Fulcrum Surf

Founded by Justin Spadafora in 2003

Justin Spadafora founded Fulcrum Surf in San Diego in 2003. His biography describes competitive-surfing experience and a kinesiology degree from Point Loma Nazarene University. His coaching emphasizes paddling methods and understanding ocean dynamics, with sessions shaped around the individual surfer’s goals.

What a lesson looks like

The published adult private lesson pairs one coach with one surfer for an hour, with a board and wetsuit included. It is offered to beginners, returning surfers and students working on progression. Direct coaching with Justin starts with a consultation to establish goals, location and the planned session.

Location selected with the lesson in mind

The adult program names La Jolla Shores and 19th Street in Del Mar, with the exact choice confirmed at booking. A coaching inquiry may involve another location. Agree on the session’s objective and beach together rather than using an assumed permanent meeting spot.

La Jolla Shores or Del Mar: which beach?

Fulcrum's adult lesson can meet at two quite different beaches. La Jolla Shores is the softer choice. The La Jolla Canyon offshore takes energy out of incoming swell, and our profile rates the Shores best for beginners, with a 1–4 ft range and a preference for mid tide. Del Mar, around 19th Street, is a straight, open beach break that takes more swell. Our Del Mar profile rates it all levels, with a 2–5 ft range on swells from about south to west and the best shape from low to mid tide.

Here's a simple way to choose. On a winter northwest swell, Del Mar is usually bigger and punchier than the Shores, so the Shores is often the better place to learn. On a small summer south swell, Del Mar can have more rideable waves while the Shores goes nearly flat. North of 19th Street, the San Dieguito River mouth creates its own sandbar and rated-intermediate peaks, so Del Mar lessons typically stay on the open beach to the south. Both beaches are usually cleanest in the morning. Check both forecasts the evening before: for a first session, choose the beach showing 1–3 ft and a Fair or lower rating. If you're working on turns, a clean 3 ft day at Del Mar gives more wall to practice on.

Who it’s best for

Consider the adult private format for focused instruction or a return to surfing after time away. If you are working on a specific performance problem, ask about coaching directly with Justin and explain that goal during the consultation.

Local tips before you go

Confirm whether you are reserving the standard lesson or a particular coach. Wear swimwear and bring a towel and sunscreen. Keep the location confirmation with your booking; the adult program chooses between beaches according to conditions.

Check the surf before your session

Check the beach once Fulcrum confirms it. If the location changes, use the updated forecast rather than the original one. Tell the coach what you can currently do independently so the conditions and objectives can be matched.

Check the surf before your lesson

Live forecasts for the breaks where Fulcrum Surf teaches.

FAQs

More surf schools in San Diego

• Surf Education Academy · La Jolla Shores, San Diego
• Sea Love Surf · San Diego County; beach chosen for the session
• Everyday California · La Jolla Shores, San Diego

Breaks near Fulcrum Surf

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

Sources

• Fulcrum: Justin Spadafora biography
• Fulcrum: adult private lessons
• Fulcrum: private coaching with Justin

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