💙
Get a free trial lesson
How does it work?
💙

Get a free trial lesson

First lesson free
•
Pay 24 hours after trial
•
Cancel anytime
TeachMe.To LogoTeachMe.To Logo

Pacifica State BeachSurfing Venue in Pacifica, CA

4.9(181 coach reviews)
•
2 coaches•From $86 per lesson
Pacifica State Beach - Surfing venuePacifica, CA

Outdoor surfing court in Pacifica

Pacifica State Beach - Surfing venuePacifica, CA
Setting
Outdoor
open-air
Parking
On-site
Free parking available for 30 minutes; parking lot hours align with beach hours (5:00am to 10:30pm DST, 5am to 7pm fall/winter)

2 surfing coaches at Pacifica State Beach

Every coach below teaches at Pacifica State Beach. Pick the one that fits your level - they handle the rest.

Matthew Robinson profile
About Matthew

I've been in the water since I was born. I started as a Junior Lifeguard then was seasonal Lifeguard in Newport Beach, CA. I've surfed all over the world. I've pursued big swells in Indonesia as well as mainland Mexico, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Costa Rica.

What students say...

"Great coach and great energy. He did his best to make it a good experience, even though the water was flat and conditions were not ideal

SuperCoach
SuperCoach
Matthew
From$114per lesson

Matthew

Bio: I've been in the water since I was born. I started as a Junior Lifeguard then was seasonal Lifeguard in Newport Beach, CA. I've surfed all over the world. I've pursued big swells in Indonesia as well as mainland Mexico, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Costa Rica.
4.9
455 Lessons given
4.9
Available
Next: Tomorrow, 7:00 AM
Water Safety Certified
Amateur Surfer
💰$114 for weekly lessons
Get surfing lessons with Matthew
Russ Ramos profile
About Russ

Raised on the shores of Oahu, Hawaii, my journey began with the rhythm of the waves at the age of 10, sparking a lifelong passion for surfing. Alongside carving waves, I immersed myself in college and high school football, basketball, and track, finding joy in the thrill of competition. As a competitor in the Hawaii Amateur Surfing Association for 5 years, I honed my skills in the ocean's embrace. Complementing my active lifestyle, I prioritize breathwork, stretching, and a healthy diet to nourish both body and soul. Transitioning into coaching, I've shared my love for sports with the next generation through coaching high school and pop warner football, as well as youth basketball. As an Oahu Professional Photographer, I've captured the beauty of surfing, sports, weddings, and family portraits, preserving cherished memories for clients. For the past decade, I've surfed the waves of San Francisco, delighting in small to medium fun perfect waves and discovering local gems based on conditions. Currently, I'm homeschooling my 8-year-old daughter, embracing the opportunity to instill a love for learning and adventure.

What students say...

"Russ is a great coach!

Top Rated
92Score
Russ
From$86per lesson

Russ

Bio: Raised on the shores of Oahu, Hawaii, my journey began with the rhythm of the waves at the age of 10, sparking a lifelong passion for surfing. Alongside carving waves, I immersed myself in college and high school football, basketball, and track, finding joy in the thrill of competition. As a competitor in the Hawaii Amateur Surfing Association for 5 years, I honed my skills in the ocean's embrace. Complementing my active lifestyle, I prioritize breathwork, stretching, and a healthy diet to nourish both body and soul. Transitioning into coaching, I've shared my love for sports with the next generation through coaching high school and pop warner football, as well as youth basketball. As an Oahu Professional Photographer, I've captured the beauty of surfing, sports, weddings, and family portraits, preserving cherished memories for clients. For the past decade, I've surfed the waves of San Francisco, delighting in small to medium fun perfect waves and discovering local gems based on conditions. Currently, I'm homeschooling my 8-year-old daughter, embracing the opportunity to instill a love for learning and adventure.
5.0
69 Lessons given
5.0
Available
Next: Tomorrow, 10:00 AM
💰$86 for weekly lessons
Get surfing lessons with Russ

About Pacifica State Beach

Popular crescent-shaped beach offering surfing, recreation trail, restrooms, showers, and dog-friendly amenities

When to come
This is one of the busiest venues in the area. Weekday mornings and mid-afternoons are typically your best bet for an open court or a focused lesson.
Amenities
  • Parking: Free parking available for 30 minutes; parking lot hours align with beach hours (5:00am to 10:30pm DST, 5am to 7pm fall/winter)
  • Outdoor facility
Hours

5:00am to 10:30pm during Daylight Saving Time (March-November); 5am to 7pm during fall and winter. Restrooms open 6am-10pm

Looking around? See more surfing coaches in Pacifica.

Where you'll play

5000 Cabrillo Highway

Open the address in your maps app for turn-by-turn directions.

