San Diego County · Surf school and camps
Surfin Fire
Carlsbad, Encinitas and Oceanside
Surfin Fire offers several routes into North County surfing, from private lessons to summer camps and shared outings. Its main website separates Carlsbad/Encinitas registration from the linked Oceanside program, making the location an important first booking decision.
Where they teach
Stone Steps in Leucadia/Encinitas and the Oceanside Pier area are named on the main site. Confirm the beach through the location-specific program you book.
A family surf school with North County roots
Surfin Fire describes itself as a family business operating since 1999. Its website introduces Jon “JP” Peterson and Lynn Marie Peterson and identifies ocean awareness and beach safety as part of its teaching mission.
What a lesson looks like
The private-lesson description includes a fitted wetsuit, a board selected for ability and an instructor in the water. Shared lessons cover fundamentals including paddling, standing, positioning and wave reading. The meeting location is confirmed through scheduling.
Choose the location before the program
The main site sends Oceanside bookings to a separate linked website. Stone Steps appears in its Encinitas teaching information, while some lessons use other North County locations by arrangement. Follow the instructions for your actual reservation rather than relying on a city label alone.
Stone Steps and Oceanside Pier: two very different beaches
Stone Steps in Leucadia sits between Moonlight and Beacons below a public staircase, with peaks over a mix of sand and reef; our nearest forecasts there are Beacons and Moonlight. The Oceanside Pier area is a long, open sandbar beach that our data calls one of the most consistent beach breaks in North County. Oceanside usually picks up more swell than Leucadia on the same day, so the same forecast can mean a gentle session at one and a busy one at the other.
Who it’s best for
A useful comparison for families weighing a lesson against camp, or groups arranging a shared beach activity. Private instruction also gives surfers a way to discuss an individual goal before entering the water.
Local tips before you go
Start by selecting Carlsbad/Encinitas or Oceanside on the provider’s website. Confirm the meeting beach, included gear and total price with that program. Ask about access and drop-off logistics if you are arranging the outing for children.
Check the surf before your session
Check the forecast at the confirmed teaching beach. Ask the program contact how tide and surf affect the location and lesson plan, especially if you are traveling from another North County community.
Check the surf before your lesson
Live forecasts for the breaks where Surfin Fire teaches.
FAQs
Is private instruction offered?
Yes. Surfin Fire lists individual and group lessons.
Does the private lesson include gear?
The Carlsbad lesson page includes a wetsuit and a board chosen for ability.
How do I book Oceanside?
The main Surfin Fire website links to its separate Oceanside program site.
Find your Surfin Fire location
Use the school’s location selector, then contact the relevant team about lessons or camps for your dates and group.
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
- SoCal Surf Lessons · Lifeguard Tower 30, Carlsbad
- Whitlock Surf Experience · Oceanside, California
- San Diego Surf Academy and Adventures · Encinitas, California
Breaks near Surfin Fire
Nearby surf spots with live BODI forecasts, tides and wind.
Grandview
Leucadia, Encinitas · Reef and beach break · All levels
Best: 2–5 ft, low to mid tide
See forecast →
Oceanside Harbor
Oceanside · Beach break near jetties · Intermediate
Best: 2–6 ft, low to mid tide
See forecast →
Moonlight State Beach
Encinitas · Beach break · Beginner to intermediate
Best: 1–4 ft, 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 Surfin Fire before you go. Surfing Tomorrow isn't affiliated with this school.