Encinitas Surf Lessons

I have nothing but good things to say about Jason and the crew at Encinitas Surf Lessons. Jason was great about making sure everything was lined up for me when I arrived into town and my instructors (Chad the first day and Garrett the second day) were fantastic. They were really good about helping me learn the things I needed to start really catching some waves. I would highly recommend these guys and can say with confidence that you would have a similar experience

Epic!
I am not very good at following up on reviews, but I had such a phenomenal experience with Jason’s surf instructors that I had to give them the credit they deserve. I am a newbie and live in Texas so my surfing is few and far between. After speaking to Jason several times before my trip to San Diego, I decided to take 2 lessons in 2 days to try to retain some of my skills and am so glad I did.
From the first contact with Jason he was extremely attentive and helpful and answered all my questions. Once I got into town, my surf instructors, Chad and Aaron were nothing less than amazing. Chad helped me get my feet under me the first day and Aaron helped refine my surfing the next — things started to finally click for me out there.
I have taken surf lessons in the San Diego area with 3 different businesses now and without a doubt will only use Jason and his crew from now on. I didn’t think it could get any better after my first day with Chad but Aaron was just as great the next day so I would highly recommend both of them.

Parents… stop searching for cheap surf lessons and take your kids to Jason and his crew! I’ve had my kids in lessons elsewhere and never got the time, attention and caring that was shown to me and my children. Jason scheduled us in late the night before. We were SO lucky to have Aaron and Chad were our instructors for the day. They were simply awesome!
* They spent extra one on one time with 15 year old, even taking him to the outer waves. Start to finish, he was delighted.
* They took my 12-​year old daughter and got her up on her first wave. She rode waves for the entire time and was smiling the whole time.
* They were so patient and positive with my grumpy, video game playing, 14 year old (who general hates sports and wanted nothing to do with surfing), encouraged him and helped him…30 mins in, he was riding to the shore. He caught 8 full rides. He was so proud of his accomplishment. I give all the credit to these two great guys.
For getting your kids into surfing, I cannot recommend a better program or option. Chad, Aaron and Jason were spot on and gave us all a great day.
Oh…and Chad taught me a little secret to my stand up that I never knew and it got me to ride a wave for the first time ever. You da’ man!

We had a great experience with Encinitas Surf Lessons! It was easy to sign up. Jason called right away to confirm the date and location. Me, my dad, and sister were all beginners and all got up during the lesson! The instruction was great. Definitely the highlight of our trip to San Diego!

Had a great experience with Encinitas Surf Lessons! I called last minute with a very tight schedule and Jason made it work… smooth and easy! The lesson with his instructor Aaron was great… awesome teacher and I was up and surfing in no time! Great memory and can not wait to get back for another lesson… worth every cent!

Logistics aside, Jason is a brilliant teacher. I’m a beginner– I’ve managed to stand up once on a wave in the past. (Had 2 other instructors who were super nice but couldn’t really teach that well.) But in this lesson with rapid fire instruction I got up on 6 waves in 1 hour– and surfed most of them at least part way or all the way into the shore. Now that is a successful lesson! I think there’s room for him to grow in really connecting with his students on shore because he has SO much information to convey (it’s a little overwhelming), but once you’re out in the water, he’s your man. He’s very safety conscious and he gets real results. His personality isn’t for everyone, but if your main goal is actually catching waves– this guy is the best. (And he’s the first person to admit he’s not a great secretary, so he’s really honest.) Just get out in the water with him and see for yourself that you will see some serious results!

I’ve taken two lessons with Jason from Encinitas Surf Lessons, one as a group session and another as a private with just myself. On both occasions there was great communication, energy exchange, and just an over all sense of professionalism.
I have more sessions lined up for myself already, and would easily recommend Jason to any level of surfer from the beginner to more advanced. He was constantly vigilant and provided immediate feedback after each attempt and celebrating with you during your accomplishments and providing diligent guidance and instruction throughout the entire experience.

I’ve done 6 lessons with Jason starting last April. I was brand new to surfing and the area. I was looking for guidance, structure, and a pathway to learn and get better over time. Jason provided an environment to learn, exercises to take home and practice, ways to think of what surfing is to you and how you can improve. He took us to several locations along North County coast, which was a great guided introduction for me.
I’ve practiced on my own between lessons and always had Jason’s instructions in the back of my mind whether I was working through the waves to get to the breakpoint, diving under and smiling :), or doing pop ups when catching the wave and shuffling.
Jason is great with giving drills to work through — both in water and on the beach. He is direct and happy to take your feedback and I am the same way. Every discipline requires some drilling and his approach worked for me.
Jason can handle individual lessons as well as groups. He does his own scheduling and has other instructors with him for group lessons. So whether you are looking for one on one or have a group of people together, he will accommodate. His business is lean and his prices reasonable. Jason adapts his style depending on who he is working with through the experience, you’ll get good instruction and some tips for better future outcomes. Whether you are a family or a group of friends, you’ll find the class a great experience.
Jason has other programs he offers that go deeper into leveraging surfing as a healing method, which is unique in its way.
When I get better and need some pointers at advanced level, I’ll go see Jason again.

Huge high five! I signed up for Jason’s SURFING FOR EMPOWERMENT sessions where he combines surfing instruction with personal development work. My personal journey had me doing a Google search on surf/​ocean therapy as an additional approach to traditional talk therapy for grief and depression (after reading how surfing has been used to treat PTSD/​depression/​anxiety).
What I got out of these one-​on-​ones has been an invaluable gift. Jason gave me a safe place to express feelings and emotions that I’ve been carrying and gave me tools that I can (and will) use outside of the water to continue my journey in healing and growth.
This all sounds pretty serious, which it could be. It was also GREAT fun. Did I fall and tumble around the waves? Yes. Did I swallow the ocean? Heck yes I did! And I felt amazing each and every time I was done with a session. Inside and out of the water I found Jason to be encouraging, patient and present as a teacher. With lots of laughs on both sides I learned something new that I can’t wait to keep practicing. Highly recommended for those looking to surf and grow!