Get directions

Lessons at Pacifica State Beach, explained

Lessons at Pacifica State Beach start at $86 per lesson. The exact price depends on the coach, the session length, and whether you book solo or split a group lesson with friends — and your first lesson is always free.

Ready to play at Pacifica State Beach?

Your first lesson is free. Pick from 2 surfing coaches who teach here and book a time that works for you.

  1. Surfing
  3. California
  5. Pacifica
  7. Pacifica State Beach
TeachMe.To Logo

The easy way to learn to play.

AboutFAQCoach FAQHelp Center
BrowseOnline lessonsReviewsPrivacyTerms
InstagramFacebook

© 2026 Teach Me To

As a platform, we do our best to provide accurate information and make your booking experience seamless. However, we do not verify every detail and we do not background check every coach who lists themselves on our site. It's up to the instructors to provide accurate, up-to-date information. If you have any questions or concerns, just message us and ask!

Reviews for coaches at Pacifica State Beach

4.9(181 coach reviews)
Daniel Y.Verified ✓
Level: Beginner•Lessons taken: 25•Verified ✓
That lesson with Matthew was quite good, honestly. I liked starting to gain confidence getting swept under and not looking for the board, which was pretty helpful. Still, I think I could gain more confidence to swim out there and catch more waves, but I feel like I’m on the right track. The laid-back approach made everything feel natural, and I appreciated the focus on building that core confidence. If you’re into steady lessons that really help you get comfortable, I’d suggest giving Matthew a try.
See Coach Matthew →
Jessica Y.Verified ✓
Level: Intermediate•Lessons taken: 13•Verified ✓
I think the lesson was quite helpful, especially in understanding wave face trimming, which I hadn't really focused on before. Though I still need to work on standing up more smoothly, I feel like I made some good progress. Matthew's guidance really made me pay attention to specific details, and I look forward to building on that next time. Hopefully, I'll get more confident with those little technical adjustments. Still, I’d suggest trying him out if you're looking to refine your skills gradually.
See Coach Matthew →
Daniel Y.Verified ✓
Level: Beginner•Lessons taken: 25•Verified ✓
Getting past the break on heavy days really pushed me, and I think that mental barrier is key in progressing even if it’s not always fun right away. Matthew’s guidance made a difference there, and I’d say a lesson focusing on more take offs would be helpful. Still, I feel like I’m making real strides, and maybe with more practice, I’ll get even better at catching waves. It’s definitely worth trying if you’re set on improving your surf skills.
See Coach Matthew →
Daniel Y.Verified ✓
Level: Beginner•Lessons taken: 25•Verified ✓
Getting through the lineup felt pretty manageable today, and I managed to catch a few waves that actually felt good still, I think I’m starting to get the hang of it. Matthew's approach is quite steady, which helps build confidence without feeling rushed. It's nice to see progress with someone who keeps things relaxed but focused. If you're looking to improve your surfing and enjoy the process, I’d suggest giving Matthew a try.
See Coach Matthew →
Chaoyikui L.Verified ✓
Level: Beginner•Lessons taken: 1•Verified ✓
Honestly, I found the lesson to be quite helpful, especially with the focus on proper paddle positioning and timing, which made a noticeable difference. Though I still need to work on catching waves more consistently, I appreciated the calm, precise advice Matthew offers, and I’d say it was a pretty good experience overall. If you’re looking to refine your surfing skills, it’s worth giving it a try.
See Coach Matthew →
Daniel Y.Verified ✓
Level: Beginner•Lessons taken: 25•Verified ✓
One of the highlights of the lesson with Matthew was the very precise improvement guidance that helped sharpen my skills quickly. The session was well-structured and easy to follow, making progress feel natural and rewarding. If you want clear, practical tips to elevate your surfing, I definitely recommend giving his lessons a try. The experience was enjoyable and motivating from start to finish.
See Coach Matthew →
Daniel Y.Verified ✓
Level: Beginner•Lessons taken: 25•Verified ✓
Getting through the break and catching waves felt quite rewarding, though I think more focus on swimming through big ones might really help in future lessons. Matthew's guidance kept things clear and manageable, and I appreciated how he helped me stay on top of tricky spots. If you're after a measured approach and some practical tips, trying him out could be worth it.
See Coach Matthew →
Renat N.Verified ✓
Level: Beginner•Lessons taken: 1•Verified ✓
