16 Surfing coaches & instructors for lessons in La Jolla, CA

Please provide your own wetsuit. There are many rental shops located in Pacific Beach and La Jolla Shores. I’m here to help locate the right one for you.

Bring a small bag with towel, bathing suit, sunscreen, and water. Surfing is a very active experience so do what is best for your body concerning eating prior to your session.

Surf trunks or a swimsuit A wetsuit if you have one depending on the water temperature A Towel Water and a snack for after the lesson. A fun attitude

I have taught my own children as well as many cousins and friends how to surf over the years. I’m a former preschool teacher and swim instructor as well as certified in CPR and ocean rescue. I have a very fun and relaxed approach with kids. My aim Is to help them fall in love with the ocean first, and the rest comes naturally!

When teaching kids, I adapt my lessons to be fun and engaging, using games and activities that make learning enjoyable. I focus on building a strong foundation in the basics while incorporating age-appropriate drills and exercises that keep their interest and energy levels high. Patience and encouragement are key, as I strive to create a positive and supportive environment where young students feel confident and excited to learn.

Key Adaptations for a Kid-Friendly Surf Environment** 🛟 **Safety First** - **Shallow Water Start** – Lessons often begin in waist-deep water or whitewater for better control and comfort. - **Soft-Top Boards** – Foam boards reduce injury risk and offer stability for easier balance. - **Smaller Group Sizes** – More one-on-one attention for spotting, feedback, and safety. - **Bright Rash Guards** – Help instructors keep visual track of each child in the water. - **Constant Supervision** – Instructors stay within arm’s reach and guide each paddle-out and ride. 🧒 **Kid-Friendly Teaching Style** - **Play-Based Learning** – Lessons include games like “shark tag” or “wave high-fives” to warm up and build comfort. - **Simplified Instructions** – Phrases like “banana paddle” or “cheetah pop-up” make techniques memorable. - **Positive Reinforcement** – High-fives, cheers, and silly celebrations build self-esteem and keep things light. - **Mini Challenges** – Goal-based tasks like “stand for 3 seconds” or “ride 3 waves” turn progress into fun missions. 🧘 **Mind & Body Readiness** - **Stretch & Movement** – Include animal-themed stretches (e.g. “starfish pose” or “crabby crawls”) to prep muscles playfully. - **Breathing Exercises** – Simple belly breathing or pretending to blow up balloons teaches calm and oxygen control. 🏄 **Skill Introduction** - **Board Parts via Storytelling** – “The nose is where the dolphin lives!” transforms anatomy into imagination. - **Basic Pop-Up Drills** – Practiced on sand with fun prompts (e.g. “launch like a rocket!”) - **First Rides** – Assisted rides on soft waves where kids feel successful and stoked.