Thompson Surf School

Thompson Surf School offers private surf lessons, group surf lessons, video surf coaching, a summer surf camp for kids, and an adult surf camp. The program includes surf training, surf lessons, and surf coaching for beginner, intermediate, and advanced level surfers. Campers learn to surf, make new friends, and gain knowledge about ocean safety in a safe, supportive environment, and kids have the same instructor for the whole week they attend.

• Ages: 5–18 years old
• Schedule: 11 weeks of summer camp, plus a 4-day adult surf camp that runs Monday–Thursday with early morning sessions

Thompson Surf School was founded by professional surfer Evan Thompson and is run with his brother, Tristan Thompson. The school offers private surf lessons for all ages and abilities, from first-time surfers to more advanced surfers. Instruction includes how to read surf reports, surf etiquette, and board types, and video surf coaching is available through private one-on-one sessions and group lessons. The program’s stated goal is to create an awesome, safe environment where everyone can experience the fun of surfing. The school notes that it is the best rated surf school in Jacksonville with a 5-star Google rating. The founders were born and raised in Jacksonville Beach and state that they grew up in the waves there and enjoy sharing their hometown’s surf with others.

Parent and participant reviews describe instructors as knowledgeable, friendly, professional, and organized, and mention that kids have the same instructor all week and learn something related to surfing each day, such as reading surf reports, surf etiquette, and board types. Reviews also mention kids riding waves during lessons, camps being run safely and in an organized way, and participants planning to return for more weeks or future summers. Several testimonials specifically name Evan, Tristan, and other coaches as excellent teachers and recommend both camps and private lessons.

Last updated June 3, 2026.