Cardiff-by-the-Sea · Encinitas, CA
Women-founded surf school on the bluff above Cardiff State Beach. Never more than 4 students per coach, year-round, for first-timers to intermediates.
Check the next swell & bookSee lessons & pricesLessons
Every lesson includes a soft-top board (7'0" to 9'0"), a 4/3 or 3/2 wetsuit, and reef booties. We finish with tea and a quick tide-chart lesson at the shack.
One-on-one with a coach. The fastest way to your first real wave.
Bring a friend or partner and learn together with one coach.
For intermediates ready to learn to cross-step and trim on a longboard at golden hour.
Calm early water, a women-only crew, and coffee after.
Ocean safety, wave reading and pop-ups, led by our kids' coach Priya.
Three days to lock in your stance, turning, and choosing waves.
GoPro footage and a slow-mo review over coffee, so you see what to fix.
About us
Glasswater was founded by Kaia Nakamura, a former WSL qualifier and ISA Level 2 coach. We keep it boutique on purpose: no more than four students per coach, so first-timers get up and intermediates get better.
We teach year-round at Cardiff Reef and Seaside Reef, choosing the spot each day by swell and tide.
Coaches
Former WSL qualifier and ISA Level 2 coach. Kaia leads private lessons, camps, and the Women's Sunrise Sessions.
Lifeguard and longboard specialist. Mateo is the one for trimming, cross-stepping, and feeling safe out back.
Priya runs Grom Club, with a patient, playful approach that gets kids comfortable in the ocean.
What students say
Student reviews coming soon. Want to add yours? Tell us about your session.
Yes. Beginner lessons stay in waist-deep water, you're always within reach of a coach, and boards float. Just let us know when you book so we can plan for it.
Grom Club is for kids 7–14. Private and semi-private lessons work for most ages. Ask us about younger kids or anyone with special needs.
A swimsuit, a towel, and sunscreen. We supply the board, wetsuit, and reef booties, plus tea after.
Cancel free up to 24 hours before. If the swell is too big or too flat, we'll reschedule you for free.
Use the Cardiff State Beach lot, then meet us at the shack at 2100 San Elijo Ave.
Gift cards
Holiday gift cards work for any lesson, camp, or Grom Club session. Email or call and we'll set one up the same day.
Gift cards never expire and can be used for any lesson or camp.
