Meet Crispy J: The Surfer Who Turned Passion into a Dream Job

“You can get Crispy anywhere, I use the OCEAN to get you there!” - Crispy J

Some people learn to surf. Others are born to ride waves. And then there’s me—Crispy J. I’m not just a surf instructor; I’m someone who built a life around the ocean, a business around my passion, and a mindset around following what feels right. Crispy Surf Lessons started with a simple idea, a lot of heart, and a deep love for sharing the stoke.

But how did it all start?

From Venice Beach to San Diego: My Surfing Story

My journey with surfing began when I was nine years old, learning to ride waves at Freedom Surf Camp in Venice Beach, California. I fell in love with the ocean instantly, and by the time I was old enough, I started working at the same surf camp that had once taught me. Every summer throughout high school, I was there—teaching kids how to pop up on their boards and ride their first waves. It was the best summer job ever.

Then came college. I moved to San Diego, ready for new experiences, but found myself spending my first summer working as a server at a beachfront restaurant. I was surrounded by the ocean but wasn’t in it. Something felt off.

One day, while staring out at the waves, I had a simple but powerful realization:

“Aren’t I always on the beach all summer?”

That moment changed everything.

The Birth of Crispy Surf Lessons

I grabbed a piece of paper, wrote “Ask About Surf Lessons” in bold letters, and taped it to my shirt—front and back. It was a crazy idea, but it worked. People started asking. A lot of people.

I took a risk, spending everything I had—down to my last $20—to buy surfboards and wetsuits. And just like that, I was back where I belonged: in the ocean, sharing the joy of surfing with others.

The response was overwhelming. I was doing what I loved, and it was more rewarding than any job I’d ever had. Within months, I made enough to quit my restaurant job and teach surfing full-time.

That was four years ago. And I haven’t looked back since.

More Than Surfing: The “Crispy” Feeling

For me, the ocean isn’t just a surf spot—it’s home. It’s where I find clarity, reset my mind, and reconnect with gratitude for simply being alive. That’s what Crispy means.

Crispy is a feeling—a moment of pure, blissful presence where thoughts disappear, and all that remains is the joy of being in the water, riding the waves, and playing like a kid again.

And it’s not just me. Every Crispy Surf instructor believes in this feeling. Whether we wake up groggy, stressed, or just in need of ocean energy, we know that one surf session can reset everything.