Everyday California

From a kayak business to ocean adventures

Everyday California’s founders, Chris Lynch and Michael Samer, describe starting with kayaks and adventure tours before growing the shop and apparel business. Surf lessons are one part of its La Jolla offerings. A separate Huntington Beach shop does not establish a surf lesson there under this profile.

What a lesson looks like

The surf page describes 90-minute lessons that introduce core skills on land before heading into the water. Group instruction has a published maximum of five students per instructor, while private-party instruction is adapted to the booked party. Beginners work on paddling and the pop-up; returning surfers can discuss wave selection and positioning.

Shop check-in near La Jolla Shores

The listed meeting place is the shop on Avenida de la Playa. The City describes La Jolla Shores as a sandy beach with particularly gentle summer waves. Confirm the instructor’s surf area for the day; the named beach is a setting, not a promise of identical conditions every session.

La Jolla Shores beyond the lesson zone

Everyday California runs surf lessons alongside kayak and snorkel tours, and the same feature explains all three: the La Jolla submarine canyon. It begins just offshore of the Shores and drops hundreds of feet. Swell traveling over deep water near the canyon loses energy, while swell over the shallower shelf to the south breaks more gently, which is why the Shores often stays small and soft when nearby reefs are bigger. Our La Jolla Shores profile rates it the softest beach in the area, with a 1–4 ft range on swells from roughly south through northwest.

The wave changes along the beach. The south end near Kellogg Park and the boat launch is usually the gentlest, and that's where most lessons happen. Toward Scripps Pier at the north end, the beach picks up more swell; our Scripps profile shows a range up to about 6 ft. Further north still, Black's Beach is a powerful break for experts only. For a lesson, mid tide usually gives the longest rides at the Shores, and mornings are typically calmest before the afternoon breeze. Summer brings the warmest water and leopard sharks and stingrays in the shallows. Shuffle your feet as you walk in. Check our La Jolla Shores forecast for tomorrow's best session before you book.

Who it’s best for

A group lesson can suit someone comfortable sharing instruction, while private-party formats offer a session with your chosen people. The surf page welcomes beginners and returning surfers ages five and up. Explain the group’s range of abilities before choosing a shared format.

Local tips before you go

Allow time for check-in and ask exactly which items are included in your booking. The page lists a soft-top board and rashguard; confirm wetsuit provision and any additional fees. If you want to keep practicing after the lesson, ask how the advertised extra equipment time is arranged.

Check the surf before your session

Review La Jolla Shores conditions and discuss your comfort level with the operator. Use the forecast to frame questions about your session, with the instructor assessing the actual water when you arrive.

Check the surf before your lesson

Live forecasts for the breaks where Everyday California teaches.

FAQs

More surf schools in San Diego

• Surf Diva Surf School · La Jolla, San Diego
• Surf Education Academy · La Jolla Shores, San Diego
• Mission Bay Aquatic Center / The Watersports Camp · Mission Beach, San Diego

Breaks near Everyday California

Nearby surf spots with live BODI forecasts, tides and wind.

Sources

• Everyday California: surf lessons
• Everyday California: our story
• City of San Diego: La Jolla Shores

Facts checked against the school's website, October 7, 2026. Written by the Surfing Tomorrow Team.