Just you
Ride your first wave in San Diego.
Surf lessons for all ages and levels, from your very first wave to your best one yet. Coached by REAL surfers, on waves picked for your level.
Pick your wave.
Every session is an hour and a half, board and wetsuit included.
Just you
Bring the squad
Best value
Level upVideo Analysis
We film your session and break down every wave with you.
- Soft-top board
- Wetsuit
- Leash
- Water safety certified
- First aid certified
- CPR certified
- All ages & levels

Welcome to
Black Reef
Surf School
Surfing is supposed to be FUN!
Our coaches are REAL surfers with years in the water, not someone who just decided to teach lessons. Every session is built for a great time and a clear path to your next level, with water safety, first aid and CPR certified coaching.
One month to surfing on your own.
Surf Month is built for one goal: by the end of the month, you can paddle out and surf on your own, without a coach. Four lessons, each one building on the last, until you're choosing your own waves and riding along the face.
- Paid in full when you book.
- Use all four lessons within the month.
- Board and wetsuit included every lesson.
- 01Lesson 1Ocean basicsSafety, pop-ups and riding whitewater.
- 02Lesson 2Paddle powerReading sets and catching waves on your own.
- 03Lesson 3Out the backPaddling past the break for your first green waves.
- 04Lesson 4Down the lineAngling across the face, lineup etiquette and a plan for surfing solo.
Your first wave is waiting.
Book a private lesson or bring your crew. We take care of the board, the wetsuit and the timing.
Do you teach kids?
Yes. Black Reef is an all-ages school, kids included. Text us your child's age and how comfortable they are in the water, and we'll set up the right session for them.
Do I need any surf experience?
No. Black Reef is an all-ages, all-levels school. First-timers start on the sand with safety and the pop-up before getting in the water.
What should I bring?
A swimsuit, sunscreen, water and a towel. We bring the board, wetsuit and leash.
Where do lessons happen?
At beginner-friendly breaks around San Diego, chosen for the day's conditions. We text you the exact meeting spot when you book.
How long is a lesson?
Every session is an hour and a half, from the safety briefing on the sand to your last wave.
Are your coaches certified?
Yes. Our coaching is water safety, first aid and CPR certified, and every first lesson starts with an ocean safety briefing.
What if the waves or weather are bad?
If the surf isn't safe, we reschedule you at no cost.
What's your cancellation policy?
Cancel or move a lesson with at least 24 hours' notice. Later cancellations count as a lesson.
Can I bring friends or family?
Yes. Book a Crew lesson and everyone pays $125 per person instead of $150.
I already surf. Is there anything for me?
Yes. Surf Month builds your skills lesson by lesson, and Video Analysis films your session and breaks down every wave so you know exactly what to fix.
Your wave is one text away.
Text us the day you'd like, how many surfers are coming and which session you want. We'll reply with the best time based on the tide.
Book in under a minute. No payment until we confirm.