Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Mission Beach Surf School will give you the best value for your money and a range of customizable options. In addition, we can customize our packages and pricing to suit your needs. So, if you have your own surfing gear and want to save money let us know and you will pay for a surf lesson only – no wetsuit rental.

Mission Beach Surf School guarantees to have you standing up by the end of your first surf lesson in San Diego.

In conclusion, we are a licensed and permitted surf school by the city of San Diego and partnered with the biggest surf school in San Diego.

We are located directly in front of the Blue Sea Beach Hotel at 707 Pacific Beach Drive, San Diego 92109.

So, Look for the red tents set up on the sand and that’s us!

Please arrive 5-10 minutes early for your lesson to allow enough time to sign your waiver and put your wetsuit on.

However, Parking especially on weekends, can be a challenge. Allow yourself at least 30 minutes to find a parking space and free parking is available on Mission Boulevard and on the bay side of Santa Clara place.

In addition, please arrive with your bathing suit already on and make sure you bring a towel, sunglasses, hat, and a change of clothing. We also recommend sunscreen of SPF 30 or more because  saltwater at the beach is abrasive to the skin  

You will also want to stay hydrated so water and drinks are a must. There are stores on the Mission Beach boardwalk you can purchase water from but we recommend arriving prepared.

We recommend leaving any valuables at home or locked safely in your car. Alternatively we can provide a aquasafe lock box for your valuables for $5.00.

Upon booking you will receive a confirmation email with directions.

Surf Camp San Diego students should bring a labelled backpack or bag and a healthy lunch with snacks, pocket money if desired, In addition, a long sleeve sweatshirt or jacket, towel, sunscreen, shoes and a drink.

However, most optometrists will recommend against wearing contacts in the ocean. So, we understand that sometimes it is not possible therefore we can recommend wearing disposable contact lenses and removing them immediately after leaving the surf. Just remember to hold your eyes closed tightly when going under waves.

Otherwise, you can wear normal contact lenses and use swim goggles.

In addition, during the summer months the water temperature in San Diego ranges between 65ºF – 71ºF. In summer the water is warm enough to surf in your bathing suit but in winter a wetsuit is required.

You are welcome to wear your own wetsuit. But if you don’t want to wear a wetsuit it is advisable that you bring a pair of surf shorts or board shorts to use with a rash guard that we will provide.

All of our instructors are highly experienced surfers, and some are even professionals! They are all certified in CPR and first aid ensuring a safe surfing experience in San Diego for you.

We offer discounts to groups larger than 10 people, birthday parties, and discounts advertised by Mission Beach Surf School.

Yes – we have surfboards and wetsuits available to rent after your lesson. Therefore, we recommend reserving your surfboard rental after your lesson in advance to ensure we have one available.

Yes – restrooms are located just a short walk from our surf school on Mission Beach.

It is advisable that you are able to swim with your head above water and must be capable of swimming to shore. However, small children and weak swimmers will be kept in shallow waters and our instructors are always with the students at all times.

Similarly, Our surf lessons in San Diego and overnight surf camps are situated within close proximity to popular restaurants, clothing stores and supermarkets.

Yes.