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  1. Surfing
  2. California
  3. Newport Beach
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Get a free trial lesson with Cj

Surfing lessons with

Cj Manalo

From$113.40 per lesson
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Surfing lessons with

Cj Manalo

From$113.40 per lesson
•
98
Happy Student Score
Outstanding
•
This coach is very reliable and responsive. Students are very satisfied and regularly return for more lessons.
Coach Rating
5.0
98
Happy Student Score
Outstanding
•
This coach is very reliable and responsive. Students are very satisfied and regularly return for more lessons.
Coach Rating
5.0

About your surfing coach

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! 🤙🏻🏄🏻‍♂️

👋
Teaches: Kids, Teenagers, Adults, Seniors
🌱
Levels: Beginners, Intermediates
📍
Lives in: Newport Beach, California
🎓
Years Playing: Not specified
🔥
Given: 22 lessons

Cj's availability

Find a location and time that works for you

Cj's availability

Find a location and time that works for you

Newport Pier

Free
1968.6 miles away

Santa Ana River Jetties Beach

Free
1969.4 miles away

Blackies

Free
1968.5 miles away

Huntington Beach Pier

Free
1971.2 miles away

Goldenwest

Free
1971.6 miles away

Huntington St.

Free
1971.0 miles away

54th Street Beach

Free
1969.1 miles away

Newport Surf Camp

Free
1968.6 miles away

Balboa Pier

Free
1968.7 miles away

Availability on all locations

Near Newport Beach, California

No availability for this date

Didn't find a time or location that works with Cj?
We can suggest similar coaches or arrange a different spot (even at home)
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Accomplishments

🏅Amateur Surfer

Beginner training plan
Your first lessonTwo hours is the recommended time for the first lesson. I get to know a little bit more about my students and their athletic/physical abilities. I usually do a mobility assessment and try to determine which foot the student is most dominant with. I also cover ocean safety, board positioning and basic paddle and pop-up techniques. We spend much of the time at the first lesson in the white wash. The first lesson is the most hands-on lesson meaning you will be getting a lot of assistance from me in the water.
Lesson 4-10At this stage we learn how to read waves, read the ocean and go over etiquette as the student becomes more independent.
Lesson 2-3During the 2nd and 3rd lesson I have my students paddle out to the line up if conditions permit. We work on paddle technique and efficiency and start paddling into the smaller set waves.

Advanced training plan
Your first lessonAssessment of skills from beach. Using media I will show you how and where to be on the wave as well as any body positioning that can be adjusted.

Youth players
Working with kidsSimple instructions are the best ones for all ages but especially kids. I keep high energy and enthusiasm and make the ocean an inviting environment for the kids! Those who are reluctant to get in the water may start their lesson off with me doing some simple body surfing in the white water or just spend time in the shallows so they can acclimate to the ocean.

Working with teenagersI usually make surfing relatable to other sports or hobbies they may partake in. I also like to make it cool and exciting for them to learn from someone. It’s better to learn good habits than to teach yourself bad ones!

What you need to bringWater, a towel (for after), sunblock, and for lessons longer than an hour an easy snack to go down (fruits, nuts, or protein bar).

What I can bringFoam boards Wetsuits Leashes

Frequently asked questions

Cancellation Policy

We totally understand that life can be unpredictable and plans might change. That's why we've got your back with our flexible cancellation policy, designed to give you peace of mind when booking private sports lessons with our awesome local instructors!

If you need to cancel your lesson, no worries! You can get a full refund if you cancel within 24 hours of making your booking. We want to make the process as hassle-free as possible for you.

And if you simply want to reschedule your lesson, change the date and time, or adjust the number of students joining, we've got you covered there too. You can easily make these changes within 24 hours of booking, and up to 72 hours before your lesson starts.

Our goal is to make your experience smooth, enjoyable, and worry-free. So go ahead and book with confidence, knowing that we're here to accommodate your needs every step of the way!
  1. Surfing
  2. California
  3. Newport Beach
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CM
Surfing with Cj M.⭑ 5.0 (15 reviews)
How it works

Reputation

98
Happy Student Score
Outstanding
Reliability
Always reliable ⭐ Shows up on time and ready to teach every lesson. You can count on them.
Average rating
5.0
15 ratings•8 reviews
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15
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Sebastian R.Verified ✓
Level: Beginner•Lessons taken: 17•Verified ✓
What energized me was how easy and practical the lesson felt from the start. Cj kept things clear and hands-on, making it simple to follow. This session made me eager to continue improving and mastering the waves. If you’re thinking about learning to surf, Cj’s lessons are definitely worth trying out! 🌊
Ray E.Verified ✓
Level: Beginner•Lessons taken: 5•Verified ✓
CJ was awesome to work with. Highly recommend and thanks CJ!
Agustin S.Verified ✓
Level: Beginner•Lessons taken: 1•Verified ✓
Everyone who's trying to learn the basics for surfing CJ is the best man in the job. He's awesome on all areas doesn't lack any motivation when it comes to learning surfing. Amazing Coach is awesome to be around with an amazing attitude. Definitely recommend
Emily
I have definitely learned a lot through surfing with CJ. Through the lessons I have gained the ability to paddle out to the line up with more confidence. What’s great about surfing with CJ is his lessons are more than just surfing white water; he teaches you to be more confident and independent when out in the water by equipping you with the right techniques and knowledge!
Lauren
CJ was super fun and cool! He makes things easier to understand and is very thorough in his instruction. Ever since taking lessons with him I’ve been able to surf all by myself at my home break!
Nick
I came to CJ as an intermediate surfer. I was experiencing a plateau in my surfing progression, I was a bit frustrated to the point where I contemplated quitting. CJ took me back to the basics and made tweaks to the fundamental surf techniques as I had apparently developed bad habits which I was completely unaware of. These changes made a huge impact on my surfing and has made surfing more enjoyable and less frustrating!