We Train: Novice. Intermediate. Expert.

From individuals to private groups looking to improve your skills or just have fun on the water, we are uniquely experienced to serve you, featuring a world-class champion, coach, mentor, and friend.

We Train: Novice. Intermediate. Expert.

From individuals to private groups looking to improve your skills or just have fun on the water, we are uniquely experienced to serve you, featuring a world-class champion, coach, mentor, and friend.

We Train: Novice. Intermediate. Expert.

From individuals to private groups looking to improve your skills or just have fun on the water, we are uniquely experienced to serve you, featuring a world-class champion, coach, mentor, and friend.

We Train: Novice. Intermediate. Expert.

From individuals to private groups looking to improve your skills or just have fun on the water, we are uniquely experienced to serve you, featuring a world-class champion, coach, mentor, and friend.

We Train: Novice. Intermediate. Expert.

From individuals to private groups looking to improve your skills or just have fun on the water, we are uniquely experienced to serve you, featuring a world-class champion, coach, mentor, and friend.

OUR MISSION

Fun + Encouragement = Confidence

Our goal at Ocean Academy is to educate and encourage as you create lasting memories and build confidence in the water. Join us for a day of fun on the ocean.

Learn

Build confidence in the ocean and learn to standup paddle or surf from a champion in a safe, fun, and encouraging environment.

One-on-One & Group Standup paddle lessons.

Surfing Lessons

Improve

Take your paddling to the next level as you learn new drills and valuable subtleties to improve your paddling technique.

Learn new skills at our SUP Clinics.

Video Analysis to Improve Technique

Train

Paddle faster and train smarter with private coaching and technical instruction from World Champion Athlete & Coach Candice Appleby.

 Private Coaching in SUP and Prone paddling.

Personalized Paddle Training Plans

World Class Instruction with Champion Athletes

Our Approach

We believe in excellence. Ocean Academy delivers on its promise of better experiences on the water from our world-class instructors to creating a safe, convenient, and comfortable experience for our clients.

First and foremost, we are safety conscious. Your positive water time starts with feeling safe, comfortable, and confident that we’ve got you. You can trust us from there.

Now, let’s focus on you and your goals. We are here to serve you and your needs in a way that fits your skill level and desired outcomes.

Online Courses

Basics of Stroke Technique for Standup Paddleboarding

Learn proper stroke technique for standup paddleboarding from Ocean Academy founder/coach and World Champion athlete Candice Appleby. In this course you will learn proper body positioning, stroke technique and several drills to improve your paddling.

Basics of Footwork for Standup Paddleboarding

Learn how to move your feet on your standup paddleboard from Ocean Academy founder/coach and World Champion athlete Candice Appleby. In this course you will learn how to move your feet and several drills to help improve your confidence on the water.

Bundle: Basics of SUP Stroke & Footwork with Candice Appleby

For the price of less than one private in-person coaching session with Candice Appleby, you get the content of more than four in-person sessions ($900 value). Learn proper technique plus over 10 drills to help you master your stroke and footwork.

Shop All Our Mens & Womens Products

Our Clients Love Us

Nazy Curtis
Founder of Newport Hairloss Center

NEWPORT BEACH, CALIFORNIA

“Since training with Candice, my confidence in the ocean has improved immensely. During our early days of training, being in open water was a big fear of mine, but I see great improvement with my paddle technique, endurance, and confidence in the open ocean with each session.”

Mike Fox
SUP & Kayak Tour Owner

BEAUFORT, SOUTH CAROLINA

“I flew across the country to train under Candice for one-on-one sessions for several days. I knew after our first session that my technique was improved, and after the second session, vastly improved. She went out of her way to provide a great week of thorough instruction.”

Ray Zadjmool
Dad of 3 & CEO of Tevora

SAN JAN CAPISTRANO, CALIFORNIA

“Candice taught my three children to surf and takes our entire family on standup paddleboarding adventures almost every weekend. She makes paddleboarding safe and convenient for our family, and the experiences we share are priceless.”

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Corporate Events
and Paddle Parties.

Looking for a fun way to celebrate a birthday or family reunion? Perhaps your company would like to try a new approach to team building? Maybe golf isn’t your game, and you’d like to get on the water for a “board meeting” as a way to connect with your colleagues?  Ocean Academy can create a fun, safe, and memorable experience for your company or large group.

Book a Corporate Paddle Experience or Paddle Party for your next big event.

Frequently Asked…

Where do the lessons take place?
Most standup paddle and prone paddleboarding lessons launch off of the calm waters of Baby Beach at the Dana Point Harbor. Depending on your skill level and goals, sessions may also occur at other San Clemente and Dana Point launching points.

Is standup paddleboarding hard to learn?
Standup paddling is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world because almost everyone can do it. You can be an experienced waterman or someone who never played a sport in your life and have fun paddleboarding. With the proper equipment and experienced instruction, paddleboarding is simple and fun.

What do I wear?
Typically whatever active attire you would wear to go on a jog or hike for the weather that day would be suitable for paddling. You can always paddle in a swimsuit or board shorts as well. Make sure you wear sun protection via a hat, sunglasses (with strap), and sunscreen. For winter sessions, booties are great to keep the toes warm.

How long is the session?
Most sessions are 90 minutes in length, including 10-30 minutes of on-land instruction and warm-up before entering the water. Make sure to show up a few minutes early to find parking. Your session starts at the time of your reservation.

Will I fall in the water?
Standup paddling is a water sport, so it’s possible that you could get wet. However, beginning lessons start in calm waters on large stable boards, so most people don’t fall in. As you excel and push your skills with technical coaching, Coach Candice always says, “Don’t be afraid to get wet. It means you’re trying.”

Cancellation Policy
– If weather conditions are unsafe, the instructor may cancel the session at any time for a 100% refund.
– Non-emergency cancellations with less than 48hr notice are non-refundable.
– Cancellations made 1week-49hrs in advance will receive a 50% refund.
– We do not cancel for light rain.

Proud Partnerships

We are grateful for all of our partners and their generosity with product, time, money, and most of all, enthusiasm for the Academy and its mission to allow more people to receive the gift of life with the ocean.

Your Support Helps with Marine Mammal Conservation.

At Ocean Academy, we love to learn about and advocate for the animals that share their ocean home with us. Our friends at PMMC do a great job of caring for the marine mammals in our local community, so we love to support their efforts. You can too!

Visit their website to learn more >

Contact Us

You’ve got questions? We’ve got answers. Or, just shoot us a note to let us know how much you enjoyed your Ocean Academy experience.

We’re Social

Come say hi at Instagram or Facebook