Learn to Surf in La Jolla: Beginner Lessons at Shores

Catch your first waves in the gentlest water in San Diego

A 90-minute surf lesson at La Jolla Shores teaches you ocean safety and surfing fundamentals on land before you paddle out with an instructor to catch waves in calm, beginner-friendly water. All equipment is provided, and you can keep your board and rash guard for an extra hour after the lesson ends. Children from age 5 are welcome, and no prior experience is necessary.

The experience

The lesson starts on the beach with your instructor covering ocean safety and the basics of surfing: how to position yourself on the board, how to pop up, how to read the water. La Jolla Shores is continually voted one of the best beginner spots in San Diego because the waves stay small and the seafloor slopes gradually, so you're never far from sand. Once you're ready, you'll paddle out with your group and practice catching waves while your instructor watches and adjusts your technique in real time.

You get a rash guard and surfboard for the full 90 minutes, and the operator lets you keep both for an additional hour after the lesson ends so you can stay in the water and practice on your own. Your instructor respects your comfort level throughout. There's no pressure to go deeper or take bigger waves than you want. The calm conditions at La Jolla Shores mean you'll spend less energy fighting the ocean and more time actually learning.

What’s included

• Surfboard and rash guard for the 90-minute lesson plus one extra hour.
• instruction in ocean safety and surfing fundamentals.
• small-group lesson with an experienced guide in English.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00, 12:00 and 14:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (18 to 85 years) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 5

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 15

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by Everyday California

Is this one for you?You'll be in a shared lesson with other beginners and intermediates, led by an instructor who watches your technique in the water and adjusts as you go. This works best if you want real-time feedback and don't mind learning alongside others. The calm water and gradual slope at La Jolla Shores mean you can focus on technique instead of fighting conditions, so it suits anyone starting from scratch or brushing up rusty skills.

Traveler reviews

4.83★★★★★★★★★★

64 verified traveler reviews

5 ★57

4 ★5

3 ★1

2 ★0

1 ★1

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (5 to 12 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the water like at La Jolla Shores for someone learning to surf?

La Jolla Shores has calm, gradually sloping water that makes it one of the best beginner spots in San Diego. The small, consistent waves and shallow entry mean you stay close to sand while you're learning.

Do I need to bring my own surfboard and wetsuit?

No. A surfboard and rash guard are included in your lesson. Wetsuits are not provided, so bring your own if you want one for warmth.

Can I keep practicing after my lesson ends?

Yes. You can keep your board and rash guard for an extra hour after the 90-minute lesson, so you can stay in the water and practice on your own.

How do I get to La Jolla Shores?

Public transportation options are available nearby. If you're driving, parking is available at the beach. Note that lockers for storing small items cost $6 for the day.