Head to any of the Central Coast beaches, and you’ll see surfers wading as they wait for the perfect waves. Kids can join in on the surfing fun, too! Several local experts offer surfing lessons and camps throughout the beautiful Central Coast, including Pismo Beach, Shell Beach, Grover Beach, Avila Beach, and Morro Bay.
Check out the options below to see which San Luis Obispo surf school fits your family’s location, budget, and personality.
Best Surf Lessons on the Central Coast
Van Curaza Surf School
Professional surfer Van Curaza offers private and group surf lessons for kids of all ages and abilities. He also offers weekly surf camps throughout the summer for children 6 and up.
Van Curaza is passionate about sharing the ocean’s healing powers through his nonprofit, Operation Surf, which serves wounded war veterans. His work was featured in the Emmy-nominated Netflix documentary, Resurface.
- Where: Avila Beach
- Learn more: Van Curaza Surf School website
Surf Coach SLO
This program is led by Kai Sanson, a social studies teacher at Central Coast New Tech High School who is passionate about teaching ocean awareness. He and his team offer private, small-group, and large-group lessons for all ages and skill levels.
Kai Sanson also speaks Spanish, so if you’re raising bilingual kids, you can kill two birds with one stone with a Spanish surf lesson!
- Where: Morro Bay, Cayucos, Shell Beach, or Pismo Beach
- Learn more: Surf Coach SLO website
Surfing Goats
If you’re looking for a unique surfing experience for your kid or teen, check out Surfing Goats. This surf school was founded by Dana McGregor, a Pismo Beach celebrity known as the “Goatfather” and the “G.O.A.T of the Waves.” He teaches children of all ages traditional surfing and stand-up paddle surfing. He also welcomes pets to learn.
Locals often spot Dana McGregor driving around town, surfing, or stand-up paddle surfing with his beloved goats. If you haven’t seen him around San Luis Obispo, you can watch a clip of him surfing with his goats on National Geographic’s Unlikely Animal Friends series on the “Tale of the Cockatoo and the Kitty Cat” episode.
- Where: Pismo Beach, Shell Beach, Grover Beach, or Oceano
- Learn more: Surfing Goats website
Tips for Surfing with Kids on the Central Coast Beaches
What to Bring to Surf Lessons
Surfboards and wetsuits are usually included in the cost of a lesson. Pack your backpack with the following gear:
