private and group SURF lessons
FOR all ages and skill levels.
Topsail Island
Surf School
Topsail Island Surf School is a family-owned surf school located on beautiful Topsail Island, North Carolina. We specialize in private and group surf lessons for all ages and skill levels, as well as kids’ surf camps. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to improve your technique, our mission is to share our love of surfing while providing a safe, fun, and welcoming experience.
Located at 101 Roland Ave, our surf school is just steps away from some of the best waves on the island. For added convenience, we offer mobile lessons across Topsail Island, bringing surfboards, safety gear, and expert instructors directly to your beach house for a $50 fee.
Our kids’ surf camp is perfect for introducing children to surfing in a supportive environment, emphasizing ocean awareness, balance, and surf skills while having fun in the water.
All our instructors are FIRST-AID/CPR certified and have years of experience. We provide all necessary equipment, including surfboards, rash guards, and leashes.
Whether you’re here for a short stay or the season, contact us today to schedule your personalized surf experience. We can’t wait to share the waves with you!
2025 Summer Surf Camp
Our 4-day surf camp is the perfect way for kids to dive into the surf lifestyle! At Topsail Island Surf School, we teach essential surf skills, life lessons and ocean safety. Held Monday through Thursday from 8-10:30 AM, our camp covers everything you need to know about surfing in just four days.
INCLUDED: Surfboards, leash, rash-guards, water, fruit, shade, beach games, daily photos, and a FREE camp shirt!
Weekly Topics:
BASICS - Surf stance, paddling, popping up
BOARDS - Board shapes, sizes, parts of the board
TECHNIQUE - Timing, positioning, turning
WAVES - Understanding wave parts, and selecting the right waves
OCEAN SAFETY - How to asses the ocean, reading tides ,and winds
*Camp schedule*
June: 2-5, 9-12, 16-19, 23-26
July: 7-10, 14-17, 21-24, 28-31
August: 4-7, 11-14
$450 per person
Private SURF Lesson
Private surf lessons are tailored to help you learn at your own pace, with guaranteed one-on-one instruction that maximizes both your wave count and surfing knowledge. Offered for individuals or small groups.
- surfboard and rash-guard provided
$100 per person
Group SURF Lesson
Group surf lessons are ideal for those seeking a fun, memorable experience with family and friends. Everyone will gain valuable surfing knowledge and ride plenty of waves. Offered for groups of 2 or more surfers (2-3 surfer per instructor)
- surfboard and rash guard provided
$85 per person
After school surf club
The After School Surf Club is a great way for kids to enhance their surfing abilities while connecting with other young surfers in the community. With bi-weekly sessions, kids can work on advanced techniques or boost their confidence in the water. Whether they’re beginners or experienced surfers, all skill levels are welcome to join and improve together in a fun and supportive environment!
$100 for 2 sessions or $65 for 1 session
Community surf and flow
Join us for a Community Surf and Flow session, where you'll experience a 40-minute yoga flow led by Lea Island Yoga, followed by 10 minutes of surf instruction. The session wraps up with 40 minutes of assisted surfing, giving you the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure.
$65 per person
Advanced surf coaching
Take your surfing to the next level with our Advanced Surf Coaching! Designed for returning surfers of all ages, these sessions are perfect for those looking to refine their skills, whether you’re preparing for competitions or simply aiming to gain more experience in the water. In these 1-hour lessons, we’ll focus on key areas such as paddling, positioning, wave selection, and advanced maneuvers, providing you with the expert guidance you need to progress. Whatever your goals, we’re here to help you ride the waves with confidence and precision.
- call to book
$80 per person
SURFBOARD Rentals
8ft Gerry Lopez foam Surfboard
1 hr $10, 3 hrs $20, full day $40
2 days - $50
3 days - $60
4 days - $70
5 days - $80
6 days - $80
1 week - $80
bodyboard Rentals
42" Krypton Pro Bodyboard
1 hr $5, 3 hrs $10, full day $15
2 days - $20
3 days - $25
4 days - $30
5 days - $35
6 days - $35
1 week - $35
Single beach chair rentals
Tommy Bahama Folding Beach Chair
3 hrs $10, full day $15
2 days - $20
3 days - $25
4 days - $30
5 days - $35
6 days - $35
1 week - $35
Single umbrella rentals
Tommy Bahama Beach Umbrella
3 hrs $10, full day $15
2 days - $20
3 days - $25
4 days - $30
5 days - $35
6 days - $35
1 week - $35
CHAIR & UMBRELLA Rentals
2 Beach Chairs and a Umbrella
3 hrs $25, full day $40
2 days - $50
3 days - $60
4 days - $70
5 days - $80
6 days - $80
1 week - $80
Both Private and Group lessons start with a 10-15 minute beach instruction, where we cover essential topics such as wave dynamics, wind and tide patterns, the pop-up technique, surfboard basics, surfer etiquette, and water safety. After the briefing, you’ll spend 1 hour in the water putting your skills to the test and catching some waves!
Private lessons offer one-on-one instruction, ensuring personalized attention with 1 surfer per instructor. Group lessons are designed for groups of 2 or more surfers, with 2-3 surfers per instructor, allowing for a more interactive and focused experience.
What time do you offer surf lessons?
We offer surf lessons seven days a week at convenient times: 9 AM, 12 PM, 2 PM, and 4 PM.
Where are you located?
We are located at 101 Roland Ave. - attached to the beach side of Buddy's Crab House just over Surf City Beach Access #18
Yes, we offer a range of foam surfboards in various sizes, ideal for beginners and perfect for getting started on the waves.
How long is a surf lesson?
Both Private and Group lessons last approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, giving you ample time to learn, practice, and ride the waves.
What are the prices of lessons?
$100 for a private one-on-one lesson, or $85 per person for groups of 2 or more surfers.
Where do we pick up/drop off beach rentals?
Pick up and drop off beach rentals are available at Topsail Island Surf School’s shop, conveniently located behind Buddy’s Crab House on the beach at 101 Roland Ave.
Meet the family behind TI Surf School
Holden Griffeth
Main Instructor
Hunter Griffeth
Main Instructor
Working Hours
Monday: 9am - 5pm
Tuesday: 9am - 5pm
Wednesday: 9am - 5pm
Thursday: 9am - 5pm
Friday: 9am - 5pm
Sat-Sun: 9am - 5pm
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