"This was an amazing experience for our 11 year old son! His instructor, Santiago, was fantastic and a great fit for him. He was up and riding waves in no time. And begging to go again!"
Verified Review
This 1.5-hour Ohana surf lesson takes place right in front of the Hotel del Coronado, with a dedicated instructor just for your group and all gear included. You start on land to cover ocean safety, paddling, pop-up, and wave selection, then head into the water with a 4:1 guest-to-instructor ratio so everyone actually stands up. It is made for couples, families, and friend groups who want the surf photo, the shared memory, and the Coronado setting.
GUEST REQUIREMENTS
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Moderate
WHAT TO BRING
Swimsuit, towel, sunscreen
CANCELLATION POLICY
Changes or cancellations must be made 48 hours prior.
WHAT GUESTS ARE SAYING
4.8★ from 176 reviews Google
Guests like how organized and welcoming the experience is, especially for families. Reviews often mention that instructors are patient, upbeat, and really focused on getting everyone to their feet at least once. People also call out the Coronado setting, the clean gear, and the fact that photos are available after the session. Overall tone: great for beginners, great for kids, worth doing again.
This is the school's most popular experience and features a private group surf lesson designed just for your family and/or friends. It brings the indescribable feeling of surfing to life with the added joy of sharing it with your Ohana. The signature Ohana Surf Lesson is an immersive ocean adventure designed to introduce you to surfing in a safe, unforgettable way.
We begin with a personalized land lesson where our dedicated professional guide covers paddling, stance, and ocean safety. You'll learn wave selection and how to pop up. We tailor the lesson to your group's skill.
In the ocean, our 4:1 guest-to-instructor ratio ensures personalized attention as you catch your first waves. Our instructors share their passion for surfing and the ocean.
The Ohana Lesson is ideal for couples, families, and groups creating lasting memories. We believe the best way to surf is with your Ohana.
What's included:
All equipment needed for surfing is provided which includes Wetsuit, Surfboard, Fins, Leash, Rash guard, Reef Shoes
Check-in details:
Please meet us at our surf shop in “The Views” courtyard on the southern end of the Hotel Del Property.
Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled start time to leave time to change, sign waivers, and answer any last-minute questions.
- Check in is 15 minutes prior to lesson start time and we provide secure lockers to store your belongings.
Many guests ask us if their experience or lesson will be taught and/or guided by Jamie O'Brien, and while Jamie does own and operate our surf school, he does not teach or guide himself. However, every instructor and guide has been hand selected by Jamie to provide you the safest and best experience possible, and they are eagerly waiting to get you in the water.
For Guests who are prone to motion or seasickness, please be advised that surfing, stand up paddling, and other activities offered by us have been known to trigger symptoms. Many guests are able to limit these by taking the motion sickness medication of their choice ~30 minutes before their experience.
Please keep in mind that ocean activities require concentration/focus and are ALWAYS enjoyed best sober. Guests who are visibly inebriated or suspected of being under the influence of drugs/alcohol may be denied service and asked to reschedule for safety reasons.
What to bring: Swimsuit, Towel, Sunscreen
Extras - Premium media packages available for purchase
Retail and merchandise available in our surf shopThis lesson is taught by the Jamie O’Brien Surf Experience crew, an offshoot of one of Hawai‘i’s most recognized modern surf schools, now based on Coronado’s most learner-friendly stretch of beach. The program is built around the same principles they use in Hawai‘i: ocean safety first, high-float boards, clear land instruction, then in-water coaching that actually gets people standing. Instructors are water people who teach every day, so they know how to work with mixed ages and abilities and still keep the session fun. It is a premium, high-touch version of San Diego surf school culture, informed by Hawai‘i but adapted to the Del.
Meet at the surf shop in “The Views” courtyard on the southern end of the Hotel Del Property. Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled start time.
Customers will receive a full refund or credit with 48 hours notice of cancellation. Customers will also receive a full refund or credit in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Contact us by phone to cancel or inquire about a cancellation. No-shows will be charged the full price.
FOLIO TRAVELOGUE
Learning to Surf at the Del
There are a lot of places to learn to surf in San Diego, but learning in front of the Hotel del Coronado feels different. The hotel rises behind you, the sand is wide and clean, and the waves roll in soft and steady along the jetty. It is the kind of spot where you can bring kids, grandparents, and visiting friends and know everyone will be looked after. That is what the Ohana lesson is built for.
It starts on land with boards in the sand. Your instructor runs through ocean safety, how to read the break, how to paddle with your head up, how to pop up in one smooth line. This part is relaxed and clear. They watch you practice, fix your stance, and make sure everyone in the group understands the signals. Then you walk down to the water together so no one goes out alone.
Surfing is more fun when everyone stands up at least once. This lesson is built to make that happen.
In the water the 4:1 ratio really matters. With only a few people per instructor, there is time to line up, wait for the right wave, give a push, and coach in real time. Kids can ride tandem if needed, adults can get a couple of waves just for them, and everyone gets that first clean ride back toward shore. It is joyful, a little chaotic, full of cheering. Coronado on a good day is easy to love.
You come back to the trailer salty and smiling, return gear, and check out photos. The lesson is only 90 minutes, but the energy carries into the rest of the day. You surfed in front of the Del with your people. You added a surf day to the trip. That is the point.