Over 3,500 students trained in 10 years at the Oceanside Pier
You and your family will have a great time learning to surf.
Most people are riding in the first lesson and having fun.

Oceanside Private Lessons for Individuals, Families, and Groups
Recommended for 10 yrs by Surf Shops, Hotels, and Trip Adviser
Licensed by the City and Insured
Surf Boards Included
760-696-7149
Surf Lesson Times:
1>9 a.m. 2> 10:30 a.m. 3> 12:30 4> 2:30 p.m. 5> 4:30 p.m.
(For two or more people, it is the total price, not each)
TWO HOUR LESSONS:
(for two or more people, its total price)
One Person $90
Two People $100
Three People $140
Four People $160
Five People $180
Six People $220
ONE AND A HALF HOUR LESSONS
One Person $70
Two People $80
Three People $120
Four People $140
Five People $160
Six People $200
ONE HOUR LESSONS
One Person $50
Two People $60
Three People $100
Call for bigger groups. Have taught up to 24.
We meet at Life Guard Tower 2, just north of the Pier
This will take you my other website that has a secure page with Pay Pal. See Payment Page
We meet at Life Guard Tower 2, just north of the Pier
Wet Suits are $12 for three hours at Asylum (310 Mission Ave.760-722-7101) 2 blks from beach. Wet suits available on the beach from the Beach Hut south of the Pier at Life Guard Tower 1 ($10)
Read the full description of what you learn (below)
Call 760-696-7149 Mark Kaplan Owner/Instructor
I start most teens and adults on a 9′ board . In lesson series, I reduce size to 8′ and use 8′ for kids.
Hi Mark!
Thank you again! The boys fell in love with surfing! D. Herzic, Ill.
“Mark you were the BEST instructor too! I am so thankful that we were able to meet you – and take lessons from you! You really made our day! Diana C. Georgia.
“Most awesome day of my life and the best instructor possible…” Frank Berner, Pittsburg
“Awesome lesson, you rock” Jeshua Frederick, AZ
“I’m so glad my kids had you instead of those other guys..” Jim Vigil, WA
Call me to reserve a time. 760-696-7149 PST Mark Kaplan owner, instructor. Mobile Number.
What I Teach in Oceanside Surf Lessons
Every student wants to be an expert, but there are several fundamentals
that make the experience more fun. First, we want to be comfortable in
the ocean. We learn how to handle the surf board in the waves and not get
hurt. We start off waist deep for all students.
Then we want to learn how to paddle, stay balanced, and catch waves.
With the right techniques students can practice on their own after the
lessons or take their learning to other beaches in the world.
The athletic part is getting from the lying down position to the standing position.
We call this the pop up. The posture on the board has to be just right or
students fall off the board. Read on to learn the pop up technique.
In the Water
I give students a four count for the pop up. On one, we paddle until we catch the wave.
On two, we place our hands in a man’s push up position. Three, we push
off the board and bring our front foot forward to the middle of the board.
On four, we are standing in the perfect posture with shoulders and hips
squared to the beach. In the water is where the real instruction occurs.
Getting Better
Some students advance very fast in an hour lesson. As soon as
students can catch waves and pop up, I start advancing them.
They learn to paddle out through the waves, turn around and
catch the next wave. They learn how to carve turns while riding
toward the beach on foam waves. Some even learn to start riding
real waves.
Confidence Builds
I am amused at how some students start saying they want to
catch bigger waves as their confidence builds on the small waves.
It is not uncommon for students to start paddling out further
and trying to catch bigger foam waves closer to the main break.
Sure they get wrecked, but they laugh and often catch big waves
for long rides. They’re hooked for life.
Longer Surf Lessons
An hour takes everyone through the basics
to practice on their own. A longer surf lesson allows
students to practice with my supervision and
comments and advance to more techniques. It
takes more stamina, but certainly kids and teens
have no trouble with longer sessions.
A second or third day has students feeling at one
in the water like fish. They master all the basics and
are thoroughly enjoying the techniques without having
to think about them.
Which Surf Board to Use
I start kids and teens on 8′ or 9′ soft top boards
depending on their size and coordination. The
larger the volume of the board, the easier it is
to learn the fundamentals.
I start all adults on a 9′ surf board. As students
get better on the 9′ board, I move them to the
8′ size. The 8′ board is easier to handle but more
difficult to paddle, catch waves, and ride.
Surfing Fitness
A lot of seniors wonder if they are fit to surf.
Age is functional. Three physical aspects are important:
Stretching, upper body strength, and stamina. Anyone
who visits the gym, does yoga, runs, rides bikes, or so
many other pursuits will be just fine.
Kids don’t really have the upper body strength,
but they can scramble on the boards and their weight doesn’t
upset the balance if they are careful.
Adults have to be able to follow the pop up procedure to
maintain balance on the board. I suggest they begin practicing
at home or certainly after the lessons if they want to continue
surfing in their future.
Join me and let’s have some fun. How far can you go?
Read my online book if you want an 80 page thorough explanation
of everything I have talked about above (below)
Follow these external links for more surf instructions:
Surf Lesson Tutorials. These may not be exactly as I teach but they are helpful
This instructor gives a good overall video lesson on learning to surf
Another good pop up video. Each instructor has his style but the basics are the same.
Get My 17 Page Introductory Surf Guide for $1.
Buy Now and Down Load $1

Oceanside Surf Lessons [the ebook]
“I’ve read and watched so many on-line tutorials and I’ve gotta say your book is the coolest, most succinct and comprehensive I’ve seen. So good!” A. Parker, OR.
Purchase my 80 page eBook Surf Instructions: Beginner to Advanced
to begin your adventure.
All the lessons I have learned from my students about
what makes learning to surf a fun adventure.

Buy Now and Begin Reading $8.62.
Oceanside Surf Lessons