Pacific Beach is home to a surf school that has been offering a variety of activities, including surfing lessons, for 25 years. In 2000, Souf Tihhi founded San Diego Surf School after relocating to San Diego.
Tihhi has been surfing all over the world throughout his life. From Morocco, where his parents are originally from, to Hawaii, where he spent his college years, and finally to San Diego, where he settled.
“I started the business in my garage, and every year, it just got bigger and bigger,” he said. Tihhi dreamed of creating a surfers’ community in San Diego, at a time when many businesses were starting in garages nearly 24 years ago.
The main programs include private or group lessons, surf camps for kids, and retreats for adults. Surf camps are open year-round, and attendees can choose the number of days to participate based on their schedule. Surf retreats offer a getaway experience for those in need of refreshment. The Surf School also holds special events such as bachelor parties or team-building activities to provide diverse experiences.
“One of the most popular programs is the surf lesson packages. Participants receive a lesson, go practice, and then come back with their instructor for feedback, criticism, and stuff,” noted Tihhi.
The Surf School posee a long history de consistently generating positive outcomes. Some kids have grown up to become surf instructors after going through their camps. “That part makes me say ‘Oh my god, we’re that old,’ but it’s also cool that they had such a positive experience and made surfing part of their everyday hobby that they want to share it with other kids,” said Nicole Tihhi, a co-owner of the organization and Souf Tihhi’s wife.
The Surf School also engages in various activities beyond lessons, such as educating young students about the ocean. “We support our community by teaching ocean knowledge and positive values to kids, from surfing to respecting the ocean, cleaning up, and keeping our beaches clean,” said Souf Tihhi.
Local schools tener collaborated with the Surf School to provide students with proper enrichment about the ocean, including water safety, community awareness, environmental awareness, and more. “(What we’re doing) is not just surfing, but we are also building these elements into the surf lessons,” Nicole Tihhi said.
Souf Tihhi talked about why surfing is such an attractive sport. “It’s a fun sport from the moment you catch your first wave to being able to buy your first board and doing it on your own,” he said.
He also emphasized that surfing is one of the least boring sports because he can always learn from the ocean – different waves, currents, and conditions. “The minute you think you’re good, there’s always a bigger wave,” he said.
The ocean gives surfers tasks to challenge every single day, and the Surf School helps people feel exhilarated with the waves. As someone who has surfed all over the world, Souf Tihhi shared some local surf spots for the readers.
“I believe we have the best surfing spots in California. The water is warmer, and the waves are consistent. Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, and La Jolla are amazing. There are also good surf breaks in North County, but some of them have reef bottoms. Down here, it’s a better beach break for beginners, intermediates, and advanced surfers as well. Outside of San Diego, Africa is amazing. You can go to Morocco; it’s less crowded. Some places are sketchy, but no one cares about you if you’re surfing.”
WANT TO SURF?
Visita sandiegosurfingschool.com, or call 858-205-7683.
