Progressive Surf Academy San Diego

Solana Beach, United States

5

Open now

20 reviews

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Telephone:
+1 760-642-9795
Website:
www.progressivesurfacademy.com
Address:
Solana Beach, CA 92075
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
0.8 miSolana Beach
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Bussiness info

Good for Kids
Yes

Today

Today 6:00 am – 6:00 pm
Open now
Local time (Solana Beach) 11:37 Monday, 2 June 2025

Business hours

Monday 6:00 am – 6:00 pm
Tuesday 6:00 am – 6:00 pm
Wednesday 6:00 am – 6:00 pm
Thursday 6:00 am – 6:00 pm
Friday 6:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday 6:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sunday 6:00 am – 6:00 pm

Description

Specialties

At Progressive Surf Academy San Diego, we offer surf lessons for all ages and abilities. We don’t just push you into waves, we teach you how to surf!

Private Surf Lessons for Beginners

The best way to learn how to surf is with focused instruction in a fun and safe environment. Our private surf lessons are great for beginners — there’s no better way to catch a ton of waves than a 1-​on-​1 surf session with our expert instructors.

Private Surf Lessons — Intermediate & Advanced

If you are looking to take your surfing to the next level, our instructors can help you with specific techniques to elevate your performance. Our instructors have experience in all surfing conditions and surf contests. If you are looking for even more progression, ask about our Surf Coaching.

Childrens Surf Lessons

We are great with kids, and there’s no better time to learn how to surf! We provide a fun and safe environment for your children to learn how to enjoy the ocean.

Group Surfing Lessons

Have a few people who want to surf? No problem! We provide group lessons for families and groups of friends who want to enjoy the water together. We always maintain a ratio of no more than 3 students per instructor to make sure everyone has a great time.

Standup Paddleboard (SUP) Lessons

We also provide SUP lessons and tours in both flatwater and in the ocean. This is a great way for people of all abilities to get out on the water.

History

Established in 2014.

Progressive Surf Academy is a new Surf School in San Diego and we are excited to be a part of this great community. Our founder, Christian Marcher and his team have over ten years of experience teaching all levels of surfers at one of the top surf schools in the world — the infamous Sunset Suratt Surf School on the North Shore of Oahu.

With over 25 years of surfing experience, Christian is the owner and founder of Progressive Surf Academy San Diego. Following his career as a sponsored surfer for many years, he found his true passion was sharing his love of surfing with others. In addition to being an accomplished surfer, Christian is an excellent and patient teacher who can adapt his methods to your individual needs.

All instructors are carefully trained by Christian and have up to date CPR. Your safety is paramount.

Meet the Business Owner

Christian M.

Business Owner

With over 25 years of surfing experience, Christian is the owner and founder of Progressive Surf Academy San Diego. He grew up in Florida before relocating to Hawaii for much of his youth. He quickly gained competitive success and was a sponsored surfer for many years. He found his true passion was sharing his love of surfing with others. As he has travelled all over the world to surf, he has a vast knowledge base to share. In addition to being an accomplished surfer, Christian is an excellent and patient teacher who can adapt his methods to your individual needs.

He has over ten years of experience teaching all levels of surfers. The majority of his experience came from working with the infamous «Uncle Bryan» and the Sunset Suratt Surf School on the North Shore of Oahu.

Aside from surfing, Christian has a passion for helping others. Together with his wife who is a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, he has a particular desire to help youth with mental health concerns.

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20 reviews of Progressive Surf Academy San Diego