I'm pretty pleased with how it went. The lesson was obviously quite helpful, and I really appreciated the way Matthew focused on detail, though I still think some improvements could be made to my surfing technique. Nonetheless, the experience was an amazing time and I’m encouraged to keep working on it and maybe try another lesson later on.
See Coach Matthew →
Kayle A.Verified ✓
Level: Beginner•Lessons taken: 13•Verified ✓
I loved how knowledgeable and encouraging Matthew was throughout the lesson. His guidance made trying out surfing feel exciting and achievable. If you’re thinking about learning to surf, I definitely recommend taking a lesson with him. It’s a great way to get started and build confidence on the waves. Give it a go and see for yourself! 🌊🙂
See Coach Matthew →
Peter D.Verified ✓
Level: Beginner•Lessons taken: 13•Verified ✓
One of the best parts of the lesson with Russ was how fun and chill it felt while learning a lot about surfing. The relaxed pace really helped me get comfortable on the board. If you want a great introduction or to improve your skills in a laid-back setting, I definitely recommend giving Russ’s lessons a try. You won’t be disappointed! 🌊
See Coach Russ →
Dylan H.Verified ✓
Lessons taken: 3•Verified ✓
I have had two lessons with Russ, and I could not have asked for a better instructor. He is super welcoming, all smiles, and very calm. He emphasizes safety and makes you feel comfortable in the water and being in the line-up with the other surfers. Last, but not least, he helps you ride waves and develop a feel for the ocean.
See Coach Russ →
Daniel Y.Verified ✓
Level: Beginner•Lessons taken: 25•Verified ✓
I felt like the lesson really helped me build confidence in swimming under waves, especially since I was able to get through some pretty tough ones. We practiced both pop ups and paddling, which was quite helpful. Matthew’s approach makes it easier to keep working on these skills, and I already have another lesson lined up.
See Coach Matthew →
Sheila M.Verified ✓
Level: Beginner•Lessons taken: 1•Verified ✓
That lesson with Matthew was quite supportive, and I appreciated the info he shared throughout. Though I need a bit more help with positioning myself properly on the wave, I feel like I’m progressing steadily. If you’re looking for a relaxed, encouraging lesson that focuses on forming good habits, Matthew’s a solid choice.
See Coach Matthew →
Tenzing S.Verified ✓
Lessons taken: 1•Verified ✓
Russ provided excellent support and went above and beyond during our session. Not only did he lend me his equipment, but he also extended our lesson time to teach me more than I had booked. I managed to stand up twice thanks to his guidance. I will definitely recommend him and plan to take more lessons in the future.
See Coach Russ →
Gabriela F.Verified ✓
Level: Beginner•Lessons taken: 5•Verified ✓
I really enjoyed seeing my progress throughout the lesson with Matthew. The guidance was clear, and it helped me feel more confident on the board. If you’re thinking about trying surfing, Matthew’s lessons are a great place to start. Definitely a fun and encouraging experience that makes learning rewarding. 🌊😊
See Coach Matthew →
Daniel Y.Verified ✓
Level: Beginner•Lessons taken: 25•Verified ✓
I think Matthew's lesson really helped me gradually shed some underwater anxiety, which is a relief still. I appreciated the focused guidance. His approach felt quite helpful and confident without overdoing it, definitely a worthwhile experience if you're looking for a measured, practical surf lesson.
See Coach Matthew →
Ranjing L.Verified ✓
Level: Intermediate•Lessons taken: 3•Verified ✓
I loved getting more familiar with my board and working on the waves and timing during my second session with Russ. I still need to improve my paddling, but it was a good session overall. If you’re curious about learning to surf or looking to improve, Russ’s lessons are definitely worth trying out! 🌊🤙
See Coach Russ →
Daniel Y.Verified ✓
Level: Beginner•Lessons taken: 25•Verified ✓
What impressed me was how Matthew quickly identified where I was struggling and gave practical tips to help me catch the right waves and pop up smoothly. His guidance made a noticeable difference in my lesson. If you want to improve your surfing skills, his lessons are definitely worth trying out! 🌊
See Coach Matthew →
Angel L.Verified ✓
Level: Beginner•Lessons taken: 17•Verified ✓
What stood out most was how encouraging Russ was throughout the lesson. He made the whole experience fun and gave plenty of helpful tips to boost my surfing skills. If you’re thinking about starting surfing or improving, Russ’s lessons are definitely worth checking out!
See Coach Russ →
Daniel Y.Verified ✓
Level: Beginner•Lessons taken: 25•Verified ✓
