Mission Beach and Pacific Beach Surfing

Beginning and intermediate surfers enjoy the usually easy breaking surf along Mission Beach. It is often best at higher tides. At the south end of the beach near the jetty some good right and left breaks attract a number of surfers.

Better waves are often found around Crystal Pier at Pacific Beach. Right and left beach breaks can be good at mid-tides. While mostly sandy, some rocks warrant caution. Restrictions keep surfers from getting too close to the pier.

Caution: Check with rangers or lifeguards that conditions are safe for your planned activities.

Tourmaline Surfing Park

Tourmaline Surfing Park draws both beginning and experienced surfers to its waters. With a convenient parking lot, restrooms and showers, and consistent waves, it's no surprise that Tourmaline is a favorite with many. Tourmaline is known as a welcoming surf spot where everyone gets along. Separate areas for surfing and for swimming are clearly marked. Consistent winds make the beach a favorite with windsurfers and kiteboarders.

A stone bench was placed at Tourmaline in the memory of Skeeter Malcolm, a legendary Tourmaline surfer. In recent years a monument, spearheaded by the Tourmaline Tailgaters Surfing Association, was erected to honor all past and present surfers at Tourmaline.
Tourmaline Surfer Memorial

Tourmaline Longboard Classic

October TBA, 2024
The Pacific Beach Surf Club sponsors an annual Longboard Classic club competition at Tourmaline Beach.
Pacific Beach Surf Club

Kite Surfing

Kite surfers enjoy the winter and spring winds at Tourmaline. The crowds of surfers and swimmers at Tourmaline make it necessary for kite boarders to be careful during launches and landings. Although it should go without saying that kiters should avoid passing through areas with surfers, there have been incidents at Tourmaline. It is generally considered an experts-only site because of the congestion. The best launch area is downwind of the pump station.

Surf Lessons and Camps

Mission Beach Surfing School

Mission Beach Surfing School offers surf lessons, surf camps, stand-up paddleboard lessons, kite surfing and wake surfing lessons. Instructors are certified in CPR, and also trained in ocean rescue and first aid. Group surf lessons are 1½ hours long with a student to instructor ratio of 4:1. Week-long surf camps begin in mid-June and continue through late August. Choose morning, afternoon, or all day.
(619) 564-4705

San Diego Surf Lessons

Accredited instructors at San Diego Surf Lessons provide 1½ hour instruction in group, semi-private, or individual settings. Lessons are available 7 days a week from at 9 AM through 3 PM. Day camps for ages 6-17 are offered with CPR/Red Cross certified instructors. Week-long surf camps begin in mid-June and continue through late August.
San Diego Surf Lessons

Pacific Surf School

Pacific Surf School meets at Pacific Beach where they offer year-round surf lessons, surf camps, day camps, overnight camps, stand-up paddleboard lessons and kite surfing lessons. Private, semi-private, and group lessons are available along with weekend clinics. All instructors are certified in CPR and Red Cross first aid. Classes are limited to 1:4 ratio of instructor to students. Day camps run 5 days in the summer, offering morning, afternoon, or all-day sessions.
Pacific Surf School

Surfboard, Paddleboard, and Bike Rentals

Cheap Rentals

Rentals of surfboards, swim fins, snorkeling gear, wetsuits, skimboards, bodyboards, stand-up paddleboards, beach chairs, umbrellas, skates, bikes and more.
3689 Mission Boulevard, Mission Beach, CA
Cheap Rentals

Mission Surf

Surfboard rentals, also stand-up paddleboards and bikes
4320 Mission Boulevard, Pacific Beach
Mission Surf

Rays' Rentals

Rentals of surfboards, bodyboards, stand-up paddleboards, wetsuits, kayaks, skates, beach chairs, umbrellas, snorkeling gear, and much more.
3221 Mission Boulevard, Mission Beach
655 Mission Boulevard, Pacific Beach
Ray's Rentals

RADD Action Sports

Rentals of surfboards, wetsuits, skimboards, bodyboards, stand-up paddleboards, and bikes
3837 Mission Boulevard, Mission Beach
RADD Action Sports

San Diego Junior Lifeguards - 2024

Girls and boys ages 9 through 17 are invited to participate in San Diego's Junior Lifeguards, while those ages 7 and 8 can join the JGrommets. Online registration for 2024 begins February 4, 2024.

San Diego Junior Lifeguards and JGrommets

Junior Lifeguards develop of range of ocean related skills and information under the guidance of professional lifeguards. Participants learn about ocean and beach safety, first aid, CPR, and water rescue techniques while at the same time developing their physical fitness. Activities include body surfing, surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, beach games, and competition events.

JGrommets can participate in a week-long introduction to ocean awareness. Activities include ocean safety, open water swimming and other ocean activities.

Tryouts

All new participants in Junior Lifeguards and JGrommets must attend a tryout in order to participate. JGrommets must be able to swim 50 yards. Junior Lifeguards have more rigorous tryout requirements. Tryout dates are offered at various locations April through June.

2024 Junior Lifeguard Sessions

Junior Lifeguards choose either morning or afternoon sessions. Classes meet Monday through Friday at various locations around the Ocean Bay and La Jolla areas.
Session 1 June 10 to July 5, 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM or 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM.
Session 2 July 8 to August 2, 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM or 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM

2022 JGrommets Session

Session: August 5 - 9, 2024, 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM or 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM.