Adventure Collective
Master Surf Survival in San Diego's Iconic Waves - San Diego

Master Surf Survival in San Diego's Iconic Waves

San Diegomoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

3–4 hours

Fitness Level

Participants should have moderate fitness and basic swimming ability for safe and effective training.

Overview

Learn crucial ocean safety and rescue techniques with Just Get Wet's Surf Survival Course in San Diego. Gain the skills to handle waves confidently on this private, hands-on adventure.

San Diego, California

Surf Survival Course

Ages 12+ • 2 Days • Build Your Confidence

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About This Adventure

Challenge yourself!

Duration & Rate

2 Days - $350 per person

About

Designed by big wave surfer Ricardo Urbina and former Navy Dive Officer Chris Cheezem, our program provides survival skills, strategies, and tools to surfers, SUPers, kayakers, kite surfers, and other water enthusiast who may encounter high-risk surf conditions. This is also a great prep course for military programs such as dive school and BUDS.

Utilizing expertise and best practices from certified instructors and consultants on big wave surfing, freediving, and Navy Diving, this comprehensive program has been developed to help participants train both their mind and their body to safely and confidently respond, adapt, and mitigate risk in the water.

The course provides in depth instruction on both the technical and practical components of breath holding exercises. Participants will learn how to prepare, relax, train, and develop longer breath holds and then apply the benefits of this skill development to both personal and rescue situations.

During this dynamic two-day program participants will engage in both classroom and pool environments, learning and practicing:

  • Apnea
  • Breathing training techniques for both in and out of the pool
  • Safety
  • Static Apnea
  • Dynamic Apnea
  • Stressed Apnea
  • Surviving wipe outs
  • Risk management and emergency action plans
  • Rescue skills

Course Outline

Classroom (2.5 hrs) Friday 5PM - 7:30PM at Just Get Wet in Mission Beach

This section of the course will focus on the physiology of apnea and breath holding. Session objectives include:

  • Developing an understanding of how our body responds to higher level of CO2 in the system
  • Identifying symptoms of hypoxia
  • Understanding safety precautions and protocols when training in and out of the water
  • Practicing dry apnea exercises including C02 and 02 tables

Pool Saturday 7AM - 9AM, 11AM - 1PM at The Plunge, Mission Beach

This session will provide participants an opportunity to apply course knowledge in a pool environment under the guidance of our coaching staff. Participants will:

  • Practice safety and rescue drills
  • Complete a variety of apnea workouts.
  • Simulate real situations in a controlled environment using a partner/buddy system.

Be ready to have fun and expand your boundaries and your comfort zone.

What to Bring:

Swimsuit, 5mm surf suit or equivalent, goggles (the pool is heated but a lot of these exercises don't generate any body heat, so students get cold in a 3mm suit)

Adventure Tips

Know Rip Current Signs

Identify rip currents by looking for areas of churning water, foam, or debris moving seaward to stay safe in the surf zone.

Wear a Suitable Wetsuit

Even in warmer climates like San Diego, a wetsuit helps regulate your body temperature and offers protection during ocean practice.

Start in Calm Waters

Begin training in quieter spots to build confidence before progressing to more challenging waves.

Listen to Your Instructor

Follow expert guidance carefully to develop proper techniques and stay safe during the course.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • California sea lions
  • Brown pelicans

History

San Diego has a rich maritime history as a hub for early American naval activity and coastal exploration, influencing local surf culture.

Conservation

Local efforts focus on preserving marine ecosystems through beach cleanups and promoting safe wildlife interaction practices.

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Adventure Hotspots in San Diego

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Wetsuit

Essential

Keeps you warm and protected in cooler ocean waters during training sessions.

fall specific

Waterproof Sunscreen

Essential

Protects your skin from intense UV rays while spending extended time on the beach and water.

summer specific

Surfboard or Bodyboard

Useful for practicing rescue techniques and improving wave handling skills during the course.

Water Shoe or Reef Booties

Provides foot protection on rocky shorelines and prevents slipping during training.

spring specific