No registration required
Place rating: 5
Danville, CA
I came down to La Jolla for a work trip and needed to goof off in the morning before the meeting. I set up a lesson with Christian over the phone about a week in advance, and he was quick to accommodate an early start time. He found us a great beach, entirely to ourselves, with perfect beginner waves to get started on. About 20 minutes of instruction on the beach, review of concepts to help us make the most of our time in the water. Once in the water, Christian continuously discussed the fundamentals, how to read waves, and combined that with good hands on help catching my first few. Can’t wait to set up my next lesson when I’m back down. Overall Christian perfectly matched his expert skill to the very specific process of teaching beginners. Absolutely perfect day in the water. Thanks!
Place rating: 5
Franklin, TN
AMAZING experience! My husband and I just took surf lessons with Christian and it was fantastic! PSA got us in for private lessons on short notice and had everything we needed (board and wet suits). Christian was super knowledgeable and helped us through everything. We started with safety, then practice on the beach (understanding the movements, how to fall and body position) and we headed into the water. He expertly led me past the breaking waves — it was awesome to be able to bypass the beating that I anticipated paddling out.
His easygoing attitude and ability to talk us through things really accelerated the learning curve and just made it a fun experience all the way around. We had so much fun that we booked second lessons a couple days later.
If you are looking for quality lessons with a great instructor, look no further! Christian was so awesome we will for sure be back!
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
My nephews came out to visit from New Mexico, ages 8 and 13. We booked a surf lesson with Christian and it was great. He was flexible with scheduling to make sure the tide was ideal for the kids. He was very friendly and patient with them. This was their first time surfing and they were both able to stand up on their boards by the end of the lesson. They had so much fun and wanted to squeeze in another lesson before they left town. Highly recommend to anyone, especially children. We will definitely be calling Christian anytime visiting friends or family want to learn to surf.
Place rating: 5
Solana Beach, CA
My sister and I recently took our VERY FIRST surf lessons with Christian this past weekend and it was AWESOME!!! First of all, both of us were really scared and had zero faith in our abilities to catch a wave. but thanks to Christian we got up more often then not! He is super patient (dealing with two giggly, scared girls, who like to talk more than listen). He also was really great at watching us and providing constructive criticism.
We both went into this experience thinking we were going to be laying on the beach for an hour practicing how to «pop up» on the board (which we were dreading)! Thankfully this was not the case! We spent roughly 20 minutes on the beach practicing a much more beginner friendly version of standing up on the board! And he got us in the water and up on our board as soon as he could!
Also, he took a lot of hits for us from the waves so that we didn’t get knocked around! Which was cool because who wants a wave crashing in their face?
Ultimately, this experience was way better than I could of ever expected and I had SO much fun surfing for the first time (ACTUALLY SURFING)! Totally going to go back for more private lessons soon!
Place rating: 5
Vista, CA
Christian is hands down the BEST surf instructor I’ve ever been around.
No matter what your skill level is, whether you’re boy or girl, man or woman, old or young, Christian is the teacher you NEED to teach you how to surf.
I came to Christian as not a newb, but a somewhat experienced surfer. He taught me things I NEVER would have picked up otherwise. He taught me A TON of useful stuff and I am forever grateful to him for that.
He’s got a great attitude, he’s got helpful tips, he’s patient, and he’s a GREAT surf instructor.
After surfing for years, I can honestly say I caught some of the BEST waves of my life with Christian’s help. Do yourself a favor and give him a call!
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
I had such a great time ! The instructor (Christian) was so nice and patient ! Now I can stand up on the board and I am feeling so happy. Look forward to take another class !
Place rating: 5
Phoenix, AZ
Having tried learning to surf by myself over the last couple years with no real progress, I was hopeful that biting the bullet and paying for lessons would be worth it. Christian definitely didn’t disappoint. Until my lesson with him, I’d never once been able to stand up on a surfboard in the water. Even with choppy water he was able to get me catching my own waves and riding them all the way to shore after just an hour. I had a blast, felt comfortable, and absolutely achieved what I set out to do: learn to surf. It turns out there’s so much more to surfing once you’ve learned the basics and Christian seems more than capable of cultivating those advanced skills for those interested. I know I plan on coming back in the near future.
Place rating: 5
Seaford, NY
