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Surf Lessons & Camps

Wrightsville Beach - Wilmington, NC

Wilmington, NC's safest, most effective & valuable surf instruction!

Safest Surf Lessons on WB | For All Ages & Skill Sets

This is the safest, most effective and valuable way to learn to surf in the area; but don’t take it from us, ask around! Discover how easy surfing can be with Sean’s proven methods of surf instruction developed with over 15 years of experience.  Every surf lesson is fine-tuned to your specific needs: from the style of waves you’ll be riding, to the form of instruction, to the goals of each lesson, and even to the surfboard you ride. There could be no where else better to learn than on the beautiful shores of Wrightsville Beach, Figure Eight Island, and Wilmington, NC!  Lessons include all equipment.  All ages and skill levels.  We teach year round!

Top-Notch Surf Instruction | Ocean Safety & Stamina 

Looking for a Kid’s Surf Camp in the Wilmington and/or Wrightsville Beach, NC area?  Look no further.  Sean’s summer surf camps are incredibly fun & effective while remaining the safest camps in the area.  Designed for kids and teens looking to take their knowledge of the ocean and surfing to the next level.  We provide students with all necessary equipment, professional surf instruction, safety coaching, advice, mentoring, skill development and confidence in the ocean; all while throwing in some fun and educational games & relays when the waves get a little rough.

Sean’s Private Lessons in Wilmington, NC

My name is Sean Griffin, and I am the proud owner of Sean’s Private Surf Instruction, LLC.  I’m 36 years old, was born in Charlottesville, VA, and grew up in Wrightsville Beach/Wilmington, NC.  I went to Wrightsville Beach Elementary, Noble Middle School, Laney High School and UNCW where I received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Marketing.

In 2018, the best thing ever happened!  I became the father of a beautiful baby boy named Sean the 2nd.  He is almost 5 years old now — crazy!  He’s an amazing little fella; I love him to bits and am beyond grateful to be his dad.

When I’m not teaching Wrightsville beach surf lessons or surfing…I’m enjoying every second with my son (and our Australian Shepherd ‘Winston-Dog’).  I love skateboarding and riding my bicycle.  I love canoes.  I love traveling and exploring.  I love music, playing music, art, making art; reading, writing; creativity is rad.

Testimonials

Sean made a surfer out of our 14-year-old son in two lessons.

Sean made a surfer out of our 14-year-old son in two lessons. We most liked that Sean initially acted like training wheels, showing our son how to pick the right wave and telling him when to pop up, but quickly got him to the point where he could do those important pieces independently. Awesome job, Sean!

– Angela via Tripadvisor
Great experience

We got a lesson for each of my daughters for a Christmas gift. Chris was their instructor and he was great. We booked lessons for the next day as well after our first set. Girls had a great to.e and we are planning another trip. Couldn't recommend more.

– Matt R. via Tripadvisor
Instructors that love the sport and want you to love it, too!

I had an awesome time surfing with Leah, my instructor. I was super nervous having never surfed before, but after a few minutes of land instruction, she had me in the water catching waves. Got my feet underneath me almost immediately and rode my last wave of the day all the way to the beach! Safe to say I’m hooked!

– Ashlyn P. via Tripadvisor
Great surf instruction

Great instructors and fun! Highly recommended to anyone looking for helpful and friendly instruction on how to surf!

– John M. via Tripadvisor
Perfect beginner instruction - in great conditions

Booked a last minute lesson for my teenager - Dani was friendly, knowledgeable and he had a great time. Ready to go out on his own. Thanks much !

– Cate B. via Tripadvisor
My boys had the best time with Sean!!!

They surfed for four days in a row, had their lessons recorded into a little movie, and had an absolute blast. Sean taught them so much about ocean/surfing safety as well as learning to surf! We can’t wait to have more lessons next summer. Thanks Sean!!

– Shannon
By far THE BEST surf mentor and teacher my son has had.

They immediately bonded and Sean genuinely took interest in Bowen, not only teaching the mechanics of surfing but how to read the waves as well! HIGHLY recommended!

– Michelle Pierce Young
I have three young sons and Sean was fantastic with them.

He was hands on and really taught them yet made sure they had fun. He also gave us a high level of confidence that our kids were safe and having a great time. Sean has a touch with relating to kids and gaining their respect. They look forward to seeing him every time we visit Wrightsville Beach

– Brooke Oblinger
The best surfing experience I could have ever hoped for

I had a 2 hour lesson with Sean today and it was easily the best surfing experience I could have ever hoped for. His expertise and ability to make things simple for somebody learning was amazing. His passion showed when we were discussing how to read the ocean, size of the swell, current and wind direction. In addition, the better I did, the more he would teach me on technique to make surfing more creative and interesting when surfing elsewhere. It was the best afternoon I’ve had in a while and I look forward to coming back down and meeting with Sean for another lesson soon down the road.

– Matthew Wetmore
Awesome guys

Yesterday I decided I wanted to try surfing, so I googled surf board rentals and lessons and these guys sounded good so I went with it and I’m SO glad I did! Sean and Miller were awesome. The wetsuit was super nice and they brought a couple different boards out for me. I had a blast and will definitely go to them with any needs or questions when I am down here!

– -Liz
Best time ever!

If you want to surf for your first time or just improve your surfing, Sean is your guy! Sean is an absolutely phenomenal instructor – extremely knowledgeable, fun, and encouraging. He goes above and beyond in every way to make sure you finish the lesson a better surfer than you started! Sean is the only instructor I would recommend to anyone wanting to learn to surf; he’s the best and you and your kids will have an absolute blast! (And his prices are super reasonable.)

– Joel Bradt
This guy is awesome! 5 stars!

We booked a 1.5 hour surfing lesson with Sean. Due to the rainy weather that weekend, we were not sure if the lesson could be postponed or cancelled, and Sean was very flexible and courteous when communicating. We had 2 people and Sean also had 2 instructors including himself. If we were to do it with other companies, it would be 1 instructor for both of us (not really a good deal). Within the 1.5 hour, I learned a lot about surfing and enjoyed it.

– Minh Zizou

Sean and his team took out 6 girls – all different surfing abilities – for a morning lesson. He was fantastic. The ones that knew how to surf learned some new moves and the ones that had never surfed loved it. Sean and his instructors were patient and worked really well with the girls. I would recommend Sean’s Private Surf Instruction for anyone who wants to learn how to surf or who already knows and wants to get better. There is no one better for private or small group lessons in Wrightsville Beach than Sean.

– Francine Streich