easy
1–3 hours
Basic fitness is sufficient; activities involve paddling and balance but cater to all experience levels.
At Thompson Surf School in Jacksonville Beach, beginners and kids experience the thrill of catching waves with expert instructors guiding every step. Learn what makes this spot and school a top choice for starting your surfing journey.
Jacksonville Beach, Florida, stretches along the Atlantic Coast with broad sandy shores and steady, manageable waves that create an inviting environment for surfers of all ages. Thompson Surf School has earned a standout reputation here by offering private lessons and beginner surf camps specifically tailored for kids and adults. Whether you’re stepping on a board for the very first time or seeking to refine basic techniques, this school makes surfing approachable, safe, and genuinely fun.
The coastal conditions in Jacksonville Beach offer a consistent playground where gentle breaks and moderate wave sizes meet ample beach space, ideal especially for novices. Thompson Surf School’s instructors bring a blend of professionalism, patience, and enthusiasm that has helped countless students move from tentative paddling to confidently riding waves in just one lesson. Their specialized kids’ surf camps focus on skill-building alongside water safety, keeping the student-to-instructor ratio low to provide personalized attention that nurtures confidence and quick progress.
This surf school is deeply connected to the local outdoor recreation scene, creating a bridge between Jacksonville Beach’s active surf culture and newcomers eager to join in. The Atlantic’s warm waters and occasional presence of coastal wildlife like pelicans and dolphins add an enriching dimension to each session. Parents regularly praise the warmth and friendliness of the team, who emphasize a positive, encouraging atmosphere where every learner can shine.
A session here often ends with smiles, tired muscles, and new friendships forged on the beach, making Thompson Surf School not just a place to learn to surf but a part of the Jacksonville Beach outdoor lifestyle. From private lessons, which zero in on skill refinement, to full surf camps that build progression week by week, it’s a destination where the local surf scene welcomes the curious and the committed alike.
Morning sessions often offer cleaner, smaller waves perfect for beginners.
Protect your skin from sun and surfboard chafing during intense Florida sunshine.
Bring water to keep energy levels up between lessons.
Always listen for instructions about ocean conditions and proper technique.
Jacksonville Beach has been a surfing destination since the 1960s, cultivating a tight-knit community around its waves.
Thompson Surf School promotes ocean awareness and encourages low-impact practices to protect local marine habitats.
Protects skin from sunburn and board irritation, and offers light warmth.
summer specific
Crucial for prolonged sun exposure while in the water.
summer specific
Staying hydrated is key during active surf sessions.
Comfortable and quick-drying attire for surfing.