I highly recommend Progressive Surf Academy. My recent surf lesson with Christian was an experience I will never forget. He is a gifted instructor who knows how to make his clients feel comfortable and confident. Being my first surfing experience, I was anxious about my abilities. With Christian’s instruction, I was confidently standing and riding waves minutes into the lesson. He made the 2-​hour lesson for me and my boyfriend enjoyable from start to finish.
Place rating: 5
Norfolk, VA
My first time surfing with my friends was a disaster! I had no instruction, was doing everything wrong, and I was lucky that I didn’t get hurt! I ended up walking away 2 hours later without catching a single wave and my arms were on fire. I needed professional help…
Christian started the morning with a quick lesson on safety (SO IMPORTANT), followed by a couple of short land drills, and then got right in the water. I did well in a couple of small white water waves right on the beach, so we moved out to bigger waves. By the end of the lesson I had moved on to a shorter board and was surfing 3 to 4 foot waves. It was amazing!
I like how he continued to correct the small mistakes I was making which translated into huge gains in my surfing. I felt safe and in control the entire time (unlike when I went out with my friends), and I learned so much. I’m going to practice some more on the basics and call him up as soon as I plateau, or I’m ready to take my surfing to the next level. Can’t thank you enough for the excellent instruction.
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
Incredible experience all-​around! I did a 2-​hour surfing introductory class and it was fantastic! Christian is a really great teacher, which is exactly what you need when starting out surfing. He made the whole process from scheduling to learning great and fun. Would highly recommend to anyone trying to pick up surfing.
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
First of all, I’m foreigner, so review could be little strange.
I‘ve experienced the most useful 2 hours in my life. I had a lot of lessons in different fields be4, but that one was the most saturated, with plenty information about how to surf, how waves behave and how to choose right spot, how to progress, how to choose right gear, how to stay safe for yourself and arrounders, and even some cool stories from his life.
Even with my poor english, Christian explanation was clear and available.
Go for it, and eventually start to surf
Place rating: 5
Ramona, CA
I’m a pretty confident stand-​up paddler, and I have always wanted to surf. So recently I ventured into the waves on my own. I figured if I tried for a while, I could just figure it out. I quickly discovered that this was not a safe idea. Not only did I get seriously hammered a couple of times, I’m pretty sure I looked like a crazy person since I had no idea what I was doing. I you truly want to learn how surf, get some instruction first!
I called Progressive Surf Academy and after a chat with the owner Christian, I booked a beginner individual surfing lesson so I could learn to surf the right way. I am beyond pleased with the instruction I received. It was simple, practical and super easy to apply out in the surf. I felt comfortable and safe the entire time. Like others have said, I was standing up on the first wave or two, and riding it all the way to shore! I was confident by the end of the lesson that if I take a board out again solo, I know enough to practice surfing the right way and not get hurt.
If you have always wanted to learn how to surf or are even just curious about surfing, check this guy out. He is a down-​to-​earth local who loves teaching people how to surf, whether you are on vacation, or a local coming back to improve your skills. The lessons are worth every penny, and I hope to get back out there with him again!
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
Received a lesson for my birthday to finally try surfing after transplanting here from the Midwest. Had Christian as a teacher and he was very knowledgeable and patient with his instruction and with his help I was able to get up on the first try. Good practical advise on how to progress as a surfer both in and outside instruction. Would highly recommend.
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
I prematurely bought a 9 ft surfboard thinking I could read a couple surf articles, watch some YouTube videos and teach myself how to surf… COMPLETE FAIL! The hand full of times I went out I got pummeled by on-​coming waves and paddled my arms off in failed attempt to catch a wave. More than half the time I would just sit there frustrated, or paddle back-​n-​forth hunting for a possible wave just to get denied any satisfaction.
I finally decided to suck up my pride and take a lesson. After reading numerous reviews Progressive Surf Academy seemed the most personable and beneficial to my needs.
I HIT THE JACKPOT!
Christian is an EXCELLENT teacher/​coach and overall cool guy to kick it with. He not only taught me the basic fundamentals of standing on a board, catching a wave, or safety of surfing, he taught me how to read the waves… how to read the ocean (which of course takes more time in the water to completely understand). Christian explained to me the concept of the «line-​up» and the unwritten rules among surfers. This includes: the dos and don’ts when surfing within a crowd, what to look for when waiting for a wave, and the proper ethics among surfers.