The popup definitely improved quite a bit during the lesson, which I found pretty helpful. Matthew’s focus on detail really made a difference, and I left feeling like I learned some useful stuff. Wouldn’t mind trying another lesson soon, honestly.
See Coach Matthew →
Daniel Y.Verified ✓
Level: Beginner•Lessons taken: 25•Verified ✓
That lesson with Matthew was quite focused on pop ups and catching waves, which was pretty helpful, honestly., same approach, felt quite practical for building confidence in reading waves. Caught a bunch and managed to ride all the way 🤙
See Coach Matthew →
Ranjing L.Verified ✓
Level: Intermediate•Lessons taken: 3•Verified ✓
The lesson with Russ had a great coaching vibe and really good energy. I felt supported throughout! If you're into surfing and want a relaxed, practical approach, you will want to give Russ a try.
See Coach Russ →
Ranjing L.Verified ✓
Level: Intermediate•Lessons taken: 3•Verified ✓
Russ is such a great surf pro to surf with. Friendly, nice, patient and know where I should be improving. I am super happy with his lesson and will continue with him for a couple more than lessons
See Coach Russ →
Daniel Y.Verified ✓
Level: Beginner•Lessons taken: 25•Verified ✓
Matt got me on as many waves possible, gave me the best tip for riding “just anticipate that the board will keep going” Caught every wave, managed to ride most of them Highly recommend Matt 🤙
See Coach Matthew →
Jessica Y.Verified ✓
Level: Intermediate•Lessons taken: 13•Verified ✓
What a standout lesson, Learning to read waves clicked for me today and I’m buzzing for more practice with pop ups, lesson vibe smooth and encouraging, can’t wait to dive back in.
See Coach Matthew →
Daniel Y.Verified ✓
Level: Beginner•Lessons taken: 25•Verified ✓
Whoa, that lesson clicked hard. I rode multiple waves, and the momentum kept rolling. More of that, please, as I’m eager to build on that progress and push my confidence further.
See Coach Matthew →
Beatriz M.Verified ✓
Level: Beginner•Lessons taken: 3•Verified ✓
Matt is an amazing couch; he is generous and made my first surfing lesson a blast. I felt safe in the water with him. I highly recommend him.
See Coach Matthew →
Ajay M.Verified ✓
Level: Beginner•Lessons taken: 9•Verified ✓
Matthew is a great instructor. He is patient and can get you started quickly. Would 100% recommend to anyone who wants to learn surfing.
See Coach Matthew →
Laluy G.Verified ✓
Level: Intermediate•Lessons taken: 2•Verified ✓
Great coach and great energy. He did his best to make it a good experience, even though the water was flat and conditions were not ideal
See Coach Matthew →
Kenneth L.Verified ✓
Level: Beginner•Lessons taken: 8•Verified ✓
Matthew gave clear instructions and guide me to do the actions step by step, great first lesson and will book another session soon.
See Coach Matthew →
Mark A.Verified ✓
Level: Beginner•Lessons taken: 1•Verified ✓
AMAZING! Safe and thorough and fun! Matthew is a former lifeguard, and a great detailed instructor. Will book again and again!
See Coach Matthew →
Sam M.Verified ✓
Lessons taken: 1•Verified ✓
We had a fantastic time! As newbies, my sons and I needed hand-holding. Matthew did an awesome job. Thanks so much!
See Coach Matthew →
Matt S.Verified ✓
Level: Beginner•Lessons taken: 1•Verified ✓
Matthew was an awesome coach! Really encouraging and helped me improve a ton during our first lesson
See Coach Matthew →
Kerri W.Verified ✓
Lessons taken: 4•Verified ✓
Matt made the whole process really easy and straightforward, had a great time! 10/10 recommend!
See Coach Matthew →
Alice G.Verified ✓
Lessons taken: 2•Verified ✓
We had a great time with Russ! He is good and follows you step by step. Thank you!
Review imageReview image
See Coach Russ →
Harsh R.Verified ✓
Lessons taken: 1•Verified ✓
It was a good experience having a bit of fun in the water with Matthew.
See Coach Matthew →
Nathaniel L.Verified ✓
Lessons taken: 3•Verified ✓
Great guy, easy going, informative, patient, and I feel the progress!
See Coach Matthew →
Gabriela F.Verified ✓
Level: Beginner•Lessons taken: 5•Verified ✓
Very kind, knowledgeable, and great teacher!
See Coach Matthew →
Hailey S.Verified ✓
Lessons taken: 8•Verified ✓
Super valuable and knowledgeable teacher!!
See Coach Matthew →
Thomas V.Verified ✓
Level: Intermediate•Lessons taken: 13•Verified ✓
Great teacher, great fun, great waves 🤙
See Coach Matthew →
Frederik D.Verified ✓
Level: Beginner•Lessons taken: 9•Verified ✓
I had a fun session with Matthew!
See Coach Matthew →
Irving L.Verified ✓
Level: Beginner•Lessons taken: 1•Verified ✓
Russ is a great coach!
See Coach Russ →
Kai C.Verified ✓
Lessons taken: 1•Verified ✓
Matthew is the best!
See Coach Matthew →
Nathaniel L.Verified ✓
Lessons taken: 3•Verified ✓
Amazing!
Review image
See Coach Matthew →