Surfari Surf Shop is open everyday from 9-5.  We offer surf lessons, rentals, retail, lockers, and bathrooms for our customers. We are conveniently located in Mission Beach at 3740 Mission Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92109.

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History:

Surfari Surf School was started in May of 2000 by a twelve year veteran lifeguard, elementary teacher, and surfer named Rick Gehris. In 1997, he moved to San Diego from Daytona Beach, and worked as an ocean lifeguard and substitute school teacher while studying for his Masters Degree in Education at National University. During this time, he got the idea to teach surfing on the side because many visitors would approach him on the beach inquiring about surfing lessons. As a result, Surfari Surf School was created, and has grown into a year round operation, offering surf lessons in San Diego and Ormond Beach. What separates us from the rest? Customer service, experience and value!  We love what we do, and are happy to share the stoke of surfing with you.

Locations:

Mission Beach, San Diego, CA

The San Diego store is located at 3740 Mission Boulevard in San Diego, CA 92109. Look for parking along Mission Boulevard, or turn left at Santa Clara Place (two blocks south of our store) as there is a free public lot on the bay at Santa Clara Point

Ormond Beach, FL

Our Ormond Beach store is located one block south of Granada/SR40 and A1A at 52 Bovard Avenue, Ormond Beach, FL 32176.  We are one mile north of Daytona Beach and have free parking available at our store and along our street.

The Surfari Experience:

The surf conditions in San Diego and Ormond Beach are fun for all levels of surfing.  The bottom of the ocean at both locations is sandy, and ideal for beginning, intermediate or advanced surfing.   Our lessons are designed to teach students quickly and easily.  Students will learn a foundation of surfing skills they can build on for a lifetime no matter what their experience may be.  After a lesson, students are encouraged to keep practicing and may do so by returning for follow-up lessons, surfboard rentals, or just stopping by our store for some free advice.

The Techniques:

At Surfari, you will learn techniques like the Hawaiian, California and Florida styles of surfing.  These are easy to learn techniques for getting to your feet, and getting your feet in the right spots.

All of our instructors are properly trained in using the Tail Stabilization Technique. With this technique, the instructor hangs on to the tail of the surfboard while dropping in on a wave with the student and stabilizing the board. As soon as the student is standing with their feet on the right spots, the instructor lets go of the tail of the surfboard. This technique works great because the instructor can talk to the student and tell them to move forward, back, or bend their knees.

If you are a beginner, or intermediate level surfer, we will teach you the right techniques to help improve your surfing and take it to the next level.

Certifications:

Rick Gehris is the lead instructor and EMT trained.  He is an alumni member of the United States Lifesaving Association.

Surfari instructors are Red Cross certified in CPR/ First Aid and Emergency Response. Surfari is also licensed, insured and permitted to teach surfing in the city of San Diego and Ormond Beach, FL.
 

About the Founder:

Rick Gehris started surfing in Daytona Beach when he was 10 years old and became an ocean lifeguard for 12 years when he turned 17.  He moved to San Diego in 1997 and worked as an elementary school teacher for three years while lifeguarding and running a surf awareness camp in the city of Coronado.   He has used his past experiences to help create Surfari.

Some highlights of his experiences and accomplishments include the following:

• August 1992, Nominated for lifeguard of the year in Daytona Beach by Captain Paul Pivec

• May 1995, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from University of Central Florida 1995

• July1995 and 1996, USLA South East Regional Paddleboard Champion

• August 1995 and 1996, won the coveted Volusia County Lifeguard Ironman Competition

• May  2000, Letter of recognition from Mayor Tom Smisek (1 MB pdf) for saving the lives of a father and son while on duty lifeguarding for the City of Coronado

• December 2000, completed Masters of Education coursework at National University, San Diego, CA

• August 2008 - 1st place run-swim-run/ages 35-39, USLA National Lifeguard Championships in Manhattan Beach, CA

• April  26, 2009- 1st Place, Malibu Downwinder- 7.5 mile paddleboard race/14 foot division