What I learned from Christian is that he lived in North Shore, Hawaii for years surfing along side the best in the best conditions and now decides to share his knowledge and enjoyment of surf to others… no matter what age or experience level. He’s a cool and mellow guy, who surfs for the enjoyment of surfing add teaches for the enjoyment of others.
I am definitely gonna schedule more surf lessons/​session with him. I’ve learned more in a 2 hour session with him than I did researching or attempting to surf on my own.
Great guidance and motivation! His coaching definitely expanded my love for the sport of surfing.
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
Christian is an awesome instructor. I am a beginner and he gave me some awesome tips on how to get started. Great teacher and great guy.
Place rating: 5
Honolulu, HI
Christian is top notch. Not only is he a fantastic surfer with years of experience– he has a way of conveying his knowledge to beginners– as well as those looking to advance, with ease. I sent some friends to surf with Christian– and not only were they successful — they felt completely at safe, and more confident about their ocean /​water abilities. If you are looking to try it for the first time– or take your surfing to the next level — Christian is your guy. :)
Place rating: 5
Detroit, MI
Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve wanted nothing more than to learn to surf. The problem is that I’ve lived my whole life in the Midwest. It took me about 28 years, but I finally booked a flight to San Diego since my friend had just moved out there.
I came across Progressive Surf Academy on Groupon and liked the idea of taking a private lesson, since I had zero experience. The owner, Christian, is an all-​around great instructor and pretty cool person in general. I met up with him, grabbed the right board and wet suit for me, then went out to find the best spot to surf. After the land instruction on how to pop up on the board properly, we went out into the water, where I actually rode the first wave I caught! On top of learning how to ride a wave, I also learned a little about reading waves, which was great.
I’m not exactly a little guy (around 6’3″ 235lbs), so this experience could have been very frustrating. Thanks to Christian, however, surfing turned out to be the best experience of my entire life. The reality completely surpassed the 28 years of expectation for me. It’s been almost a week since my lesson and all I can think about is planning my next trip to SD so I can go surfing again.
I will definitely be contacting Progressive Surf Academy to go back out on the ocean when I’m out in SD again. The experience, to me, is well worth the full price of the lessons and would recommend that anyone looking to learn to surf, goes with Progressive Surf Academy. I can’t say enough great things about my experience.
Place rating: 5
Temecula, CA
I was very concerned that I wouldn’t be able to Surf, (I cant even ride a skateboard!). When I went out with Christian for my first time in Encinitas, he immediately made me feel relaxed and comfortable. We started out with a great lesson on the ground; we went over a few safety things & he taught me what to expect in the water and how to properly position myself on the board, which he provided along with the wetsuit! Before too long we were in the water and within 5 minutes under his instruction I caught my first wave, by the third or fourth try I was standing up and SURFING! By the end of the 2 hour lesson, I was catching waves on my own. What an experience! I can’t say enough about the character that Christian is, he has great knowledge of surfing and can hold a great conversation with anybody! I can’t wait for the next time I get on the water with Progressive Surf Academy.
Place rating: 5
Washington, DC
I had some major doubts that I could surf, but with Christian’s awesome instruction, I was standing up and actually surfing within a very short time. I couldn’t believe it. Christian is one of the best — very professional, safety conscious without being overly cautious or evoking fear, and very patient with those who might struggle with these new skills. You really can’t go wrong with Progressive Surf Academy. Highly recommended. I’ll definitely be referring friends and family. Thanks so much!
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
Christian is a very special surf instructor and a great guy. We met him in Oahu this summer and took 2 beginner family surf lessons that my young kids still talk about. Everyone got up on day one, even our daughter who used to be scared of the deep end of a pool (she actually got up better than all of us!). His tips, expertise, and constant encouragement really made the difference for us. He makes you feel safe and comfortable in the water. He also has some great stories having surfed professionally all over the world.
Fortunately, he moved to San Diego and I have been doing private lessons with him since. I always look forward to our lessons and a great night of sleep after. I encourage anyone who wants to learn or become even a better surfer to contact Christian.