Beginner Surfing in San Francisco at Pacifica Beach

Overview

Available languages

English

2 hours 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

Learn to Surf! All rental equipment is included free-of-charge. This clinic was designed with the beginner in mind – we welcome complete newbies as well as people who have tried surfing on there own for a while and still need help. We will walk you through all the basics to get you started and catching waves! Participants will learn about ocean awareness, wave breaks, ocean conditions, safety in and out of the water, wave etiquette, paddling, push up and pop up techniques, as well as riding waves and balancing. All students will start out in shallow areas riding the whitewater until they are comfortable with venturing further out.

Additional Info

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Minimum age is 12 years

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

Our beginner surf clinic covers all the basics - we'll provide the gear (wetsuit and surfboard). Participants will begin with a land-lesson to learn about ocean awareness, wave breaks, ocean conditions, safety in and out of the water, wave etiquette, paddling, push up and pop up techniques, as well as riding waves and balancing. Then, students will move in to the water and start out in shallow areas riding the whitewater until they are comfortable with venturing further out. Our instructors are all CPR/First-Aid and lifeguard certified, and ready to teach you the basics of surfing. Participants can expect approximately 1:30-2 hours of water time in a 2.5 hour lesson – the start of the class does have some “setup” time built-in to get people suited up and down on to the beach, and the land lesson can take about 30 minutes. We provide a safe and non-threatening environment for the beginning surfer – no angry localism here! Come have fun learning how to surf and explore the wonders of the ocean with our experienced guides. If you have ever thought about surfing and thought “no way”, think again! Lets catch some waves!

What‘s Included

All Rental Gear at no charge

Professional guide

All taxes, fees and handling charges

The listed price does not include parking fees.

Gratuities

Options

Start Time

Reviews

5.00

45 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Expert Instruction, Total Comfort, and Top-Notch Safety
dreamwalker24,,Dec 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I had an amazing experience, thanks to the incredible team of instructors—Gary, David, and Al. Gary was outstanding in teaching about the nature of the ocean. His explanations on how to read waves were clear, insightful, and easy to apply. He’s an all-around great instructor who really helps you feel connected to the water. David helped me understand how to relax my body, which made a huge difference in my confidence and overall experience. His calm, supportive teaching style really stood out. Al was fantastic at reinforcing safety throughout the entire session. He created an environment where I felt secure and well-guided at all times. Overall, the combination of knowledge, support, and safety these three provided made the experience truly exceptional. Highly recommend!
Best time ever
nadjah784,,Nov 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I had the BEST time surfing at pacifica withe guidance and expertise of Adventure out. I had a small bit of previous surfing experience and it was important to me to learn about the water and currents i'd be dealing with. Alice was fantastic with explaining surfing concepts and also tailoring the lesson with what I had previously learned even though the rest of class were doing something different. I was the happiest girl leaving and knowing I managed to surf in some California Water. Thanks a million!
Best birthday gift for my son's 16th birthday!
donnawN4156CM,,Sep 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
My son wanted to take surf lessons for his 16th birthday so I signed him up for the two-day beginner surf lessons in Pacifica, and he had a fantastic experience for his first time surfing, and his first time really out in the ocean! Surfer Jeff, Surfer Alan, and Surfer David were amazing and made his first surfing experience so much fun that he wants to come back and do it again! They were friendly, patient, kind, and made sure that everyone in the group received individual assistance. This definitely ignited my son's passion to continue his surfing journey! Thank you so much!
Safe, organised, and genuinely fun!
stefani G9911XY,,Sep 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Alan was a great instructor. He taught us not only how to handle the board, but also key safety basics and proper surfing etiquette. In the water he gave hands-on help, literally holding our boards so we could catch some proper rides alongside the average attempts. Not that this is the goal, but every single one of us stood up by the end of the class. 😁 He was on time and wrapped up on time, kept the briefing tight so we spent as much time as possible learning and practicing, and made sure everyone had all the information they needed. As a lifeguard, he made us feel safe throughout, and his teaching experience really showed. He even checked for bee allergies and took precautions when he spotted bees on the beach. Couldn't have asked for a better introduction to surfing—highly recommend Alan!
Great family fun!
juditheJ4660GZ,,Aug 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Amazing experience! I signed up for a 2 day surf course withy 2 kids and we all really enjoyed it. Our 2 instructors were very knowledgeable, really helped everyone 1 on 1 as well and made sure all ages had real good fun. Thank you, ai can only highly recommend!!!
It's definitely worth it.
emmacU7016TF,,Jul 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Very positive experience with Gary and David, great instructors both pedagogues and fun. I would do it again without hesitation.
safety first! and practise, practise, practise
E6884NTrobertd,,Jun 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Jeff was a super coach! thx I will continue with surfing (in Sri Lanka in August ;-) ) This will become my second favorite sport besides rock climbing.
Surfing in Delmar
jenniferaI4561EO,,Dec 1, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I was a little nervous and anxious about surfing again. But our instructor David was awesome and so was the entire group of beginner surfers! I would definitely do this again and plan to do it in the near future.
Amazing experience
Eileen M,,Oct 28, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
The instructor was outstanding- detail oriented and so joyful. Very caring and inclusive attitude and very safety conscious
Perfect Experience
Sophie H,,Oct 22, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
The instructor was very patient and fun and made a great day for our group! We were able to surf on small waves after just one lesson!