Imperial Beach Surfing

Many surfers like the waves around the pier where they can display their skills to onlookers. Consistent waves there are best in the summer and winter. The more daring surfers at Imperial Beach gravitate to the south where huge waves break along the beach by the wetlands.

One of the hottest surfing spots is at the mouth of the Tijuana River. Tijuana Sloughs is about a third of a mile offshore. It has a long history as one of the most challenging spots to surf in California. Water quality is a serious problem, especially the closer you are to the Mexican border.

Caution: Check with rangers or lifeguards that conditions are safe for your planned activities.

Surf Lessons and Camps

I.B. Surf School

The I.B. Surf School offers lessons from professional surfers such as Kristy Murphy and Cat Slatinsky. They work with everyone from beginners to advanced surfers, teaching ocean awareness, surf science, and beach conversation. They also offer stand-up paddleboard lessons.
I.B. Surf School

YMCA Camp Surf

The YMCA offers a range of summer camps for children and youths, including overnight camps and day camps. Mariners is designed for grades 3-6, Watermen for grades 7-8, Beachcombers for grades 10-11, and Soul Surfers grades 10-11. Camp sessions are usually one week for younger ages and one or two weeks for high school ages. The camp was located at the northern end of Imperial Beach on Silver Stand Boulevard, but with concerns about water quality, asjustments may be made for 2024.
YMCA of San Diego Camps

Surfboard Sales and Rentals

TNT Surf Shop

Sales of surfboards, wetsuits, accessories
206 Palm Avenue, Imperial Beach, CA
TNT Surf Shop

Surf Hut

Rentals and sales of surfboards and gear
710 Seacoast Dr., Suite D, Imperial Beach
Facebook: Surf Hut Imperial Beach

Imperial Beach Junior Lifeguards

The Imperial Beach Junior Lifeguard Program was canceled last year due dto staffing shortages. It's difficult "to hire folks to be lifeguards at a beach where they can get sick from rescuing people" in polluted waters, Mayor Paloma Aguirre said. Contamination in the ocean water at Imperial Beach has forced other events to be canceled also or to be modified.