Business Details
36 Years
experience
San Diego's Original Surf School Since 1990
Ocean Experience has been San Diego's premier surf instruction provider since 1990, establishing itself as the region's first and most trusted surf school. Our certified instructors combine decades of expertise with proven teaching methodologies to deliver comprehensive surf education for students of all ages and abilities. With a commitment to community impact, we've donated over $42,000 to local schools and charities while maintaining our core mission of ocean education and empowerment. Our programs include daily group and private surf lessons, seasonal camps, and adaptive instruction for at-risk and disabled youth.Operating from Ocean Beach's prime location, we provide top-quality equipment and personalized instruction that builds confidence and lifelong surfing skills. As a newly established non-profit organization, Ocean Experience Institute continues expanding access to ocean sports through scholarship programs and community partnerships. Our 31-year legacy combines technical expertise with a passion for sharing Southern California's coastal heritage through safe, structured, and enjoyable learning experiences.
Services
Surf Lessons
Surf Camps
Board Rentals
Skate Camps
Baja Tours
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- 31 years of proven surf instruction expertise
- Certified ocean rescue instructors with specialized training
- Community-focused non-profit organization with $42k+ in donations
- Adaptive programs for at-risk and disabled youth
- Comprehensive equipment rental and maintenance services
What people say
Amazing experience
Knowledgeable instructors
Well-organized camps
Confidence building
Excellent communication
Services
Surf Lessons
Professional surf instruction for all skill levels featuring certified instructors and customized lesson plans. Our program builds ocean safety awareness and technical proficiency through structured progression. Students receive equipment rental and personalized feedback to accelerate learning outcomes.
Surf Camps
Seasonal surf camps combining skill development with character building activities. Daily sessions include technique training, ocean safety education, and group mentoring. Our camp curriculum emphasizes confidence building and environmental stewardship through coastal experiences.
Board Rentals
Full-service board rental facility offering premium surf, SUP, and skate equipment. Our maintained inventory includes beginner-friendly soft tops and performance boards for experienced riders. Rental packages include wetsuits and safety gear with expert fitting assistance.
Skate Camps
Action sports programs developing skateboarding fundamentals and safety practices. Certified instructors guide skill progression through structured drills and terrain park sessions. Camps emphasize injury prevention and proper technique development for urban and transition skating.
Baja Tours
Guided surf expeditions to Baja California's premier coastal destinations. Packages include transportation, accommodations, and surf instruction at select beach breaks. Our tours cater to intermediate+ surfers seeking remote location experiences with expert local guides.
Questions
What age groups do your surf lessons accommodate?
We offer lessons for children as young as 6 through senior adults. Our adaptive programs specifically cater to at-risk youth and individuals with physical disabilities.
Do you provide equipment for rental?
Yes, we maintain a full inventory of surfboards, SUPs, skateboards, and wetsuits available for daily rental with expert fitting assistance included.
Are lessons available during winter months?
Our surf instruction operates year-round with seasonal adjustments for ocean conditions. Winter lessons focus on technique refinement and cold-water safety practices.
How do donations support your programs?
Every lesson purchase funds our scholarship program, providing free instruction to underserved communities. Annual donations directly support local schools and adaptive sports initiatives.
What safety certifications do your instructors hold?
All instructors maintain current CPR certification and ocean rescue training. Lead instructors have minimum 5-year teaching experience with specialized adaptive instruction qualifications.
Can I book lessons without prior experience?
Absolutely. Our beginner programs start with fundamental safety instruction and basic technique development, requiring no prior experience for group lesson participation.
Videos
Reviews (5)
Ivy Illescas
Feb 06, 2021
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
Took private surf lessons with Hannah and absolutely loved it! The staff are all super friendly and attentive. I came back a couple days later and rented equipment to surf again (half price if you rent within a few days of your lesson from what I understand). Now I'm hooked! :) I highly recommend this place.
Took private surf lessons with Hannah and absolutely loved it! The staff are all super friendly and attentive. I came back a couple days later and rented equipment to surf again (half price if you rent within a few days of your lesson from what I understand). Now I'm hooked! :) I highly recommend this place.
Lightscape Designs
Feb 02, 2020
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My son and daughter have grown up spending two weeks each summer at the Ocean Experience camp. We send them back every year because they always leave wanting more. Its not just because they are having fun, they are learning how to surf, respect their environment, and respect others. The staff may Slowly change over the years as counselors move on to the next phase of their lives, but the owner, Roger Caldwells vision and philosophy has remained constant through the years. Now that my kids are getting older weve also joined in with the Rogers other venture, the Baja Experience, and have
Evan Johnson
Dec 12, 2019
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Had an incredible amount of fun just being out in the water. Got up on some waves and learned a lot about surfing :-)
Howesbrother
Nov 01, 2019
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The lesson gave us tangible knowledge we could use in the water. All five of us caught waves and left with our hearts full. Thanks to Andrew and the whole crew.
Toby Ducote
Oct 08, 2019
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We called to schedule surf Lessons but Andrew (manager) forgot to put us in the book...wasted half a day bc the family couldnt get lessons from anyone until much later in the day!!!! The staff there was very nice and apologetic and tried everything they could to accommodate us. Still recommend these guys but MAKE sure you get your confirmation!!!! I scheduled towards the end of the day and I guess Andrew didnt care bc it was close to closing time.
