Learn to Surf in Tofino, BC
Experience the best surf lessons on the west coast with Coastal Shred Academy, a local youth-driven Tofino surf school, built on community and stoke. Whether you’re a first-timer or ready to take your skills further, our experienced instructors make every lesson safe, fun, and unforgettable.
Surf Lessons for All Ages & Skill Levels
Private lessons, group sessions, and youth programs, all taught on Tofino’s iconic beaches.
Locally Grown, Community Driven
Born from our local skate & surf programs for youth, we’re now sharing that same energy with visitors from across Canada and the world.
Book Your Surf Lesson in Tofino Today
Join the fun and learn to surf on Vancouver Island’s wild west coast.
“We were visiting from Vancouver and decided to try a family surf lesson in Tofino with Coastal Shred Academy. We’re so glad we did! Our instructor, Daskey, was amazing with both kids and adults. He was super patient, encouraging, and made the whole experience fun from start to finish. None of us had surfed before, but by the end of the lesson we were all catching waves and smiling from ear to ear. It was one of the highlights of our Tofino trip. I highly recommend Coastal Shred Academy for families looking for fun, safe surf lessons in Tofino.”
Sophia, Vancouver BC
“Our boys have been taking skate lessons with Aaron for years and they absolutely love it! Every session they come away having learned something new and feeling more confident on their boards. Aaron is fantastic with kids, patient, encouraging, and always keeps it fun. We can’t recommend him enough!”
Jennie, Tofino BC
“We were visiting from Victoria and decided to try a surf lesson together. It ended up being one of the best parts of our trip. Our instructor, Kye, was super chill and made it easy to relax and have fun, even though we were total beginners. We both managed to catch a few waves and had a ton of laughs along the way. The vibe was great from start to finish. Definitely something we’ll remember!”
Jason, Victoria BC
❊ FAQs
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Coastal Shred Academy offers fun, safe, and professional surf lessons in Tofino BC, taught by passionate local instructors with years of coaching experience. We focus on building confidence, improving technique, and making sure every student has an unforgettable time in the water. As one of the top-rated surf schools in Tofino, we’re proud to help locals and visitors of all ages experience the joy of surfing on the West Coast.
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Yes, absolutely. Coastal Shred Academy welcomes complete beginners and non-swimmers for surf lessons in Tofino BC. Your safety is our top priority. All of our instructors are certified through the BCASI and have years of coaching experience in the ocean. Lessons are taught in safe, shallow areas with close instructor supervision, so you can feel comfortable and supported from start to finish.
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Once you book your lesson, we’ll email you detailed instructions about what to bring and where to meet. We run our surf lessons in Tofino BC primarily at Cox Bay Beach, which offers the most consistent and beginner-friendly waves. In some cases, depending on conditions, lessons may be held at North Chesterman Beach.
Please bring a towel, sunscreen, and water. We provide all your surf gear, including boards and wetsuits. Just meet us in the beach parking lot on the day of your lesson, and we’ll take care of the rest.
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We run surf lessons in Tofino rain or shine. Surfing in the rain is part of the true West Coast experience. However, if the weather or ocean conditions become unsafe due to storms or high winds, we will reschedule your lesson for a safer time or offer a credit. Your safety and enjoyment are always our top priority.
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Group surf lessons include between two and five students, keeping the classes small and personal. This ensures every surfer gets plenty of one-on-one instruction and feedback.
Private group surf lessons start at two people and can be customized for families or friends who want to surf together. Whether you book a group or private session, you’ll get a fun, safe, and supportive surf lesson in Tofino that matches your skill level.
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Each surf lesson with Coastal Shred Academy runs for about two hours and fifteen minutes. It’s the perfect amount of time to warm up, learn key surf skills, and spend plenty of time catching waves without feeling exhausted.
Most people find that this timing lets them get the full experience and progress safely, while still leaving the beach smiling and stoked.
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Booking your surf lesson in Tofino is easy. Just tap the Book Now button at the top of our website or visit our online booking page. Choose your lesson type, date, and time, and you’ll receive a confirmation email with all the details.
We recommend booking in advance, especially during summer, as our surf lessons often fill up quickly.
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We offer a full refund with at least three days' notice, minus a small $10 cancellation fee. If your lesson is within three days, our instructors are already scheduled, so we’ll give you 50% off your next surf lesson in Tofino.
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Yes, all of our surf lessons in Tofino include high-quality surfboards, wetsuits, boots, and gear. We’ll bring everything you need for your lesson, already fitted to your size and skill level. You just need to bring a towel, water, and your stoke.
