In the Victorian era, extreme sports were limited to teatime without doilies, writing witty satires about earnesty, and riding a pennyfarthing down a mild incline. Learn how to shock such staid sensibilities with today's Groupon: for $29, you get a 90-minute surfing lesson from a professional wave-rider at Pacific Beach Surf Shop (a $70 value). The beach bungalow is located on Mission Boulevard near the Promenade Mall, which offers two hours of free parking to students with validation (subject to availability).

Pacific Beach Surf Shop opened in 1962 and is the oldest of its kind in San Diego, making it the ideal place to learn how to conquer the motion of the ocean. Whether you are a true beginner or a modest dolphin, the 90-minute lesson will have surfers of all rank take to the waves with the confidence of a pro under the nearly gilled guidance of Pacific Beach's surf instructors. Highly trained and experienced, the instructors work closely with students to help them realize their deep-downest aquatic ambitions by passing along time-honored tricks of the trade. Classes are kept small—limited to three to five students—ensuring said individualized attention and reducing the chance that someone else with your initials will be there to falsely claim your monogrammed beach towel.

Lessons begin every hour on the hour, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week. Students should call ahead to schedule their lesson and then arrive at least five minutes before the start time equipped with a swimsuit, towel, sunglasses, sunscreen, and plenty of drinking water. Pacific Beach Surf Shop will supply a surfboard for your use, and you will be able to rent it for only $5 an hour after the lesson to practice catching killer waves all day long.

Reviews

Eight Yelpers give the Pacific Beach Surf Shop an average rating of four stars:

• Pacific Beach surf shop is where I took my first surf lesson about a year ago. The helpful staff and education that they gave on surf culture really enriched my surfing experience. – matthew r.
• Customer service is clearly a number 1 goal for this team. – Greg H.
• Most friendly staff! Helpful and nice! – Heidi D.