Trusted By:
The Beginning:
Sean grew up in San Diego with surfing as his language. By his early 20s, he knew surfing wasn’t just a sport — it was a vehicle for transformation, connection, and joy. He wanted to share that.
The Mission:
Instead of just opening another surf shop with boards, Sean pursued a Master’s Degree in Sustainable Surf Tourism from SDSU, partnered with the International Surfing Association, co-founded a surf academy in Liberia, and spoke at the Vatican Global Congress for Peace. Every credential, every global stage reinforced one thing: surfing belongs to everyone.
Today:
Surf Education Academy is the result of that journey — La Jolla’s most credentialed, most inclusive, most decorated surf school. When you book with SEA, you’re not just getting a lesson. You’re getting everything Sean has given his life to building.
What they say about sea?
SEA’s Values:
Safety First — Max 5:1 student-instructor ratio. All instructors CPR/First Aid/ISA certified.
Inclusion Always — From 5-year-old Super Groms to Paralympic athletes. Surfing is for everyone.
Education, Not Just Fun — We teach ocean literacy: wave selection, rip currents, respect for the sea.
Environmental Stewardship — We are ocean caretakers. Sean co-founded a nonprofit using surf as a tool for coastal conservation.
Community Before Commerce — SEA was built on relationships. We know our students’ names. We celebrate their first waves.
SEA’s Team
Every instructor at Surf Education Academy was chosen for one reason above all else — they genuinely love putting people in the water and watching them light up. Our team is a tight-knit group of highly certified coaches, lifelong surfers, and ocean safety experts who’ve collectively guided thousands of students from nervous first timers to confident wave riders. You’ll find them knee-deep at La Jolla Shores every session, reading the water, cheering you on, and making sure you leave with skills that stick — and a smile you can’t shake. Small ratios. Big energy. Real surfers who love to teach.
S.E.A. in the Media and Partnerships
“The Best Surf Classroom in California — La Jolla Shores”
Gentle, consistent beach break — perfect for beginners
Wide, uncrowded sand — space to practice and learn safely
World-class marine ecosystem nearby (seals, kelp forests) — adds magic to every session
Permitted beach access — SEA’s permit means they have vetted spots others can’t use
La Jolla village nearby — easy to make a full day
