Summer’s officially here and there’s no better time to learn to surf. While years ago it was once taboo to ask for help and newbies were forced to endure a long and often painful period of kooking it in front of their peers, those days are long gone.
Nowadays there’s no shortage of surf schools out there, both at home and abroad, and most will do the trick to get you started but there are some that stand out above the rest. Surf schools have long been a go-to job for those who love the ocean and can’t get their mind off the waves and, let’s be real, some young surfers care more about their own waves than teaching others.
If you’re really keen to start your journey and become a surfer, it’s best to start with a school that’s going to set you up for success. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of the top surf schools in America, from San Diego to New York and Florida to Hawaii. Whether they’re run by North Shore royalty or local legends who have dedicated their lives to supporting their communities, these are solid choices to bring out your inner Gerry Lopez.
La Jolla, CA : Surf Education Academy (SEA)
Founded by Sean Brody, former Coach with Team USA Para Surfing, and incredibly well-traveled surfer, SEA brings out the best of all students who drop in for a camp or lesson at their beautiful location on La Jolla Shores. Sean says, “At Surf Education Academy we take pride in helping people from all walks of life enjoy the benefits of the ocean and find a sense of belonging through surfing, and we are lucky to have our headquarters at La Jolla Shores, which is a perfect spot for anyone to learn to surf. With consistent rolling waves, a sandy bottom beach, no rocks pylons or structures to worry about, a large parking lot with handicap spaces, ADA restrooms with showers, access to beach wheelchairs, lifeguards on duty and our certified coaches to round out the experience; it’s truly an exceptional set up.” Learn more about SEA’s programs here.
Long Island, NY: Skudin Surf
Founded by Will Skudin, one of the world’s most respected big wave surfers and an absolutel pillar of the New York Surf community. When it comes to surf schools in the New York area, Skudin Surf may as well put the “Empire” in the Empire State. With camps and lessons available throughout Long Island, New Jersey, and the American Dream indoor wave pool–where you can surf any given day, rain or shine–its hard to think of a more complete offering from a surf school, only fitting for the greatest city on Earth. Check out their website and social media to learn more about their offerings and just know that when you’re with Skudin Surf, you’re in the best hands.
Encinitas, CA: Progressive Surf Academy
Founded by professional surfer Christian Marcher, Progressive Surf Academy is a great choice for anyone in the North County SD area looking to learn or truly progress to the next level with an incredibly knowledgeable and talented staff led by Christian himself. As a team rider for Bing Surfboards, Christian is regularly testing a wide array of surfboards and brings a wealth of experience–including a 7 years as a surfer and instructor on Oahu’s North Shore–to each of his students. For those based outside of San Diego, he’s able to offer surf + stay packages–you can view his website here. Or if you want to do a bit of traveling while you learn, then check out the new Progressive Retreats starting this fall in Punta de Mita, Mexico.
Jacksonville, FL: Thomspon Surf School
Rated the number surf school in the Jacksonville area for the past 10 years, Thompson Surf School gets it done when it comes to getting you up and surfing and stoked for life. Started by local professional surfers, brothers Evan and Tristan Thompson, the boys bring their best to each and every lesson–and it shows. Florida may not be known as premier surf destination but it has turned out more World Titles than any other place (thanks Kelly). So if you’re in the Jacksonville area, or have a trip planned, and want to get in the waves with the best instructors around, look no further than Thompson Surf School.
Orange County, CA: Corky Carrol’s Surf School
With its roots in Huntington beach for nearly 30 years—and its heart in Costa Rica—the Corky Carroll’s Surf School is the perfect operation for all of your surf aspirations year-round. Located during the spring/summer/fall months at Bolsa Chica State Beach, they offer everything from private 1-1 lessons, to group packages, to full weekly all-day summer camps. The expert staff from Corky’s is carefully vetted and meticulously trained, providing you the most authentic surf experience from the start. The sand-bottom beachbreak waves at both Bolsa Chica and Nosara, Costa Rica are perfectly suited for first-time beginners and intermediate surfers, as well as more advanced folks looking to sharpen their skills.Whether you’re looking to get your feet in the wax for the first, give your kids an epic summertime surf experience, or level up your down-the-line skills, the crew at Corky’s has what ya need. Check them out here.
