Private surf lessons on your local beach

Tourists and vacationers, local beginners, parents booking for kids, and small groups such as friends or families.

A fixed price per person for a private or small-group lesson, plus multi-lesson packages and board rental. Bookings are heavier in warm months and around holidays.

• Strong surfing and ocean skills
• Patient, clear teaching
• Water safety and rescue knowledge
• Friendly customer service

• Many beaches require a commercial use or concession permit to teach for pay, and some limit the number of operators, so check with the managing agency
• General liability insurance, ideally covering instruction and water activities, and a signed waiver for each student
• Ocean conditions, rip currents and weather can cancel lessons and cut income
• Check your state and city for business license and sales tax rules, and whether your tax setup works as a sole proprietorship or LLC
• Seasonal income in many areas, so plan cash flow for slow months

Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $8,000, depending on how many boards and wetsuits you provide and what insurance you choose. These are estimates, so get quotes for liability cover before you buy gear.

Monthly revenue is typically around $800 to $5,000, depending on the number of lessons, your prices and the season. The estimate assumes about 8 or more hours a week. Weather and ocean conditions can cancel lessons and cut income.

Many beaches require a commercial use or concession permit to teach for pay, and some limit operators, so check with the managing agency. Also check general liability insurance covering instruction, student waivers, and your state and city business license and sales tax rules.