ST. JOSEPH SURF FIELD GUIDE
90 Minutes to the First Wave: Private Surf Lessons on St. Joseph’s Beach Breaks
Private, 90-minute sessions that begin with land-based technique drills and move into guided in-water paddling and wave selection for up to three participants.
90 Minutes to the First Wave: Private Surf Lessons on St. Joseph’s Beach Breaks.
St. Joseph, Michigan, hosts private surf lessons that compress core skills into a focused 90‑minute session. Expert instructors begin on land to build fundamentals, then move to a nearby beach break to practice paddling and choosing waves, giving beginners a structured path from basics to the water.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Private lessons in small groups
Lessons are private and capped at small groups, allowing instructors to tailor drills and progression for each participant over the course of the 90‑minute session.
Start on land, then take it to the water
Instruction begins with essential on‑land technique—stance, pop‑up mechanics and paddle technique—before transitioning to in‑water sessions that focus on paddling and wave selection.
Local beach breaks as the classroom
Sessions take place at one of Stoke Riders’ beach breaks near St. Joseph, where conditions allow students to apply land‑taught skills to real waves under instructor guidance.
What the day feels like
What the lesson feels like
A concentrated, hands‑on sequence: an instructor-led land briefing to set technique and expectations, then a move to the beach break to practice paddling, positioning and selecting waves under supervision. The pacing is deliberate—enough time on foundational drills to make the water session productive within the 90‑minute window.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who these lessons suit — and where they might not fit.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Each private lesson runs 90 minutes.
The provided materials do not list specific gear requirements; the lesson includes shore drills followed by an in‑water practice, so participants should prepare for both beach and water time.
Meet at Box Factory, 1101 Broad St rm 331, St. Joseph, MI for check‑in prior to the beach portion of the lesson.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the lesson?
Lessons are 90 minutes in length.
Where do I meet my instructor?
The meeting location is Box Factory, 1101 Broad St, room 331, St. Joseph, MI.
How many people can join a private lesson?
Private lessons accommodate up to three people.
What will I learn during the lesson?
Instructors cover essentials on land—technique and paddling fundamentals—then move to the beach break to practice paddling and wave selection in the water.
Where are the in‑water sessions held?
In‑water practice takes place at one of the operator’s local beach breaks near St. Joseph.
Who operates the lessons?
Lessons are run by Stoke Riders.