Oahu, HI: North Shore Oahu Surf School
Founded by Hawaiian pro surfer and Pipeline local, Kala Grace, the North Shore Oahu Surf School is in a league of its own. Unlike many schools, Kala offers all students a 100% satisfaction guarantee–you’ll stand up and ride waves or get your money back. They focus on teaching students based on their skill level and don’t cut corners by bundling people up. For those steeped in surf culture, you’d know that Kala comes from a storied family of surfing greats. His blood uncles, Derek and Michael Ho, are two of the most renowned Hawaiian surfers to ever live and his first job as instructor was with another surf legend, Buttons Kaluhiokalani. “Those were some of the best days of my life and I learned so much from him (Buttons) spending everyday together at the beach. He is a huge reason for why I am who I am today and through him I found my love and passion for teaching people to surf.” Read the full story here or watch Kala in action below.
Half Moon Bay, CA: Tommy Tsunami Surf School
Half Moon Bay locals Thomas and Peter Lundgard grew up surfing every nook and cranny of this NorCal coastline before they had their driver’s licenses. The brothers are seriously talented surfers and have paddled Maverick’s on consequential days. But whether helping a total beginner or an everyday surfer, they and their staff can distill and articulate surfing’s most fundamental moves. Since 2018, they’ve run a highly popular surf school and camp for kids at Surfer’s Beach on the north end of their hometown. Check their site here.
Maui, HI: Zack Howard Surf
I first saw Zack Howard surfing leash-less with a 9’0 single fin at pumping Sunset Beach on Oahu’s North Shore. He was noseriding through critical sections while powering through the stiff offshores brilliantly and left me thinking, ‘damn, I wish I could surf like that guy’. Well, surfing like Zack is no easy task but learning to surf with Zack is totally doable on the beautiful island of Maui. He’s traveled the world as a professional surfer and brings a wealth of experience and a ton of aloha to each lesson and specializes in getting people away from the crowds and on waves that they’ll never forget.
Newport, RI: Gnome Surf Therapy
A surf therapy organization based in Rhode Island that has been helping hundreds of people with conditions ranging from autism to spinal cord injuries, finding joy and healing through surfing. Their mission is to offer an invitation to every child or family who has felt invisible as they’ve dealt with their difficulties and to introduce the ocean as the ultimate doorway to social and emotional wellness, happiness, and self-esteem. You can read their full SURFER story here or check their website here.
Ocean City, MD: Sommer Surf
Fifteen years ago Michelle Sommers started a nice program–surf lessons specifically for women and they quickly became very popular. Michelle says, “I teach women of all ages the basics of surfing to build their confidence so they can get out on their own and know what to do. Technique, safety, etiquette and ocean knowledge are taught throughout every lesson.”
“I’ve created a unique women’s surfing community that didn’t exist before in our area. I now know and instructed most of the women in the line-up. There are various group chats with ladies from all over our region meeting up to surf together. My lessons are more about instruction and less about just being pushed into waves. I like to teach and seeing each one progress makes me so stoked!”
San Francisco, CA: Big Dog Surf Camp
Founded by Ian (a.k.a., The Big Dog), who was born and raised in Northern California, and got hooked on surfing at age 15. Surfing has led him around the world searching for the ultimate stoke. Ian started teaching friends and family members to surf and soon realized that he could get just as much stoke from showing someone else his love for the water as he got from surfing. After studying to become a teacher, Ian realized that he could merge his love for teaching and surfing, and started Big Dog Surf Camp, one of the most popular surf camps in the Bay Area. In addition to running Big Dog Surf Camp, Ian has also been involved in community outreach, working with Tim Gras and the TURF Community Development to teach surfing to kids from Sunnydale, a housing project in San Francisco. In recognition of his efforts, Ian won the inaugural Aloha Award. Check their site here.
Santa Cruz, CA: Surf School Santa Cruz
Founded by local legend Bud Freitas, this is definitely the school to go to in the Santa Cruz area, which happens to be one of the most wave rich zones of all California. Wave types range from ultra-beginner friendly spots like Cowell’s to, of course, Mavericks. You know it’s a good sign when a school has the top surfers on the payroll like Mavericks locals Ryan Augestein and Alo Slebir–who may very well go on clinch the Guiness World Record for the largest wave ever surfed. Its safe to say the guys and girls at Surf School Santa Cruz certainly know what they’re doing.
