Beginner Surf Lessons At Stinson Beach in San Francisco
San Francisco, United States

Beginner Surf Lessons At Stinson Beach

Outty Ranking 54 5.0 · 5 traveler reviews2 hoursFrom $100

Pick your date

Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.

September 2026

SMTWTFS

Loading live availability

Who is going?

Adults

Age 13 and over

2

Children

Age 12 and under

0

Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.

From, per person$100
View availability on Viator

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.

Instant mobile ticketSpots available today

Outty Ranking

54/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 5 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Beginner Surf Lessons At Stinson Beach worth booking?

Beginner Surf Lessons At Stinson Beach is a 2-hour experience in San Francisco, United States, from $100 per person. It scores 54 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look, based on a 5/5 rating across 5 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
54 / 100
Rating
5/5 (5)
Duration
2 hours
From
$100 per person

This is a 2 hour beginner group lesson that covers surfing fundamentals, etiquette, safety, wave dynamics, paddling skills, surfboard positioning, maneuvering, proper stand-up and riding techniques.

What you get

    About this experience

    This is a 2 hour beginner group lesson that covers surfing fundamentals, etiquette, safety, wave dynamics, paddling skills, surfboard positioning, maneuvering, proper stand-up and riding techniques.

    What's included

    Included

    • Surf Instruction

    Not included

    • Equipment Rental ($15-$50)

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    San Francisco

    Park at the North end of the main Stinson Beach parking area. From there you may either walk on the road or the beach about 200m to the surf shop. We will meet you there!

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Park at the North end of the main Stinson Beach parking area. From there you may either walk on the road or the beach about 200m to the surf shop. We will meet you there!

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Sat, Sun
    Group size
    Up to 10 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Marin Outdoor Adventure

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Group Activity

    Photos

    Beginner Surf Lessons At Stinson Beach in San Francisco, photo 2Beginner Surf Lessons At Stinson Beach in San Francisco, photo 3Beginner Surf Lessons At Stinson Beach in San Francisco, photo 4Beginner Surf Lessons At Stinson Beach in San Francisco, photo 5Beginner Surf Lessons At Stinson Beach in San Francisco, photo 6

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 5 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    1 mention

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Photo opportunities

    1 mention

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Good for families

    1 mention

    Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

    Pace and timing

    1 mention

    Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.

    Traveler reviews

    5 verified traveler reviews for Beginner Surf Lessons At Stinson Beach. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    5
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    Edna_B · May 2022

    Excellent tour!! Great location and scenic drive!!!

    Loved this tour!! Cecelia was extremely helpful and knowledgeable!! She was very hands on and helped every step of the way!!! Excellent tour a must do!! Stinson Beach is a must and the drive is absolutely scenic and gorgeous!!!! I would do this tour again!!!

    via Viator

    Sarah W · March 2022

    Perfect introduction to surfing!

    What a great introduction to surfing! My 22 year old son has dreamed about surfing since he was 5. So, when we signed him up on a whim for a 2-hour lesson during our family trip to California, we thought he'd have fun, but I think Nicki and the wonderful crew at Marin Outdoor may have gotten him hooked for life! The instruction provided got him up and on the board in no time. The water was really cold, but the wetsuit made it bearable, and with the lesson scheduled in the morning the equipment was his for the rest of the day.

    via Tripadvisor

    Leigha H · March 2022

    Be prepared to get hooked!

    What a blast! Be prepared to get hooked. We took a beginner lesson, and my 10 year old got up on her board effortlessly on her first attempt! Nicki and her team, have a passion for connecting people to each other- and to nature- through sports. What an awesome way to do something fun and healthy for ourselves while also deepening our relationships and experiencing our abundant open spaces. I also LOVE the fact that this is WOMAN-OWNED and operated local business. This is a refreshing change in an industry that has been mostly male. Thank you MOA for your inspiration on so many levels!! We'll be back!

    via Tripadvisor

    scarder · October 2018

    We're hooked

    My 10 year old son and I did our first surf lesson with Nicki and we had such a positive experience, we may be surfers for life. Nicki's approach to teaching how to surf focuses more on doing it well and have fun while doing it than being perfect the first time. My son and I were able to get up a few times but still had a great time in the water when we didn't. We'll back at the beach on boards very soon.

    via Tripadvisor

    victoriachuong · October 2018

    Perfect lessons for beginners

    My partner and I needed to experience solid surf lessons because we had a rotten one a year ago. Our lesson with Thane blew us out of the water, only metaphorically. We learned the fundamentals and everyone in our lesson at one point or another were up on their feet in the water. We will definitely take the follow-up lesson! First we have to get fit enough to handle all of the paddling. As the instructions say, arrive early to park at the North Beach. I recommend the earlier lesson because the beach is less crowded and parking is easier to find.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    2 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Sat, Sun
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    2
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Why this scores 54

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)75
    Review evidence (18% weight)23
    Booking momentum (14% weight)17
    Value for money (12% weight)49
    Listing quality (10% weight)58
    Local standing (8% weight)61
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Beginner Surf Lessons At Stinson Beach: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for San Francisco.

    How much does Beginner Surf Lessons At Stinson Beach cost?

    +

    Prices start at $100 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in San Francisco usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Beginner Surf Lessons At Stinson Beach take?

    +

    Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in San Francisco is not rushed.

    Is Beginner Surf Lessons At Stinson Beach worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 54 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 5 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in San Francisco, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Beginner Surf Lessons At Stinson Beach?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Beginner Surf Lessons At Stinson Beach suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Beginner Surf Lessons At Stinson Beach?

    +

    Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in San Francisco can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in San Francisco and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Beginner Surf Lessons At Stinson Beach start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central San Francisco within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in San Francisco?

    +

    San Francisco packs Alcatraz, Muir Woods, Napa and the bay into day-trip range, which makes booking order matter more than anywhere else in the US. Alcatraz sells out weeks ahead, wine-country vans fill on weekends, and the best food walks in the Mission and Chinatown cap at a dozen people. Our ranking favours small groups and guides who live in the neighbourhood they walk. On Outty we rank every San Francisco experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Small Group Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Trip from San Francisco, Golden Gate Bridge Muir Woods Sausalito with Optional Alcatraz, Chinatown, North Beach, Little Italy: 7 Tastings & History. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit San Francisco?

    +

    September and October, the city's real summer, once the fog season breaks. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in San Francisco?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Beginner Surf Lessons At Stinson Beach.

    Pick your date