even had young kids surfing in no time. Can't wait for my next lesson. I'm definitely hooked now! read more

I wish Yelp had more stars. From the well organized booking and communication to the incredible coaches to the coach/student ratio, this program is incredibly well run! My family and I, ages 43 to 6, took a 2 hour class together and everyone was surfing by the second try. My only warning, they will make you and your family fall in love with surfing; so take the class early in your vacation so you have more time to surf. read more

I am a beginner and have been surfing a few times prior to going for a lesson. Fantastic experience! I learned SO much from them, even with the knowledge I already had. Whether you want to learn more and how to catch more waves, or just want to check surfing off your bucket list, these guys are who you want to help. Very friendly and quick! They even have a photographer who takes great photos! I highly recommend! read more

Brian runs a great business. I have taken my grandson for lessons two years in a row and he loved every minute. All the instructors take their time and are enthusiastic. I have watched them teach small kids, and have seen them work with special needs also. I worked in customer service my whole life and these guys and girls have it nailed. I can not recommend them enough. Easily one of the best experiences at OC. read more

The World Famous Wave Riding School at K-Coast Surf Shop founded by professional wave rider & one of the best waterman to ever come from the east coast, Brian Stoehr. Our School has developed an unmatched method to teaching people of all ages the art of Surfing. Our team makes Surfing easier and more fun than ever! Surf Lessons, Bodyboard Lessons, Summer Camps, All ages, All Skill Levels read more