CORONADO SURF FIELD GUIDE
Ohana Surf Lesson: Private Family Waves at the Hotel del Coronado
A private, 1.5-hour surf lesson for families and friends on Coronado that pairs a short land clinic with a guided ocean session and photo capture of your first waves.
Ohana Surf Lesson: Private Family Waves at the Hotel del Coronado.
The Ohana Surf Lesson is a private group surf experience in Coronado that brings the first rush of surfing to life for families and friends. Designed as an immersive, safe introduction to the ocean, the session combines a tailored land lesson with focused in-water instruction so every guest gets personalized attention and a real shot at catching their first waves.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Private, Family-Focused Instruction
The Ohana Lesson is a private group lesson tailored for families and friends, giving each group a dedicated experience with instruction focused on your collective skill and safety.
Personal Attention with a 4:1 Ratio
Instruction in the water is provided at a 4:1 guest-to-instructor ratio, ensuring individualized coaching as you learn paddling, popping up, wave selection and ocean safety.
An Immersive Experience for All Ages
The signature Ohana experience emphasizes shared moments—land drills, guided ocean time and photo coverage—so couples, families and friend groups leave with new skills and keepsake images.
What the day feels like
How the Lesson Feels
The lesson starts with a concise land session where instructors cover ocean safety, paddling, stance and the pop-up technique, then moves into the water for roughly an hour of guided surfing. With a dedicated instructor for each small group and gear provided, guests spend concentrated time catching waves and refining fundamentals before regrouping to review photos and discuss progress.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this lesson suits—and who should consider a private alternative.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Lessons run 1.5 hours.
Bring a swimsuit, towel and sunscreen; full-body wetsuits, surfboards, leashes and wax are provided by the operator.
Meet at the surf trailer in The Views courtyard on the southern end of the Hotel Del Coronado (1500 Orange Ave); arrive 15 minutes early to change, sign waivers and prepare for the lesson.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Will Jamie O’Brien teach my lesson?
Jamie O’Brien owns and operates the surf school but does not personally teach lessons; instructors are hand selected by Jamie to provide a safe, high‑quality experience.
What is included in the lesson?
All necessary equipment is included—surfboards, wetsuits, leashes and surf wax are provided.
When are lessons offered and what time is best?
Lessons are offered daily at 9:00 AM, 10:15 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:45 PM, 2:00 PM and 3:15 PM; many guests prefer the earliest slot for calmer morning conditions.
What happens during a lesson?
All lessons start with a 15–20 minute land lesson covering safety and technique, followed by roughly an hour in the water riding waves; lessons conclude with a review of your photos at the surf shop.
What is the payment and cancellation policy?
Full payment is required at booking; you may cancel up to 48 hours prior for a full refund. Changes within 48 hours are not guaranteed but the operator will attempt to accommodate.
What if the beach is closed for water quality?
The operator follows San Diego County water quality protocols; if the County marks the beach 'closed' lessons will be rescheduled or refunded as necessary.
Are instructors certified?
Yes—every instructor is CPR and lifesaving certified.
Will there be photography of our lesson?
Yes—every lesson is photographed and those images are available for purchase.