San Diego County · Surf school
Leucadia Surf School
Moonlight Beach, Encinitas
Leucadia Surf School teaches at Moonlight Beach in Encinitas, with a focus on the basics of catching whitewater and standing on a softboard. Its menu includes small-group lessons, private sessions and an intermediate paddle-out option.
Lesson prices
The school lists small-group/semi-private lessons at $120 per person, one-person private lessons at $190, private lessons for two at $290, and intermediate paddle-out lessons at $190. Beginner lessons are listed as two hours.
Where they teach
Moonlight Beach, Encinitas. The website serves customers from surrounding cities but identifies Moonlight Beach as its lesson location.
Gerry and Leucadia Surf School
Leucadia Surf School has served the area since 2002. Its lesson page identifies Gerry as the owner and describes a teaching approach aimed at helping students understand board choice, waves and the skills needed for further practice.
What a lesson looks like
Beginner instruction covers beach safety and standing technique before working on whitewater rides. A softboard is included. The intermediate paddle-out lesson is aimed at surfers already comfortable riding whitewater who want help with outside waves and initial turns.
Moonlight Beach is the meeting destination
Despite the Leucadia name and broad customer service area, the school points students to Moonlight Beach. Check the precise meeting instructions before arriving. Treat the booked lesson as your introduction to the day’s water conditions rather than deciding where to paddle out on your own.
Why Moonlight Beach works for first lessons
Moonlight State Beach is one of the most sheltered learning setups in North County: a sandy bottom, lifeguards, restrooms and generally softer waves. Our break profile rates it beginner to intermediate, with its best learning size around 1–4 ft and a mid-tide preference. It works on south and west swells and stays friendly on small days when reefs to the north and south go flat. The trade-off is crowds in summer and rip currents along the sandbars, so stay inside the area your instructor sets.
Who it’s best for
A straightforward option for first-time surfers comparing group and private instruction. The intermediate format also gives developing surfers a more specific choice once standing in whitewater is already familiar.
Local tips before you go
Confirm your format and total party price before booking. Ask separately about wetsuit arrangements, since the published inclusion clearly specifies a softboard. Carry your confirmation and give yourself time to locate the instructor at Moonlight Beach.
Check the surf before your session
Check Moonlight Beach’s surf outlook before leaving, then ask the school about the area planned for instruction. Conditions suitable for whitewater practice and those used for an intermediate paddle-out can differ.
Check the surf before your lesson
Live forecasts for the breaks where Leucadia Surf School teaches.
FAQs
Where does the school teach?
Its published lesson location is Moonlight Beach in Encinitas.
Is a surfboard included?
Yes. Beginner lessons include a softboard.
Is there an intermediate option?
Yes. A private paddle-out lesson is listed for surfers progressing beyond whitewater.
Choose your Moonlight Beach lesson
Discuss your ability with Leucadia Surf School and select the group, private or intermediate format that fits your next step.
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
- Encinitas Surf Lessons · Encinitas, Cardiff, Carlsbad, Oceanside and La Jolla
- Eli Howard Surf School · Moonlight Beach, Encinitas
- Cal Coast Adventures · Encinitas and Solana Beach, North County San Diego
Breaks near Leucadia Surf School
Nearby surf spots with live BODI forecasts, tides and wind.
D Street
Encinitas · Beach break with reef patches · All levels
Best: 2–5 ft, low to mid tide
See forecast →
Beacons
Leucadia, Encinitas · Reef and beach break · Intermediate
Best: 2–6 ft, low to mid tide
See forecast →
Swami's
Encinitas · Point / reef break (right) · Advanced
Best: 3–10 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 Leucadia Surf School before you go. Surfing Tomorrow isn't affiliated with this school.