About Us | Learn To Surf | Newport Beach, CA

Highest Rated Surf School in Orange County & San Diego

Learn To Surf

Meet Our Team at Learn to Surf - Southern California

Jason Murchison, a lifelong waterman and experienced surfer, is the driving force behind Learn to Surf™, Southern California's premier surf school. His passion for ocean safety and surfing, developed over 30 years of experience and enhanced through his education at the University of Hawaii and training in the US Navy, inspired him to create a surf school that prioritizes both safety and the authentic surfing experience.

The Qualifications of Our Professional Instructors

At Learn to Surf™—Southern California's leading destination for surf instruction—you'll find our highly qualified watermen. Unlike other schools that employ seasonal workers, our instructors are professional surfers and certified lifeguards with extensive water safety training. Each instructor undergoes a demanding training program and holds CPR certification, ensuring that every lesson is as safe as it is engaging.

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Our Staff

Meet The Expert Instructors Behind Learn to Surf

Jason Murchison Founder / Professional Waterman
Jason could swim before he could walk and was destined to become a professional waterman. With over 30 years of ocean experience, he attended the University of Hawaii to further his education and surfing abilities. His Navy training in dive school and EOD operations adds to his extensive water safety expertise, making him the perfect leader for Southern California's premier surf school.
Certifications
- 30+ years of surfing experience
- US Navy dive school graduate
- Advanced water safety training
- Comprehensive surf instruction methodology
Micah Peasley Lead Instructor
Known for his impressive surfing at the Wedge in Newport Beach, Micah found his true calling in teaching surf lessons. His expertise in water safety and surfing techniques makes him an invaluable leader of our instruction team.
"Big Wave" Dave Surf Instructor | Big Kahuna
Bringing his unique East Coast style to the West Coast waves, Dave's quirky and engaging teaching style helps students feel comfortable and confident in the water. His extensive experience and positive attitude make him a favorite among beginners.
Nico Lead Instructor
One of the best instructor vibes you will find from California to Nicaragua he truly embodies the pura vida spirit. Nico came to us with his waterman skills wanting to be the best instructor on the pacific coast and we put him in a position to take a lead instructor role. He’s a great video editor too so make sure you take advantage of a go pro session with him to document your lesson and progression.
Jeff Surf Instructor | Vlogger
Quintessential California surfer yet anything but ordinary out in the water. Jeff will get you stoked on surfing and definitely has the surf bug. He doesn’t stop from sunrise to sunset this guy is in the water bringing passion and pride into all of his lessons. Long hair…Jeff don’t care whether you are a beginner looking to catch your first wave or individual that rips and needs a pro surf guide. So come down and catch waves with this OC surf guru he knows how to get gnarly.

Supportive environment. Everyone is welcomed

Values

The Learn to Surf Philosophy: Safety, Fun, and the Aloha Spirit

Learn to Surf™ is more than just a surf school; we're a community dedicated to sharing the true spirit of surfing. Our approach combines rigorous safety standards with the joy and freedom that makes surfing special. Every lesson incorporates:

Safety First

At Learn to Surf™, safety isn't just a priority—it's the foundation of everything we do. Unlike other surf schools that may employ seasonal workers, our instructors are certified watermen with extensive ocean safety training. Every lesson begins with a thorough safety briefing.

Ocean awareness and hazard identification
Proper equipment handling and board control
Emergency procedures and exit strategies
Surf etiquette and right-of-way rules

Fun in the Waves

We believe that learning to surf should be an exciting and enjoyable experience. Our instructors create an encouraging environment where students feel comfortable challenging themselves while having a great time. Each session includes:

Celebrating every achievement, no matter how small
Fostering a supportive learning environment
Progressive instruction tailored to your comfort level

Aloha Spirit

Drawing from surfing's Polynesian roots, we incorporate the traditional Aloha spirit into every aspect of our instruction. This ancient Hawaiian concept encompasses:

Respect for the ocean and fellow surfers
Building a welcoming and inclusive community
Preserving surfing's rich cultural heritage

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Testimonials

Our Client's Testimonials

John Peroyea
July, 2024
“Jason is a great instructor and ours sons loved surfing. We will use Learn to Surf Newport Beach again!“
Beginner
Gouri Jangtap
February, 2024
“Wonderful instructions by the coach! My son really enjoyed learning to surf. Thank you LearnToSurf for a great first lesson”
Intermediate