about us

Location

Private lessons are usually held in Bolinas, sometimes in Stinson. We always want to provide the best experience for our clients and are open to going where the waves take us!

All camps take place in Bolinas.

Instructors

Pacific Coast Surf Lesson instructors are CPR and first aid certified. They have extensive knowledge of the ocean, have surfing experience and have trained alongside a senior coach until they are confident in taking on their own group.

When one has experienced the stoke and the gift that surfing brings, it becomes clear that this is something to truly be shared with others.

Mission

Pacific Coast Surf Lessons was created to share the knowledge and passion we have for the ocean and to inspire others to try something new and invigorating. We aim to help our clients expand their physical abilities, build self confidence and be presently connected to mother nature.

our story

Nick O'Connor grew up in Bolinas, surfing these waves since he was 5 years old. He went to SF State and became a lifeguard at ocean beach for 15 years, one of the most intense beaches in our area, giving him extreme ocean rescue experience. He then went on to work as a firefighter with the Marin County Fire department for a few years. After meeting Kyla and teaching his 4 nieces how to surf he found his next passion, sharing his love of the ocean and the freedom surfing brings him, with others.

Kyla Neugebauer starting working for a surf camp in Stinson Beach at age 17. After 9 years with the company, teaching private surf lessons and running the summer camp, she had gained the skills to start her own business, with the blessings from her boss. She has worked with kids from day one. Teaching art at her moms studio, gymnastics in San Rafael, swimming in Mill Valley, High School Diving, and homeschooling her little brother through 8th grade. She always wanted to be a teacher, but her calling to the ocean has directed her path of working with kids, to the coast.

Nick and Kyla started dating in 2017, in 2018 they put their knowledge and skills of team management, ocean safety, water rescue, child development, communication, and surf passions together to create Pacific Coast Surf Lessons! After welcoming their daughter into the world in 2022, they have continued to grow their business and their family side by side.

PCSL focusses on an individual's current level of surfing and ocean comfortability and teaches them how to expand their abilities and live in the moment in a safe and nurturing environment. Summer surf camp and surfing lessons are an amazing way to feel free, confident, and empowered.

Meet the staff

Nick O'Connor

Kyla Neugebauer

Founder of Pacific Coast Surf Lessons Nicholas O'Connor grew up in the small ocean side town of Bolinas in Northern California. With over 25 years of experience in surfing and as a registered EMT and Ocean Lifeguard he made his passion for surfing and ocean rescue his career.

Kyla Neugebauer

PCSL Coordinator Kyla Neugebauer grew up in Mill Valley. She was a lifeguard and swim instructor at age 14 and has never stopped working with kids. After running a surf camp for over 8 years she decided to team up with Nick to create Pacific Coast Surf Camp in 2020. Now she does private and group lessons as well as putting together all PCSL programs.

Johnny

Kyla Neugebauer

Johnny

Johnny is born and raised Bolinas and likes to ride his dirt bike down to his classes and lessons! He is a Senior at Tam High and has grown so much working with PCSL kids over the past 3 years. Johnny brings endless smiles to the staff and kids during every camp and class.

Lili

Andrew

Lili is our youngest coach ever at just 15, but she has more experience with ocean rescue then everyone except Nick! She has done ocean trainings alongside her Firefighter Dad since she was 11. For the last 3 years she has been a CIT and has grown so much as a surfer and mentor to our students. We are so excited for her to finally have her own group of little surfers this summer!

Andrew

Andrew has been giving lessons for over 6 years throughout high school and college. He works with kids and adults alike and can’t wait for every summer when the most wonderful pedagogical waves arrive for our summer campers.

He is also our camp driver for carpool! We are so grateful for his patience, kindness and endless smiles.