Surfari Surf School

Surfari was a fantastic place to get oriented to surfing. Lesson was simple and clear and Gavin was super encouraging. Made it a lot less overwhelming than it might have been. Got us in the water quickly. And we were up so fast. Rough currents that day but he worked his tail off for us. Left us after the lesson feeling great about it.
The shop was clean and efficient with keyed lockers for our stuff. Couldn’t believe how fast and simple it was to get in and out. Highly recommend!

For my first surfing experience, I had so much fun! My instructor Phil taught me a lot, and had great energy! I’m very grateful for this place!

We had a great experience with Surfari. Five of us took a group surf lesson, ranging from ages 8 to 35 and we absolutely loved it. The amazing customer service immediately caught my attention at the first phone conversation. Overall, we were very pleased with the entire experience. So much so, that we went back the next day to rent boards and practice our new skills. I would definitely say this is a must do when you’re in Mission Beach.

I’ve been here twice now, once 1 year ago by myself and a 2^nd time recently with my girlfriend for a semi-​private lesson.
I have some surf experience, but hadn’t gone out in a while when I first decided to try Surfari. My instructor during my solo lesson really helped me work on my positioning on the board so I could ride the waves longer. ESPN happened to show up and even filmed me for clips they ran during a football game which was cool.
The second time I went was to take my girlfriend surfing for the first time while we were in San Diego. She’s terrified of the ocean, but I somehow convinced her to go into the Surfari store and book a semi private lesson. The instructor was very patient and positive which made her comfortable enough to try. She stood up on her first wave and now can’t wait to surf again!
Highly recommend these guys! San Diego is as good as CA surfing gets by the way. Plenty of waves to practice on.

I had an absolutely amazing experience at Surfari.
Booking: I visited in November, which wasn’t a particularly busy time for the school. I called at lunchtime and they said they could accommodate me for a class that afternoon (no need to reserve beforehand). I proceeded to get lost on my way there and showed up an hour later than planned, but they were so nice and chill and just let me start when I arrived. I also liked that an actual person answered the phone and responded to my questions, rather than an automated service – this is a local shop, not a huge franchise.
Price: I had called around a bit before settling on Surfari, and I would say its definitely the best deal on the block. Most places in San Diego charge $ 55+ for a group lesson with nothing else — at Surfari you pay this price for a lesson + a few hours of practice on the board after the lesson. There were no other people to make a group when I visited, but they gave me the same price for a one-​on-​one lesson as it would normally be for a group one. Really stellar.
Lesson: My instructor (Adam) was extremely friendly and supportive. He explained things clearly and was very encouraging the whole time. He was also pretty tireless in dragging me out past the break so I could get lots and lots of reps. I had surfed a couple of times before (never with a lesson), and he was able to adjust his instruction to my ability and help me advance more quickly than I ever have practicing alone. Thanks Adam!
Equipment: Surfboard and wetsuit seemed to be in good condition, especially for a rental spot. And as mentioned above, they let me keep both after the lesson so I could practice for a while on my own.
I would highly recommend Surfari to anyone looking for a surfing lesson in San Diego.

This place was alright. We bought the groupon deal and it was still more expensive than the mission bay aquatic center. The paddle boards here are also low quality, you can tell by holding it, it’s like styrofoam. Plus you have to go to the shop several blocks away from the water, and pick up your boards, and carry it across streets to the bay. I just thought it was a hassle. I don’t think it’s worth it especially if you pay the full price.

My roommate and I lived around the corner, and we decided to try out the semi-​private surf lesson for two. Rate was pretty cheap at $ 65 each for a 1.5 hour lesson with 1 hour using the boards ourselves after, which also included wetsuits. Our instructor Tyler, was super knowledgable about everything we asked him in regards to like surf etiquette and wave judgements.
On the day we went, the current was super strong so we were both a bit hesitant. But Tyler was really hands-​on and made us feel confident, and we both were able to catch some waves! Ahaha we had some super low expectations of our capabilities, so that was a big surprise to see how we weren’t terrible. We were so stoked, and have decided to make surfing a weekly thing. Seriously, thanks again!

We had such a good experience at Surfari. My kids took surf lessons and loved it, the instructors were personable, knowledgable and worked well with my kids (ages 5 and 9).
Everyone at Surfari helped make our day at the beach the best day of our vacation. We had such a great time, we extended our trip another day so we can take another lesson today.
I would highly recommend Surfari.

My go to place for rentals! Amazing service and awesome boards! Ask for Davo! Hella chill guy!

GREAT place to rent paddle boards for a fun afternoon activity!
Bought a Groupon for this place with my boyfriend and two girlfriends on a weekend visit to San Diego. None of us had been paddle boarding and thought it would be fun to try.
The guys here were so awesome, super friendly and they took the time to give me and my girlfriends a lesson on what to do. The check in process was super easy and the water is literally right across the street and down and alley so once you get your board and paddle you’re all set to go. They get a lot of business, over half of the paddle boarders in the water had rentals from the shop.
The only thing I will note that kind of sucked was parking. The shop is right next to Mission beach so a super, super busy spot and it took over an hour for us to find parking on a Saturday afternoon, so if you are going to go on a Saturday or a busy day make sure you leave in time to find parking. But once you park and get your board you’ll be set. The boards are pretty light (30 to 40 pounds) and easy to carry the short distance to the water with the handles. They also provide life jackets, which is by law from the city and lockers to keep you’re stuff in while your out in the water.
I HIGHLY recommend renting from here if you’re wanting to give paddle boarding or surfing a try.

