Private Surfing Lessons & Instructors in National City, CA

Surfing is so much more than riding waves . . . it is life changing. With over 25 years immersed in the joy of wave riding, I offer a knowledge base acquired from a wide variety of surfing experiences and countless time in the ocean. I specialize in the beginner to intermediate level while tailoring surfing instruction to fit your level of comfort and ability. I am passionate about sharing the “positoovity” of surfing, my goal is to elevate your experiences in and around the ocean. Join me, let's laugh and ride some waves together! Learn to surf and change your life.

"Best lesson ever high dedication to every detail

Hi, I'm Jose Maria, Your Surf Instructor! 🌊 With over 10 years of experience riding the waves, I’m passionate about sharing my love for surfing with everyone, from beginners to experienced surfers. My goal is to give you the skills to get through the challenges of the waters of life. You can’t stop the waves but you can learn how to surf, so you can confidently ride those waves. Whether you're looking to catch your first wave or improve your skills, I'm here to guide you every step of the way. Join me on the beach, and let’s ride the waves together! 🏄‍♂️

"José is an excellent teacher. You will enjoy every minute of the class. Bring your own board and wetsuit so you can derive the most benefit from the class.

Alayna is a highly skilled surfer, ranked #7 in California in 2014, with over 15 years of experience in both surfing and coaching. She excels at translating the nuances of surfing into easy-to-understand language, ensuring her students feel comfortable and confident in the water. Alayna's coaching style focuses on empowering surfers of all levels to improve their skills while fostering a strong connection with the ocean. Her passion for the sport and commitment to teaching make her a fantastic instructor for anyone looking to take their surfing to the next level.

"Alayna gave me the confidence I needed. I have not surfed in years and even though the waves were the larger than I have surfed before, Alayna called out which one’s were surfable for my skill level and rode the longest wave I have ever had. Thanks Alayna. I’ll be signing up for more lessons this week and look dorward to working with you again next summer.

With over five years of experience teaching beginner and intermediate surfers, I bring a holistic and deeply personal approach to every lesson. My teaching is rooted in mindfulness, breathwork, and the belief that surfing is not just a sport—it’s a pathway to growth, presence, and self-discovery. I’m passionate about helping others find confidence in the water, connection with the ocean, and a deeper understanding of themselves through surfing. For me, the lessons we learn on the board mirror the challenges and triumphs of everyday life, and I’m honored to guide others on that journey.

"“My 10 year old had a blast in PB (San Diego) with Jake! He was up and riding the waves right away after getting a really solid lesson in surfing and mindfulness before he hit the water. Thanks you Jake!

Greetings, I’m a lifelong surfer with a passion for sharing the exhilarating world of surfing with others. With many years of teaching experience, my love for the ocean is as profound as my joy in introducing others to the thrill of surfing. In my lessons we start by unraveling the mysteries of ocean currents and wave patterns and practice some pop-ups on the beach. We then head into the water where I guide you in catching your first waves, while focusing on water safety and surf etiquette. Let’s embrace the surf together and help you ride your first waves with confidence! For those with some surfing experience I tailor the lessons to meet your goals of progressing your skills in the surf.

"Jeremy kept things calm and clear, and I saw real progress in my son. His comfort in the water grew, and we both left with smiles, as the lesson built on patience and pace.

Brett's lifelong passion for the ocean began amidst the rugged coastlines of South Africa, where he first embraced the exhilarating sport of surfing. His move to San Diego in his formative years only fueled his love for the sea, solidifying his place within the local surf community. As a global explorer, Brett has traversed the world's oceans in pursuit of perfect waves, gaining thrilling experiences and a profound respect for the natural world. Transitioning from surfing to teaching, Brett's innate coaching abilities and deep knowledge of wave dynamics have made him a revered surf instructor, introducing countless individuals to the transformative joy of riding waves and fostering a deeper connection to the ocean.

"“I am the father of 5 year old triplet boys. I’ve taken them to the beach for years but I’ve never been successful in getting them into the water. When I signed up for Brett’s camp, which is five days a week, I was a little worried that they wouldn’t be up for all five days in a row. After the first day when I picked them up I was shocked to hear how much they loved it. They are very adventurous but often can get burned out on constant activity. They couldn’t wait to go back the next day and every day after that was the same. Brett slowly got them in the water more and more and eventually had them standing up surfing. They haven’t been this into an activity their whole lives. After a few days they were calling Brett, uncle Brett LOL.”

Hi, my name is CJ! I am local to the Orange County beaches. For years I’ve been in search of those perfect waves, and now, with a decade of experience, I'm thrilled to share that passion with you. My coaching blends technical expertise with a genuine love for the sport, creating a fun, safe and supportive learning environment for surfers of all levels. Through our lessons I hope to not only teach you how to surf, but also show you why this sport brings so much joy into my life. Let’s get you out there shredding on some waves! 🤙🏻🏄🏻‍♂️

"We have been booking lessons for my daughters with CJ for the last 3 years! My daughters were originally scared of being in the ocean but after their first lesson with CJ they were super comfortable with being out there. CJ was very thorough in his instruction and super effective in communicating with my kids. We will definitely continue to take lessons with him whenever we are in SoCal!