San Diego County · Surf lessons and video coaching
Independent Surfer
Oceanside; Encinitas to Huntington Beach
Independent Surfer separates beginner lessons from filming and video coaching for more experienced surfers. Its California program lets you choose immediate feedback in the water or a closer look at your own footage after the session.
Lesson prices
Oceanside base prices list solo private lessons at $100 for one hour or $150 for two hours. Solo filming/video coaching is $150 for one hour or $175 for two hours. Ask for the applicable location total and shared-session quote.
Where they teach
California services are advertised from Encinitas to Huntington Beach. Listed prices are base prices for Oceanside; confirm the chosen break and any location-related charges.
Created by Kimberly and Jordy
Kimberly and Jordy created Independent Surfer in 2020. Their wider teaching system combines theory, movement practice, video analysis and feedback in the water. California coaching sits alongside online learning and international retreats, each with its own format.
Choose water feedback or filmed analysis
Private lessons offer one or two hours of in-water support. Group lessons are listed for two to four participants over 90 minutes. The intermediate/advanced filming service includes the footage and a 30-minute video call for analysis.
California sessions with Oceanside base pricing
The advertised teaching corridor stretches beyond Oceanside, so confirm both the break and the applicable price. Choose the local session you intend to book rather than confusing California lessons with the provider’s international camp offerings.
Oceanside as a base
Independent Surfer prices its lessons from Oceanside, where the pier and harbor sandbars give a coach two options a mile apart. The harbor jetties hold sand and can produce punchier peaks, while the pier stretch is a broad open beach. Both work on northwest and south swells and usually prefer low-to-mid tide. When the coach travels south toward Encinitas or north toward Huntington, check that specific beach's forecast, as conditions change along the coast.
Who it’s best for
An option for developing surfers who want direct help catching waves, or experienced surfers who want to see what their technique looks like. Decide which type of feedback will answer your current questions before comparing formats.
Local tips before you go
Explain your ability and whether you want in-water instruction or filming. Confirm gear requirements, the meeting point and any travel-related changes to the base price. For video coaching, ask how the review call will be scheduled.
Check the surf before your session
Check the specific break agreed for your California session. Ask how conditions affect water coaching or filming coverage, and confirm any location changes with the provider before driving.
Check the surf before your lesson
Live forecasts for the breaks where Independent Surfer teaches.
FAQs
Are group lessons offered?
Yes. The California page lists 90-minute sessions for two to four participants.
What does filmed coaching include?
The service lists the footage and a 30-minute video-analysis call.
Do the listed rates apply everywhere?
The provider says its displayed rates are base prices for Oceanside. Confirm your location total.
Choose the feedback your surfing needs
Contact Independent Surfer to compare a local lesson with filmed coaching and confirm your session’s beach, format and total price.
View lessons and programsNot sure which day to book?
Small, clean 1–3 ft waves are perfect for learning. Ask BODI which day looks mellow, or check the other schools.
More surf schools in San Diego
- Sea State · San Diego and Orange County
- Summer Soul Surf Camp · San Onofre Surf Beach, near San Clemente
- Luna Surf Experiences · San Diego, Orange County and Los Angeles
Breaks near Independent Surfer
Nearby surf spots with live BODI forecasts, tides and wind.
Tamarack
Carlsbad · Beach break with jetty · All levels
Best: 2–5 ft, low to mid tide
See forecast →
Moonlight State Beach
Encinitas · Beach break · Beginner to intermediate
Best: 1–4 ft, mid tide
See forecast →
Huntington Beach Pier Southside
Huntington Beach · Beach break beside a pier · Intermediate
Best: 2–6 ft, low to mid tide
See forecast →
Sources
Facts checked against the school's website, October 7, 2026. Written by the Surfing Tomorrow Team.
Prices, schedules and booking rules can change. Confirm your reservation details with Independent Surfer before you go. Surfing Tomorrow isn't affiliated with this school.