Pacifica State Beach - Surfing Venue in Pacifica, CA | TeachMe.To

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Pacifica State BeachSurfing Venue in Pacifica, CA

4.9(181 coach reviews)

2 coachesFrom $86 per lesson

Pacifica State Beach - Surfing venue

Pacifica, CA

Outdoor surfing court in Pacifica

Setting

Outdoor

open-air

Parking

On-site

Free parking available for 30 minutes; parking lot hours align with beach hours (5:00am to 10:30pm DST, 5am to 7pm fall/winter)

2 surfing coaches at Pacifica State Beach

Every coach below teaches at Pacifica State Beach. Pick the one that fits your level - they handle the rest.

About Matthew

I've been in the water since I was born. I started as a Junior Lifeguard then was seasonal Lifeguard in Newport Beach, CA. I've surfed all over the world. I've pursued big swells in Indonesia as well as mainland Mexico, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Costa Rica.

What students say...

"Great coach and great energy. He did his best to make it a good experience, even though the water was flat and conditions were not ideal

SuperCoach

Matthew

From$114per lesson

455 Lessons given

Next: Today, 7:00 AM

Water Safety CertifiedAmateur Surfer

About Russ

Raised on the shores of Oahu, Hawaii, my journey began with the rhythm of the waves at the age of 10, sparking a lifelong passion for surfing. Alongside carving waves, I immersed myself in college and high school football, basketball, and track, finding joy in the thrill of competition. As a competitor in the Hawaii Amateur Surfing Association for 5 years, I honed my skills in the ocean's embrace. Complementing my active lifestyle, I prioritize breathwork, stretching, and a healthy diet to nourish both body and soul. Transitioning into coaching, I've shared my love for sports with the next generation through coaching high school and pop warner football, as well as youth basketball. As an Oahu Professional Photographer, I've captured the beauty of surfing, sports, weddings, and family portraits, preserving cherished memories for clients. For the past decade, I've surfed the waves of San Francisco, delighting in small to medium fun perfect waves and discovering local gems based on conditions. Currently, I'm homeschooling my 8-year-old daughter, embracing the opportunity to instill a love for learning and adventure.

What students say...

"Russ is a great coach!

Top Rated

92Score

Russ

From$86per lesson

69 Lessons given

Next: Tomorrow, 10:00 AM

About Pacifica State Beach

Popular crescent-shaped beach offering surfing, recreation trail, restrooms, showers, and dog-friendly amenities

When to come

This is one of the busiest venues in the area. Weekday mornings and mid-afternoons are typically your best bet for an open court or a focused lesson.

Amenities

Parking: Free parking available for 30 minutes; parking lot hours align with beach hours (5:00am to 10:30pm DST, 5am to 7pm fall/winter)
Outdoor facility

Hours

5:00am to 10:30pm during Daylight Saving Time (March-November); 5am to 7pm during fall and winter. Restrooms open 6am-10pm

Looking around? See more surfing coaches in Pacifica.

Where you'll play

5000 Cabrillo Highway

Open the address in your maps app for turn-by-turn directions.

Lessons at Pacifica State Beach, explained

Lessons at Pacifica State Beach start at $86 per lesson. The exact price depends on the coach, the session length, and whether you book solo or split a group lesson with friends — and your first lesson is always free.

Ready to play at Pacifica State Beach?

Your first lesson is free. Pick from 2 surfing coaches who teach here and book a time that works for you.

Reviews for coaches at Pacifica State Beach

4.9(181 coach reviews)

Daniel Y.Verified ✓

Level: Beginner•Lessons taken: 25•Verified ✓

That lesson with Matthew was quite good, honestly. I liked starting to gain confidence getting swept under and not looking for the board, which was pretty helpful. Still, I think I could gain more confidence to swim out there and catch more waves, but I feel like I’m on the right track. The laid-back approach made everything feel natural, and I appreciated the focus on building that core confidence. If you’re into steady lessons that really help you get comfortable, I’d suggest giving Matthew a try.

See Coach Matthew →

Jessica Y.Verified ✓

Level: Intermediate•Lessons taken: 13•Verified ✓

I think the lesson was quite helpful, especially in understanding wave face trimming, which I hadn't really focused on before. Though I still need to work on standing up more smoothly, I feel like I made some good progress. Matthew's guidance really made me pay attention to specific details, and I look forward to building on that next time. Hopefully, I'll get more confident with those little technical adjustments. Still, I’d suggest trying him out if you're looking to refine your skills gradually.

See Coach Matthew →

Daniel Y.Verified ✓

Level: Beginner•Lessons taken: 25•Verified ✓

Getting past the break on heavy days really pushed me, and I think that mental barrier is key in progressing even if it’s not always fun right away. Matthew’s guidance made a difference there, and I’d say a lesson focusing on more take offs would be helpful. Still, I feel like I’m making real strides, and maybe with more practice, I’ll get even better at catching waves. It’s definitely worth trying if you’re set on improving your surf skills.

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Daniel Y.Verified ✓

Level: Beginner•Lessons taken: 25•Verified ✓

Getting through the lineup felt pretty manageable today, and I managed to catch a few waves that actually felt good still, I think I’m starting to get the hang of it. Matthew's approach is quite steady, which helps build confidence without feeling rushed. It's nice to see progress with someone who keeps things relaxed but focused. If you're looking to improve your surfing and enjoy the process, I’d suggest giving Matthew a try.

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Chaoyikui L.Verified ✓

Level: Beginner•Lessons taken: 1•Verified ✓

Honestly, I found the lesson to be quite helpful, especially with the focus on proper paddle positioning and timing, which made a noticeable difference. Though I still need to work on catching waves more consistently, I appreciated the calm, precise advice Matthew offers, and I’d say it was a pretty good experience overall. If you’re looking to refine your surfing skills, it’s worth giving it a try.

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Daniel Y.Verified ✓

Level: Beginner•Lessons taken: 25•Verified ✓

One of the highlights of the lesson with Matthew was the very precise improvement guidance that helped sharpen my skills quickly. The session was well-structured and easy to follow, making progress feel natural and rewarding. If you want clear, practical tips to elevate your surfing, I definitely recommend giving his lessons a try. The experience was enjoyable and motivating from start to finish.

See Coach Matthew →