My friend and I rented stand up paddle boards with a groupon. It was rainy that morning but it cleared up a little so my friend and I decided to cash in the offer. The checkin was ok. The guy on staff wasn’t too friendly but we didn’t mind that much. We went out into the bay and although my friend was able to get back, I was not able to and was stuck in the middle of the bay. I tried to swim to shore but I was unable and in distress. I waved my life jacket and a Good Samaritan came and rescued me in a boat and people on the shore called the lifeguard to come get me.
What bothers me about what happened was when my friend got to shore and realized I was still out there she went to the shop to tell the guy in the shop and his response was «you better go and get her» she knew she didn’t have the energy to go out and she couldn’t navigate two paddle boards.
The proper thing to do in this situation was to call the lifeguards to come get me. Or warn us that the current was strong and we shouldn’t go out too far when we would have to go against the current. Or give us whistles or some method to communicate distress easily. But they didn’t do any of these things.
I’m giving two stars because when I was in the lifeguard boat he called the number for the shop and another employee answered and he was very nice and came to get the board (I was exhausted from the ordeal) and he was very nice and friendly.
My advice for beginner paddleboarders who just want to rent is to be very cautious or pay for lessons where someone will be there to help if you need it. And the company should be more proactive if someone says one of their customers needs help– they should immediately call the lifeguard and not respond condescendingly.

I got my son a surfing lesson here while vacation in San Diego as he’s going to be attending a high school near a good surf break on the east coast. Our instructor, Chris, was fantastic. Personable, laid back, yet driven to help him succeed. My son picked up so much in 1 private lesson, it was incredible. I was also surfing in the same area and he gave me tips too, which was nice. Reservations were so easy. Called that morning around 8:30AM for a 11:00AM slot. No problem at all.
All in all, it was one of those once in a life experiences that you won’t forget (in fact we watched dolphins do Sea World type somersaults about a 100 yards out from us).
One thing for those not familiar to Mission Beach. Parking is tight (especially on a Saturday morning in late August). Allow yourself some extra time or use a ride sharing service.

Very good place. We got lessons with Cris. He is really cool! And the prices are very friendly.

My husband & sons had a great time! Their instructor Tarick (so?) was laid-​back and easy going. We booked a 3-​person session @ $ 55/​person for 1.5 hr of instruction followed by an hour of solo surfing. They also rent surf boards, paddles boards, and boogie boards by the hour if you want to head out on your own.

My nephew is in town from Ohio and thought this would be fun for both of us. Poor conditions with the weather the last 2 days; lots of waves and seaweed so maybe our instructor was not into it? She did not seem to have much instruction for us during our semi-​private lesson. My nephew was more a natural. An instructor from Surfari Surf during my last hour, on our own, took more interest in giving me constructive tips.
In the shop Chris was very attentive.

Wow. My nephew came into town and wanted to learn how to surf. We checked Unilocal and saw that Surfari Surf School had excellent reviews. After our experience I can see why.
We showed up at about 10:30 on a Friday morning without a reservation. Surfari let us know that one of their instructors might be available if we would wait for 10 minutes for him to return from an earlier lesson. Ten minutes and Surfari confirmed that we were good to go.
Adam went through all of the basics with my Nephew and then got him out into the water. My Nephew had a blast. In fact, he had so much fun that we came back out and rented a surf board and wetsuit a few days later so he could surf some more.
This is a first rate establishment with an excellent location near the beach. I certainly will be back.
Thank you!

Great experience with Phil — my boyfriend and I did the semi-​private lessons, got 1 hour of lessons and 1.5 hours of free surfing — we had a great time and though I am definitely not a natural surfer, Phil was very patient and a great teacher.
Definitely recommend!

These guys are the best!!! David or Davo? Anyway he is terrific and funny! Rick has been exceptional. If I left anyone out I am sorry!
My experience was outstanding! I STOOD on the board!!! Yes!!!

Having 10 years experience as a ski instructor and outdoor guide I was looking for a laid back school with competent adult surf lessons. I can’t say enough about Surfari and my instructor Gavin, other than I’d go back again and again. Their ³⁄₂ full length wetsuit made a winter afternoon feel like nothing more than a summer day. Super cool experience the whole way round– see pics for proof! Thanks guys!
(photo credits C. Dent)

I’m new in San Diego & Unilocal has been my bestfriend. I used to surf in Manila, but it has been years. I went & booked a private surf lesson here cause of the 5 stars. I surfed with Tarik; he’s nice, although sometimes he pays a little more attention to the other surfers around us. I was able to get my surfer mode on eventually. Plus they give you an hour free to surf & play with the waves. Such a fun day! Location is perfect!
Oh & he taught me how to carry the surfboard. Haha!