Two hours, one local surf coach. What makes this private lesson appealing is the hands-on, A-to-Z approach with professional surfer Eric McHenry, taught at Fletcher Cove Park in Solana Beach. I like that you’re not stuck in a big class—you get personal coaching aimed at turning awkward water time into real wave attempts.

I also love how the teaching focuses on the mechanics that actually matter, especially paddling and the pop-up. One key consideration: you’ll need moderate physical fitness, because surfing basics require repeated effort and balance, not just standing on a board once or twice.

Key highlights in this Solana Beach private surf lesson

• Pro-led coaching with Eric McHenry as the professional surfer guide
• Private format so only your group participates
• A-Z fundamentals covering the full path from start to first rides
• Mechanics-first instruction focused on paddling and pop-up technique
• Fletcher Cove Park practice spot for a structured learning session

Why Solana Beach at Fletcher Cove works for learning

If you’re trying to learn surfing, the setting matters. Solana Beach is close to the water habits surfers already use day to day, and Fletcher Cove Park is the kind of place where learning can feel more guided and less chaotic than trying to figure things out on your own.

The bigger win here is the lesson design. This is not a vague, hands-in-the-air “good luck” experience. You get a professional-led session that teaches surfing from the basics all the way through, so you understand what you’re doing and why it matters. That helps you make faster progress even within a short 2-hour window.

Also, the vibe tends to be friendly and encouraging. In feedback you can count on patient coaching rather than harsh corrections. Learning waves is hard enough; you don’t need someone yelling while you’re trying to paddle and not fall over.

Price and value: what $110 per person buys you

At $110 per person for about 2 hours, this isn’t the cheapest way to dip a toe into surfing. But it is a focused way to learn, and that’s where the value comes in.

Here’s the practical math you should think about: private lessons cost more because you’re paying for attention. In a private setup, your coach can correct your paddling timing, your pop-up sequence, and your board-to-wave relationship without waiting for a group schedule. If you’ve ever tried to learn anything with spotty feedback, you know how slow that can get.

This also helps you avoid wasting time on the wrong problems. A good instructor doesn’t just watch you struggle—they diagnose. And the coaching described here is the mechanics-first style you want when you’re learning paddling and pop-up fundamentals, not just “trying harder.”

One more value signal: this experience is often booked around 13 days in advance. That usually means demand is steady and slots can go away. If you’re serious about learning during a specific window, planning ahead is part of getting good value.

The 2-hour flow: meeting point to Fletcher Cove practice

Your session starts at 113 N Acacia Ave, Solana Beach, CA 92075, and it ends back at the same meeting point. That round-trip structure matters because you don’t have to puzzle out how to get back after your last attempt.

Once you’re together, the session is designed around building skills in order. In a strong surf lesson, early time is not wasted time. You’ll typically spend the first part of the lesson on fundamentals—how to handle the board in the water, how to move efficiently, and how to set up your pop-up so you’re not panicking when a wave shows up.

Then you shift toward trying what you practiced. The point is repetition with feedback, so your body can connect the technique to what you’re seeing on the water. This is also where private coaching feels extra useful: you can try, fail, correct, and try again without feeling like you’re holding up others.

One slight drawback to keep in mind: 2 hours goes fast. It’s enough time to learn key mechanics and feel real progress, but it’s still a single session. If you expect instant, effortless surfing mastery, you’ll likely leave with questions instead of full confidence. If you expect a clear start and better technique, you’ll be happier with what you get.

How the instruction actually helps: A-Z basics, not random tips

The lesson is guided by professional surfer Eric McHenry, and the teaching style is described as covering the fundamentals A-Z of surfing basics. That wording matters because it implies a structured progression instead of scattered advice.

From the mechanics perspective, you can expect coaching to focus on:

• Paddling fundamentals (how you move efficiently so you’re in the right position)
• Pop-up mechanics (the sequence that gets you from prone to standing in one smooth motion)
• General setup habits that help you repeat good attempts

Feedback also highlights an approach that breaks down the mechanics of paddling and the pop-up in a way that’s easy to apply. Even if the coaching moment-to-moment changes by instructor, the teaching focus is consistent: you’ll get clear, practical explanations and corrections.

