Surfing is one of the best activities to do in Cardiff-by-the-Sea and SoCal has a long tradition when it comes to it. The waves are absolutely perfect to ride and the best part is that there are so many spots dedicated to it that you can easily choose the one that's perfect for your level of skills.
So if you love surfing, naturally you'd want to pass that on to your little one (or ones) as well. But maybe you want to have a professional start them off and teach them all the tips and tricks to quickly becoming a great surfer. Well, we're here to make it easier for you by putting together not only a list of the best programs and schools for surf but also a guide to the best surfing spots in and around Cardiff-by-the-Sea where you can break some waves with your kids!
Best Surf Schools for Kids Near Cardiff-by-the-Sea
Having a good teacher to show you what surfing is all about is extremely important, especially if you want your kids to get into it and enjoy being in the water. It's not easy to balance yourself on the board and skillfully ride the waves, and it can even get a bit scary for the little ones. A good teacher that can help them gain confidence will definitely have a huge impact on how your kids will further perceive the idea of surfing.
This being said, let's get into finding out what are the best surfing schools for kids:
This place brands itself as an ocean adventure business and they're committed to making fun happen with encouragement and positivity. They offer private and group surf lessons for any group age, starting from 5yo. In addition, they organize 3 and 5 days kids surf camps with expert instructors that are certified in lifeguarding, CPR, and first aid. This is a perfect way for your children to spend a holiday break.
They also offer guided kayak tours, snorkel tours, and paddleboard lessons as well as renting out equipment.
Prices start from $60 for group sessions of 90 minutes and $140 for private lessons and they offer a 20% discount for our checked-in guests with the code "CARDIFF20"!
With almost 20 years on the market, they offer surf lessons for all ages in an energetic and positive environment. With some of the top instructors in the San Diego area, you can be sure that your kids will start off on a good foot and enjoy their experience. Apart from the group and private lessons, they also offer the option of surf camps for kids and adults.
Prices start from $70 for group lessons, $98 for private lessons and $115-$315 for surf camp, varying on the length and season you choose.
If you want a more personalized experience, this place specializes in small groups and private lessons with a unique approach of customizing every lesson in a way that gets your kids standing on the board as soon as possible! They provide all the equipment needed that they treat with hypoallergenic solutions only.
Prices start from $75 for small groups and $120 for private lessons.
This school holds their lessons at the beautiful Moonlight State Beach. Teaching with a small 3:1 ratio group setting, it's a great place to start for all ages. All sessions include a full wetsuit and surfboard. They also organize surf camps which are a great way to introduce your kid to surfing.
Prices start at $75 for groups, $120 for private and for $430 camps.
Founded in 2003, this school has grown into one of the most popular in the San Diego area. They are based in Del Mar and offer a complete range of instruction from beginner to advanced coaching, summer surf camps, and independent surf PE.
Prices start at $90 for private coaching, $170 for groups and $150 for personal pro-coaching.
Located in Carlsbad, this place offers year-round surf lessons and June to August surf camps. The instructors are former California state lifeguards certified in CPR and first-aid and with life-long surfing experience.
Prices start at $55 for groups of 5 and more, $95 for private lessons and $165 for camps.
This place was referred to as "The Starbucks of surf schools" by Newsweek Magazine and is considered the pillar of women's surfing. They offer surfing and standup paddleboard lessons year-round for women, men, and children of ages 5 and up. They also organize surf camps for different groups of age, starting from 5 to 17 years old.
Prices start at $75 for group lessons, $90 for private and at $395 for camps.
Best Surfing Spots for Kids in Cardiff-by-the-Sea
So your kids have taken a few lessons and they're ready to join you in the ocean. But you know that even though SoCal has some of the greatest surfing spots, they're not all perfectly suited for kids, especially when they're just getting friendly with the board.
Don't worry, we're here to help you! Here are some of the best kid-friendly surf spots near Cardiff-by-the-Sea:
- Brown House
This beach break right in between Cardiff Reef and Swamis lacks shape and size which makes it perfect for beginners. It's not very crowded either, so if you want a more private spot to enjoy the waves, this is it!
- La Jolla Shores
The vast beach here welcomes all styles and skill levels. With soft waves and wonderful views, it's truly perfect for a day of surfing with the little ones.
- Oceanside
A great spot for the novice, it offers everything from playful waves to overhead dumping barrels. It's also a very friendly spot where you can find a real artsy community of surfers and a lot of great places to grab a bite to eat after the ocean fun finishes.
- Pacific Beach
With a great surfing park that is perfect for beginners, you'll find that the waves here break very soft. You even find parking and bathrooms, which makes it even more accessible.
The Perfect After-Surf Spot
Surfing, as great as it is, can be extremely physically challenging. After a full day on the beach, there's nothing better than throwing yourself on the couch, in a warm and homey setting.
With us, you get just that: your true home-away-from-home!
What's perfect about our accommodations is the fact that being in Cardiff-by-the-Sea you really get the best out of a vacation. You're super close to all the great surfing beaches and schools but you can enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of a suburban neighborhood and a very welcoming community. Our properties are perfect for family holidays, as they can accommodate up to six guests, in a private, quiet and unique setting.
If you want to be close to the beach, you can go for our beautiful Seacottage or you can choose our very elegant Penthouse or Parkhouse, where you can admire a gorgeous view of the ocean from your spacious and private deck.