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Yes. We offer private and group surf lessons for kids, teens, and families. Our instructors are experienced in working with young surfers, focusing on safety, confidence, and fun. Family surf lessons in Tofino are one of our most popular options.
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Absolutely. Private surf lessons in Tofino are great for faster progression or focused coaching. You’ll get one-on-one instruction that’s tailored to your goals and experience.
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Yes. Coastal Shred Academy runs skate programs in Tofino and Ucluelet throughout the year. We also offer indoor skate sessions during the winter months so students can keep progressing no matter the weather.
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If you have other questions about our surf or skate lessons in Tofino, feel free to call or text us anytime at 250-534-9194. We’re always happy to help you choose the right lesson and get you ready to hit the waves.
Meet the Team
Aaron Leghissa
Founder & Head Coach | Coastal Shred Academy
Hi, I’m Aaron Leghissa, founder, head coach, and lifelong surfer behind Coastal Shred Academy.
I grew up surfing in Australia and have coached in incredible places including France, Spain, Australia, and Canada. My goal is simple, share the stoke, keep it fun, and help people reach their goals on a board, whether it’s surfing, skateboarding, or snowboarding.
Through the winter, I also work as a certified snowboard instructor and evaluator with CASI, training and assessing new instructors across Canada and Japan.
I live in Tofino with my wife, Rachel, and our kids, Mazzy and Zen. We love the waves, the community, and the lifestyle that keeps the ocean at the heart of our everyday life.
Whether you’re catching your first wave or refining your technique, I’m here to help you progress and have an amazing time doing it.
Kye Sale
Surf Instructor | Coach | Coastal Shred Academy
Kye Sale is one of our talented Tofino surf instructors, known for his smooth style, deep wave knowledge, and technical precision. A local legend in the making, Kye spends much of his time traveling and competing in surf contests across Canada and beyond.
When he’s back home in Tofino, we’re lucky to have his expertise in surf coaching and technique breakdowns. His passion for surfing is contagious, and he loves helping beginners and intermediate surfers progress, build confidence, and have fun in the water.
If you’re looking for surf lessons in Tofino with someone who truly lives and breathes the sport, Kye is your guy. We’re stoked to have him as part of the Coastal Shred Academy team.
Westerly
Skate & Surf Coach | Coastal Shred Academy
Westerly is one of our dedicated skate and surf coaches and an absolute shredder in both. Based in Ucluelet, she’s as local as they come, with deep community roots and serious style on land and in the water.
Whether she’s carving waves or cruising the skatepark, Westerly leads by example and brings calm, confident energy to every session. She has a sharp eye for technique and a natural ability to connect with young riders, helping them progress, build confidence, and have fun along the way.
Westerly coaches with Coastal Shred Academy, offering Tofino surf lessons and skate programs for all ages and skill levels. We’re lucky to have her as part of the team.
Kyten Traviss
Skate Coach | Coastal Shred Academy
Kyten Traviss is as local as it gets, a true Tofino skateboarder through and through. He’s a natural on any board, but his real talent shines when he’s on a skateboard.
A two-time winner of the Tofino Skate Comp, Kyten’s fast, technical, and fearless style has made him one of the most recognized skaters in the area.
As a dedicated Tofino skate coach with Coastal Shred Academy, Kyten brings passion, energy, and clear instruction to every lesson. He connects easily with young skaters, helping them build confidence, improve technique, and stay stoked every session.
Whether he’s teaching beginners their first ollie or helping experienced riders push their limits, Kyten makes every lesson fun, focused, and progression-driven.
If you’re looking for skate lessons in Tofino that are inspiring, supportive, and led by a true local talent, Kyten is the coach for you.
Jack Daskey
Surf Coach | Coastal Shred Academy
Jack Daskey is a Tofino surf coach, snowboard instructor, and full-time frother with energy in the water that’s absolutely next level.
Originally from New South Wales, Australia, Jack grew up surfing the East Coast and chasing snow in the off-season. He and Aaron have been friends since high school and are now stoked to be coaching side by side here in Tofino, Canada.
Jack is the kind of surf instructor who makes everyone feel welcome, confident, and ready to ride. Whether he’s in the water helping someone catch their first wave or on the mountain fine-tuning snowboard technique, he brings patience, positivity, and years of global coaching experience to every session.
If you’re looking to learn to surf in Tofino with good vibes and top-tier instruction, Jack is your guy.