How we rank: Google rating, weighted so a 5.0 from six reviews doesn't outrank a 4.9 from a thousand. Schools can't pay to move up this list; a paid placement is labelled as one. Listings that share a phone number or website are marked as the same team.
// Packing list
Most schools provide the board and wetsuit, so you can arrive with very little. These are the small things worth packing.
We may earn a small commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We only recommend gear we'd ride ourselves.
Rash guard (UV surf shirt)
Stops the wetsuit and board rubbing your chest raw, and covers your shoulders if the water is warm enough to skip the wetsuit.
See options on Amazon →Mineral (zinc) sunscreen
You will spend a couple of hours on open water. Zinc stays on your face better than spray and is easier on the reef.
See options on Amazon →Changing poncho or hooded towel
Gets you out of a wet wetsuit in a beach parking lot without the towel dance.
See options on Amazon →Waterproof phone pouch or dry bag
Keeps your phone, keys and car fob dry and sand-free while you are in the water.
See options on Amazon →Reef booties or water shoes
Only where the entry is rocky or reefy. Sandy beaches rarely need them, so ask the school first.
See options on Amazon →Surf hat with a chin strap
Shades your face during the beach briefing and in the water; the strap keeps it on when you fall off.
See options on Amazon →Full checklist, including what to leave at home: What to bring to surf lessons
Seasonal averages for California — not a live surf report for this beach. California surf seasons in full
// 4 Surf schools listed
Local instructors, real reviews, and how to reach each school direct.
Highest rated
Girl in the Curl Surfing Lessons5.0 from 20 reviews
Most reviewed
Girl in the Curl surf shop50 Google reviews
// The Lineup
Ranked by rating confidence — review volume counts, not just the score.
// Free Surf Guide
The Beginner's Surf Guide
Wave basics, gear checklist, lesson tips — all free, delivered instantly.
4 schools on the map
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// The price check
Based on prices published by 3 of 4 schools · checked October 2026
The other 1 don't list prices on their websites, so they are not in these figures. Rates change with season, group size and what's included. Confirm with the school before you book.
What the schools say about their lessons
From each school's own website. Schools that don't say aren't counted as a no; confirm when you book.
// Side by side
| School | Rating | Group | Private | Kids | Lesson | Phone | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Girl in the Curl surf shop | 4.7 (50) | Price not published, ask the school | Price not published, ask the school | Price not published, ask the school | ages 7+Bring/rent your own | +1 949-661-4475 | Book Girl in the Curl surf shop on their website (opens in a new tab) |
| San Clemente Surf School | 4.6 (29) | Price not published, ask the school | $140/lesson | Price not published, ask the school | 2 hoursBoard + wetsuit included | +1 949-334-7649 | Book San Clemente Surf School on their website (opens in a new tab) |
| Girl in the Curl Surfing Lessons | 5.0 (20) | Price not published, ask the school | $175/lesson | Price not published, ask the school | ages 7+ | +1 949-291-8314 | Book Girl in the Curl Surfing Lessons on their website (opens in a new tab) |
| Learn To Surf | 5.0 (1) | Price not published, ask the school | $150–$400/lesson | Price not published, ask the school | 2 hours · 1-4 students per instructor · ages 4+Board + wetsuit included | +1 949-423-3749 | Book Learn To Surf on their website (opens in a new tab) |
Ask = not published on the school's website, so call or message to get a quote. Prices are the lowest each school lists. Lesson details are what each school states on its own website; a dash means not stated.
// Know before you book
Group lessons are the usual starting point: they cost less per person, and you share an instructor with typically 4 to 8 other students. Private lessons give you one-on-one attention and a faster start, which suits nervous beginners, anyone short on time, or surfers working on a specific skill, at a higher price per person. Semi-private sits in between, for two to three people who want to learn together. Class size and what is included vary by school, so confirm when you book.
You share an instructor with other students, typically 4 to 8 per instructor, for around 90 minutes to 2 hours.
Best for: First-timers on a budget and anyone who likes learning alongside others.
A small group of two to three people with one instructor, often friends or family booking together.
Best for: Couples, friends and families who want more attention than a group without the private price.
Published by San Clemente Surf School: “2 hours, for two or more surf students. Includes wetsuit and beginner foam board.”
One instructor, one student (or one family). The pace and focus are yours to set.
Best for: Nervous beginners, short trips, and surfers working on a specific skill.
Published by San Clemente Surf School: “2 hours, 1 student. Includes wetsuit and beginner foam board.”
Lessons run for younger surfers, usually in smaller groups with a lower instructor-to-student ratio. Minimum ages vary by school.
Best for: Children and teens. Ask the school about age limits and whether parents can stay on the beach.
Multi-day programs, from a few days to a week or more, mixing lessons, practice sessions and surf theory.
Best for: Visitors staying a while and anyone who wants to progress past the first stand-up.
Published by Girl in the Curl Surfing Lessons: “Full Days, Monday - Thursday, 9am - 4pm. Participants must be 7-11 years old, swimmers, and confident in the ocean.”
Board and wetsuit are usually included in a lesson price. Confirm when booking, because policies differ between schools. In Dana Point, 2 of 4 schools say board and wetsuit are included on their own websites.
Same team as Girl in the Curl surf shop
Group lessons · Kids welcome · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently praise the friendly, helpful, and experienced instructors who create a fun, safe, and confidence-boosting surfing experience, leading to quick progress and a strong sense of accomplishment.
Private lessons from
$175/lesson
Gear included · Beginner friendly
Private lessons from
$150/lesson
Same team also listed as Girl in the Curl Surfing Lessons
Kids welcome · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently praise Girl in the Curl for its well-organized, welcoming, and fun surfing experiences, highlighting the exceptional instructors, beautiful location, and overall positive, empowering atmosphere.
Pricing
Not published on their website. Call or message to ask.
Gear included · Group lessons · Beginner friendly
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers generally had positive first-time surfing experiences with helpful instructors like Dylan and Keiran, though some experienced issues with responsiveness.
Private lessons from
$140/lesson