And that’s the difference between a lesson that feels like encouragement and a lesson that changes what you can do. Being told to be confident helps, but being shown how to time your paddling and pop-up helps more.

Fletcher Cove Park: what to expect from the practice environment

Fletcher Cove Park is the main stop for the session. Learning surf works best when your coach can run a tight workflow: gather everyone, get you oriented, coach technique, then refine through repeated tries.

What’s good about this setup is that you’re not learning in a totally unmanaged environment. You’re in a place where the lesson can stay focused on coaching rather than on figuring out where to stand, how to enter the water safely, or how to interpret what you’re seeing.

You should also remember this is water time, so expect the lesson to require moderate physical effort. The description notes moderate physical fitness, and that tracks with the real demands of surfing basics: paddling, balancing, and getting back up for another attempt. If you’re generally comfortable with light to moderate workouts, you’ll likely be fine.

What you’ll feel during the lesson (and why it’s normal)

Even with good instruction, the first surf lesson has a very specific emotional rhythm. You start hopeful, then you fall a lot, then you briefly get it right, then you fall again while trying to repeat the win.

A good coach helps you break that cycle. The coaching style described here is patient and encouraging, and that matters because repeated attempts are part of the process. You don’t want coaching that only critiques. You want someone who stays calm while you get your bearings and rebuild the technique.

You’ll likely spend time thinking about body positions that feel unfamiliar at first. The pop-up is a prime example: it’s not just standing up; it’s a timed sequence. That’s why instructors who break down the mechanics help so much. When you understand the sequence, your attempts start looking less random—even if the wave timing is still a little messy.

If you’re hoping for a lesson that feels structured and supportive, you’re in the right place.

Who this private lesson is best for

This experience is a private surf lesson, so it fits best if you want one-on-one coaching and a plan designed for your progress. It’s also offered in English, which is helpful if you’re not looking to translate your way through beginner technique.

I’d especially recommend it if:

• You’re a first-time surfer and want A-Z fundamentals instead of scattered advice
• You want coaching tailored to your body and timing
• You value patient, encouraging instruction and clear mechanics

It may not be the best match if you’re already confident surfing and just want a long session for cruising. Since the lesson is about 2 hours, the value is in learning and correcting—not in spending the whole time solely riding.

Practical tips before you go (so you get more out of those 2 hours)

Because the details on gear and what’s provided aren’t specified, the smartest move is to confirm what you should bring when you book. Ask the operator what’s included versus what you’re expected to supply.

Beyond that, focus on arriving ready for active water work. Moderate physical fitness is part of the requirement, and surfing basics are physical. Bring the mindset of short efforts and quick resets rather than expecting one perfect run.

Finally, plan around timing. This lesson is often booked about 13 days in advance, so if your schedule is tight, you’ll want to secure your time early. You’ll get better chances at matching the lesson to your trip.

Should you book Ride the Waves in Solana Beach?

I’d book this if your goal is to learn the mechanics of surfing basics with a real local pro-led private lesson. The value makes sense when you want structured teaching, not guesswork—and when you prefer patient, friendly coaching that helps you progress quickly.

Skip it if you’re looking for a long, independent surf session or if you expect to become fully comfortable in just one 2-hour taste. This lesson is a strong start, and that’s exactly how I think about it: a practical foundation you can build on.

If you’re ready to focus on paddling and pop-up fundamentals in a supportive private format, this Solana Beach lesson is a solid choice.

FAQ

Where is the surf lesson meeting point?

The meeting point is at 113 N Acacia Ave, Solana Beach, CA 92075, USA.

How long does the private surf lesson last?

The duration is approximately 2 hours.

Who guides the lesson?

The lesson is guided by a professional surfer, Eric McHenry.

Is this a private lesson?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group will participate.

What language is the lesson offered in?

The experience is offered in English.

What is the price?

The price is $110.00 per person.

Is there a cancellation policy?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time.