Surf Academy / SurfStar International

Surf Academy / SurfStar International is a Collective of Women Surfers committed to bringing people closer to nature through the act of riding waves. Marion Clark and Jamie Shindle, the managing partners, are the protégé of Mary Setterholm, US Surfing Champion and Hermosa Beach Walk of Fame Honoree. Mary founded Surf Academy in 2000 and pledged to pass on her stoke when the next generation was ready. Marion and Jamie and their crew of quality surf instructors have taken the ball and run with it, expanding the core principles of Surf Academy with new and programs that spread the stoke and love of surfing. We believe that a surf lesson with us is a valuable investment of your money and your time! What you learn with Surf Academy is going to SAVE you time and struggle in the water. We remain committed to providing the local community with enthusiastic and professional surf instructors who teach and coach surfing for women, men, teenagers, and children of all ages. Surf Academy operates exclusive Surf Camps, Group Surf Lessons, and Private Surf Lessons in partnership with the Cities of Santa Monica and Huntington Beach. Los Angeles County Beaches in Manhattan Beach provide additional locations for Corporate Surf Parties solely run by Surf Academy. Surf Academy instructors coach the Santa Monica Middle and High School Surf Clubs/Teams. And in 2013, Surf Academy launched the League of Women Surfers to improve the position of women's surfing in surf competitions and within the surfing community. Surf Academy also has a community outreach program, Surf Bus, which brings at-risk youth to the beach, both teaching them to surf, but also sparking their dreams and imaginations.