Our son had a wonderful Ocean Empowerment and Surf Lesson with Jason! He’d taken several group lessons and attended a week long surf camp in the past but NOTHING has come close to the value received from Encinitas Surf Lessons.
Not only was the one on one surf lesson the best ever, but Jason really gave our son valuable life tools that he’ll carry forward into other aspects of his life as well.
Thank you Jason! We’ll most certainly see you again in the coming months!

Yes I spoke with you last summer and you gave me a guilt trip over spending 5 – 10 minutes in phone with you. I got the 3 pack of lessons and even your instructor Chase said he didn’t agree with your tactics over the phone. Anyway, when I wanted to pay with my card you said cash only.
It’s not a big deal, since last summer Del mar surf school and Fulcrum Surf school are excellent and now I’m teaching my friends how to surf. I do wish you all the best. I posted this review just to let others know about my experience.

During my search for surf lessons, I was hoping to find private lessons that would provide enough knowledge to enable me to continue on my own after the lessons were finished. Jason’s site promoted self sufficiency and his lessons were exactly what I was hoping for.
I stood up the first lesson and by the second lesson I was surfing open faced waves! We didn’t have the greatest weather, but Jason knew I was comfortable in the ocean and pushed me to my limits, I don’t think other instructors would have done the same. We took advantage of a day where nobody was out and had a reef break all to ourselves. I felt safe the entire time I was with Jason and learned a lot of things that I wouldn’t have been able to pick up on my own.
Thanks Jason!

I had a great time in the lesson with Jason. He was able to fit me in to a group lesson last minute and at my final opportunity before I left town.
I was a first time surfer and Jason was able to give great instruction and coaching to make sure we were capable of getting up on the board. His style includes lots of personal feedback on what he sees you’re struggling with to help you get over the learning curve. He has a true coach’s spirit and wants you to perform your best. I highly recommend the trip to Encinitas to do your lesson with Jason.

Jason was great. Our 14 year old son was excited to get some 1 on 1 lessons and loved every minute of it. Jason is personable and professional. He was able to have our little surfer walk away feeling successful and asking for more.

My association with Jason started when I contacted several surf schools to find one from which my daughter and I could take lessons. On the phone Jason just seemed to care so much about the quality of the overall experience rather than just the simple mechanics of learning to stand on a surfboard. Even though we live in Orange and are an hour drive from Encinitas, the trek has been well worth it.
Surfing is a lifestyle for Jason, and his lessons portray that. His instruction is great. We actually stood and surfed in our first lesson. But, Jason also emphasizes the parallels with life (staying calm, enjoying the moment, overcoming challenges, etc…), and the lessons have really been a positive life experience. We’re looking forward to our third lesson (do at least the package of three — and its a smokin deal) and are considering more.
I highly recommend Jason and his instructors for your surf experience. You aren’t just getting some teenager who is earning an hourly rate to teach you how to surf. You are getting someone who takes an interest in your well being, and the surf instruction is just a part of the experience.

My partner and I are visiting San Diego and took a lesson with Jason today (Jan. 22, 2015). We had an amazing time. Though the waves seemed intimidating at first, Jason was great at making us novices feel comfortable and — most importantly — helping us to successfully surf the waves a number of times. He had great tips, was great at explaining what we should and shouldn’t do, how to stay safe, etc. and made it all very fun. And, as every review here stresses — Jason is a super friendly, nice guy! If we only had more days here, we’d take more lessons… Alas, now we have a good reason to return to the area.

Jason and Tom were great — really enjoyed treating my fiancé with two surf lessons for his birthday. We got the 1:1 time that we needed. Learned the basics of surfing, proper form, and everything you need to know to set yourself up for success. Don’t forget to bring some extra cash for tips.
Check out the end of the video for a short clip of my fiancé in the beach about to surf– beautiful.

I had 2 private lessons this week-​one with Tom and then one with Jason. Both were really fun, very relaxed and the clear goal from both of the guys was that I learned something but also enjoyed myself. I had never surfed before, but will definitely have another lesson when I come back to CA, and I think it’s safe to say I have found a new hobby when I am by the ocean. Jason was always quick with his responses and worked to accommodate my schedule to make sure I could have the lessons when I was free. Thanks!

Bend your knees. Bend your knees. Bend your knees. You will hear that about a hundred more times and it still won’t be enough!
My girls and I had the opportunity to head out with Jason on our latest trip to north county. After a slight delay (I apparently don’t listen well and we went to the wrong beach initially) it was into the wetsuits and down to the beach.
We were all first timers and a little nervous, but Jason made us feel at ease and after some pop-​up drills it was into the water. Under Jason’s tutelage we all managed to stand up and ride waves by the end of the lesson.
We will definitely be back for round two on our next trip. Thanks, Jason!

I found Jason on a web search and was immediately interested in his Ocean Therapy sessions. He seemed like a spiritual guy, and I was interested in establishing a more spiritual connection and approach to the ocean and surfing.
Growing up in Hawaii, I’d always held a deep appreciation and respect for the ocean, but have also had my share of traumatizing moments. From the start, the sessions have helped me greatly. In 3 sessions with Jason, I feel that I’ve come a long way in letting go, being at peace with myself, and just having fun!
Jason is world class and a pro. I highly recommend him to my friends and to anyone who just wants to get out there and have a blast!