Learn to surf with a private instructor on Jacksonville Beach
1 Hour +
Surfboard, leash, rash guard
Build your skills with a private surf lesson tailored to your level, from beach basics to in-water coaching. You’ll practice paddling, stance, wave selection, and popping up with a dedicated instructor.
A signed waiver is required. Lessons are held on the beach at 6th Avenue South in Jacksonville Beach.
Full refund with 48+ hours notice. 50% refund with 24–48 hours notice. No refunds within 24 hours of start; no-shows charged full price. Full refund if the operator cancels due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
Yes. Bring a signed waiver with you.
Bring a bathing suit, towel, sunscreen, and fluids.
Yes. Rash guards are available upon request.
429 1st St S Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
Thompson Surf stands out for what really matters when you're trusting instructors with your kids in the ocean: genuine expertise paired with exceptional safety awareness. Parents consistently praise Evan and the team for maintaining low student-to-instructor ratios and positioning themselves strategically near lifeguard stands. What sets this operation apart isn't just getting people up on boards (though complete beginners regularly stand up within their first hour), it's the educational approach. Instructors take time to teach about oceanography, rip currents, and water safety rather than simply acting as chaperones, which multiple families specifically noted after disappointing experiences elsewhere. The enthusiasm in these reviews is infectious. Kids beg to return, talk about nothing else after lessons, and even offer to run lemonade stands to earn money for their own surfboards. Instructors like Evan, Tristan, Shane, Brody, and others get called out by name for being patient, perceptive, and skilled at working with wide age ranges from 6 to adults. The camp format appears exceptionally well organized, with bright rash guards for visibility and thoughtful logistics that impressed even nervous first-time surf parents. Whether you book private lessons or multi-day camps, the feedback suggests you're getting professional instruction that balances fun with substance. One telling detail: families who've tried surf schools in Hawaii, Costa Rica, and other destinations still rated this as their favorite experience.
Had a great morning lesson with Gabe. Learned a lot and was able to try a lot thanks to the waves coming in pretty quickly. Highly recommend taking lessons here if you’re a beginner. Appreciated the communication the day before and morning of. I was really anxious before and almost cancelled but I’m really glad I didn’t. Thanks for teaching me!
Alex C
May 16, 2026
Had a great morning lesson with Gabe. Learned a lot and was able to try a lot thanks to the waves coming in pretty quickly. Highly recommend taking lessons here if you’re a beginner. Appreciated the communication the day before and morning of. I was really anxious before and almost cancelled but I’m really glad I didn’t. Thanks for teaching me!
Alex C
May 16, 2026