Discover the other side of the beach…
learn to surf.

Book Your Surfing Lesson

Why Choose Laguna Surf Lessons?

20+ years of surf instruction experience

95% of students stand up in their first lesson

We provide premium equipment for a better surfing experience

We love to surf and love to teach all ages and skill levels

Our mission is to create a fun surf experience while sharing the JOY and magic of connecting with the ocean

Book Your Surfing Lesson

About Laguna Surf Lessons

Our mission is to create a fun surf experience while sharing the JOY and MAGIC of connecting with the ocean.

Looking for the best way to learn surfing in Laguna Beach?

Learn surfing in Laguna Beach with Local surf experts!

Whether you’re stepping on a surfboard for the first time or looking to improve your skills, Laguna Surf Lessons provides personalized surf instruction in the beautiful waters of Laguna Beach, California. Surf Lessons in Laguna Beach for all ages and skill levels! Born and raised in Laguna Beach, our instructors have spent decades surfing the local beaches and teaching students of all ages how to safely and confidently enjoy the ocean. We believe learning to surf should be fun, educational, and tailored to your individual goals.

Why Choose Laguna Surf Lessons?

There are plenty of surf schools in Southern California, but few can offer the local knowledge and experience that comes from growing up in Laguna Beach.

When you book a lesson with Laguna Surf Lessons, you’re learning from instructors who know:

The safest beginner-friendly surf breaks
How ocean conditions change throughout the year
Local tides, currents, and weather patterns
Proper surf etiquette and ocean safety
Techniques that help students progress faster

At Laguna Surf Lessons our goal is not only to teach surfing but also to build confidence and ocean awareness that lasts a lifetime.

Troy MacDonald, Owner/Instructor

I am a Laguna Beach local, born into a surf family. My father had me on a surfboard at the age of 3. The ocean has always been a huge part of my life, and I have a deep connection and respect for it. I began competing at a young age winning numerous surf contests, and riding for multiple sponsors who recognized my passion and dedication to the sport. I spent my summers working with local surfing companies and camps, teaching people of all ages and skill levels. With over 20 years of surf instruction experience, my goal is to make your surf lesson both fun and safe, leaving you excited to do it again! When you learn to surf with me, you receive guidance from a lifelong surfer who not only knows how to surf but knows how to effectively teach it.

My connection to the ocean runs deep, rooted in both respect and awe. I’m just as passionate about what lies beneath the waves as I am about riding them. As a dedicated free diver and underwater photographer, I find endless inspiration in capturing the magic of marine life through my lens—sharing the beauty and mystery of the underwater world through my videography and photography. You can see more of my work here: https://www.youtube.com/@TroyMacDonald

Surf Lessons for Everyone!

Private Surf Lesson (One-on-One)

With personalized instruction, you learn faster and will ride more waves.

1.5 Hour Session

Book Now: $160

Private Group Surf Lesson

Perfect for couples or family and friends.

1.5 Hour Session

Book Now: $130

Group Surf Lesson

Meet with friends, whether a beginner or an experienced surfer.

1.5 Hour Session

Book Now: $115

Advanced Surf Coaching

Refine your technique and improve your surfing skills.

1.5 Hour Session

Book Now: $160

We offer custom lesson packages for coaching, birthday parties or corporate/team building events.

Photo by Troy MacDonald

Your Surf Adventure Starts Here!

Feel the JOY of connecting with the ocean.

Couples connect with a private group lesson.

Come as you are! We teach all ages and abilities.

Have fun riding the waves. 95% of our students stand up!

Laguna Surf Lessons

4.8

Based on 16 reviews

review us on

David Kufeji

3 months ago

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I had an amazing first surfing experience with Troy in Laguna Beach! Surfing has been a lifelong dream of mine, and Troy made it come true. He was patient, encouraging, and an excellent instructor who made the whole session feel comfortable and fun.

From the start, he explained everything clearly and helped me build confidence in the water. By the end of the session, I was actually riding waves, which felt incredible for my first time.

If you’re thinking about trying surfing for the first time or want to improve your skills, I can’t recommend Troy enough. I had a great session and can’t wait to get back out there and ride even more waves next time. 🌊🏄‍♂️

Beatrice Kufeji

3 months ago

Best give to give! My husband had so much fun learning how to surf and got to check it off his bucket list. Troy is an amazing teacher- he’s easy going, patient, and passionate about what he does.

Bryan Stunkel

3 months ago

Kashni Shah

4 months ago

Jeff

7 months ago

Laguna Surf Lessons with Troy is a real 10/10! Troy was great with my son. He got him up on his feet, taught him about the ocean and how to read waves, and most importantly made him feel safe in the water. Troy even got some video of my son riding that was really the icing on the cake. Thanks Troy!!

Rob Runkel

10 months ago

Troy is an incredible surf instructor. I’ve taken two lessons with him now and am excited to keep going. He’s been surfing his whole life and knows the Laguna waves like the back of his hand. He teaches surfing in an easy to understand way and doesn’t overcomplicate it. When I’m out on the water with Troy, his calmness and great energy helped me feel comfortable in the water — our lessons have done wonders for my confidence on the waves. He’s also teaching me to read the ocean and understand the waves that are coming. He’s not just going to get you up on a board, he’s going to make sure you have a great time doing it, and build the skills to be able to do it without an instructor. It’s awesome to find someone who isn’t just a good instructor, but is a great person who is fun to be around. I’m glad to have met Troy and highly recommend him to anyone looking for an awesome surf instructor in the Laguna area!

Lauren Wigham

11 months ago

Our family of four spent two sessions with Troy and had a blast. He was super patient, encouraging and knowledgeable. All four of us caught multiple waves and we hope to come back and catch more with Troy!

Yutong Zhong

1 year ago

Surfing with Troy is an amazing experience. He is skilled, professional, and he makes every lesson fun. Whether you’re a total beginner or just looking to level up, he’ll make sure you catch waves and have a blast doing it! 🌊🤙

Phil D.

1 year ago

I came in with absolutely zero surfing experience, butTroy had me standing up and riding waves in my very first lesson—mind-blowing. His calm, encouraging teaching style and focus on safety made the experience not only informative, but also incredibly fun and relaxing!

I’ve walked away from each of his lessons with new skills, more confidence, and a greater appreciation/respect for the ocean overall. Troy’s extensive surfing experience is priceless and his ability to connect with both adults and kids makes him an outstanding instructor!

Troy is fantastic not only for beginners, but seasoned surfers that are looking to reach the next level. Thanks for helping me build confidence in the water, Troy—you rock!